<p>Can anyone share any insights on the physics or math departments at Dartmouth? My D is a very strong student in these areas but she is also pretty well-rounded and would want to participate in varsity sports and music if possible. First, how does anyone find either of these departments? Secondly, do you have to have devoted your life to physics and would that be the expectation while at Dartmouth as well? She has not participated in summer research or gone to summer science programs, for example, as she was competing in summer tournaments. I saw a thread about this on the Princeton site where they said that a singular devotion to your subject was completely expected while at Princeton. Thank you!</p>
<p>According to my son, who is a junior at Dartmouth double majoring in physics and engineering:</p>
<p>The math department has a good reputation. The staff is good; the upper level classes are good, and as a major it is very demanding - more so than physics. </p>
<p>According to son, the physics department is much more laid back than the engineering department. All the professors in physics are very friendly, helpful, and available. The median grades in the physics courses are relatively high, compared to engineering. Son’s adviser is in the physics department and is very helpful; he likes him a lot.</p>
<p>A lot depends on how much you’re willing to put in. Dartmouth focuses on undergrad education and is interested in the whole person. They want you to be well-rounded. Professors from the physics department recommend certain engineering, chemistry and math professors to go see. The departments work well together.</p>
<p>My son does a lot more than study. He plays rugby, play music informally, is in a fraternity, and goes snowboarding every few weeks during winter term. He has time for lots of different interests. </p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I would disagree. I took Physics 13 last quarter, and it was really intense…much harder than Math 22.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>