Dartmouth College Top Questions

There is a lot of emphasis on "finding the right school." I think the most successful college students are those who make the most with what they've got. You can find schools that are a better match or a worse match for your interests, but as long as you choose carefully which schools you're going to apply to, you will probably have a great time at any school on your list. College is a great experience, but it's totally what you make of it. Look at a school's academics, their student groups, their sports teams, and all that you want in a school. But also remember that there are less tangible aspects of a school that really make it a great college experience. Are students happy? Friendly? Are they relaxed but passionate? Do they balance academics and fun well? Most importantly, pay attention to your gut feeling. It could be a lot more important than those information sessions that seem all the same, than the pamphlets that praise SAT scores, selecitivity and student-faculty ratios. Ask yourself: do you like this school? Could you see yourself being happy there? You'll be fine. Good luck.

I advise to visit every school on your list. Don't go because of a name or a legacy or because of your best friend. College is about finding out who YOU are and thus the choice of school should be a private choice; when visiting schools, your gut will tell you where you fit in. Once I stepped into Dartmouth's campus, I knew that was it. Granted, it was a beautiful day and studnets were lazing about on the green -- playing frisbee, reading, chatting to friends--but it was what I envisioned my college experience to be like. I would also advise to visit a school in the winter. Many a student were swayed by Dartmouth's late spring days and were shell-shocked come -20 winters. ...Anyway, I know I've spoken a lot about how you feel, and the weather, but for the most part, schools that a student would be looking at will be the same academically; it's very important to think about those other things that account for your day-to-day happiness--like the weather and the quality of life for the student body.

Visits aren't all they are cracked up to be. The first impression is useful but can often be deceiving and are scewed by hearsay and expectations. That being said, wandering with a host student who shares similar tastes/wants as you on the campus (especially on social days/nights) can be very important if a social life is important to you. Most important is to know what you are getting into before you sign the contract...get the facts (no one cares about student teacher ratio, rather talk to a student or two about what class sizes they've had). Good luck, you'll be fine whereever you end up and if not you can always transfer.

Students: you have 5 seconds to answer this question. Where are you going to college? This is an emotional time for you, so listen to your emotions. If you know its a good school, but something just didn't feel right that's because something isn't and you won't be able to be as successful as you can be. Go where you feel most comfortable, you'll be the most successful, and the job will fall in line. Remember, its better to do well at an average state school, than to graduate with a 2.8 at en elite private university. Parents: do whatever you possibly can to let your child attend the school of their dreams. There is no greater investment for you than their education! Trust me, they won't forget it when you decide to retire either.

Don't focus on trying to find a school that exactly fits to some ideal career goal - your mind will change numerous times! Find the school with the right vibe for you which offers you many opportunities and will allow you to grow as a person. I'm still figuring out who I am and what I plan on doing with my life, and I'm discovering that that's okay. It's the proccesses of learning and discovering and figuring out that are important.

You may never know if the college you choose is the right college or not, because, quite simply, you only get to attend one and will not know anything different. That being said, when choosing a college remember that a school is only as good as the people in it. Cost, reputation and location aside, the administration, students and faculty are the most important factors in choosing a good school. Firstly, ask current students whether or not the administration is helpful and will assist you with courses, finance and searching for jobs throughout your college career. A helpful administration can open doors for you and help you make the most of your time. Secondly, look at the academic and social atmosphere of the student body. It is always more enjoyable attending a school where students are motivated, cooperative and extroverted, rather than unmotivated, cutthroat or competitive. Finally, talk to professors and gauge whether they get you excited to learn and attend school. Once at college, remember that you get out what you put into it. Try new things, work hard and meet new people. College should change your life and be the best four years of your life.

The most important thing to realize is that there is not one perfect school - you can be just as happy at numerous different campuses. The imporant thing is to see as many campuses as humanly possible so you can figure out what characteristics you like and what you don't (i.e. urban/rural, big/small, etc.). I chose Dartmouth because I did not meet one person that didn't love the school. I felt the intense school spirit as a high schooler, and quickly became enamored with the campus and the student body. You want to be passionate about your school, and have friends that are equally passionate, because you will form lifelong memories and relationships.

Look at the quality of life ranking and base your decision on that. It will be a scary/fun/trying time and being happy is crucial. Once you are there, base your class choice on teachers' rankings and reputation among older students.

Listen to yourself

You really need to trust your gut feeling. I made so many lists of pros and cons when I was trying to decide, but I always ended up coming back to my first choice. There was just always this feeling that this was the right place for me. Whatever college you compare all others to is clearly the best fit. You really do need to visit a lot of campuses though, I think the more places you can see and compare, the clearer the decision becomes. Just don't question your decision based on the concerns of your friends or family because YOU are the one who is going to be at that school for the next four years. It doesn't matter what anyone else has to say about it, as long as it is the right place for you!