During the month of April, the Dartmouth Office of Admissions coordinated a series of Live Video Chats hosted by Dartmouth students. Whether you are a newly minted Dartmouth '14 looking for a quick Dartmouth fix or a prospective student in search of different perspectives on the College, you should definitely check out the archive of these chats!
Ranging from "Service, Activism, and Politics at Dartmouth" to "Senior Reflections," these chats cover a lot of topics about academic life and student activities at Dartmouth. Most importantly, give an unfiltered student perspective on a variety of aspects of the Dartmouth experience. Our office definitely hopes to offer more live video chats this summer or fall, so if there is a topic or area of the College you would like to see covered, please let us know.
Enjoy the videos!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
A post about the Wait List
Welcome to May in college admissions! This is the time of year when our email in-boxes are filled with communications from the broadest spectrum of constituencies in comparison to other points in the calendar. We hear from seniors who have indicated they will matriculate to the Class of 2014, juniors who are prospective students for the Class of 2015, and other seniors who have accepted our offer to remain on a Wait List in the event that we have spaces to offer in the coming weeks.
If you belong to that last group, we recognize that you are very eager for information about Wait List activity. At this point, it is not yet clear whether we will be in a position to make any further offers of admission. We have had a strong response to the offers we made on April 1, and we will be monitoring the situation over the next few weeks to see if an opportunity to make further offers emerges.
There are several items we'll be watching: One big variable that we do not yet know is whether or not Wait List activity at any of our peer institutions will lead some students to cancel their plans to matriculate at Dartmouth. A second variable is students who may postpone their enrollment for a year to take a "gap" year between high school and college. Each year, these two variables impact whether and to what extent we make additional offers of admission and each year the situation at Dartmouth evolves from week to week as we get more information.
If you are active on the Wait List, it is not important for you to contact our office at this time unless you would like to update your file in the manner described here.
If you have decided that you no longer wish to be considered for admission from the Wait List, please update your status online.
Keep in mind that all essential Wait List correspondence and updates will come via email from the Dartmouth Admissions Office. We always make every effort to close the class as early in the summer as possible so that Wait List students can move forward with a final decision from Dartmouth, but it may take several weeks or longer before we have any further news for you.
We hope that these next several weeks go well for you.
If you belong to that last group, we recognize that you are very eager for information about Wait List activity. At this point, it is not yet clear whether we will be in a position to make any further offers of admission. We have had a strong response to the offers we made on April 1, and we will be monitoring the situation over the next few weeks to see if an opportunity to make further offers emerges.
There are several items we'll be watching: One big variable that we do not yet know is whether or not Wait List activity at any of our peer institutions will lead some students to cancel their plans to matriculate at Dartmouth. A second variable is students who may postpone their enrollment for a year to take a "gap" year between high school and college. Each year, these two variables impact whether and to what extent we make additional offers of admission and each year the situation at Dartmouth evolves from week to week as we get more information.
If you are active on the Wait List, it is not important for you to contact our office at this time unless you would like to update your file in the manner described here.
If you have decided that you no longer wish to be considered for admission from the Wait List, please update your status online.
Keep in mind that all essential Wait List correspondence and updates will come via email from the Dartmouth Admissions Office. We always make every effort to close the class as early in the summer as possible so that Wait List students can move forward with a final decision from Dartmouth, but it may take several weeks or longer before we have any further news for you.
We hope that these next several weeks go well for you.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Dart-moose!
Look what meandered by the Admissions Office around 7am this morning!
In other news, May 1st is the deadline for students accepted into the Class of 2014 to reply to our offer of admission. Dartmouth does not require a deposit, but we do request that students use our online reply form to secure their spot in the class. We are eagerly anticipating the last replies!
-Colleen
Thursday, April 15, 2010
"Getting up things to say for yourself"
April is an interesting month. It's one of the peak visit periods on campus, and I am reminded of this daily as I battle my way up the stairs in McNutt Hall. Hundreds of admitted students come to campus in April - right now it's '14s who are coming to campus for another (or first) look before the May 1 reply deadline. (Over 600 '14s will be on campus next week for Dimensions of Dartmouth!) Many juniors and their families, who are entering the next phase of the college search, are on campus, too. Transfer students and students who are on our waitlist are also in the mix. Lots of visitors, lots of different questions, and lots of different perspectives.
