Hi there! I'm Nathan, a '27 from Lynn, MA (just outside Boston). I'm an intended Engineering Sciences Major and Studio Art Minor—I like to understand, design, and create things. I also love reading about history, writing, and photography (hence this blog). On-campus, I'm involved in the Triathlon Team, French Living Learning Community (LLC), and Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship. Explore my posts for an inside perspective of everything Dartmouth has to offer!
I took this class to explore the Biology Department and it ended up defining my freshman Fall. I grew close with other biology-minded students and together we delved deep into cellular mechanisms and processes in a fast-paced environment. The labs were long but rewarding and everything about this class made me a better scientist—Professor Bezanilla is an amazing teacher! I would recommend this class to anyone with a passion for biology and research.
“Who do I want to be?” is a question that I frequently ask myself as an undergraduate (and I’m sure you will as well). A good place to begin answering this question, however, is “Who am I ?” Taking Investigative Memoir as my first-year seminar allowed me to explore this question via personal reflection and expressive writing—something that has helped me frame my identity at Dartmouth with the rest of my life. College can be a surreal experience, but Professor Sharlet’s introduction to the world of creative nonfiction has given me the ability to transform my own perceptions into tangible, recorded stories.
As a kid I drew a lot; I was inspired by architectural books like “Pyramid” and “Castle” and fascinated by illustrations in “The Way Things Work.” All of these books are by the author David Macaulay—and I had the opportunity to take this very class with him! I completed weekly sketchbook exercises, worked on visually communicating inventions, and was able to receive personal feedback. The theme of visual illustration as a tool in engineering resonated strongly with me, inspiring my interest in an engineering major modified with studio art. Given my long relationship with his work, this class was truly a dream come true.
SummerAmherst, Massachusetts
I interned at a running biomechanics research lab in Amherst, MA, to explore my interests in kinesiology and running shoe design! I was able to self-fund the internship through a grant from the Dartmouth Center for Professional Development (CPD). I spent the rest of my summer reading, spending time with family, and took a trip to Quebec before returning to campus.
It's the third week of my third term at Dartmouth—my final term as I wrap up my first year!
Time has flown by and I can't believe I was only two months away from graduation about a year ago. When I think back to how everything unfolded, I come back to a general feeling I had about the college search process. If I had to come up with the essence of that feeling, it would be that I had a great sense of what I wanted out of my college experience—not necessarily a deep, specific sense, but a guiding one nonetheless (you don't need to know exactly what you want). More importantly, however, I began to realize that choosing a space to spend four years of your life comes down to this question: who do you want to be after graduation?
When you receive that coveted bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education—when you hold that diploma, take an awkward picture with the college president, and then stride off the stage in a polyester gown, what kind of person will you be? A degree is a degree no matter where you get it. Yes, certain institutions have more resources than others, but that begins to get at my previous question of identity.
I think it comes down to what the people and places you'll be exposed to; these are the things that ultimately shape you!
The saying "You are who you surround yourself with" is in fact true.
So, for me, I knew I wanted to be surrounded by the people, places, and pines of Dartmouth (yes that's an intentional reference to the name of this blog). I knew I wanted to be a more adventurous person with a stronger tie to the outdoors. I knew I wanted to be a person who could embrace the liberal arts while pursuing STEM, and have passionate friends who share my love for learning. I knew I would have a certain perspective after spending four years in the woods that I wouldn't be able to replicate anywhere else. Dartmouth was a place where I could see myself in the present, at graduation, and even beyond graduation.
As May 1st becomes closer, I hope this is a question you can consider. There's no right college for anyone—no statistics, markers of performance and opportunity, or even the coveted "brand" that can capture how a college fits someone. I think the answer should come internally—from a source of reflection (I know you've done a lot of that while writing essays).
In that case, I'll leave you to think.
(Note: I don't mean to downplay the factors of affordability and cost in choosing an institution. I'm very much aware of the importance need-based financial aid and other scholarships have in the process of choosing a college. Please strive to make wise financial decisions that also balance what I've covered in this post).
Learn about the different programs Dartmouth offers prospective students to explore campus life, learn about Dartmouth, and enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to Hanover!
"What's it like working for admissions?" "Are you being truthful with your answers?" "Are you being scripted?" Let's dive right into all these questions.
This year, I moved to Triangle House, one of Dartmouth's Living Learning Communities (LLCs), a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies that fosters learning, community engagement, and personal connections.
It's been (almost) a full year since I was in your (figurative) shoes! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dissect my Dartmouth application process. Part one of a long journey!
Choosing the right college is a critical decision that extends beyond mere rankings. Without the benefit of campus visits, it's vital to thoroughly research and understand each institution to ensure a fulfilling and safe experience.
Summer is a great time for high school students to visit campuses and better make sense of the schools they want to apply to. In this blog, I will talk about some advice to make the most of your campus visit.
