<p>I've heard a lot about the dominance of drinking and stereotypical frat life here. I love a lot of things about Dartmouth, but how easy is it to find people to sit around on a friday night and have a more intellectual get-together?</p>
<p>It depends on what social circles you put yourself in. In some circles this can be common, in a lot it isn’t. But I would advise that you’ll be able to find your own niche and be happy there. If this is what you’re looking for I’d also highly recommend applying for the East Wheelock dorm cluster, as it fosters those type of environments.</p>
<p>-Spunaugle</p>
<p>great info. Thanks</p>
<p>Thanks Spunaugle. Anyone else?</p>
<p>Thanks for the information, spunaugle. I am interested in the same thing as Coyote and that was very helpful to know.</p>
<p>I definitely had many intellectual conversations. Dartmouth students tend to be well-rounded, but that in no way means intellectual pursuits are not absolutely important to them.</p>
<p>I had the exact same question! My two top schools are Dartmouth and UChicago. I know UChicago is known for its more intellectual environment, but have no clue what Dartmouth’s is like…</p>
<p>bumpbumpbumpbumpbump</p>
<p>If your idea of fun on a Friday night is to have deep intellectual conversations, then go to the University of Chicago. </p>
<p>If you like smoking a little weed, giggling a bit and having, what appears to you and your friends to be, an intellectual conversation, go to Harvard. </p>
<p>If you prefer donning a toga, wearing a laurel wreath in your hair and playing the Greek god Priapus or the goddess Aphrodite, come to Dartmouth.</p>
<p>De Gustibus non disputatum est. (to mix classical references).</p>
<p>I’d hate for you to adopt a stereotype as truth before you’ve perceived the school yourself, but even if there’s a ton of partying going down at the frat houses, no one says you can’t find a couple friends and bring them to some dark and secluded spot in the New Hampshire wilderness for a rousing discussion on the influences of literary cubism on your favorite contemporary novel in a manner that would make the creators of Dead Poets Society grin. I’ve always believed that a single individual can make all the difference, and in the end, finding a good fit and a warm community is part of the college experience. And hey, if you end up coming to Dartmouth, let me know. I love a bit of intellectualism in and outside of class.</p>
<p>OMG. Saturday night and intellectual talking all night long?</p>
<p>Better to be a bit normal, have a beer, clubbing, work out, watch a basketball match, play Starcraft II, dance…
I mean spend time around all day intellectually conversing is bad for your health SERIOUSLY!</p>
<p>Based on my experiences, I agree 100% with Spunaugle.</p>
<p>@BalletGirl</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I assume this takes place not around a round-table but on it.</p>
<p>^^
Often on it, occasionally around it and, not unfrequently, under it. We’re a diverse lot.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the replies! I’m just making sure I don’t apply ED and end up commited to the stereotypical parties and “frat life” every weekend. Although, I like having it available :)</p>
<p>“depends on what social circles you put yourself in.”</p>
<p>This pretty much sums how any school is, anywhere.</p>
<p>Being a relatively small national university, wouldn’t Dartmouth have a less fragmented student body? As compared to its peer institutions? How easy is it to meet new people? I don’t want to only stick with like a couple of people throughout my entire college career.</p>
<p>bump for iPacman ;)</p>
<p>Can’t really speak to D’s “peer institutions”, since I’ve only ever been a Dartmouth student, but … </p>
<p>Dartmouth has cliques, just like any group of 5000 or so people. It’s really easy to meet new people. Some people will argue it’s more difficult to meet new people after freshman year, but I don’t think that’s true. You just have to want to do it. Seek new people out. If all your social interactions are tied to the naturally fragmented greek system … then yes, it will be tougher. But most students’ aren’t, and it’s really not that hard.</p>
<p>Personally, my “network” of close friends morphed and grew throughout my college career, adding people from other classes and activities and interests, and dropping those who I didn’t particularly enjoy any longer. You will be fine.</p>
<p>the social life is very unintellectual, and this is one of the reasons I am not EDing dartmouth. There is some intellectualism around the rock climbing/kayaking/outdoor group, but the group is rather small. The truth is that the recruited athletes make the atmosphere much less intellectual (20% of the class is recruited athletes), and although 20% is in the minority of dartmouth it significantly influences the atmosphere and night life at Dartmouth.</p>