Dean Watson Explains 'Distribution Of Excellence' Among Various Houses

"If the freshmen all think they can get in one House, they are gravely mistaken," Dean Watson warned recently. "There isn't that much difference--we don't have a best House and a worst House."

"The excellence of the Freshman class" will be distributed as evenly as possible among the Houses, after applications are filed March 27. In the meantime the strenuous process of decision, interviews, and visits will be underway among the freshmen. Applications will be distributed in Yard dormitories Saturday morning.

An applicant may increase his chances of admission to the House of his first choice by attending House consultation hours, which begin Monday, avoiding applications in groups of more than eight, and by listing specific reasons for requesting assignment to a particular House: a tutor or adviser, or special friends or relatives in the House.

Masters must fill a variety of quotas to insure "a distribution of excellence." Applicants are divided according to rank lists, types of schools attended, geographical distribution, fields of concentration, and athletic or other activities.

Applicants for rent adjustment in cases of financial need must file applications at University Hall before March 23. Forms will not be available until Monday. For the first time this year, students from outside the Boston area may live in Co-operative houses or in rooms in Apley Court or J or K entries of Wigglesworth.

Freshmen will be notified of their House assignments on May 7. Each year over two-thirds are admitted to the House of their first choice, and only about ten per cent are assigned arbitrarily to a House other than the first three listed.