<p>Are there any '14s who have an interest in politics/ public policy? I would love to see more liberals (and I guess some limited amount of conservatives.... if only to argue with) on campus. In all seriousness, there is really are a lot of opportunities for people interested in politic/ policy regardless of your political point of view</p>
<p>There is actually is a large libertarian type vibe here. We are probably still a bit to left but we have a lot of students who are fiscally conservative but socially liberal.</p>
<p>I’ve always been fascinated by politics and public policy, though I know much more about the political theory behind it rather than the day-to-day wokrings of it. Nevertheless, I would definitely be interested in trying it out at Dartmouth. I am indeeed very liberal on most issues, perhaps slightly libertarian on some issues, but overall, I chose Dartmouth knowing that there would likely be less people sharing my views than certain other universities. Still, I firmly believe that we learn most from those who have different experiences and different views from ourselves, and I would likely be at Brown if I wanted to meet a bunch of socialists like myself.</p>
<p>I am applying with the intent of studying political science, and would consider myself very liberal. However, I agree with the above poster that the best way to learn politics/government stuff is through a mix of liberal and conservative approaches. This is one reason that I like Dartmouth.</p>
<p>I am going to be applying to Dartmouth’s undergraduate program rather soon. Although I have no intent in being involved in politics, I like the overall political feeling there. I’m a conservative Christian, but I really appreciate the acceptance of faiths here. As a Christian, I am opened minded. Most of the times, I am environmentally liberal, fiscally conservative, and socially conservative. I personally identify myself somewhere between Republican and Libertarian. I was surprised how many Christians there are there. Nevertheless, I make friends with all people. Do you think that Dartmouth is very accepting? </p>
<p>Will Dartmouth students (or professors, for that matter) bash you for being a conservative Christian? I know at schools like Brown, UC Berkeley, or Reed, you’ll have your car’s tires slashed and windows smashed for having a cross or a “Yes on Traditional Marriage” on your bumper. On the other hand, I don’t want to go to a school like Brigham Young, where you’ll have your dorm room door graffitied just for saying, “Yes for Abortion.” I’m personally not for abortion, but you probably catch my drift.</p>
<p>Anyway, I know I’m qualified to Dartmouth. But, do you think I will be fine as a student there? Will there be enough people to share my beliefs? Again, I am not condescending or dogmatic, but I won’t stray or change my beliefs unless I feel its right.</p>
<p>Oh, one more thing. I’m not the type to pick the fight. Is Dartmouth the type of college where two students will still be friends after they argue on… say… political or religious beliefs? Some people (both religious and atheistic) hold grudges and despise each other after they realize they believe different things. As a Christian, do you think I would be bullied or persecuted on campus? Just curious. Thanks again!</p>
<p>There is definitely isn’t a hostile atmosphere on campus to different beliefs especially since we have so many on campus. You will find a lot of fiscal conservatives and environmentally liberal people on campus. On social issues you will be in the minority but you are certainly not going to get graffiti on your dorm for having a certain political view. That said there are some issues where a socially conservative view will really be in the minority (i.e. gay marriage).</p>
<p>I am the same way with my views (my aclu membership card was always a good topic of discussion at my conservative high school). But I really don’t see you having many problems. I really don’t see matters of politics come up too much unless you are interested in getting involved (in which case it will come up… I’m actually on my way to a weekly discusion group where we are talking about Scott Brown) And there are a lot of different views (the head of the public policy center here worked under Bush)</p>
<p>I’m also a '14 who’s interested in politics. Very very very liberal would be how I qualify myself. Would probably major in poli sci if I got in, but that’s a long way away.</p>
<p>Well, even though I don’t support it, I personally believe gay marriage is between that person and God. Point is, I’ll tolerate it. I’m warm and loving towards them, even if I disagree with their lifestyle. </p>
<p>I personally plan to be in business and finance.</p>
<p>Would I find a nice religious group that shares my Christian belief?</p>
<p>A bit of a weird question, but how would I handle a car at Dartmouth? My car is an Audi TTS Coupe. The car is all wheel drive, and is compact. Parking should be a synch… However, my concern is safety and practicality. Could I still make use of my car? Cambridge, MA is not a city where you want to drive. Hanover, NH is a nice little town, but it seemed like there is not much need. Would the coupe still be a good thing to keep? Would others vandalize it? </p>
<p>“I know at schools like Brown, UC Berkeley, or Reed, you’ll have your car’s tires slashed and windows smashed for having a cross or a “Yes on Traditional Marriage” on your bumper.”</p>
<p>Not everyone will know you’re joking. ;)</p>
<p>“I’m warm and loving towards them, even if I disagree with their lifestyle.”</p>
<p>It’s not a choice (except perhaps for the bisexuals), if that’s what you mean. ;)</p>
