Dartmouth College Top Questions

The college experience is what YOU make of it! There is no one perfect college for everyone, nor is there necessarily one perfect college for anyone, but there are schools that "fit" better than others, and that is the challenge in finding a school. For me, the first time I arrived on the campus of my college I knew it was the school for me, but not everyone gets that experience; nor would I have had the same experience if I didn't know about the key features of the school. Look at admissions statistics and try and find a school where you will be academically challenged but not overwhelmed, where you work as hard as you are willing to succeed. Be sure professors are of a high caliber (because quality of a class depends solely on your understanding of the material, which truly depends on the professor.) Also, make sure that the extracurriculars that you desire are available. Once you've selected the college with the most potential, all that is left is living the experience The best moments are usually spontaneous: say "yes" as much as possible - that inkling of doubt only deters you from amazing experiences.

Follow mind and heart. Parents don't be overbearing. Students keep your wits about you.

For Parents I would recommend starting the college search early probably the summer before the students junior year in high school. From my own experience my junior and senior year flew bye and if I hadn't started early the process would have been even more stressful than it already was. Also don't over emphasize the cost of the colleges your child may be looking at, cost is something that should be dealt with after the application process and not a major factor during the process of choosing where to apply; many colleges especially private institutions are willing to work out payment plans that won't create a financial burden, and just be their for your student the college application process is stressful and the more support provided the better. For Students the orientation period is the perfect time to put yourself out there and meet as many people as possible. While it may feel uncomfortable starting conversations with random people, everyone is in the same boat and feels just as uncomfortable, so just go for it, talk to as many people as possible, go to all the events, and don't be afriad to put yourself out there.

It is not the same as going to Wharton for business, or Swarthmore or UChicago for academics, or MIT for engineering, but Dartmouth's undergrad program is all-around very good, with little to no weaknesses on the undergrad level. But if you want a hardcore academic experience, look elsewhere. The truth is, Dartmouth has little to recommend it when compared to peer institutions, academically. Sure, the school is small, but the course offerings, particularly on the graduate level, are limited, and there is a weak environment among the student body intellectually.

Do what feels right to you. I know this is really vague, but a lot of times, when you find the right college, you know as soon as you step on the campus. Trust your instincts, and don't dwell too much on the dry stuff. Don't get me wrong, the number of award winning professors and average test scores of accepted students are a consideration. But much more important is the environment you want to spend four years in. When you visit the school, try to see how the students interact and judge if you could be happy with the size and location of that school. Because no matter the classes and extra-curricular activitie, the determinant of whether you thrive in college or not is often the people you find around you and the support you can find in your fellow students. And finally, don't get too stressed out--things will work out, even if not quite in the way you planned. And you may be surprised--it may be even better.

I chose my college based purely on its reputation. When I visited the campus, I didn't much care for it. Nevertheless, I made the right choice. Having gone to Dartmouth for more than a year now, I can't imagine myself anywhere else. If I were to apply for colleges again, I believe that I would have chosen Dartmouth once again, using a much more logical standard of selection. The most important thing to look for in a college is the people. When you go to visit the campus (and you absolutely must), are people standoffish? Are students helpful if you ask a question? Does the population look happy, hungover,... Next, and more obviously, you must consider the strengths of the program you are interested in. Use websites like college confidential (if you are a parent, I recommend forging a student account, as there is better information here than in the student section) to figure out if the reputation that the college has is well-founded. Blogs may be a pain to read, but you'll get some very honest (and occasionally accurate) information. Finally, when you go to college, be willing to like it. Don't be afraid.

If the school allows it, definitely take an interview at the perspective school, often asking for a personal reference to the school is more useful than anything you can read/research about the school. Ask engaging questions to your interviewer, ask them about specifics and personal stories relating to the college. Try and see the campus by yourself instead of with a tour guide. Or at least, explore the campus after taking the tour.

Visit a good deal of different kinds of colleges to get a feel for where you are comfortable. They start to blend together after a while, so make a chart of all the aspects of college that are important to you, and check off which colleges have or don't have the things that you want (with notes--i.e. So-and-so college has a pool, but it isnt very big and looks kind of scummy). Read what other students say about the college, but don't base your assumption on one opinion. Look around at the people at info sess ions for a particular college, they will probably represent what types of classmates you will have. Aim high, worry about finances once you're happy where you are. Once you're at the school you've picked, don't be shy--but don't be a doormat. Making good friends is huge to your college experience, so you want to hang around people who really respect you and your choices, and are interested in what you have to say. Party hard, but also have fun in the classroom.

Make sure you are paying the price you want to pay, and going to a place that gives you lots of options and makes you feel free.

When selecting the right school: ignore your parents,school ranks, and your preconceived opinions. Visit the school, be a student for a day, and then close your eyes. If your gut tells you that you can do well and have fun in this school, then you found the school for you and you will be happy there next year. One last piece of advice, consider the college food, it does have an effect on your happiness, and ask about seasons. The winter can be dark and freezing, which is not for everyone. Good luck and go with your gut!