![Arianna smiling at the grocery store](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_7676_-_arianna_dunkley.jpeg?itok=8GmB2QGu×tamp=1694612412)
![Matte background of Dartmouth pines](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/zoom-1920x1080-lone-pine_1.jpeg?itok=H68tnNMi×tamp=1694612445)
Arianna Dunkley
![Arianna smiling at the grocery store](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_7676_-_arianna_dunkley.jpeg?itok=8GmB2QGu×tamp=1694612412)
You are here
![A picture of Baker-Berry library in the night.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_5869.jpg?itok=VgMkroXr×tamp=1700117985)
![My friend and I in front of Baker-Berry library.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_5893.jpg?itok=vRvfah2g×tamp=1700118220)
![The Tower Room in the middle of the day.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_5890.jpg?itok=8Nebgkpq×tamp=1700118272)
Dartmouth Bound: A Year Later
Dartmouth Bound is a 3-day fly-in program, offered to rising seniors in the United States (regardless of citizenship status), that occurs in July. Though all students are eligible to apply, they encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply (i.e. if you are a first-generation student, from a low-income background, or a student of color).
I attended Bound in the summer of 2022 during the first in-person experience of the program since the summer prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This trip was very burden-free to me, as my meals, housing, and travel expenses were completely covered by the college. Enamored by Dartmouth's tightly-knit community, I enjoyed touring the campus and having meals in small cohorts with a 'Bound leader' and 9 other students. Once I arrived on campus, I was given the opportunity to stay in a residence hall with a roommate that was a part of a different Bound group, which helped me imagine the reality of living in a college dorm. The first night on campus was spent listening to a guest speaker that gave everyone the task of writing positive comments about what they were looking forward to doing during their visit. I had the pleasure of meeting many faculty members and students (some who were staying on campus for their Sophomore Summer, an opportunity where rising college juniors study with most of their class).
My fellow Bound leader, Farr '24, and I are still very close to this day because she gave my group and I amazing tours and introduced us to a myriad of Dartmouth traditions. As she was on campus for her Sophomore Summer as well, seeing her enthusiastic attitude towards staying on campus for a fourth term in a row made me view Dartmouth in a positive light, encouraging me to apply a few months later. The other Dartmouth Bound Leaders were receptive to answering questions and addressed my worries about the possibility of attending a school so far away from home.
My favorite aspect of Dartmouth Bound was the workshop portion of the visit. Considering I am a first-generation student, I had little knowledge of the college admissions process. The admissions directors held an essay workshop and hosted a financial aid informational session. Without their workshops, I would have known nothing about how to craft a personal statement essay or what Dartmouth's "need-blind school" was (a school that does not consider financial status in their admissions decision).
I highly recommend incoming rising seniors in the high school to apply to Dartmouth Bound. While gaining intel on college life and the admissions process, it was an experience that allowed me to meet a variety of people from different backgrounds (some of which I am still in touch with), and I received guidance with my college applications from the Bound leaders.
Posts You Might Like
![Group of girls enjoying a sunny day in a grassy field, standing and looking away from the camera.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_7.jpg?itok=h2PMVDSj×tamp=1721892638)
As I reflect on my first year, I reminisce on the people, places, and things that made the most of my Dartmouth experience!
![Arianna smiling at the grocery store](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_7676_-_arianna_dunkley.jpeg?itok=eQQiMmwB×tamp=1694612412)
![5 sticky notes laying on a table with a stick figure drawing on each](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5.jpg?itok=7-pLgral×tamp=1721802532)
![Connecticut river](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-11_at_12.34.54_pm.png?itok=Za7K_il9×tamp=1720715742)
Sophomore Summer has already defined itself by its exciting, unfamiliar experiences and the relaxed atmosphere of campus. With new classes and clubs in full swing, here is what I have been up to during this wonderful time on campus!
![Me! blog_828 × 1026_brendilou](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1226.png?itok=U8hQQ4ev×tamp=1663881287)
![FIRE study abroad program at Rome](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/fire_1650x916.png?itok=cypHcxe5×tamp=1718399675)
In this blog, I would like to share some other academic-inclined ways that Dartmouth students spend their freshman summer.
![blogger_image](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/wechatimg3290.jpg?itok=_fEvVHFF×tamp=1695605711)
![An image of a map of Dartmouth College](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5_800x600.jpg?itok=aUgvuRDu×tamp=1721722730)
In the summer, prospective students might take the time to visit potential colleges and universities to apply to. But what are some things to look for as you peruse campuses and take in the view, especially during the summer? Here are some ideas!
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=9S9os9ML×tamp=1663532063)
![a picture of a lufthansa airplane in Boston Logan with the setting sun behind it](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_3508.jpg?itok=5W4WA3HO×tamp=1718913460)
"What's your major?" seems like a pressing question for every freshman, but now that my freshman year is behind me, I know I shouldn't have worried as much.
![Kalina standing amidst the autumn leaves](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/kalina_duncheva_27_-_kalina_duncheva.jpg?itok=1Spk_Kot×tamp=1694612135)
![An image of the Seattle skyline across the water](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-15_at_10.20.59_pm.png?itok=IvcyiHVw×tamp=1721096489)
My first time in Seattle, during the week of the 4th of July! Exploring fish markets and watching fireworks, I had a great time exploring a new city during my off-term!
![Profile Picture](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_6959_2.jpeg?itok=8Ic27ok0×tamp=1717243884)
![A view of Baker Tower from the Green during the summer](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_1_1.jpg?itok=WhMNrP7S×tamp=1719924347)
Dartmouth employs a unique quarter system in which most students are on campus in the summer between their sophomore and junior year, labeled "Sophomore Summer." But why did it start? And what are my plans for this notable term?
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=9S9os9ML×tamp=1663532063)
![Friends looking off at the Connecticut River](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-06_at_11.45.02_pm.png?itok=SzHWdeBr×tamp=1720323933)
Sophomore summer is in full swing, and with the campus exclusively for sophomores, it's a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. I'm on campus to enjoy this unique experience, diving into activities like cooking, research, and outdoor outings!
![Picture of Memo smiling in front of a pond](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/screen_shot_2024-07-17_at_9.01.11_pm.png?itok=NhqBy66V×tamp=1721264590)