Dartmouth College

“Dartmouth is a wonderful place to spend four years. The D-Plan is incredible and allows for so much flexibility in terms of studying abroad, taking time off, and pursuing internships. The campus is beautiful and the community is very tight-knit. Professors are incredibly accessible and genuinely care about their students. The alumni network is also incredibly strong and willing to help out current students.”

“The professors at Dartmouth are amazing. They are always willing to meet with students during office hours and are very approachable. Class sizes are small, which allows for more discussion and interaction with professors. I've had dinner at several of my professors' houses, which is something I never expected in college.”

“The alumni network is insane. I've cold emailed so many alumni for informational interviews and career advice, and almost everyone has responded and been incredibly helpful. It's clear that Dartmouth grads really care about helping current students succeed.”

“I love the outdoor culture here. The DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) is the oldest and largest outing club in the country, and there are so many opportunities to go hiking, skiing, kayaking, and camping. It's a great way to de-stress and meet people who love the outdoors.”

“The community here is unlike anywhere else. People are genuinely kind and supportive. The undergraduate focus means professors prioritize teaching and mentorship. I've had incredible research opportunities as an undergrad that I wouldn't have gotten at a larger university.”

“The isolation is real. Hanover is in the middle of nowhere, and cabin fever sets in during the long winter months. If you're not into the outdoors or Greek life, there's not much to do. The nearest city is over an hour away.”

“Greek life dominates the social scene, which can be exclusionary if you're not interested in that culture. The college has been trying to change this, but it's still very much a part of campus life. If you don't rush, you might feel left out on weekends.”

“The D-Plan sounds great in theory, but it can be really disruptive. Your friends are constantly on and off campus at different times, which makes it hard to maintain friendships. You also might have to be on campus during the summer, which can feel isolating.”

“The administration can be frustrating to deal with. They're often slow to respond to student concerns, and there's a lot of bureaucracy. Mental health resources are also stretched thin - it can take weeks to get an appointment with counseling services.”

“The weather is brutal. Winter lasts from November to April, and it gets incredibly cold. Seasonal depression is common, and the lack of sunlight can really affect your mood. You need to be prepared for long, dark winters if you're coming here.”