I was completely set on going to Davis for two years now and was ecstatic when I received my acceptance, however I just recently found out that I was accepted into Dartmouth. I know Dartmouth is an amazing school and ridiculously prestigious but i’m just worried that for my major, Davis might better. At Davis I planned to major in environmental policy analysis and planning, but since Dartmouth is a liberal arts school I will be under the more broad major of environmental science. I was concerned that because Davis is such a strong school in my major that I will loosing out on specialized teaching as well as opportunities working in policy making as Davis is so close to the capital. Yet on the other hand, Dartmouth holds an incredible amount of name recognition and could open up unexpected doors for me.
Another concern for me was that Davis seems to have an atmosphere that is more welcoming and inviting where Dartmouth is rather isolated. I’m a bit nervous at committing to a school in the middle of nowhere
Overall though my main question is whether it would be easier for me to succeed and get a job as a graduate from Dartmouth or Davis.
(financial aid to both school is relatively the same)
Honestly, if the price is similar (factor in travel/housing costs!) take Dartmouth. The professors and research at UC Davis are top notch, but there’s a lot of value in the small classes and individualized mentoring of a private school. Intern with a professor who works in the field you’d like to go in to, but having a broader major as an undergraduate is a good thing. Let work experience, class electives, and academic interest pigeon-hole you - not a choice made at 18.
Employers won’t think twice about your degree title if a respected professor makes a phone call for you. A glance at the faculty lists shows that several Darthmouth professors earned their pHDs at CA schools, so I’m sure they have all the connections you’ll need if you want to work in California.
Dartmouth is an exciting opportunity. It is a VERY different environment than Davis - campus size, weather and everything is totally different. It may - or may not - be for you.
I’d suggest you hop on a plane to Hartford and check it out before committing.
I second visiting before you make a final decision, if at all possible.
If I were in your position and cost were similar though, I’d probably go with Dartmouth. Actually thinking about it, maybe I wouldn’t because I do like being closer to home… Eh, regardless of what anyone else thinks it’s ultimately up to you.