REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE SELECTIVE PROCESS

In reporting for this committee Mr. Cutter first emphasized the value of the efficient work done by the Alumni Council, and the alumni at large, who are asked to aid councilors in participating in the operation of the Selective Process by interviewing and reporting upon prospective Dartmouth students. There was a slight falling off this year in the percentage of full reports and changes of applicants' plans returned, as well as a slightly smaller percentage of blanks returned reporting unfavorably on candidates. The figure for 1929 for full reports and changes of plans returned to Dean Bill was 87.3% and for the last year it was 84.1%.

This report to the Council suggested that the reason for the smaller number of candidates reported on unfavorably is that the quality of applicants for admission has been raised in the past few years because secondary school students now realize that they must be extraordinarily well prepared and have well-balanced school records behind them before they can secure consideration for admission to Dartmouth. This fact has resulted in there arising an automatic selection and many students who, a few years ago, would not have hesitated in applying for admission now apply elsewhere.

A total of 1322 applications were referred to councilors for action during the year. Of this number only sixty-nine were unaccounted for at the time of the Council meeting. The report recommended to councilors that "Very favorables" and "Unfavorables" should be recorded with great discretion since these two recommendations have more influence than any others in guiding the Director of Admissions.

The committee urged that retiring members of the Council file with the secretary full material, giving the names and addresses of the alumni who have been of assistance to them in interviewing applicants and, in general, carrying on the work of the Selective Process.

It was moved and VOTED: That the report of the Selective Process Committee be accepted.

THE REV. B. M. WASHBURN 'O7 Rector of Emmanuel Church, Boston, who delivered the baccalaureate sermon