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!
Navigating Study Abroad Finances: A Full Financial Aid Perspective
Having spent four terms at Dartmouth before embarking on my study abroad experience, I thought I had a solid grasp of my financial needs in Hanover. Little did I anticipate the unique financial landscape that studying abroad in Toulouse, a city outside the U.S., would present. As a student on full financial aid, this journey has prompted me to explore, plan, and appreciate the financial support that Dartmouth provides.
With its distinct charm and cultural offerings, Toulouse comes with additional costs that I hadn't encountered in Hanover, such as transportation and grocery shopping. In this post, I want to shed light on how I am navigating the financial aspects of my study abroad experience beyond the itemized Dartmouth financial aid package.
Dartmouth's financial aid package breaks down the estimated cost of attendance into categories like tuition, housing, food, and transportation. However, studying abroad means stepping away from Dartmouth's dorms and dining halls. Consequently, there is surplus money from my financial aid package, originally intended for on-campus living, that now contributes to covering my daily expenses in Toulouse.
While Dartmouth's financial aid was more than sufficient, I aspired beyond meeting my basic needs. Eager to explore France and potentially visit neighboring French-speaking countries, I began saving from the moment I secured my spot on the study abroad program. This proactive approach allowed me to allocate funds for these experiences without compromising my financial stability.
Batu X Eiffel Tower
Contrary to my initial fears of financial insecurity abroad, I've found myself in a position of confidence, thanks to Dartmouth's robust financial aid contribution and my budgeting skills. The meticulous itemization of the aid package ensures that even when studying in a foreign city, my essential needs are met, leaving room for personal exploration and cultural immersion.
I am immensely grateful for Dartmouth's commitment to providing study-abroad opportunities for students with high financial need. The institution's financial aid packages not only facilitate access to these transformative experiences but also empower students to embrace the full spectrum of opportunities, both academically and culturally. As I continue to navigate the financial aspects of studying abroad, I am reminded that Dartmouth's support extends beyond campus borders, fostering an environment where financial barriers do not hinder the pursuit of global education.
Most students have to go back to college after Thanksgiving to take their finals, but not at Dartmouth! We have a six-week winter break, known as "winterim!" Let me tell you how I spent my winterim!
Applying early to a university can be overwhelming and confusing. As someone who did not apply to Dartmouth through early decision, here are a couple tips that I could have used when thinking about applying early to a school!
Exploring Chicago with my fellow women engineers from Dartmouth! We explored the city outside of the SWE conference and got to see how exciting Chicago can be.
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.
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
