Dartmouth Peer Recommendation

Hey there! Dartmouth is one of my top choices, and I know they ask for a peer recommendation. For those who've gone through this process, what are some key points that my friend should include in their letter? Also, who did you all select to write these for you, and why? Appreciate it!

The Dartmouth peer recommendation is a unique opportunity to provide the admissions committee a perspective on you from the viewpoint of someone of your age. The ideal person to write this letter is someone who knows you in different contexts, can speak to your character and strengths, and is willing to invest the thoughtful effort into writing a compelling letter. You may choose anyone among your friends, but that person could also potentially be an acquaintance with whom you've worked closely on a project or activity.

The key points your friend should include in the letter are:

1. Personal anecdotes: Anecdotes that illustrate your character, behavior, and positivity in various situations can be illuminating. It allows the committee to get a feel of your day-to-day interactions with peer and how you act in a real-world context.

2. Different angles: Since your friend likely sees a different side of you than adults do, they should highlight attributes or achievements that might not come through in traditional letters of recommendation.

3. Contributions to your community: Your friend can discuss how you have influenced and enriched your shared communities, such as school, a team, or club, and how your presence has made a positive difference.

4. Unique perspectives: Your friend should provide a unique perspective on you that is not reflected in your application, possibly revealing things about your personality, your resilience, your sense of humor, or other qualities that standard application materials obscure.

Remember to choose a friend who knows you well and can discuss these points articulately. It's definitely a plus if they are a good writer or communicator, but the key here is the content - genuine insight coupled with specific examples will make for a compelling letter. Good luck with your Dartmouth application process!