Dartmouth College Overview
- Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
- Founded: 1769
- Type: Private Ivy League college
- Known for: Liberal arts education, undergraduate focus, government, economics, and a strong sense of community
- Vibe: Tight-knit, outdoorsy, traditional, and intellectually strong — with a balance between academics and social life
Pros of Attending Dartmouth College
1. Undergraduate-Focused Ivy League
- Though it has top-tier graduate programs (like Tuck Business School), undergrads are the center.
- Professors are highly accessible, and research opportunities abound for undergrads.
2. Flexible D-Plan (Quarter System)
- Dartmouth uses a unique “D-Plan”:
- Students take 4 10-week terms/year and choose which terms they are on/off campus.
- Allows flexibility for internships, study abroad, and research during the academic year.
3. Tight-Knit, Supportive Community
- Small size (~4,500 undergrads) = strong sense of belonging.
- Students form deep connections with peers and professors.
- Alumni network is extremely loyal and active.
4. Beautiful Natural Setting
- Nestled in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains.
- Perfect for those who love the outdoors: skiing
, hiking, canoeing 
, etc.
5. Balance of Academics and Social Life
- Known for both academic excellence and strong Greek life/social scene.
- The party culture exists but is relatively inclusive and fun.
- Homecoming, Winter Carnival, and traditions like the Freshman Trips build strong class spirit.
6. Prestige with Liberal Arts Feel
- Ivy League reputation with the intimacy of a top liberal arts college.
- Strong programs in government, economics, environmental studies, and neuroscience.
Cons of Attending Dartmouth College
1. Remote Location
- Hanover is charming but isolated — limited entertainment, shopping, and diversity in nightlife.
- Closest city (Boston) is ~2 hours away.
2. Greek Life Dominance
- Greek life is popular (over 60% participate at some point), and can dominate the social scene.
- If you’re not into that culture, it might feel limiting.
3. Cold, Long Winters
- New Hampshire winters are very cold and snowy
. - Great for skiers, tough for others — and can contribute to seasonal mood dips.
4. Less Diverse Than Urban Schools
- Smaller population and rural location means less cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity compared to urban Ivies like Columbia or Penn.
5. Limited Course Offerings vs. Larger Ivies
- Dartmouth’s small size means fewer niche classes or departments.
- Some fields, especially in arts or global studies, may be less robust than peers.
Summary Table
| Category | Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Academics | Ivy League quality, great teaching, flexible curriculum | Smaller course catalog, especially for niche interests |
| Student Life | Strong community, traditions, Greek life, outdoorsy | Greek life can dominate, remote setting |
| Flexibility | Unique D-Plan, supports internships & study abroad | Fast-paced quarters can be stressful |
| Environment | Beautiful campus, great for nature lovers | Isolated, harsh winters |
| Reputation | Prestigious with loyal alumni | Less global recognition than Harvard/Stanford |
Who Should Choose Dartmouth?
Dartmouth is ideal for students who:
- Want small classes, close faculty interaction, and an undergrad-first experience
- Value flexibility in scheduling and academic exploration
- Enjoy close community and outdoor recreation
- Don’t mind a quieter, rural setting
- Want top-tier academics in a tight-knit, supportive environment