Yehalah Fernando

Writing at Dartmouth

Writing in English can be the most annoying challenge in the world. Correct punctuation varies depending on the context, pronunciation is not consistent and some words and concepts just do not translate to English.

However, this is not a tirade about the inadequacy of the English language. This is me trying to console all the recently accepted and prospective Dartmouth students who didn't learn English as a first language; you are not alone in this struggle—there is assistance in this area!

There is a writing requirement at Dartmouth. This means that every freshman will have to take one writing course and one seminar course in their first year. Yes, taking a writing course in English can sound daunting. When I first heard about it, I was very apprehensive. 

That was before I found out that the writing courses are divided into different levels. Sometime in June, all first-years are required to take a writing placement, that determines which level of writing they will take. However, I need to mention that while there is a placement process, each student can indicate their preference of course. 

There is the humanities sequence, which is for advanced students and requires extensive reading and writing throughout the term. There is Writing 5, which is more of an intermediate level of writing, for students who have had some experience with writing and working in English.

Then there is Writing 2-3, which is a pathway consisting of two courses across two terms. This is for students at the beginner level of writing. Out of this particular pathway, there is a special section dedicated to international students whose first language is not English.

This requirement is in place to prepare every student with the necessary writing and technical skills needed for Dartmouth courses. It is, however, nothing to be stressed about. 

One important resource I must mention for writing is RWIT. This is the Student Center for Research, Writing and Information Technology. It is a Peer Writing Center that offers one-on-one meetings with an undergraduate tutor to discuss assignments such as papers, research projects or multi-media tasks. You could go there to discuss ideas, brainstorm, draft and edit your assignments. They offer both in-person and online appointments!

There are many many resources to help with beginner writing at Dartmouth, so if this is something you were uncertain about, I hope that I have helped in some way to alleviate that worry.