What I find particularly interesting about this time of year is the contact between admitted students and those who are thinking about applying. I recently overheard a junior parent ask an admitted student, "So, how did you do it?" This is the only time of year when our tours and sessions are filled to the brim with both those who have an offer of admission on the table and those who hope to be in that position in the future. It creates an interesting dynamic and dialogue.
A great deal of this talk centers on the "How did you do it?" question. I've heard and read a lot lately about "expressing passion" and standing out. Admitted students, parents, counselors, admissions officers - we've all given this advice, "Write about something you're passionate about." What does that mean? And (as my brother-in-law recently pointed out to me) what if you don't know what you're passionate about? Good questions. Here are some thoughts for the juniors and will-be-applying-soon students, as well as the students looking for waitlist advice who are thinking about what kind of update to send in.
Here's what you don't need to be armed with to stand out in the college admissions process...
A defined career path or course of study.
Your life calling.
Clear passions.
A cure for cancer.
Here's what you should consider articulating in your essays, interviews, conversations...
You. A clear, honest picture of who you are and what matters to you. (All subject to growth and change, I hope.)
What you find interesting and intriguing.
What you enjoy reading about and discussing.
What choices you've made.
What (and how) you've learned.
If you do have some clear passions, great. We want to hear about them. But if you don't have any capital-P 'Passions,' that's okay. Don't make them up. Pursue what does interest you and keep yourself open to new experiences and ideas. We are very interested in your potential.
I think what we actually mean by 'passion' is "getting up something to say for yourself." Robert Frost (a Dartmouth alum!) offered this advice in a Great Issues course at Dartmouth on April 11, 1949. Frost is widely-known as a poet, and some (including many Dartmouth students and community members) were fortunate enough to experience his in-person "talks" and visits back to campus in the '40s through '60s. In this particular talk he goes on to say: "The first thing to say is that you've got to start getting up things to say for yourself, if you want to hold your own. And the pre-first thing to say is that you gotta have an own to hold." (I'm quoting from page 3 of Edward Connery Lathem's 2009 book, "Robert Frost Speaking On Campus." Check it out if you're looking for some summer reading.)
We are interested in learning about what you have to say - what things you "get up about." This is not just how you see the world, it is how you see yourself in the world. What are your opinions? What are your interests?
Who knows, Passion might just sneak up and grab you along the way, but don't worry about creating it as much as being open to it.
What I find particularly interesting about this time of year is the contact between admitted students and those who are thinking about applying. I recently overheard a junior parent ask an admitted student, "So, how did you do it?" This is the only time of year when our tours and sessions are filled to the brim with both those who have an offer of admission on the table and those who hope to be in that position in the future. It creates an interesting dynamic and dialogue.
A great deal of this talk centers on the "How did you do it?" question. I've heard and read a lot lately about "expressing passion" and standing out. Admitted students, parents, counselors, admissions officers - we've all given this advice, "Write about something you're passionate about." What does that mean? And (as my brother-in-law recently pointed out to me) what if you don't know what you're passionate about? Good questions. Here are some thoughts for the juniors and will-be-applying-soon students, as well as the students looking for waitlist advice who are thinking about what kind of update to send in.
Here's what you don't need to be armed with to stand out in the college admissions process...
A defined career path or course of study.
Your life calling.
Clear passions.
A cure for cancer.
Here's what you should consider articulating in your essays, interviews, conversations...
You. A clear, honest picture of who you are and what matters to you. (All subject to growth and change, I hope.)
What you find interesting and intriguing.
What you enjoy reading about and discussing.
What choices you've made.
What (and how) you've learned.
If you do have some clear passions, great. We want to hear about them. But if you don't have any capital-P 'Passions,' that's okay. Don't make them up. Pursue what does interest you and keep yourself open to new experiences and ideas. We are very interested in your potential.
