Dartmouth College

Date: Jul 09 2001
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
Dartmouth offered an academic and social environment which allowed me to both expand my intellectual horizons while developing some long lasting friendships. I learned to question my beliefs and scrutinize my outlook on life. The college provided a relatively safe environment in which to mature, the education was first rate, and the majority of people were fairly intelligent while not being overly conceited. I believe that the cachet associated with the Dartmouth degree has helped open doors for me that otherwise might have remained shut, and being a few years out of college while currently attending graduate school for my second professional degree, I can safely say that the peers I had as an undergraduate were a singularly intelligent and motivated bunch. Even the proverbial 'bottom-of-the-class' is brighter than the average person I encountered when I worked, and my closest friends remain those that I made in college. The college is literally and figuratively located in the woods, which is not everyone's cup of tea. It lacks the social outlets provided by major urban areas, and when I was there the Greek scene still dominated the social environment. If you must study in a major metropolitan area, then Dartmouth is not the school for you. If you enjoy relative peace and safety, and can handle a rural environment, then Dartmouth has alot to offer. My only regret is that I didn't invest the time my first year to 'learn the ropes' of how to take care of business while having fun, an investment I advise anyone going to college anywhere to make. Working smarter rather than harder is the key. I strongly suggest that any high school student wishing to attend Dartmouth take as many Advanced Placement courses in high school as s/he can, as rigorous coursework will look good in the application. Likewise, fluency in languages is a plus. I would also suggest that any visits to the campus be down in the autumn, when the foliage is changing and the New Hampshire landscape sparkles with color.