<p>Dartmouth could accurately call itself a university if it wanted to, but (like the College of William & Mary) has not. Many of us hope that the school will not abandon that position.</p>
<p>Have a son in Dartmouth, a senior. He is fed up with the attacks on the Greek system,( the ONLY form of social life in Hanover), the lack of support from professors and alumni in terms of internships and whatnot, and the fear of doing anything not seen as politically correct! He has a job already lined up, has made great friends and played on a DI team. Aside from that, he and his friends can’t wait to get out. Things have changed over the last 4 years, and fear they will only get worse.</p>
<p>Or better, from the perspective of non-helmet-sport-playing, non-fraternity-member students. :)</p>
<p>Exactly…</p>
<p>I left Dartmouth midway through my sophomore year. Though it was a long time ago, it appears that Dartmouth still has many of the same issues it did then. The jocks, the frat boys, and a few other stereotypes will always have a place to call home in Dartmouth. But I was shocked at the anti-intellectual culture, and how very different others’ motivations were for going to Dartmouth. Harvard seemed worse in terms of attracting the reputation-obsessed, and Princeton somewhere in between. Looking back, I wonder if I might have been much happier at Yale.</p>
<p>D’s take on Harvard was much the same as yours, but she found that the students at both Dartmouth and Yale had substantive reasons for their choice of school – and she would strongly disagree with the characterization of the college as having an"anti-intellectual culture …" Sounds like you never found your “home” in Hanover. Hope you found it elsewhere. Best, ATS</p>
<p>Dartmouth is intensely anti-intellectual. It is a place for corporate careerists, academic dilettantes, athletes, and drunkards. It’s not designed for those who really want to immerse themselves in academics and nourish their intellectual lives. And, the “D” plan throws the rhythm of an undergrad’s life and personal development all out of kilter. Re the discussion above about Nobel prizes: I think Dartmouth has produced one or two Nobel laureates from its ranks of graduates. I wouldn’t hold my breath for any more.</p>
<p>Dartmouth Alum, it suffices to say that I disagree with you 100 percent. Regards. </p>