VERY alarmed by this article in Rolling Stone

[Anonymous]

You know Dartmouth has to be doing damage control right about now..... my good friend son who was applying early is now not, his parents refused to let him. Not good for Dartmouth, though I suspect this goes on in many many schools.

http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/confessions-of-an-ivy-league-frat-boy-inside-dartmouths-hazing-abuses-20120328

[Anonymous]

I'd think they were doing damage control 17 months ago, when this article came out.

By the way, OP, Romney eventually got the GOP nomination, but Obama defeated him handily.

And don't wear a hoodie in Florida - just in case you haven't heard.

[Anonymous]

The thing is, SO many colleges have shit.like this happen. I went to a school similar to Middlebury in terms of size and academics. One fraternity got their pledges near black out drunk, put them in coffins, drove them to a field 15 miles outside of campus, got them alert and then told them they had until morning to find their way back. One kid had a locked cell phone so he could call 911 if needed. They had 2 canteens of water for 18 people.

Fraternity was kicked off campus and some kids were put on probation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd think they were doing damage control 17 months ago, when this article came out.

By the way, OP, Romney eventually got the GOP nomination, but Obama defeated him handily.

And don't wear a hoodie in Florida - just in case you haven't heard.

YES, many schools engage in hazing but nothing like this. We too have advised DD to pull the application.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

This is sad. I'm sure Dartmouth isn't alone in this type of hazing culture, but a good many colleges have cracked down and diminished the power of these frats in campus life. I think it's time for Dartmouth to do the same. Not sure what it will take to have that happen, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd think they were doing damage control 17 months ago, when this article came out.

By the way, OP, Romney eventually got the GOP nomination, but Obama defeated him handily.

And don't wear a hoodie in Florida - just in case you haven't heard.

I'm in journalism, but hadn't heard about this story, because, frankly, we've only now begun to focus on colleges for our 16--year-old son. Very disturbing reading, and combined with some other things he'd heard, enough to cross Dartmouth off his list.

Thanks for posting!

[Anonymous]

Dartmouth is my DCs first choice so the more people who pull their applications the better. Although curious how you can be pulling an app already. The common app came out 14 days ago. You already submitted it, found out about this old news, and then pulled the application? I'm impressed - I am working on getting my DC to at least fill out the easy parts of the common app before school starts with no luck so far.

If you are just coming across the rolling stone piece you might also want to read about the issues on campus this spring. They actually cancelled school for a day to have a day of reflection.

[Anonymous]

That was talked about on DCUM many times when the article came out.

[Anonymous]

The article was meant to be alarming. The best way to react is to see for yourself. Go tour Dartmouth on a busy weekend and see how the campus is on Friday and Saturday nights.

Remember, even if the school itself seems stereotypical, your student will be able to find like-minded studious friends if that what DC really wants. If the real issue is that you can't trust your DC not to be swayed by the crowd, DC could be swayed anywhere.

You can always choose not to pay for such an education, or even to keep DC at home and send DC to a local school, if you're really worried. However, as I remember it, college is the time to try a few parties, find your own pace and learn how to study independently.

Don't expect the whole picture on Dartmouth -- or anything really -- from Rolling Stone magazine.

[Anonymous]

for every one person that pulls out or rejects dartmouth, there are 10 that would give their right arm to get in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:for every one person that pulls out or rejects dartmouth, there are 10 that would give their right arm to get in.

we will gladly give them the opportunity.

[Anonymous]

I went to a school in the South in the 80s. Aero Eng major. Many of us were also pilots. Part of our hazing sometimes involved putting kids into planes, flying them elsewhere (had a job flying checks at night for small local banks), kicking them out at the end of the runway. Kind of like one of the PPs, but the kids REALLY thought they were far away. Usually we flew them around for ages, and let them out at airports close to school....but....

Yeah, hazing. Pretty bad.

[Anonymous]

As much as i want to put down Dartmouth the institution i have to say fairly that this goes on just about anywhere that has Greek life. This story happened to come to light in the media and they jumped all over it.

No I am not at all bitter about them not accepting me 8 years ago because I ended up at a much better place....Yale!

[Anonymous]

AFTER this article is probably THE BEST time for your child to attend. Use your heads people.

[Anonymous]

And you get to pay $60000 a year so your child can be blackout drunk every weekend. This is how our young adults mature. No wonder society is such a mess! And our society praises people when they get into these schools. Alcohol is not helping anyone.