Sixteen Dartmouth College students are preparing to grade the Democratic candidates’ performances in tonight’s debate on their campus.

These students, who all declare themselves to be undecided voters, will participate in a focus group organized by Ronald G. Shaiko, an associate professor of government at the college.

Brian McMillan, a senior who is majoring in government, says he and his fellow students will meet this afternoon to construct a scorecard to use in grading the candidates. Their focus group will reconvene after the debate to declare a winner.

“This is an opportunity to share what college students think,” says Mr. McMillan, who voted for President Bush in 2004 but says he is “very open” to supporting any of the Democrats or Republicans this time around. He is registered to vote in New Hampshire, which holds one of the earliest presidential primaries.

Check back tomorrow to find out how the candidates fared with the Dartmouth students.