Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Over four years, Dartmouth students take classes during twelve of the sixteen terms. Given the required number of credits to graduate is thirty-five, Dartmouth students can take one two-course term without having to make up for it with a four-course load. I am currently enrolled in two courses: French 1 and Engineering 12 (Design Thinking), so a two-course load is exactly what I am doing this term!
I want to delve into the reasons behind my decision to take a two-course. First, I felt like the two courses I am currently involved in are both time intensive. French 1 has the drill component alongside regular class sessions, and I have so much fun in both that I wanted to maximize the amount of time I spend preparing for each. Likewise, Design Thinking has been my favorite course so far to the point that I want to indulge myself in the course content to the fullest. Simply put, I liked these two courses so much that I wanted to especially focus on them and them only for this term.
Another reason why I opted in for taking a two-course load is that I had goals I wanted to accomplish this term that was not necessarily tied to a college course. Last term, I realized that I wanted to focus more on music production and dance, but I could not pursue those simply because my schedule was packed. Thankfully, Dartmouth allows for enough curricular flexibility that I get to tailor my academic commitment while considering other commitments I want to dedicate time to.
Lastly, I wanted to take time to ease my adjustment to Dartmouth's academic rigor! Orientation to college does not end with the first few weeks or the first term at Dartmouth. It is a continuous process that looks different for everyone. I felt like I needed some more time. As someone who prioritizes communicating their needs, I mentioned my reasons to my Academic Dean, and we both decided that taking a two-course term was the best way to move forward with intentionality.
So, how is my two-course term going? It has helped me achieve exactly what I wanted to get out of my decision. I can dedicate the time and attention I want to dedicate to my two courses, which I thoroughly enjoy. I am also doing some music production work on the side, which was one of the primary purposes of taking a two-course load this term.
Dartmouth employs an academic plan, recognizing that non-academic aspirations can constitute legitimate opportunities. I am extremely grateful that I can utilize this flexibility this winter term!
At most colleges, midterms begin in mid-October, but Dartmouth's 10-week quarter system means they can begin as early as week 3. With the right habits and resources, you can balance your workload with wellness.
A reflection on how Dartmouth offers countless ways to stay connected to literature and writing—even as a side passion—through blogs, courses, campus publications, and creative communities.
