Hi there! I'm May and I'm sooo excited to share my Dartmouth experience with you! I love basically all types of food, binge watching Asian shows, and cozy movie nights! Find me in gym playing badminton, with my friends in the common rooms, getting coffee at Collis (my favorite), or volunteering at local service projects!
Academic Program
Quantitative Social Science
Favorite Thing Right Now
Finally having Stir-fry from Collis after a looong year...
This class was my introduction to quantitative social sciences but it definitely won't be my last QSS class at Dartmouth! We worked with datasets, from global wealth distribution to most popular ramen chains in Japan, and learned how to make graphs/visuals through the programming software R.
Do we really live in the best of all possible worlds? This course explores pessimism and the values of human existence from Greek literature. I've never had much interest in the classics but Prof. Lurie's passion and enthusiasm in his lectures had me up reading Plato at 2am. This is a class which will surely stimulate your intellectual curiosity and push you to ask questions about even the most mundane of things.
As the name suggests, BIO12 explores the nature and function of cells and the class covers a lot of material through lectures and assignments. Through Zoom break-out groups, we discussed and solved practice problems together, an approach I wasn't very familiar with, especially virtually. We also used online databases and findings to compile our own data to analyze for labs, which I found extremely insightful!
My first geography class at Dartmouth and first introduction to GIS technology, something that I've always been intrigued by. Prof. Xun Shi takes the time to go over each conceptl to make sure his students have a solid understanding of the fundamentals. We also had lab sessions where we used ArcGIS to work with spatial data, geographic information, and maps in group projects.
Arguably one of the best classes at Dartmouth! Whether you are a computer science major or not, this class is a "must-take". Beyond coding, I felt as though I gained a whole new outlook on problem solving and creative thinking. Some of the problem sets Professor Vasanta gives the class are really fun and interesting and she herself is a phenomenal teacher. You won't regret taking this class!
An International Perspective: Financial Support at Dartmouth
College application season is upon us!
As you continue to polish your essays, ask for recommendations, and complete any outstanding standardized tests, you'll also be considering a myriad of key factors while choosing the university where you want to spend the next four years. Curriculum, location, diversity, recreation opportunities…to name a few.
As an international student, affordability was perhaps among the most important factors in my college search. Dartmouth meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students—including international students. In order to apply, we must complete the CSS profile, an online application to determine eligibility for non-federal aid, and submit standard documentation such as tax returns and bank statements.
My biggest advice for prospective international students would be to reach out to Dartmouth's Financial Aid Office early in the process. Each country employs different types of terminology and official forms which can be confusing to translate in the CSS application. Reaching out to the Financial Aid Office can really help you get a better sense of what information you should provide and what it means. Be proactive and speak to a financial aid officer or an admissions officer with your questions! Don't hesitate to provide additional details as well if you feel that your financial circumstances are not accurately represented through the application.
One of the many workshops hosted by EducationUSA in Myanmar! From offering advising on the college application and financial aid process to connecting US universities to students in Myanmar, EducationUSA is a goldmine of resources!
Another key resource I found helpful while applying was contacting the EducationUSA office in my country. EducationUSA is a global network by the U.S Department of State that offers free international student advising and workshops for students interested in studying in the U.S. Often, you can access their services at U.S embassies or partner institutions in your respective countries. Speaking with an officer at EducationUSA and hearing from alumni from my country gave me more direction and plenty of tips about the process.
Opportunities for financial assistance at Dartmouth are not only limited to your financial aid package. One of the first ways I learned this was through first-year DOC trips, Dartmouth's iconic pre-orientation outdoor program. The DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) offers significant financial assistance to cover the cost of the program, meals, and even travel equipment to ensure each and every student can participate!
Over the past year, perhaps the best way Dartmouth has helped make my college experience affordable was by the opportunity to easily reach out to my undergraduate dean. Whether I'm looking for transportation to go to West Lebanon or requesting financial assistance due to unexpected travel plans during the pandemic, the dean's office has consistently been my go-to. The International Student Advising team at OPAL (Office of Pluralism and Leadership) is also incredible in working with international students' needs. Throughout the term, various clubs and organizations on-campus host fun events as well where you can win Dartmouth Coach tickets or coupons for local restaurants!
For a lot of students including myself, cost and affordability is often the determining factor in our college search. International students often miss out on opportunities for financial support because 1) we're unaware of financial resources, 2) the application process can be complex, or 3) a mix of both. Applying and enrolling in a school in the U.S is challenging. But, costliness really doesn't have be the reason why it is unattainable. And, from my experience, I can wholeheartedly say that Dartmouth wants to work with you as much as you want to work with them.
Over half of Dartmouth students study abroad at least once during their undergraduate journeys—quite a high percentage, right? Do you want to know how to best prepare for your own abroad experience? Come check what it was like for me.
The "Why Dartmouth" supplement was the hardest for me to write. How would I explain all the reasons I loved Dartmouth in 100 words? I chose Dartmouth because of how the people and campus made me feel. Dartmouth radiates excitement.
At Dartmouth, there is an undergraduate requirement for language; after all, it is the liberal arts! Fulfilling this requirement looks different for various people and I will focus on my experience.
I have written about being a student worker plenty of times in the past, but I have yet to talk about one of my favorite jobs ever: ticket selling at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
