Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
SummerIstanbul, Turkey
I was home during my first summer! A non-exhaustive list of things I've done includes sunbathing, coding my personal blog, and going on runs. #rest #relaxation
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
This course allowed me to explore the intersection of aesthetics and digital media, focusing on how digital environments reshape traditional concepts like materiality and form. I particularly enjoyed comparing human and AI-generated analyses of art and examining the frameworks that shape contemporary digital studies, from visual culture to design philosophy.
SummerHanover, NH
I was on campus pursuing full-time research in the Cognitive Science department. My research focuses on children's capacity to imagine and reason about possibilities!
Ever since I arrived at Dartmouth, I've been fortunate to participate in meaningful discussions about the importance of mental health rights and advocacy. The emphasis on mental well-being in this environment has been a refreshing change from my high school experience, where discussions around mental health were often muted or overlooked.
For me, seeking help for mental reasons was not something that came easily. However, the supportive atmosphere at Dartmouth made me reconsider this notion. The fact there were readily available resources encouraged me to take a step I might not have in the past: pursue counseling services.
It was in the middle of last year's winter term when I finally decided to explore counseling services at Dartmouth. The proximity of the college's medical center, Dick's House, to my residence, and the fact that these services were offered free of charge, were significant motivators. I took the leap, and it marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
From the mid-winter term to the end of the spring term, I engaged in counseling services at Dartmouth. I was grappling with various challenges, including adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, dealing with culture shock, addressing my eating habits, and reflecting on my overall experiences at Dartmouth. The support and guidance I received during counseling helped me navigate these issues.
College counseling services played a pivotal role in my life during that time. It allowed me to think critically about my experiences, understand my positionality on campus, and develop mindful eating habits. Most importantly, it taught me to be gentle with myself as I went through the process of adjustment and self-discovery.
I am immensely grateful for the accessibility of counseling services at Dartmouth. My experience with counseling services has empowered me to address my mental health concerns and personal growth in ways I never thought possible. It made me realize that prioritizing well-being is not only acceptable but essential. The support I received has allowed me to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the importance of mental health advocacy, both within the Dartmouth community and beyond.
I applied through Questbridge's National College Match, but did not match. To others who also did not match, this is not the end of your application process! Here's what I did following match decision day.
Unlimited buffets, flavorful drinks, an assortment of breakfast pastries—Dartmouth has so many great food and drink options to choose from! Join me as I rank my favorite ones.
Walking around the Wellelsey campus, it's clear that it was built with intentional incorporation of the surrounding nature. The architecture of many buildings were also mindfully crafted to support Wellesley's unique principles.
