Brown vs Dartmouth

CalvinTBOD
Thu, 12 Jul 2012 23:42:45 +0000

So I’ve done extensive research between both schools, and I’m still stuck on which college I want to apply to. I’m mainly looking for the opinions of students and alumni from both schools since at this point, I’d rather know how actual people feel about the schools instead of random facts and information the respective colleges have thrown at me. I will give yalls a very detailed portfolio of what I’m looking for in a college. So hopefully you guys take the time to read it and give good feedback. :]

1) HOUSING SYSTEM
I’m looking for a college with a very good housing system that can sort students together very well. For example, I really like Yale’s system of placing all students into houses and fostering a sense of community. However, I do not like the fact that it’s done completely randomly. My brother’s friend, who attends Northwestern University, told me that he took a survey and was matched with a like-minded roommate. I really have no preference of the system, I’d just like to know that I’ll be placed in a housing system that will allow me to find friends and feel a sense of community.

2) SOCIAL SCENE
I attended a camp at Yale University this summer, and the main thing that turned me off was the pretentious and snooty personality of pretty much most of the kids. From what I hear, Brown and Dartmouth are the “least pretentious” Ivy Leagues. I’m sure every school will have its share of pretentious and non-pretentious kids, but there are other reasons as to why I’ve narrowed down the choice to Brown and Dartmouth, so I won’t say much more about that. As for Dartmouth, I’ve repeatedly heard the stereotype that it’s a heavy party/drinking school, and I can’t help but feel that it’s somewhat true. It has an enormous fraternity percentage, which is added onto the fact that it’s in a more rural area - one has only so many options. I love Dartmouth for being in the middle of nowhere, because I love appreciating the outside, and being able to hike around a beautiful campus. However, based on what I hear, I’m concerned whether I’ll find people who enjoy the same things I do. I have nothing against alcohol, I’m just completely against drinking it myself. And I’d like to have friends who feel the same way as me. I also hear stereotypes about Brown University, mainly their drug scene and the fact that they’re extremely hipster-quirky-liberal-hippie. And I don’t know if that’s a prevalent personality in Brown University.

3) ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES
I’m planning on majoring in English and Philosophy, and from what I’ve read, both schools are stellar in these fields. I’m personally leaning towards Brown, but I’d like to hear personal experiences before making a final decision. I might also apply to graduate school, so I’m wondering which school has the competitive edge (if at all) when applying to law schools or journalism schools. And finally, I would love the opportunity to travel and study abroad.

I apologize for the extremely lengthy post, but I feel that I would receive more valuable feedback if I provide more information about what I’m looking for. Thanks in advance!