The new idea in admission inaugurated by Dartmouth a year or two ago, whereby a few men of outstanding promise were to be selected for admission a full year in advance, is developing well here and is rapidly spreading over the entire country.
Sixteen men have entered the Class'of 1936 who were selected a year ago. Seven of these men came from private, and nine from public schools.
For the Class of 1937, Dean Bill has chosen 80 men as "Junior Selections"; 52 from private, and 20 from public schools.
The final letter written by Dean Bill to these men after their selection indicates the philosophy back of this new venture:
I am glad to inform you that you havewon the honor of a "Junior Selection" foradmission to Dartmouth College. Thismeans that we shall admit you next yearif you continue to have the favor of yourPrincipal, and if you can present satisfactory final credits at the end of the comingschool year. As you will probably qualifyfor our Honor certificate, these final creditsshould cause you very little anxiety.
As soon as convenient and before writing to me, will you please discuss with yourPrincipal the possibilities in your courseof study for next year? The college is particularly anxious that this last year shallbe a period of real self-education for you.We are hopeful that you will have boththe inclination and the opportunity to dosome elementary piece of research—outsideof the regular curriculum and in some department where you have a real eagernessto accomplish more than the ordinaryroutine would permit you.
If you realize its possibilities, the habitsof study and investigation acquired duringthis last untrammeled year of preparationfor college should become of vital importance to your future development.
Library, West