<p>What is it about Dartmouth that makes you want to apply? I admit I do not know much about the school other than a few stereotypes that may or may not be true. So, I'm curious :)</p>
<p>There are a couple things I really loved about Dartmouth. Perfect campus. I liked the architecture very much, and it’s very historical. Obviously, the academics are good, and Dartmouth is well known specifically in the areas I want to study. I sat in on a class though, and the Dartmouth class was much better than classes I sat in on at different schools (including one Ivy). The people there were all very friendly too. I talked to some kids that were in the class I went to, and they were very interesting. The D-plan is also a big draw for me. I like that flexibility to complete internships, travel, just take time off. Hanover seemed really nice too. It is a smaller town, but there were some restaurants and stores, and I don’t think it would get too boring with the college there.</p>
<p>I ultimately chose it for a few reasons, mostly related. (Not at all in any order.) :</p>
<p>1) Small Swing State- Excellent if you’re into politics. Having a slew of candidates visit my freshman year was pretty awesome. </p>
<p>2) Diversity of Thought- As with any other college of its caliber, the school is a breeding ground for lefties. But it is welcoming to meet other students who aren’t. There’s a fairly large (and vocal) conservative/libertarian segment on campus that is a breath of fresh air from the overall liberal atmosphere. </p>
<p>3) Small Liberal Arts Feel- I sat in on a few classes during Dimensions and fell in love. The classes were small and I felt that real discussions took place in class. Ultimately this has been my favorite thing about Dartmouth… I’ve had classes as small as 5. Sure I’ve been in large intro classes, such as Physics 3, Engs 3, or Ling 1, but that’s expected. And even then there are only about 60 or so and the way the profs manage is amazing. </p>
<p>4) Financial Aid- 'Nuff said. </p>
<p>5) Study Abroad- So many programs, language and non-language, all over the place… Amazing. </p>
<p>6) D-Plan- Mixed bag, but overall it’s okay.</p>
<p>Sorry, I’m a Dartmouth noob, but what is the D-plan?</p>
<p>The D-Plan is Dartmouth’s quarter system. </p>
<p>“A student is required to be on campus fall, winter, and spring of the first year, their sophomore summer, and fall, winter and spring of their senior year. Typically a student will be “off” (i.e., not registered) for one term during their sophomore or junior year. A student may also be off-campus but registered, either participating in one of Dartmouth’s LSAs or FSPs, or doing one of the 12-College Exchanges.”
[The</a> D-Plan: What it is and how it works](<a href=“Home | Undergraduate Advising and Research”>Home | Undergraduate Advising and Research)</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard, its main advantage is that after sophomore summer, you can get an internship or something during the fall, winter, or spring, when there isn’t as much competition.</p>
<p>^Wow, that is really cool. Is this feature unique to Dartmouth? It sounds like an awesome idea</p>
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<p>Yes. 10char</p>
<p>Sophomore summer is amazing (camp Dartmouth!), incredible loyalty, incredible access to grants/ research, such high spending on students, caring professors, close to best grad placement of the Ivies after HYP, up there with HYP in terms of job placement, and students all love it and are fun and relaxed. 75% of grads come back to their 5 year reunion. That’s almost 4 times the number that go to their Columbia 5-yr. Its just an incredible, totally unique, undergrad experience.</p>
<p>so the D-plan requires you to spend your sophomore summer as a semester on campus? is it just like a regular semester, then?</p>
<p>No, it’s not just a regular summer. From what I hear, it’s a lot like Camp Dartmouth. Most students take really lax academic courses, and just have a good time getting to know the members of their class better. It’s the vast majority of students’ favorite term, so I really can’t wait till 12X (sophomore summer term for the class of 2014).</p>
<p>Interesting… not really sure how i feel about spending my summer taking classes though… but from what you said, it doesn’t sound too bad.</p>
<p>^^“not too bad”</p>
<p>That is the attitude most non dartmouth people have when they here about it, true. And it is “not too bad” I guess. It was also the best term at Dartmouth I ever had, and I’ve had some amazing terms. People form incredible bonds during summer,especially within their houses. I spent almost the entire summer either on the green, in a hammock, or in a basement. And yes, there was some time in the library. But there was also time swimming in the river, having picnics, cooking out, going canoeing, watching fireworks, and just hanging with friends. </p>
<p>Drink the kool aid.</p>
<p>(it’s probably spiked)</p>
<p>^ That sounds fun! So even though you’re taking classes, it seems much more laid back. Thanks!</p>
<p>Everything that was said above + School colours. I know how dumb that sounds, but those are my favourite colours and when I was little, they were what really attracted and interested me in Dartmouth. ;D</p>