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Dartmouth College

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityB+ Faculty AccessibilityA+
Useful SchoolworkA- Excess CompetitionA
Academic SuccessA Creativity/ InnovationA-
Individual ValueA+ University Resource UseA+
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA+ FriendlinessA
Campus MaintenanceA Social LifeB+
Surrounding CityB Extra CurricularsB+
SafetyA-
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Approachable

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful

Female
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Surrounding City
B
Highest Rating
Faculty Accessibility
A+
She cares more about Educational Quality than the average student.
Date: Mar 27 2011
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
Dartmouth is an Ivy League school, but perceived as "second-rank" Ivy. The drawback for many students is its remoteness and relative isolation. Hanover is a small town and there are few opportunities for internships and jobs there, not to mention shopping opportunities. The weather, particularly in winter, is fairly nasty—lots of snow and ice, COLD! And yes, there are some "spoiled rich kids" around—although they tend to be more of the "giving back" and "let's have fun" variety than the "I'm SO privileged because of my daddy's trust fund, and much better than you" type. Few minorities, as a previous rant stated?? Yes, and it is hard for outsiders to break into those well-supported groups, which consist of people actively recruited and often given financial aid, in general, who apparently never realized before arriving on campus that rural New Hampshire is just that, and not New York City or the Badlands of the Dakotas. I'm Asian, and it is amusing to me to be lumped in with "whites" as The Oppressor. . .

In any case, Dartmouth is for you if you like small classes, dedicated teachers, and an academic focus. It can be a challenge to make your own social life if you are not part of the Greek system, and a lot of people join frats and sororities here who might not do so on other campuses, just because the small town and small campus seem to necessitate creating a network for interaction. Yes, there are too many drugs and too much drinking for my liking. I'm a teetotaler. However, I visited many campuses before deciding to come here, and the drinking and drugs were just as prevalent elsewhere—and my friends at other schools report just as many drunken parties as I've heard about.

The classes are good, but must be selected mindfully. Teachers tend to have high expectations and to set high standards for themselves and for their students. If you are looking for excellent instruction and accessible faculty, then Dartmouth is your school President Kim is the most accessible and congenial and proactive college president I've ever heard of, and he takes great pains to meet with students and LISTEN to them and to their concerns. There are opportunities to dine and converse with visiting dignitaries and stars, just by requesting the ticket and showing interest.

Foreign study and volunteer service are emphasized at Dartmouth, and, frankly, the "D Plan," which mandates that the summer after sophomore year be spent on campus, taking courses, is a pain in the behind. It was instituted when the college became co-ed and there were not sufficient living accommodations for all students. I disliked it because the "off term" interrupts the continuity of education and friendships. On the other hand, my months abroad were indeed very real learning experiences, even if the lessons were largely learned outside the classroom. (I don't think that this is unusual in study abroad programs.)

Dartmouth is one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen, and there is considerable environmental awareness and incentives to be "green" (Dartmouth Green!) The food is so-so, in my opinion, and there are not enough options and limited serving hours. However, halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan choices are always available, and there are on-campus houses that cater to these needs as well. The outdoors is part of the Dartmouth experience, and freshman year begins with an outdoors adventure that is intended to bond the newcomers to the existing community and to one another—and the efforts pay off. There are many festivals and events throughout the year that reinforce the bonding—bonfire, winter carnival, and other togetherness celebrations that are special and memorable.

Dartmouth Alumni are unusually loyal and committed to the school and remain active. Scholarship students like me also get to meet the people who are helping to fund their education and to form a relationship with them. This inspires the recipients to perform at their best level, gives them a face or faces to go with their gratitude, and also helps encourage them to give once they have "made it" themselves. Like so many others, the program emphasizes community and connectedness.

It's not a perfect school, but if you want to learn with a group of basically intelligent, socially conscious, "nice" and well-scrubbed folks, if you like a sense of belonging and have a need for challenging and well-crafted courses, you might well love Dartmouth, as I do. It's all here, if you take the trouble to become part of it and optimize the opportunities. I would choose to come here again, although I might experiment more with courses given another chance.

   
Responses
questionHi,

I'm an Asian and I'm considering applying to Dartmouth ED. I'm really attracted to the academic program but I'm a little worried about the social scene. I'm not much of a drinker or partyer (and I certainly don't do drugs). Will I fit in? Will I enjoy my time at D?
Thanks for the reply in advance.

responseSigh Another race-baiting Asian thinking he/she is white. Nope. You're Asian. Also, you have absolutely no way of knowing how financial aid is distributed so to presume it is to the minority you are nothing but racist scum. Remind me of the mediocre Asian kids at my school. Eat shit, you un-illustriousness filth.
commentThe above response is a good example of how the culture of the PC left breeds hatefulness and ignorance. Are you incapable of understanding the OP's point about the IRONY of Asians' being regarded as "white" by other—presumably less successful—minority ethnic groups? I seriously hope that such a shallow thinker (and vindictive person) was not admitted to Dartmouth!
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