<p>I wasn’t trying to integrate you about your views on gay marriage just giving you an example of a social issue where the conservative view would be in the minority.</p>
<p>As for a car…</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You can’t “technically” have a car as a freshman (but if you park at a frat they won’t know)</p></li>
<li><p>The long term parking lot on campus (not really on campus) is very far away. (But you can usually park @ a frat which is closer and usually cheaper)</p></li>
<li><p>Hanover winter’s can be pretty hard on a car. (or so I hear)</p></li>
<li><p>It is another expense/ worry.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>That said, while there is a free bus service, it can be a pain to figure out the schedule especially for just a trip to Walmart or something and it is useful for a road trip to Boston or something. While we have a couple stores in Hanover there isn’t everything. Best Buy, Walmart and any other big stores require travel. With the internet you can just order most things thou… (BTW: Boston is a bad example since there is actually a coach bus that runs several times a day back and forth)</p>
<p>Long story short… you don’t need a car (which can be a hassle) 99% of the time but sometimes it is helpful. Best idea: Have a friend with a car!</p>
<p>Again, I am not trying to raise up any commotion or trying to pick a fight about marital view. I respect your views, even if I don’t agree with them. </p>
<p>Thanks for you respectful answers! I was joking with about Brown, but I know it gets pretty bad at UC Berkeley. A family friend’s son goes to UC Berkeley, and his friend there voiced his conservative values. He woke up one morning, and his front tires to his Honda Civic were slashed, and his side view mirror was cracked. This was during the Yes/No abortion election.</p>
<p>I was also joking with the Reed and BYU statements, too.</p>
<p>Here’s a lighter, less serious question. What was the factor that made you choose Dartmouth over another school (saying what school would be helpful, too). Thanks!</p>
<p>Thanks again! I’ll ask if I have anymore questions.</p>
<p>P.S If someone could answer my question about religion, too, that would be great.</p>
<p>Some Christians have problems with sciences like anthropology, biology, geology, astronomy; others (e.g., Darwin) have no problem viewing evolution as how God implemented creation. How you feel could impact where you are comfortable.</p>
<p>Personally, I see that the Bible promotes the evolution theory. Everything that is scientifically explained is something I accept as fact. I just believe that it is all God’s world and creation. I believe in evolution and the fossil/geological record. I am, nevertheless, a sincere Christian.</p>
<p>It is a little irritating how they automatically assume that evolution is only an atheistic belief, and Creationism is the belief that the world was created in seven days. For a Christian like myself, I believe that Creationism should be the term applied to genetic evolution (macroevolution). The seven day theory could be called the Seven-Day Theory (something simple).</p>
<p>Again, I am not trying to start any heated arguments. I am just annoyed when some people (not many at all, but there are still a few) online will assume you’re unintelligent because you’re a Christian.</p>
<p>I’m a passionate conservative who just spent a week in Massachusetts making phone calls and knocking on doors for now senator-elect Scott Brown. I’ve also written a few book reviews/editorials for the Washington Times and am looking forward to working on the Dartmouth Review. I would be happy to get to know my classmates more by sharing our different perspectives on the issues the world’s facing.</p>
<p>I would like to edit a few points. I know Creationism is the term applied to the seven day theory. It is just that the seven day creation in Genesis is more than likely symbolic. Each day and night can represent periods of heat and ice ages. Evolution, in my opinion, is just as Biblical as the Seven Day Theory.</p>
<p>I’d just like to end the subject talking about beliefs. </p>
<p>It is insulting that someone would find you unintelligent because you’re a Christian, and propose a less vigorous, demanding college.</p>
<p>Hi Fremling, I didn’t see your post. Speaking of politics (I guess that was the original post :)), does Dartmouth hold political debates often? Especially on the presidential scene? I heard that there were a few political debates between McCain and Obama during 2008.</p>
<p>There’s no doubt the theory of evolution did greatly violate the creationist sensibilities of the 19th century. The notion that we came from monkeys and that species can go extinct suddenly made the human race seem a lot less important in the grand scheme of any creation. Evolution suggests God isn’t pulling strings as many people in the 19th century, and certainly people in previous ages, believed. I think evolution has compromised religion by making people have less faith that gods are actively watching over their creation. If you think about it, as human reason has explained more and more of the world, religion has been used to explain less and less of it.</p>
<p>DouglasW, your Christianity is not devout by the standards of previous ages when the actions of God were used to explain far more worldly phenomena, like the weather and disease.</p>
<p>I think even today devoutly religious people tend to have a harder time accepting evolution because of its harsh theological implications. I think atheists tend to be more willing to accept evolution.</p>