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Olivia Koo
![Olivia Koo - blogger](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/4b596702-2c48-4037-8b1f-db79eeb3e7b0_1_201_a_0.jpg?itok=i3IG8eHM×tamp=1663532063)
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Olivia's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallHanover, NH
Unsure whether I would enjoy the biology-heavy pre-health track, I took an intro biology class. I surprisingly found myself so invested each class—I didn’t think I’d ever be excited trying to determine if the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) had DNA or RNA, but here we are! I found it a great introduction to thinking processes at Dartmouth.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: WRIT 005: Authenticity: Self, Society and CultureI loved coming to this class with its supportive environment! The professor's feedback really helped me improve in my writing. This course guided us through personal narratives and organizational writing while discussing what it really means to be authentic. It also introduced me to the library’s resources for writing and research!
SpringHanover, NH
Favorite Class: CHEM 11: General ChemistryThis class was definitely not easy! The accelerated version of general chemistry, it was my first class at Dartmouth that used a textbook, and I had to adapt and learn how to use a textbook for a class properly. But that didn't mean I didn't have a good time! The classes were full of physical demonstrations, and I felt very supported in the lab and beyond.
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FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: MUS 42: From Plato to Mozart (Early Classical Music)This was the first group music class I took, and I loved it! Each class we'd move a little forward in time; one day we'd talk about medieval chants, and by the next couple weeks, we talked about Baroque music. We even got to observe original medieval music scores from the Rauner Library, and attend a performance of Baroque music by the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra!
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: MUS 36: Songwriting ISongwriting 1 was the first time I was able to work on something creative/in the arts at Dartmouth, and I really loved it! I got to learn how to improve my songwriting and get to know a community of fellow songwriters on campus. The class was both supportive and constructive, and I pushed myself to my creative limit with the assignment of writing one new song a week. This class inspired me to continue writing and being expressive, whether in an academic setting or not.
SpringLondon, England
Favorite Class: MUS 70 Perspectives in Music PerformanceFor one of my classes on the London Music FSP, I got to attend a myriad of musical performances in London and discuss them with my class! It was a once-in-a-life-time experience–getting to watch multiple operas, ballets, jazz sets, and a musical, as well as seeing beautiful performances from the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, and more, helped me grow my ear so much and my inspirations as a musician.
![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)
What To Look For On A College Campus Tour
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!
![A view of Baker Tower from the Green during the summer](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/unnamed_1_1.jpg?itok=WhMNrP7S×tamp=1719924347)
Why Sophomore Summer?
Dartmouth employs a unique quarter system in which most students are on campus in the summer between their sophomore and junior year, labeled "Sophomore Summer." But why did it start? And what are my plans for this notable term?
![a gorup image at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/5151a44f-057c-4e27-ad1d-faa0cb351f6b.jpg?itok=EdoqXJzx×tamp=1716802476)
Takeaways From the Dartmouth Study Abroad Experience
As my time in London nears an end, here are some major takeaways that I want to share about the Foreign Study Programs at Dartmouth!
![an image of the Beatles' "Let it Be" album](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_1049.jpeg?itok=iDnA5tvS×tamp=1716162792)
A Weekend Getaway to Liverpool
This past weekend, my Foreign Study Program group and I got to go to Liverpool!
![an image of a small river through Edinburgh](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_0141.jpeg?itok=vVT4b7zR×tamp=1714343019)
Halfway Highlights from my Foreign Study Program
Happy middle-of-the-term! A month into my Foreign Study Program (FSP), here are some of the highlights of my time in the UK so far.
![A group of Music FSP students posing in front of the Thames River](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/60be51d7-5588-456a-b096-4192b1542d32.jpg?itok=ZbPBFLgJ×tamp=1713738029)
What are Classes Like on a Foreign Study Program?
What kind of classes do you take in a subject-based Foreign Study Program? Here's a rundown of my classes in the Music FSP in London to give you an idea of what academic life is like in the program!
![an image of the Bath Abbey in Bath, England](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_9609_0.jpg?itok=6fVj8XMS×tamp=1712494180)
Visiting Bath on my Foreign Study Program!
This week, I went with my Foreign Study Program (FSP) to Bath, England, for a fun day trip!
![an image of the London Tower Bridge from the view of the river](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_9320.jpeg?itok=g3laUspu×tamp=1711923849)
Hello from my Foreign Study Program in London!
The beginning of my music Foreign Study Program experience!
![an image of pine needles on a bush covered in snow](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_9005.jpeg?itok=EG3__k37×tamp=1709527167)
Reflecting on my '24 Winter Term
Here are some of my personal highlights for my winter term!
![An image of Occom Pond in the sun](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_9015_0.jpeg?itok=QdlwhN5v×tamp=1708917773)
Major Declaration at Dartmouth College
This past week, I spent some time thinking about what I would like to declare as my major, and the journey throughout Dartmouth so far that led me to this point.