![Portrait of Gabi in front of bikes on a city street](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_4905_-_gabriela_jimenez.jpg?itok=U4NN0IB8×tamp=1694613008)
![Background of pines](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/zoom-1920x1080-lone-pine_2.jpeg?itok=43up9dV5×tamp=1694613032)
Gabriela Jimenez
![Portrait of Gabi in front of bikes on a city street](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_4905_-_gabriela_jimenez.jpg?itok=U4NN0IB8×tamp=1694613008)
You are here
![picture of baker library](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/howtogetintodartmouth-1024x576.jpeg?itok=2sWtWlCi×tamp=1704174326)
How to: Dartmouth
Tips for picking classes:
Every first year student is required to take a writing and a seminar class. But, you get to choose which of the offered classes you are most interested in taking. Your first year should be about exploring different classes and seeing what you might be interested in pursuing. Don't only focus on taking classes that will fulfill distributive requirements. The classes you choose to take will probably fulfill some of them anyways. Make sure to ask upperclassmen for advice when choosing classes. They are most likely to give you honest advice and raw reviews. You can even ask one of them for their lay up list login to see reviews of the classes you are interested in taking. Lay up list gives you an idea of if the class is challenging and reviews the professor. I personally opted to take Writing 2-3 because I wanted to sharpen my writing skills. This specific class is two terms. I am really enjoying it and I believe it has helped me improve my writing tremendously.
Tips for studying:
I think everyone at Dartmouth has an insane work ethic; it's why we are here ;). But, transitioning to a new space might be a little overwhelming at first. I feel like finding a place to study in the library or on campus is essential. Use the first weeks to find spots that you enjoy. Finding different spots is great for doing different work. For example, I like writing essays in Sanborn library but, I do STEM related work on 3FB (Third floor berry). Get to know the vibes for different spaces and make sure to know what volume you should be at in them. Don't be intimidated to try new spaces and find what works for you.
Tips for social life(ing):
Dartmouth does an amazing job of bringing your class together. So it's not surprising that our campus is very lively and social. This is great for meeting new people and finding fun things to do but can be challenging to balance with academics. My advice would be to space out your work so you are able to do fewer assignments everyday and to do work earlier in the day so that you are not rushing to finish. There will be times where you choose to put off work, it's inevitable, but make sure you are able to get back on track. One of the worst feelings is to have work piling up. In terms of navigating the social scene at Dartmouth, my advice is to introduce yourself to everyone you can, always be kind to people, and be outgoing. The only way you are going to connect with your peers is to reach out to them and say yes to invitations! Keep an open mind and don't close yourself off.
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Reflecting on my sophomore year and how I feel about being halfway through my time at Dartmouth!
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Welcome to the first part of Dartmouth Debunked, a series of comprehensive blog posts answering common questions first-years have prior to their arrival at Dartmouth. This post will cover all the housing options for a first-year student.
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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)
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![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)
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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)
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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!
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![chem](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_4517.jpg?itok=lB6u7Onl×tamp=1718400172)
I'm now finally done with my pre-medical requirements and wanted to continue my recap of the whole journey!
![pic](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_1827.jpg?itok=BAuyur99×tamp=1665456638)
![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)