<p>As a 2010er, I’m a little afraid of the Dartmouth bubble. It seems that students are unaware of the world around them and too focused on hiking and greek life. Do you think this is harmful in the long run? Would a city setting be a better college experience to ‘toughen up’ before entering the real world?</p>
<p>I’m sure the stereotype that Dartmouth students are unaware of the outside world is unreasonable. At Dartmouth, I’m sure you can meet many intelligent and rational people, and you can get a very good education on a pleasant campus. </p>
<p>If you would prefer more of an urban environment, Dartmouth might not be the best choice, although I don’t think you should discount the college because of vague rumors about the student body.</p>
<p>Dartmouth kids definitely aren’t unprepared for “the real world.” First of all, most Dartmouth students are intelligent and open-minded to begin with. In addition to working closely with Career Services for internships, many Dartmouth students also take terms off to go study abroad, volunteer in third world countries, and participate in other activities that are “eye opening.”</p>
<p>“too focused on hiking”… cute</p>
<p>it is true that there is a huge bubble and hanover is the happiest place on earth… and nearly a year after graduating, i miss it like hell.</p>
<p>however, the average dartmouth student has the following advantages on “learning about the real world”</p>
<p>1) Every presidential candidate visits campus at least once in their college career and does a little thing
2) what is it, like 60% of folks do a study abroad program and see the world outside the US
3) internships during the year = real world experience outside the summer, which is kind of an anomaly</p>
<p>plus in the cities, do you think intellectual debates and newspapers replace hiking and fratting? it’d just be replaced by shopping and clubbing.
oh, and having a wireless campus means that you can stay in touch with the news even when you’re taking a ****. natch.</p>
<p>thanks sologigolos…your post was pretty insightful. i think new hamp might be it for me yayYy!</p>
<p>Lol, during Dartmouth I studied in Barcelona, did funded thesis research on a a random Pacific Island, interned in NYC, and studied at Oxford. If Dartmouth ever put me in a “bubble,” Dartmouth also broadened my horizons beyong my expectations.</p>
<p>thanks slipper, exactly what i wanted to say.</p>
<p>Just curious…</p>
<p>If you are a HS senior and have already chosen Dartmouth, wouldn’t this be a question to ask before the final-decision process? (Do not interpret that question as one of the smart-ass variety… not, by any means, my intentions). I’m sure you did your own share of research on the school and thought it to be the “right fit” for numerous reasons other than this bubble you speak of (and rightfully so, because this aspect is merely one of many in the larger scope), but did you visit? Talk to current students? Graduates?</p>
<p>I think it’s very important to do all of those things before you decide. A “good” college choice means a “good” fit–be it socially, academically, so on. Go somewhere that you’ll feel comfortable, at home. Because hey, it’s going to be that home for the next 4 years.</p>
<p>I’m no Dartmouth expert, but I’ve found this to be true at any school–while each one has that such-and-such student that predominates public stereotype, look hard enough, and you’ll almost always find your niche, your soulmates. And that, my friend, is the art of the college experience.</p>
<p>Good luck with everything.</p>
<p>thanks a lot. i didn’t make my final choice just yet…i’m going to dimensions and my instinct should do the rest. but i tend to think that extra input from current students regarding the ‘bubble’ is always a good thing.</p>