![shuyi](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/shuyi.jpg?itok=qp5yloBY×tamp=1569019357)
![shuyi-coverphoto](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x236_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/bg/img_2507.jpg?itok=9NkbDPgY×tamp=1569019720)
Shuyi Jin
![shuyi](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x420_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-author/image/shuyi.jpg?itok=qp5yloBY×tamp=1569019357)
![My Zoom setup!](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_5512.jpg?itok=zQImHMOl×tamp=1587055593)
Picking Classes for Remote Learning!
This year, the Spring term at Dartmouth is being held remotely, as most other schools are doing. Although its certainly sad to see the school and the wider world shaken up, I thought it would be fun to give some updates throughout the term on how my classes are going, so you can all get to know me and Dartmouth a little better!
For this blog, I'll focus on the process of picking classes. At Dartmouth, we first pick the three classes we hope to take next term around a month before the term starts. A lottery system then dictates whether or not you get those classes. Unlike my first two terms at Dartmouth, I actually had some issues with picking classes this term, so I thought it would be a great experience to share.
Classes at Dartmouth are generally pretty small, which allows you to build relationships with your classmates and professors. However, this means that some classes are harder to get, especially those in popular departments such as economics.
Originally, I was hoping to take an economics class, a computer science class, and a class on music theory. However, I unfortunately didn't get my economics class. This was the first time this happened to me, so I was pretty lost on what I should do next. After talking to my advisor, however, I found that I actually had a lot of options to explore. Eventually, I landed on an astronomy class to replace my economics class, and I looked forward to learning more about a new field.
I thought I had all my classes set up going into Spring Break, but once Dartmouth announced that the term would be held remotely, I realized that I wouldn't have access to telescopes. Since I was looking forward to looking at stars in my astronomy class, I decided I would drop it for a class that was more suitable for the remote nature of the term. This meant that I suddenly had to find another class again. I started emailing different professors and departments, and they all replied extremely quickly, offering me support and advice. At the end, I found so many interesting classes that I decided I would take four this term, since I would have more free time staying at home. My final classes are two math classes, an anthropology class on evolution, and the computer science class I had originally signed up for. As you can see, only one of my classes was the one I originally signed up for. Through my course searching process, I've seen how many options I really have at Dartmouth, and I'm super excited to explore some new ones this term.
After my first week of classes, I can say I'm happy with my choices so far. I'll definitely share the highlights of the term with you guys, but so far I've enjoyed adapting to the new nature of the term and seeing some of my friends on Zoom. I've also done some pretty cool work already — check out this painting I made in my computer science class!
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)
![An image of a sunset from a rooftop in Berlin](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/400x274_blog/public/admissions/content/blog-post/photos/img_0351.jpeg?itok=Rr9boyBU×tamp=1718554988)
I used my weekends in Berlin to explore the countless flea markets across the city. I found great items and a great way to experience Berlin culture!
![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)