I am interested in applying to Dartmouth College Early Decision but I am unsure whether the college will be a good fit for me. I have never visited the college. I would like to learn more about what people enjoyed about the college and what they did not enjoy. I would like to attend a liberal arts college that has an emphasis on undergraduate learning. Thank You!
It’s just my opinion, but I don’t think you should apply to Dartmouth or anywhere else ED unless you are absolutely positive you want to attend there, since an acceptance would be binding! And for Dartmouth especially, it is vital that you visit before you can decide! It is located in a beautiful but remote part of NH, hours away from a big city, and in a very small town. That kind of location is not for everybody!
What are you interested in studying? How do you like to spend your time outside of the classroom? How do you feel about the Greek system?
You should definitely visit before committing (whether that’s by applying ED or applying RD+going).
I’m in my last year here and a brief list of best and worst parts:
Best:
Absolutely phenomenal people. Profs, students, everyone. The best of the best.
Focus on undergrads. Other colleges pay lip service to this. At Dartmouth it’s the lifeblood of scholarship.
Campus
Amazing nature
Sense of community
Greek life (for me at least!)
Worst:
Repetitive student life, based on the isolation
Pressure to fit in / often superficial social dynamics, somewhat based on a huge portion of the student body coming from a similar background
Cold weather
Biggest pro is the undergrad focus. Biggest con is its subpar research output, although that shouldn’t be too much of a concern for undergrads.
Biggest pro–there are many great departments and the research output isn’t really a big deal for undergrads. IMO.
- Skiing
- Gorgeous environment
- Prestige
- connections for working
Biggest cons–
- Greek Culture is notorious and because it’s isolated there’s not much else to do there.
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/confessions-of-an-ivy-league-frat-boy-inside-dartmouths-hazing-abuses-20120328
http://www.thedartmouth.com/article/2016/02/park-pillaging-the-greeks/
@Athleticstudent @Dustyfeathers Can you tell me more about the greek life and social life at dartmouth?
@danielb0370 just try googling “Dartmouth” and “greek life” you should pull up a lot of articles. There’s a Rolling Stones article and then several that were published after that about whether to curtail it, how to do so, and other sides of the issue.
I agree you should visit the campus if you can. It is in a wonderful location and will provide that classic NE campus feel.
Drawback would be cost. IVy’s are expensive as you know.
Please take the Rolling Stone article with a grain of salt.