So Dartmouth is one of my top choices as a school, and from what I’ve heard, it seems to really match my personality. However, there is one thing that I have not heard of from Dartmouth that is an important factor in my school choice, camaraderie. When I say this I mean the game day hype, the student body’s personal investment into the school spirit, as well as the active alumni base that does more than just donate. The term commonly used is a “ra ra” school. A little background, my entire family went to USC (another top choice), and I grew up admiring and craving the energy this school gave off. Not only during game day, but just in general. Can anyone tell me if Dartmouth matches this profile, or if there even is something like this there?
Game day? Dartmouth undergrads are known for cameraderie, and alums are known for “bleeding green,” but I have not had the impression that for most of them that is centered around football.
Don’t plan on finding the camaraderie at football games, which are well attended by locals, but not as much by Dartmouth students! Hockey is very popular though, and bleachers are typically filled with Dartmouth students and faculty. Dartmouth students bleed “green”. They are enormously loyal to the school and Dartmouth students. Employment prospects from fellow Dartmouth grads are excellent. Internship and job opportunities abound.
During the school year you will find that upperclassmen are very supportive of freshmen and are extraordinarily welcoming. Dartmouth upperclassmen will help you select courses and navigate Dartmouth life and Hanover. There are very few colleges where freshmen are so welcomed. Even fraternities are incredibly open. Almost every party is open to all. The campus is increasingly diverse and very accepting of different views.
My S is a junior now. He has an incredible group of friends and has had some amazing internships and jobs. For two of them he was hired by Dartmouth Alums. He has a lot of friends who were seniors when he was a freshman, and has had a wonderful (and successful), albeit very challenging, academic experience there. It is definitely a work hard/play hard school, but a welcoming one that is small enough to feel special and big enough to find your niche.
Dartmouth while fantastic is not in the same stratosphere as USC ra ra.