What’s the job of an ambassador?
To help high school students and their families navigate the admissions process. Alumni meet up one-on-one with students from their area, or we’ll pair them by academic interest. We want the students to feel we’re trying to get to know them personally. Many cannot visit campus, so we bring a Dartmouth experience to them and listen to their story and answer questions during meetings that last about an hour. 

How many alumni do this?
We have 5,500 active ambassadors. It’s a big group, and every year they sign up to do it again. They submit about 18,000 interview reports annually and host more than 40 acceptance parties each spring across the globe.

Are they mostly from older classes?
No. We have 73 classes represented in all 50 states and in 85 countries. Thirty-four percent have graduated in the last 10 years. We have ambassadors in every corner of the country, and now we’re global. 

What is the annual Dartmouth Book Award?
It’s something we do for high school juniors. We give 350 promising students a book written by an alum to acknowledge their academic success. When winners are later accepted to Dartmouth, they are very likely to come here.

What do you enjoy about your job? 
Most alumni experienced an alumni interview when they applied to Dartmouth, and I feel passionate about keeping this tradition alive. Each entering class sees our unparalleled alumni network at work, admissions officers get to know applicants better, and alumni give back in a meaningful way.

What feedback have you received in your eight years of doing this?
We survey all the admitted students, and they give ambassadors high marks. Students appreciate the opportunity to talk with alumni. Plus, the program is good branding. Word gets out that Dartmouth is going to invest in hearing your story and getting to know you.