I think what we actually mean by 'passion' is "getting up something to say for yourself." Robert Frost (a Dartmouth alum!) offered this advice in a Great Issues course at Dartmouth on April 11, 1949. Frost is widely-known as a poet, and some (including many Dartmouth students and community members) were fortunate enough to experience his in-person "talks" and visits back to campus in the '40s through '60s. In this particular talk he goes on to say: "The first thing to say is that you've got to start getting up things to say for yourself, if you want to hold your own. And the pre-first thing to say is that you gotta have an own to hold." (I'm quoting from page 3 of Edward Connery Lathem's 2009 book, "Robert Frost Speaking On Campus." Check it out if you're looking for some summer reading.)
We are interested in learning about what you have to say - what things you "get up about." This is not just how you see the world, it is how you see yourself in the world. What are your opinions? What are your interests?
Who knows, Passion might just sneak up and grab you along the way, but don't worry about creating it as much as being open to it.
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Small Moments
I know it has been a momentous week for all the Regular Decision applicants to the Class of 2014. I am sure that my colleagues and I will post some more reflections on the selection process in the coming days and weeks.
For now, though, it is a beautiful Friday afternoon in Hanover with students all over the Green enjoying the 75 degree weather - a welcome sign that spring is at hand. I wanted to share a cool Dartmouth moment I observed yesterday. As I walked out McNutt Hall at lunchtime, I saw a group of students tossing a football around the Green. Someone was ambling down the path and stopped to ask if he could throw a quick pass. It was none other than President Kim, in full jacket and tie, obviously on his way to a lunch meeting. He took the football, sent one of the students on a route, and uncorked a perfect spiral. He hit the student in stride at forty yards out and then continued on his way (to some applause from those who witnessed the throw). Now, it is true that President Kim was high school quarterback, so maybe the throw was not a big surprise. But, you have to admit it is still pretty cool.
A beautiful Dartmouth moment, and one those students will definitely talk about at a reunion in 50 years.
For now, though, it is a beautiful Friday afternoon in Hanover with students all over the Green enjoying the 75 degree weather - a welcome sign that spring is at hand. I wanted to share a cool Dartmouth moment I observed yesterday. As I walked out McNutt Hall at lunchtime, I saw a group of students tossing a football around the Green. Someone was ambling down the path and stopped to ask if he could throw a quick pass. It was none other than President Kim, in full jacket and tie, obviously on his way to a lunch meeting. He took the football, sent one of the students on a route, and uncorked a perfect spiral. He hit the student in stride at forty yards out and then continued on his way (to some applause from those who witnessed the throw). Now, it is true that President Kim was high school quarterback, so maybe the throw was not a big surprise. But, you have to admit it is still pretty cool.
A beautiful Dartmouth moment, and one those students will definitely talk about at a reunion in 50 years.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Here Comes April 1...
It's starting to feel a bit like spring. Yes, we have seen some beautiful weather over the last few days, but what really makes it feel like spring is that we are getting close to releasing decisions on April 1! (Admissions officers live by admissions "seasons" - not the weather.) Decision letters will be posted online at 5:00PM Eastern Time on Thursday, April 1. We are in the midst of our final stages of review right now: reading, re-reading, checking updated info, and engaging in our version of "committee" conversations this week.
I had the chance to participate in a different decision release process last week, as my partner is graduating from Dartmouth Medical School this year and just received her residency "match." For those who have family or friends who have gone through "The Match" you have an idea about what this annual day in March is like; for those who are unfamiliar with the process, here is a quick overview.
In your fourth year of medical school you decide what you would like to specialize in. You complete your applications and send them off to residency programs (maybe this is 10 programs, maybe if it's a highly selective specialty, you apply to 100.) The programs then extend interview offers to candidates. You interview with programs and then develop your rank list (programs you would be willing to attend, in order of preference.) The programs also rank candidates, and everyone sends these rank lists to a central system that creates a match for each candidate. (One match.) For the 2010 Match, fourth-year medical students gathered at different events and ceremonies on March 18 and received envelopes. At Dartmouth, this was a gathering at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, which kicked off with a slide show of pictures compiled by the fourth-year class, and then each member of the class was called up in random order and handed an envelope, which many opened on the spot - in front of classmates, faculty, family and friends - and read aloud their match.
