Welcome!! My name is Serena and I'm a '28 from New York City. I couldn't be more excited to be here at Dartmouth and share my experiences with all of you! I know I want to explore English Literature alongside a STEM discipline. I love to run, play volleyball, hike, knit, and read books! If you want to hear about a city kid's adventures in rural New Hampshire, follow along as I experience life in the woods!
In this dynamic class, Visiting Professor Vera Kallenberg taught us a survey of Jewish history and culture from the European enlightenment to the establishment of the State of Israel while also sharing her wealth of knowledge with us! Our small, seminar-style class lent itself to profound conversations around the difficult topics that arose during our discussions. From the Haskalah to discourse around the modern-day Israel-Palestine conflict, our class approached these topics with respect and care for one another. We read historical texts and fascinating personal narratives for homework, and then wove our knowledge about the past and present together in class discussions. What an incredible course!
Why Dartmouth: An Interview with my Mom on the College Decision Process
Dear Admitted Student,
Right now you're probably deciding which college you want to attend. You might be stressed, worried, or completely fine! All those feelings are ok. Spring term is feeling so exciting and fresh right now. I recently interviewed my mom and had us reflect on my college application and decision process together. In doing this, I hope that as someone who just went through the college process, I can provide some guidance for you and your family as you decide where you would like to attend.
Sincerely,
Serena
P.S. I can't wait to see you around campus next year :)
What were some of the most important things you felt I was looking for in a college?
You wanted a school with challenging academics and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the humanities as well as the sciences.
You considered schools with open curriculums as well as those with academic requirements. You were really interested in a curriculum with academic requirements because you knew you have multiple areas of deep academic interest and you wanted to be with other students who felt the same way, who were willing and interested in trying a variety of disciplines.
You wanted easy access to the outdoors and lots of students who shared your interests in nature. At the same time, you also knew you didn't want to feel tied to a remote campus.
What aspects of the Dimensions program helped you and me decide that Dartmouth was the right place for me?
As a parent, I loved the Dimensions program. It gave me a chance to spend a lot of time on campus and see the students and professors in action. I had the opportunity to listen to a number of professors and speak to them one-on-one. I found them to be highly dedicated to their students as well as friendly, approachable people. Spending so much time on campus, I felt like I got a real sense that the students were happy there. I thought the campus was beautiful and extremely safe, and was much larger than I expected. I didn't realize how accessible Dartmouth was to NYC, Boston, and the surrounding areas with the Dartmouth Coach and the local buses. The town of Hanover is really delightful. I loved that you sat in on several classes, which we hadn't done on any of our college tours before. It's a completely different experience and perspective visiting a college to which you have actually been accepted. It was only the second time we had visited the school, and after the Dimensions Program, I felt 100% confident that Dartmouth was the right school for you.
Once I received my college acceptances, what were the biggest questions you were thinking about regarding the decision process?
You were really worried about whether you were making the right decision. But we went back to your original list of what you were looking for in a college. Dartmouth checked all the boxes for you, so I felt really confident that you were making the right decision.
What was your role in my college application process?
Pretty minimal. You really took the lead. I went online with you to look at the school's websites, and I drove you to tours. I drove you to the SAT. I went on most of the tours with you which I really enjoyed.
What worried you the most when I was applying to college?
I was really worried about how many students were applying to all these colleges and how competitive the process would be. I was concerned that you wouldn't be able to show who you are in the process. The Dartmouth application seemed to really give you a chance to show who you are as a student and a young adult. Looking back on it, writing the Dartmouth application came a little more easily to you than some others, I think because you had done your research and the school really was a good match for you
Is there anything you would change if we were to go back to college applications?
Nothing! You got into your first choice school, and you are loving the experience as a first year, so I certainly wouldn't change anything. You handled the stress really well.
Now that I'm at Dartmouth, how did we do? Are you happy with our college search process and decisions?
You worked hard in high school, you did your research on the schools, and took the lead asking a lot of questions. In the end, the decision was yours, and you made the right decision in choosing Dartmouth.
Hugging my mom and crying when I got my acceptance letter from Dartmouth!
