Griselda Chavez

College blogs, especially Dartmouth's, were super insightful about what it was like to be a student on their campus. Blogs were able to touch on several topics such as what it's like to be a low-income student to what dining looks like. They also enabled me to view the paths that upperclassmen took and showcased all of the opportunities that were available for its students. In addition, some blogs like Dartmouth include features where students can submit their own questions and have bloggers answer them. You could also use this as an opportunity to see how different types of students with similar identities to yours were able to create a space for themselves. 

One of my favorite resources to learn more about life on campus was the Dartmouth Admissions page on Instagram (@dartmouthadmissions). The official college accounts are helpful because they provide several images of what Dartmouth may look like, especially for students that are unable to visit, and they contain several reminders and promotional posts. For instance, Dartmouth Admissions' Instagram creates highlights for prospective students where they can view "student takeovers," dorm tours, and learn more about the application process.

College videos on YouTube are also helpful and an easy way to learn more about life on campus! You can play them while focusing on other tasks and you are able to see how students interact with their school environment. There have also been several college YouTubers who continue to document their experience, even during the pandemic, which can provide students with a more current perspective. My favorite types of videos were the short, two-minute trailers that advertised the schools and showcased all of the opportunities on campus. 

Emails are usually the main source of advertisements from colleges; however, they also send out mail and pamphlets with information about their application process. If there is a college you are interested in, I recommend that you search online to check if there is a digital copy of their magazine because they contain a lot of information about the college's departments, courses, extracurriculars, and much more! Dartmouth's 3D Magazine, a physical and digital resource, was one of the earlier forms of engagement I received with the college and that encouraged me to apply. Twice each year, a new magazine gets released and you're able to read all about the different ways that students are making an impact on campus and the various paths they are forming for themselves.