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!
Summer Before College: International Student Edition
Welcome international students in the class of 2027 to Dartmouth! As a fellow international student, I understand that coming to Dartmouth from outside the United States poses unique barriers to entry. I am about to be done with freshman year, and I can confidently say that it will all be alright. Here are some steps derived from my experience to help you navigate the summer before Dartmouth as an international student.
Some of you might not have had the opportunity to visit campus in person. I was in your shoes too. To prepare myself, I immersed myself in all the YouTube content about Dartmouth, joined virtual tours, and emailed professors about academic opportunities that sparked my curiosity. These steps helped me gain a better understanding of the campus environment and what to expect.
The question of obtaining a visa might be stress-inducing. While the general narrative for the summer before college is to rest and have fun, a visa application adds an additional stress factor prior to arriving at Dartmouth. It is crucial to file your necessary documentation as early as possible. Coming from a procrastinator, trust me that filing your visa application is the one thing you need to stay on top of. The earlier you submit your application, the better.
Make sure to read all the instructions sent your way from the Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) very carefully. Their directions meticulously outline the entire process, and taking the time to read the documents attentively can save both you and the office a significant amount of time.
If you encounter any issues or difficulties with obtaining your visa, contact OVIS immediately. I personally experienced an initial issue with my visa process. The first thing I did was contact OVIS about my situation, and they were extremely helpful in resolving the complication quickly. Thanks to their support, I was able to arrive on campus on time for International Student Orientation!
I highly suggest that all of you stay grounded and present at home with your loved ones over the summer. Embarking on a journey away from home is a thrilling prospect, but it's essential to stay true to yourself and your upbringing. Cherish this time with your family and friends as it will go a long way in the process of adjustment.
Visiting Basilica Cistern (a historical site in Istanbul) with my dad before I'm off to college!
Even though English was one of the primary languages of instruction in my high school, adjusting to the New England/North American fashion of "small talk" and cultural norms took some time for me. Allow yourself the time to adapt to living in a new country with its unique cultural dimensions. You always have the International Student Association as a resource! They can provide valuable insights, support, and guidance throughout your college journey.
Congratulations once again! We are genuinely excited to welcome you to campus in the fall. Dartmouth is a vibrant and inclusive community, and we can't wait for you to be a part of it. Get ready for an incredible college experience filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories!
From orientation week to your classes, you can easily find community at Dartmouth! Read on to know how I met my Dartmouth family and where you might also find yours.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