Two things stood out in my mind as I watched this process unfold. First, I'm glad college admissions decisions aren't released this way; and second, there are so many people invested in the decision and path of each individual receiving an envelope. Classmates, friends, partners, parents, kids, family, mentors, faculty - all were invested in the contents of each envelope.
To all applicants awaiting decisions: I hope you will take some time to reflect again on what your hopes are for your college years (regardless of where you ultimately matriculate and before many of those admissions decisions come rolling in.) I also hope you will take a moment to think about all of the people in your life who are invested in your college process (and maybe take a moment to thank some of them, if you haven't already!) As with college admissions decisions, Match Day saw a wide range of emotions. Unlike college admissions, Match Day is the unveiling of one final match. Prospective '14s, the choice is ultimately yours at the end of this process. You decide, from among your options, where you will be headed next. I am very excited that for some of you, that will be Dartmouth.
I'm curious, what are your plans for opening and sharing that decision on April 1?
I had the chance to participate in a different decision release process last week, as my partner is graduating from Dartmouth Medical School this year and just received her residency "match." For those who have family or friends who have gone through "The Match" you have an idea about what this annual day in March is like; for those who are unfamiliar with the process, here is a quick overview.
In your fourth year of medical school you decide what you would like to specialize in. You complete your applications and send them off to residency programs (maybe this is 10 programs, maybe if it's a highly selective specialty, you apply to 100.) The programs then extend interview offers to candidates. You interview with programs and then develop your rank list (programs you would be willing to attend, in order of preference.) The programs also rank candidates, and everyone sends these rank lists to a central system that creates a match for each candidate. (One match.) For the 2010 Match, fourth-year medical students gathered at different events and ceremonies on March 18 and received envelopes. At Dartmouth, this was a gathering at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, which kicked off with a slide show of pictures compiled by the fourth-year class, and then each member of the class was called up in random order and handed an envelope, which many opened on the spot - in front of classmates, faculty, family and friends - and read aloud their match.
Two things stood out in my mind as I watched this process unfold. First, I'm glad college admissions decisions aren't released this way; and second, there are so many people invested in the decision and path of each individual receiving an envelope. Classmates, friends, partners, parents, kids, family, mentors, faculty - all were invested in the contents of each envelope.
To all applicants awaiting decisions: I hope you will take some time to reflect again on what your hopes are for your college years (regardless of where you ultimately matriculate and before many of those admissions decisions come rolling in.) I also hope you will take a moment to think about all of the people in your life who are invested in your college process (and maybe take a moment to thank some of them, if you haven't already!) As with college admissions decisions, Match Day saw a wide range of emotions. Unlike college admissions, Match Day is the unveiling of one final match. Prospective '14s, the choice is ultimately yours at the end of this process. You decide, from among your options, where you will be headed next. I am very excited that for some of you, that will be Dartmouth.
I'm curious, what are your plans for opening and sharing that decision on April 1?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Olympics! A mini photo essay from Whistler.
Last week, I took a short break from reading applications with the excuse, "My friends from Dartmouth are racing in the Olympics!" I gathered with other Dartmouth alums to watch Sara Studebaker '07 and Laura Spector '10 race in the women's 4x6km biathlon race. We also caught up with Ben Koons '08 and Tucker Murphy '06 (two more Dartmouth grads turned Olympic skiiers), who gave us a tour of the athlete village. Here are a few photos from our amazing trip:
(photo 1) Seven friends from Dartmouth met in Whistler. (2) The weather was awesome and we cheered loudly for Team USA in several skiing and biathlon events. (3) Canadian kids requested an autograph from Tucker Murphy '06. (4) We got all decked out for the biathlon relay. Go TEAM USA! And Dartmouth! (5) Sara Studebaker '07 shoots cleanly in leg one of the relay. (6) Post-race congrats to Sara!
