<p>I know it is highly recommended to pick one and go, but if there is another priority that conflicts are you at a disadvantage for not going. I understand that Orientation is given separately. Am I correct?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>When you sign up for the DOC trip, you're able to tell them why you can't pick other trips. I'm assuming they'll accommodate you if you have a valid reason.</p>
<p>Can you still make the last DOC trip or can you not go at all?</p>
<p>There's no requirement that you do a DOC trip, and orientation is given separately.</p>
<p>its not for me personally, but involves missing athletic practices that may be a priority at the time</p>
<p>if you are referring to Dartmouth Varsity Athletics, coaches are almost universally supportive of their athletes going on a DOC trip.</p>
<p>I would say universally, but I don't know that for sure. I know I've had tennis, football, hockey, skiing, swimming, track, and skiing athletes on trips I've been on or my friends have been on and/or led ... sooo ...</p>
<p>DOC trips aren't worth missing for almost anything. Its the foundation for your social life.</p>
<p>^^ that's the truth, at least the part about them not worth missing. Last year, only something like 40 incoming '11s didn't participate ... that's less than 5%. It's a great way to come out of your skin, meet other incoming freshmen, and a couple upperclassmen who truly want you to love Dartmouth as much as they do. For the '10s, only 80 kids missed out. Knowing a couple of those who did, they regret it, as all (or most) of their friends have trippee reunions and friends from these experiences that they otherwise would not have had. </p>
<p>Furthermore, the trips allow you to glimpse the large swaths of land the College either maintains, owns, or has easy access to, and allows you to explore the splendor of New Hampshire (or Vermont depending on your trip).</p>
<p>Honestly, it's really not the end of the world if you don't go on a DOC trip. I went, I had a decent time, I didn't end up having any "Trippee reunions" and the sky didn't fall in. The DOC does it to try and get you hooked on DOC stuff, but its the sort of thing where 95% of freshman go because it gets all hyped up and then most never do anything DOC related again. And trust me, you will NOT have trouble making friends if you don't go. I didn't become close friends with any of my trippees (just saying "hi" when passing each other in the street, that sort of thing) and I only knew a few people who met "best friends" on their trips (in fact, just one person that I can think of). And it's not like no one will talk to you if you weren't in their trip section or something. I mean, it's definitely a good time, and you should go if you have a chance, but don't feel like it's the end of the world if you don't.</p>
<p>Its not about the Trippies, its about the Lodge and your section. I would say most people know many people in their trip section, which is a great place to start socially.</p>
<p>Another added benefit I feel is that by that point in the summer, all your friends will be gone to school, and you will just be itching to come and meet everybody. If you aren't doing something sports related, you will just be sitting at home, alone, WAITING to start school.</p>
<p>I think it's interesting that other schools start around late August and early Sept.
But Dartmouth starts late Sept. why is that?....</p>
<p>^ Quarter system. 10 weeks per term compared to 15 weeks per semester at other universities. </p>
<p>UWashington (also on quarter system) starts pretty late as well.</p>
<p>Oh...thanks for the explanation</p>