<p>For anyone who knows, I'd like some insight into this matter:</p>
<p>I've always been in love with liberal arts colleges. I know that Dartmouth is the most LAC of the Ivies, and that the school spirit is strong and quirky like at LACs, but I have other questions.</p>
<p>Does it really feel like one? Do you ever feel like a stranger anywhere? Is it easy to get involved with anything? Do you ever have to compete for positions to do things? Etc.</p>
<p>Thank you. Dartmouth with a true LAC environment is absolutely my dream school, but sometimes I worry that maybe 4000 undergraduates is about 2000 too many.</p>
<p>I know what you mean. But in my case, I go to a high school of about 2,200 students. 4,000 undergraduates is just about my size. I don't want a college the size of my high school.</p>
<p>willywonka--</p>
<p>I can't compare Dartmouth to Amherst or Swartmore because I've never visited, but I can tell you that there is a very vibrant life on campus. There is so much going on: sports, arts, entertainment, lectures, etc. Check out the college calendar at <a href="http://www.dartmouth.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/calendar/cal/%5B/url%5D">http://www.dartmouth.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/calendar/cal/</a> to get a taste of what's going on.</p>
<p>There is a definite ecclectic feel here... and the energy is infectious. I never feel like a stranger... in fact I walk around in the dorms and talk to the people with their doors open (which is a good majority, usually) People are friendly and have lots of unique experiences and strengths to offer. </p>
<p>Classes are sometimes competitive to get into because of larger class being admitted annually (1075 students) However the administration is attacking this.</p>
<p>My best advice is to come and stay overnight. I'm always super-excited to see tours and prospies come visit, because I love it here so much. I hope you find the feeling you are looking for, be it at Dartmouth or elsewhere.</p>
<p>"Classes are sometimes competitive to get into because of larger class being admitted annually (1075 students) However the administration is attacking this."</p>
<p>I read about this in The Dartmouth today. I was glad to see it being addressed.</p>
<p>"My best advice is to come and stay overnight. I'm always super-excited to see tours and prospies come visit, because I love it here so much. I hope you find the feeling you are looking for, be it at Dartmouth or elsewhere."</p>
<p>October was a bad month for scheduling, so I'll be up in November. I'm so excited!</p>