We weren't the only Dartmouth fans at the Winter Olympics. We ran into bundles of friends that made the trip to Vancouver and Whistler to cheer on the 9 athletes from Dartmouth competing in the winter games. Two athletes from my class -- Gillian Apps '06 and Cherie Piper '06 -- took GOLD in women's ice hockey, and Andrew Weibrecht '09 skiied to a bronze medal in the men's super-G alpine race.
The whole trip a truly incredible experience. The pinnacle was watching Sara at the start of the women's biathlon race. Even thinking back on the moment gives me chills; it was such a magical experience to watch my friends and classmates compete in the Olympics.
P.S. If you want to read more about Dartmouth athletes in Vancouver, check out this link. Dartmouth has an impressive tradition with the Winter Olympics. Since 1924, Dartmouth athletes have appeared in the Winter Olympics 120 times--more than any other Ivy League school.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Check Out the LGBTQA Life Video Chat
Check out what two current students, Rigel '10 and Anna '13, have to say about LGBTQA life at Dartmouth. This is our first Dartmouth Life student chat - stay tuned for more topics! If you missed the chat when it was live or have questions about LGBTQA life for current students, you can send an email to gsx@dartmouth.edu (our student organization, Gender Sexuality XYZ).
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Recent Changes to Dartmouth Financial Aid
In a letter to the Dartmouth community this week, President Jim Yong Kim announced the implementation of a plan to close a $100 million dollar budget gap in the College's operating budget in the next two years. This plan includes some changes to Dartmouth's undergraduate financial aid policies. None of these changes will impact applicants (or Early Decision admits) to the Class of 2014. For prospective members of the Class of 2015 or future classes, here is a summary of the new policy:
What Has Not Changed
What Has Not Changed
- Dartmouth's commitment to being affordable and accessible to all students regardless of their family's financial circumstances
- Maintaining a need-blind admissions process, for all applicants regardless of citizenship, in which the anticipated or actual financial need of a candidate has no bearing on the admissions decision
- Meeting each student's full demonstrated need for all four years of college
- Full tuition grants and the no-loan program for students from households with annual incomes below $75,000
- Beginning with the Dartmouth Class of 2015 (whose members will enter Dartmouth in Fall 2011), the College will re-institute a small loan program for financial aid recipients from families which earn more than $75,000 in annual income. The loan amounts will range from $2500 - $5500 per year, depending on family income.
LGBTQA Life Discussion With Students
Two of our current students will be hosting a "Dartmouth Life" discussion about LGBTQA community, resources, and academics on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 EST. Join the conversation online.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Capacity for Self-Renewal
I didn’t make any resolutions at the start of 2010. It’s been a year of big changes and events for me – getting married tops the list – and I decided against trying to add anything else, but I’ve been thinking about my own capacity for self-renewal.
As a teacher and college counselor at Greenhills School, I found myself returning to the school’s mission statement frequently, particularly the last part: “[students]… whose lives have meaning, balance, and a capacity for self-renewal.” What an important thing for a school to aspire to nurture in its students (the more daunting part being, how do you do that?)
I find myself searching for signs of this in the applications I read, too. Driven, motivated individuals strive to pack their days. We squeeze ever last moment out of hour-23 and minute-52. There is pressure to adjust schedules to make room for just one more AP course. If you’re already president of two organizations (and captain of a team) how much difference could one more vice president post really make? (And it will look so good to those colleges and admissions officers, right?!)
Don’t get me wrong, we want to see students who seize opportunities and have an impact on their communities. We want to see that an applicant has elected an appropriately challenging set of courses and is willing to push some of his or her own intellectual boundaries and comfort zones. In my November 20 post, I listed five basic questions we ask when reviewing applications, one of them being, what choices has this student made?
Your choices are important to us. Your ability to balance that rigorous load is important, not simply with the aim of moving forward and adding more and more, but so that you can grow, impact others, and appreciate your accomplishments and activities. That capacity for self-renewal is critical, in my mind, but students don’t often let us know what that looks like for them.
This time of year – and this year in particular with Dartmouth’s new president, the events in Haiti, the economy and current political scene – I find the Dartmouth community examining its own capacity for self-renewal. We’ve been named one of the most enduring institutions in the world, and I also believe Dartmouth is a place that can realize tremendous growth over relatively brief periods of time, much of which is student initiated. Our MLK Day celebrations are an annual opportunity to take stock of where we are and where we aspire to be in the coming years (Dartmouth will turn 250 in 2019!)
