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My son has a good problem; he got into Bowdoin (his top choice school) and also into Dartmouth (added as a "reach" even though it is bigger than his ideal). He is still leaning heavily toward Bowdoin, largely because he wants a smaller, more cohesive academic community. Beyond size, the apparently heavy drinking/greek scene at Dartmouth turns him off. Obviously either school would give him tremendous academic opportunities so we want to be sure he makes a well-informed choice. His counselor strongly urges Dartmouth, as do family members who have gone to other Ivys. Does anyone out there have first-hand experience with both schools; children currently attending, etc.? Thanks.

By Autumnwine (Autumnwine) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 04:32 pm: Edit

Pnwdad,

Congratulations to your son and you! You must be so proud.

I am a 2002 Dartmouth graduate so my perspective will be limited to my college experience. I understand that your son is drawn to the small size of Bowdoin, and Dartmouth is twice the class size, so I don't think anything I say can materially sway his decision there. Among my reasons to pick Dartmouth were its small size as a libral arts college and its great academic offerings of a university.

About drinking and frats--about 50% students at Dartmouth are Greek, the other 50% are not. About 90%, 95% drink, there are those who do not. There is a side of dartmouth that embraces the outdoors, is socially and environmentally concious (for example, every dinning hall has trash and compost bins side by side), enjoys the arts, and loves learning (check out the 24 hour library any hour of the day).

Reputation is built over many years, and the heavy drinking/greek reputation of Dartmouth is more than justified based on the college's past. Dartmouth is the last Ivy to go coed, and it had been very homogenous compared to many of its peers in the past. However, I do think Dartmouth today is very different from Dartmouth's reputation today. To get a better sense of the school, the daily paper at Dartmouth, called "The Dartmouth", has a site online with a great archive. www.thedartmouth.com The opinion ed pieces touch up on student life a great deal and should give you more color on the community.

"It is a small college, Sir, but there are those who love it." --Daniel Webster

By Pnwdad (Pnwdad) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 10:20 am: Edit

Thanks, Autumnwine -- very helpful post.

By Jules07 (Jules07) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 10:49 pm: Edit

I think your son should go to Bowdoin because a liberal arts education is invaluable. Besides, he can always go to D for grad school

By Jules07 (Jules07) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 10:49 pm: Edit

I think your son should go to Bowdoin because a liberal arts education is invaluable. Besides, he can always go to D for grad school

By Tuitionpayer (Tuitionpayer) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 12:24 am: Edit

I don't have experience at both schools, but have a child at Dartmouth. Dartmouth was the only Ivy he applied to because it has a strong focus on undergrad education. either of these schools would provide a great quality education. Look at some individual factors for your son like specific majors. For example, the government program at Dartmouth is outstanding, with an endowed center, the Rockefeller Center. The math prgram has gotten mixed reviews from some students I have talked with.

The "D" plan, the Dartmouth schedule is also a consideration. The quarter system allows students to take a leave term any term. this is great for obtaining internships during less competitive times. It also means that a student might not see a friend for6 months or more if their on campus terms dont overlap.

My suggestion is to look beyond a global reputation for the school and investigate specific areas of interest for your son.

I must admit that, although my son has had a great experience at Dartmouth, I have not heard tales of close relationships with professors. Faculty at Bowdoin might be more accessible.

By Pnwdad (Pnwdad) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 12:48 am: Edit

Thanks everyone, this is most helpful.

Tuitionpayer, good tip to investigate the specific programs; of course, he has no idea what his major will be, which means every dept has to be good,right?! ;-)

Close connection to professors is very important to him. This is one of the main reasons he's leaned toward the smaller LACs through this entire process. Similarly, he wants to be involved in campus governance, committee service, etc wherver he goes, & wonders if a smaller school will provide more opportunities earlier in the college career.

thanks again for the thoughts; this is a great board. Best,

pnwdad

By Bowdoin13 (Bowdoin13) on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 10:42 pm: Edit

I have the same decision to make as your son, Pnwdad. I was accepted to both Dartmouth and Bowdoin and now have to make the decision of where I want to go for the next 4 years. Right now, I'm pretty sure that I will go to Bowdoin. For me, Bowdoin is the better choice and for a variety of reasons. Bowdoin has a really strong Government/Pre-Legal Studies major which, to me, is really a plus. I also prefer Bowdoin's location over Dartmouth's and I like that Bowdoin has a smaller student to faculty ratio. But the deciding factor in my decision was that Bowdoin has better food