<p>Honestly, this whole discussion is a load of crap. Chicago’s and Dartmouth’s “reputations” in any market basically amount to a giant Venn diagram with very indeterminate and fuzzy shapes that overwhelmingly overlap. Ex ante, you have no idea where you, personally, will fall in either college’s zone, except that it’s overwhelmingly likely that where you wind up will be someplace where the different reputations of the colleges make no difference.</p>
<p>And that’s assuming, questionably, that their general reputations make any difference at all, ever. At most, the college’s general reputation may make a 2-3% difference when you are looking for your first job, and nothing after that (when you are dealing with the difference between Chicago and Dartmouth – either one vs. East Podunk State or St. Localbusiness may continue to matter a teeny amount). The overwhelming majority of what matters is what you have done in college, what you have learned, how you present yourself. That’s why you need to stop worrying about how others see reputation and focus on which college is going to inspire you and engage you most. Because differences in your level of inspiration, engagement, and achievement will completely swamp any differential effect of reputation.</p>
<p>Do what makes you the best person. Then you win twice: You get to be a better person, and you will be more attractive to employers. It’s really as simple as that. And either Chicago or Dartmouth can work perfectly well in that regard. Personally, I would choose Chicago over Dartmouth in a heartbeat, but Dartmouth never appealed to me. I know tons of people who adored their time at Dartmouth and have thrived ever since. If your gut tells you Dartmouth is the place, go for it.</p>