![Portrait of Lily sitting in the woods](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/lily_10-12_-_lily_johnson.jpg?itok=mQHa7Ywb×tamp=1694612886)
![Kemeny court bee on a yellow flower close up Kemeny courtyard bee on a yellow flower close up](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/img_7149_1.jpg?itok=kEh3wDMz×tamp=1711939261)
Lily Johnson
![Portrait of Lily sitting in the woods](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/lily_10-12_-_lily_johnson.jpg?itok=mQHa7Ywb×tamp=1694612886)
![Outside Wilder Hall outside Wilder hall, in the fall with red leafed vines on the building and yellow and green tree leaves.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_7180.jpg?itok=VG4Tgk4E×tamp=1697992802)
![Fall Leaves next to a Wilder Hall Window Fall Leaves next to a Wilder Hall Window](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_7172_0.jpg?itok=RwCLQ_T6×tamp=1697993339)
![Bench outside Wilder Hall Bench outside Wilder Hall with fall leaves on the ground behind it](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_7160.jpg?itok=aq5_mk9K×tamp=1697993397)
![Red Leaf Vines on Wilder Hall Red Leaf Vines on Wilder Hall](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_7176.jpg?itok=4W_rCMH-×tamp=1697993282)
The Liberal Arts and a Note on Environmental Science
I want to preface this post by saying that it is typically better in your college search process to look at what a college offers as opposed to what is required of you (or maybe just glance at requirements). If you are a meticulous planning type of thinker, try to take a bit of a step back from that in the college search! I had to in my search process.
During orientation week (yes, a whole week!) when covering course selection, two things are emphasized: breadth and depth (the CORE concepts of the liberal arts!).
At Dartmouth, most people take around 35 courses prior to graduating. This means that there is ample time to explore with clarity and purpose-- looking into departments and courses that you are already interested in and others that strike your curiosity.
That is how I ended up in 'Religion and Technology' this term; I was interested in religion but was anticipating taking courses focused on specific world faith traditions, whereas 'Religion and Technology' covers a range of faiths in the context of many technological advancements. I am really happy that I decided to follow my interest in this class as I am really enjoying the content and discussions as there are only twelve of us enrolled in the class.
During orientation week and again before winter term course selection there are academic open houses, and I recommend going around to the ones you are most interested in and if they offer syllabi, take any that seem interesting to you.
Now to emphasize the 'depth' that I mentioned, this is when you choose a major(s)/minor(s) which is not required until the fifth term in residence and while subject areas of depth are important, I love the spirit liberal arts experience of exploring.
It is helpful to be aware of writing, seminar, language, wellness education, and distributive requirements, but it is generally easy to cover these areas if you allow yourself to take advantage of the liberal arts curriculum and explore! Clearly, I cannot emphasize this enough.
![Outside Fairchild Outside Fairchild in the fall with yellow and green leaves](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_590/public/admissions/wysiwyg/fairchild.jpg?itok=9EFaEpBR)
For people like me who are wondering about Environmental Science (ENVS) courses and Susty (Sustainable) Office programs, there is a wide range of possibilities to explore this interest. I encourage you to explore the websites linked below, courses such as 'ENVS 12: Energy and the Environment', and the Sustainable Action Programs may peak your curiosity.
![Outside Steele Hall Outside Steele Hall with bikes on the concrete and the grass lawn](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_590/public/admissions/wysiwyg/steele.jpg?itok=DVC68lkj)
I hope you enjoyed my fall photos! I focused on Steele and the Fairchild Center as they are the home of the Environmental Science department.
Undergraduate Course Offerings (Click on the department dropdown and then on the department/program title to get the course numbers and names)
Posts You Might Like
![Orange sunset over Tuck Drive](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-15_at_9.42.44_pm.png?itok=GU1ixnAN×tamp=1721094188)
Reflecting on my sophomore year and how I feel about being halfway through my time at Dartmouth!
![Profile Picture](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/img_6959_2.jpeg?itok=8Ic27ok0×tamp=1717243884)
![5 sticky notes laying on a table with a stick figure drawing on each](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5.jpg?itok=7-pLgral×tamp=1721802532)
![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)
![FIRE study abroad program at Rome](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/fire_1650x916.png?itok=cypHcxe5×tamp=1718399675)
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)
![An image of a map of Dartmouth College](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_5_800x600.jpg?itok=aUgvuRDu×tamp=1721722730)
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!
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/60x60_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=9S9os9ML×tamp=1663532063)
![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)
![writing essay in the library](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/screen_shot_2024-07-16_at_3.20.04_pm.png?itok=HQbcow8c×tamp=1721157629)
My first-year at Dartmouth has been a period of profound growth and self-discovery. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, embrace my strengths and weaknesses, and navigate the complex web of opportunities that define college life.
![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)
![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)
![The white blossoms are sprouting from the trees on Ivy Lane in a depiction of spring blooming.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_5246_1.jpg?itok=We2VabIP×tamp=1719527109)
Dartmouth has Distributive and World Culture Requirements, including the Writing classes, that are be fulfilled during your first year.
![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)