The capacity for self-renewal allows for moments of reflection and renewed sense of purpose, and it can also provide the opportunity to re-commit ourselves to the values we hold most dear.
At its best, the application and admissions process can provide an opportunity to reflect back on your accomplishments, growth, and plans for the future. I hope you protect time in your busy schedules to actively reflect on your many endeavors and sustain and grow your own capacity for self-renewal. It will serve you well in college, and beyond. And I hope you will feel confident in sharing your decision-making process through your application materials and, perhaps, an interview. We value what you have chosen to take on, but we also value the process by which you arrived at a decision not to add something else to your plate.
I am interested to read how you maintain your own capacity for self-renewal (seriously, I’m taking suggestions.) Students, counselors, teachers, parents (and admissions colleagues) – what do you do?
My top seven from the last week or so:
I took my first run down the Dartmouth Skiway on Saturday at about 4PM. It was clear, crisp, and the light was beautiful on the trees and hills.
I re-discovered the great trail system that runs through the woods surrounding the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
I was thoroughly impressed by the MLK Celebration keynote speaker, Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, and the comments of Dartmouth’s own, Jessica Guthrie ’10.
I read a bit more about my grandfather’s vision for the role of university presses in the mid-twentieth century.
I cleaned my kitchen (truth be told, we ran out of both dishes and counter space).
I am inspired by The Rev. Nancy A. G. Vogele, Dartmouth Class of 1985, of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in White River Junction, VT. You can check out some of her sermons here.
I am enjoying Richard Russo’s “Bridge of Sighs”.
I had a great dinner with a couple of friends and colleagues.
As a teacher and college counselor at Greenhills School, I found myself returning to the school’s mission statement frequently, particularly the last part: “[students]… whose lives have meaning, balance, and a capacity for self-renewal.” What an important thing for a school to aspire to nurture in its students (the more daunting part being, how do you do that?)
I find myself searching for signs of this in the applications I read, too. Driven, motivated individuals strive to pack their days. We squeeze ever last moment out of hour-23 and minute-52. There is pressure to adjust schedules to make room for just one more AP course. If you’re already president of two organizations (and captain of a team) how much difference could one more vice president post really make? (And it will look so good to those colleges and admissions officers, right?!)
Don’t get me wrong, we want to see students who seize opportunities and have an impact on their communities. We want to see that an applicant has elected an appropriately challenging set of courses and is willing to push some of his or her own intellectual boundaries and comfort zones. In my November 20 post, I listed five basic questions we ask when reviewing applications, one of them being, what choices has this student made?
Your choices are important to us. Your ability to balance that rigorous load is important, not simply with the aim of moving forward and adding more and more, but so that you can grow, impact others, and appreciate your accomplishments and activities. That capacity for self-renewal is critical, in my mind, but students don’t often let us know what that looks like for them.
This time of year – and this year in particular with Dartmouth’s new president, the events in Haiti, the economy and current political scene – I find the Dartmouth community examining its own capacity for self-renewal. We’ve been named one of the most enduring institutions in the world, and I also believe Dartmouth is a place that can realize tremendous growth over relatively brief periods of time, much of which is student initiated. Our MLK Day celebrations are an annual opportunity to take stock of where we are and where we aspire to be in the coming years (Dartmouth will turn 250 in 2019!)
The capacity for self-renewal allows for moments of reflection and renewed sense of purpose, and it can also provide the opportunity to re-commit ourselves to the values we hold most dear.
At its best, the application and admissions process can provide an opportunity to reflect back on your accomplishments, growth, and plans for the future. I hope you protect time in your busy schedules to actively reflect on your many endeavors and sustain and grow your own capacity for self-renewal. It will serve you well in college, and beyond. And I hope you will feel confident in sharing your decision-making process through your application materials and, perhaps, an interview. We value what you have chosen to take on, but we also value the process by which you arrived at a decision not to add something else to your plate.
