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!
Exactly a year ago today, I was sitting in front of my computer with my best friend at my high school's dorm at 3 AM Turkey time, waiting for Ivy League decisions to come out. Suddenly, the phone I was using to film my reaction suddenly decided to run out of battery. While I was trying to find another device to film my decision reaction, with my accidental touch on the tab bar, I opened my Dartmouth decision: Congratulations!
I have previously reflected on the funny ways in which I grew closer to Dartmouth. My decision reaction to my Dartmouth application set a pattern of unexpected yet flattering surprises, like many other instances where Dartmouth actively went out of its way to welcome me.
For me, financial aid was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, concerns in choosing a college. I potentially spent more time filling out my financial aid forms than the applications themselves. Dartmouth was the only school that reached out to me about the blurb I put on the additional information section. The financial aid office recognized the special circumstance in my context and acted on it in the most intentional way possible.
The moment I stepped outside the Dartmouth Coach, a Dartmouth junior I have never met before helped me carry my suitcases to my dorm. When I got lost on campus (for the first time as there were multiple times), another first-year student (probably also equally anxious) helped me find my way. These two examples speak to the type of student here: kind, intentional, and naturally curious.
First Picture I Took at Dartmouth (Oh The Dartmouth Green!)
You've worked hard to get to this point, and now, you're officially a part of the Dartmouth community! We are thrilled to welcome you with open arms. You're now part of a community that values inclusivity, academic rigor, and a passion for positively impacting the world.
At Dartmouth, you'll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the world. Your peers and professors will challenge you to think critically and creatively, and the breadth of academic opportunities available to you is unparalleled. Of course, college isn't just about academics. It's also about discovering yourself and the world around you. You'll meet people from all walks of life and build meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.
We're thrilled to have you here, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish during your time at Dartmouth. Welcome to the Big Green family!
When I first arrived on campus, upper-level students eased my fears with their confidence and care. When invited to apply as a Dartmouth Bound Leader, I jumped at the chance to do the same to students starting their own college journeys.
Dartmouth is no stranger to a variety of student-run full-year performance groups in dance, a cappella, improv, and comedy. Sophomore summer is particularly special, as most of these groups allow sophomores to audition and join just for the summer.
In one of my previous posts, I mentioned how I joined a sorority earlier this fall by going through the recruitment process. I've come a long way since then. In fact, I am living in my sorority house for my sophomore summer!
I've just finished my first four weeks as a Concord Monitor news intern, having delved into journalism in ways I couldn't have without the help I received from Dartmouth's Center for Professional Development.
Dartmouth is not just a college. With world-renowned graduate schools, why would we choose to call ourselves a college instead of a university? The story behind that decision dates back to a significant Supreme Court ruling.
On a quiet spring Saturday in Hanover, I traded the usual campus buzz for Monet in the morning and archery in the afternoon—a reminder that Dartmouth weekends can be just as meaningful when they're slow, reflective, and a little unexpected.
