What should I know before going on a Dartmouth campus tour and alumni interview?

For Dartmouth, think of the campus tour and the alumni interview as two separate opportunities. The tour is mostly for you to learn and observe, while the interview is where you actively share who you are and why Dartmouth might fit you. A good impression in both settings usually comes from being attentive, specific, and easy to talk to, not from sounding polished or scripted.

On the campus tour, the main etiquette is simple: arrive a little early, dress neatly but normally, silence your phone, and stay engaged. Ask a couple of real questions if you have them, especially ones tied to Dartmouth itself, like the D-Plan, undergraduate focus, house communities, research access, or outdoor culture. You do not need to perform for the guide, but it helps to be respectful, curious, and observant.

For the alumni interview, expect a conversational format rather than a quiz. They may also leave time for your questions, so have 3 or 4 ready that show you have looked into the school beyond rankings.

The best preparation is to know your own story and connect it to Dartmouth in specific ways. Instead of memorizing a speech, be ready to talk naturally about a few activities, interests, or values that genuinely matter to you and why. For Dartmouth, specificity helps: you might mention the close-knit undergraduate community, the flexibility of the D-Plan, the emphasis on teaching, or particular programs that match your interests.

A few things to avoid: giving generic answers that could fit any college, interrupting, dominating the conversation, or trying too hard to sound impressive. It is completely fine to pause and think before answering. Sending a short thank-you note after the interview is good etiquette and leaves a mature impression.