Jenny Chen

It depends on what you want to use your off-term for, but for students intent on graduate school, oftentimes they plan on spending at least part of their off-term in junior year studying for entrance tests (MCAT, LSAT, etc.). In that case, the off-term has to be after you have finished all the courses associated to those tests.

Since the D-plan is so flexible, it’s possible to search for internships for numerous seasons, and then choose the one that you receive an offer from or the one that is the best fit for your interests. Some of my friends have interviewed for sophomore summer internships, but if they do not hear back, they will stay in Hanover and take classes instead. There is usually less competition for internships during the fall, winter, and spring.

There are so many other factors that might influence when you want to go off, including other obligations you may have, such as athletics, student groups, and jobs. Although the vast majority of people who work with Dartmouth students are accustomed to the D-plan, and the rotating schedule of people going on and off during various terms, it’s still important to keep in mind.

It was easy to maintain friendships I made last year, despite the changing circumstances that accompany a new year. I still had classes with many of my old friends, and given the small class size, this meant I was able to chit chat with them almost every day. In addition, the small student body size made it very common for me to just run into friends while grabbing a meal or walking through the library. Needless to say, everywhere I looked, a familiar face was there to ask me how I was doing.

People told me that after freshmen fall, it’s hard to make friends. I believed it, thinking that students simply get busier and don’t have time to foster new relationship. I was surprised when that was proven wrong. I have made so many new friends, most of whom I feel really grateful to have met, even if it’s already my sophomore year. I met them through my sorority, classes, and mutual friends.

This fall, I took organic chemistry (CHEM 51), human evolution (ANTH 41), and an introductory statistics course (PSYC 10). I loved all of them, especially because my professors were very available and accommodating, holding several office hours a week. I never felt like I was being thrown into the deep end or expected to manage everything on my own. Freshman me would barely ask questions or go to office hours alone, too intimidated by the professors. Now I understand that they want to help and will gladly answer any question on my mind.

Usually I go to Foco (our buffet-like dining hall) for their banana bread, fresh fruit and granola, and made-to-order omelettes. Foco also serves brunch until 2 pm, for all the late risers out there. When I’m feeling really fancy, I like to go to Lou’s with a few friends. Although the line can seem really long, especially with the enticing smell of muffins and bacon just a few feet away, the wait is well worth it. 

The weekends are also the perfect time to catch up with loved ones who aren’t at Dartmouth. I like to reserve Sunday nights for FaceTiming my family and asking them how their weeks were and how events went (including but not limited to high school homecoming dances, half-marathons, and recent baking adventures). It’s also a nice way to reflect on the highlights and low points of my own week. 

I almost exclusively do my laundry and other errands, like cleaning my room, on the weekends. The only problem is that pretty much everyone has the same idea, so Sundays you may have to pull someone’s clothes out of the dryer to put your own in. I love to fold my laundry while catching up on my favorite TV show, Grey’s Anatomy. A girl’s got to multitask!