Greetings from Dartmouth.

"Dear Edie,

Greetings from Dartmouth. I hope your senior year is going well, and that you are enjoying your courses and activities.

My purpose in writing is very simple--we have received your application and think you are an outstanding prospect for Dartmouth. I recently read your folder and was exceedingly impressed with your academic accomplishments and intellectual potential. There is no question that when we mail our final decisions at the end of March, you will be offered admission to the College.

I see no reason to delay letting you know about the status of your application, and I hope this early indication will "ease your mind" a bit. The college admissions process is unnecessarily long and anxious for many students. So, relax, and get back to that book you meant to read, and use this time to reflect on your plans and goals for the next phase of your education.

If you have any questions about Dartmouth, please let me know. In the meantime, best wishes for the remainder of your high school career.

Sincerely,
Maria Laskaris
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid"



Cue huge sigh of relief, slightly hysterical laughter, and the draining of months of nervous tension. And this stupid vicious cycle of general insecurity ends now with this ticket out of Pearland, Texas and my parents' insane reign.



It doesn't even really bother me that my parents' reaction was "What's Dartmouth?"