College Thoughts

So we went on a trip this weekend to see Dartmouth and Williams. I loved the New England weather and the scenery (see attached poem for details) and it made me despise New Jersey a little more. Don't get me wrong, most of New Jersey, especially the north and west along the Deleware are nice, but where I live is the worst place possible: in a surburban waste land. Now, I know I probably sound like that kid whose facebook I showed you, but, unlike him, I'm actually telling the truth.

Anyway, my impressions of both institutions:

Dartmouth: Overall, stunning. Certainly my favorite university physically so far, except for one or two minor things (frats). Really like the location, in the mountains, near a major river (Connecticut) and in the wilderness. Liked the sophormore summer idea, but am a bit uncertain of taking a semester off junior year. I mean, what would I do, and how would I live during that time? Also really liked the surrounding town and the bookstore. A better version of Princeton. Negatives: Director of Admissions was one of the most boring people ever. I literally fell asleep during this presentation. Not the impression I would want to make on visitors. Also, seems like there would be no place for me as an athlete. They're a Division I school- but I could see myself playing club ultimate frisbee, or, better yet, cricket!

Williams: I must admit I was a bit skeptical going in. Just driving around, it looked like a small, watered down version on an Ivy League school without the reputation or the money. Plus, it was also raining so I wanted to get the heck out of there. But, I did stay, and I suprisingly liked the school after going on the campus tour and info session. We stayed at the Williams Inn, an overpriced hotel that looked like my grandmother's house. After going on a run and getting a feeling for the campus and the one-street town, I began to like and could definitely see myself there. About the info session: the director of admissions was a dynamic man who not only gave me information about the campus, but useful hints about the admission process in general. I actually stayed awake, as he kept me occupied. I also learned mroe about the school on the campus tour. For example, the school teaches in a 'tutorial' style a la Oxford where classes consist of two students to one teacher so that you get the most personalized help possible. I also liked that there was the opportunity to go abroad to Oxford for a year. Their semester system is unique in that in between the fall and spring semester, there is a January semester in which students take one class that can have nothing whatsoever to do with their major. Sounds very cool. Also, athletics are a bit more of a possbility here considering the school is Div. III.

Have a lot of tests this week, bet Tylson ;) 5$ that I'd beat him of our science test. Hope I can pull it off.

By the way, I'll post my poem in 30 minutes or so.