<p>Hi
I am looking at applying to Dartmouth. I am from SoCal and attend a public high school in the beach cities. I would be applying for FA. I have heard that all the ivies are really intense and there is not a lot of time for socializing? Is this true? Also what type of people in general at dartmouth? Preppy? wealthy? How does dartmouth compare to the other ivies socially? Like is it more traditional/preppy or less? I am very interested in the d plan and excited about applying. Thanks.</p>
<p>Yes. Dartmouth students are known for their attention to studies and lack of partying. It’s a very boring place. Not. Please read prior threads and ask specific questions.</p>
<p>I am new to CC and was hoping to get a few answers without having to spend hours sifting through posts. Thanks I will look though.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure they’re known for their parties, actually; isn’t their unofficial mascot a keg of beer?</p>
<p>Dartmouth is known for its party scene and frat culture. A lot of Animal House is based on one of the writer’s experiences in Alpha Delta Phi at Dartmouth. So it gets pretty crazy. If you like drinking and partying then Dartmouth would be a good fit, at least socially.</p>
<p>I think it is important to remember that “Animal House” was released in 1978. It is surprising to me that people think it definitively describes current Dartmouth campus life.</p>
<p>My D just finished her first quarter at Dartmouth. She has been involved in many extracurricular activities from club sports to music. She was accepted into the Women in Science Program and will be spending the remainder of her freshman year working with one of her professors on his research.</p>
<p>D says that there is drinking on campus both in the fraternities and in the dorms. However, she has never felt pressured to drink even when playing pong. She says that many students do not drink or drink very little. Because parties at Dartmouth are open to everyone, she has attended many. Her high school friends say they have not experienced the same level of acceptance and welcoming at their colleges. </p>
<p>I agree with AbouttheSame. Read prior posts. More importantly, do not base your opinion about Dartmouth on a very old movie or inflammatory articles in print media that were written for commercial success. I think President Hanlon’s recent remarks to the Dartmouth faculty about student life are much more informative. </p>
<p>[Address</a> to the General Faculty - November 4, 2013](<a href=“http://www.dartmouth.edu/~president/announcements/2013-1104.html]Address”>News & Communications | President)</p>
<p>First of all, sclair11, apply!!! I’m currently a freshman at Dartmouth, and I absolutely love it!</p>
<p>“I have heard that all the ivies are really intense and there is not a lot of time for socializing?” </p>
<p>To be perfectly honest, I feel like there is a lot more time for socializing than there ever was in high school…for me anyway (fewer hours of classes/week, fewer extracurriculars). Freshmen floors (in dorms) tend to be really social; I’m very tight with my floormates. Also, I feel like anytime I’m out and about on campus, I run into someone I know and end up chatting for a while. And then, of course, you get even more social interaction based on what clubs/organizations you join. </p>
<p>People at Dartmouth are generally very friendly; it’s not like some cold atmosphere where everyone is super-stressed and high-strung (except during finals week, but it’s like that anywhere).</p>
<p>Of course, Dartmouth students still hit the books. I think most people here have found a pretty good balance between socializing and studying. </p>
<p>“Also what type of people in general at dartmouth? Preppy? wealthy?” </p>
<p>I think people at Dartmouth SEEM pretty average. Operative word: SEEM. I’ve met very few arrogant and/or pretentious people here; you wouldn’t know people are as talented and brilliant as they actually are. Everyone just seems normal. I can’t exactly tell who’s wealthy, and everyone’s preppy at heart, so there’s really no need to show it. </p>
<p>“How does dartmouth compare to the other ivies socially?”</p>
<p>I can’t compare because I don’t have first-hand experience at the other Ivies, but I can tell you what I understand the reputation to be. </p>
<p>Dartmouth students tend to have a reputation for being more well-rounded…in that we’re supposedly more social and better with people. </p>
<p>And, now for the elephant in the room:</p>
<p>Yeah, Dartmouth also has a reputation for having a strong and predominant drinking/frat culture, more so than other colleges. And that reputation is probably quite accurate. However:</p>
<p>By no means do you need to take part in this drinking culture in order to fit in or have a social life!</p>
<p>During my whole first term at Dartmouth, I never went to a frat. I also never drank. Yet I’m still having the time of my life. I’ve made tons of friends, and I have fun stuff to do on Fridays and Saturdays. I’ve never felt alienated based on my choice not to party or drink. And I know a lot of other people who aren’t into the frat scene. </p>
<p>So, while frat culture makes up a hefty portion of the social scene, it is not the ONLY social scene. </p>
<p>@VictorianLiterature: Yes, our unofficial mascot is Keggy the Keg. It was created by a satire magazine on campus called “The Jack-O-Lantern.” I actually find it quite humorous, even as a non-drinker. </p>
<p>And, yep, Animal House is partially based on Dartmouth. I’ve never seen anything like Animal House at Dartmouth, however. But I also don’t go out to frats, so I wouldn’t know. But that’s the good thing: if you don’t want to be involved in the frat culture, it doesn’t impact you.</p>
<p>To add onto my previous post…</p>
<p>I realized I should probably be more specific about what the alternate social venues are.</p>
<p>I think any club or organization can become a social scene.</p>
<p>From my own personal experience, I can tell you that the religious organizations on campus not only offer spiritual support, but also social scenes. </p>
<p>I’m not involved in the Dartmouth Outing Club (oldest in the country!), but it seems like that is also a social scene unto itself. </p>
<p>No personal experience, but sports teams for sure. </p>
<p>And freshman floors … that’s where I’ve found my other closest friends!</p>
<p>Thanks @college43725 that’s very informative and helpful! Dartmouth sounds like a great place! I am happy to hear that people are “well rounded” and friendly because that is definitely me!</p>
<p>HUGE frat scene…</p>
<p>^Dartmouth has the best frat/party scene in the ivy league. Very inclusive atmosphere and most people are incredibly friendly and warm.</p>