I am interested to read how you maintain your own capacity for self-renewal (seriously, I’m taking suggestions.) Students, counselors, teachers, parents (and admissions colleagues) – what do you do?
My top seven from the last week or so:
I took my first run down the Dartmouth Skiway on Saturday at about 4PM. It was clear, crisp, and the light was beautiful on the trees and hills.
I re-discovered the great trail system that runs through the woods surrounding the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
I was thoroughly impressed by the MLK Celebration keynote speaker, Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, and the comments of Dartmouth’s own, Jessica Guthrie ’10.
I read a bit more about my grandfather’s vision for the role of university presses in the mid-twentieth century.
I cleaned my kitchen (truth be told, we ran out of both dishes and counter space).
I am inspired by The Rev. Nancy A. G. Vogele, Dartmouth Class of 1985, of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in White River Junction, VT. You can check out some of her sermons here.
I am enjoying Richard Russo’s “Bridge of Sighs”.
I had a great dinner with a couple of friends and colleagues.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Online Discussion With President Kim: Mobilizing School Communities
I wanted to share this invitation to join in conversation with President Kim today at 5:30 EST. You can also learn more about last-minute financial aid advice in a chat today hosted by Admissions & Financial Aid at 6:15 EST.
Dear students across the nation,
Dr. Jim Yong Kim will be leading an online discussion on *Tuesday, January 26 at 5:30pm EST* on the national student response to the recent earthquake in Haiti.
To access the online discussion at 5:30pm EST, visit:
http://act.pih.org/jyk-students
As President of Dartmouth College and a co-founder of Partners In Health, Dr. Kim will speak about the earthquake, PIH's response, why national student solidarity is critical to the response, and how students from across the country can help.
The call is open to all students (graduate, undergraduate, high school, middle school, etc) who are interested in learning more about the situation and how to mobilize their school communities to respond to the earthquake in Haiti.
Dr. Kim will be speaking via an online video stream and taking live questions through the video player's chat feature. We will also be accepting questions by email up until the talk begins. To send your question in early, email sdhr@dartmouth.edu with the subject line "JYK TALK: Your name, your school"
For Jim Yong Kim's bio: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~president/bio/
In solidarity,
Frances Vernon
Dartmouth College, Student Body President
Peter Luckow
Northwestern University and GlobeMed National Office
David Gobaud
Stanford University, Student Body President
http://assu.stanford.edu/
Dear students across the nation,
Dr. Jim Yong Kim will be leading an online discussion on *Tuesday, January 26 at 5:30pm EST* on the national student response to the recent earthquake in Haiti.
To access the online discussion at 5:30pm EST, visit:
http://act.pih.org/jyk-students
As President of Dartmouth College and a co-founder of Partners In Health, Dr. Kim will speak about the earthquake, PIH's response, why national student solidarity is critical to the response, and how students from across the country can help.
The call is open to all students (graduate, undergraduate, high school, middle school, etc) who are interested in learning more about the situation and how to mobilize their school communities to respond to the earthquake in Haiti.
Dr. Kim will be speaking via an online video stream and taking live questions through the video player's chat feature. We will also be accepting questions by email up until the talk begins. To send your question in early, email sdhr@dartmouth.edu with the subject line "JYK TALK: Your name, your school"
For Jim Yong Kim's bio: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~president/bio/
In solidarity,
Frances Vernon
Dartmouth College, Student Body President
Peter Luckow
Northwestern University and GlobeMed National Office
David Gobaud
Stanford University, Student Body President
http://assu.stanford.edu/
Friday, January 22, 2010
MLK Celebrations: Dartmouth students rock my world
From January 16 - 29th, the whole Dartmouth community is engaged in our annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Events have included a lively concert with African-American Appalachian string-band The Carolina Chocolate Drops, the Keynote Address by law professor Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, and countless films, dinners, presentations, and discussions. The two events that most impressed me were completely student organized: the Student Conference on Global Learning, and the student performance showcase "Lifted."
The Student Conference on Global Learning featured Dartmouth students who recently pursued international internships and projects, thanks to Dartmouth's unique calendar -- the D-Plan. From researching AIDS in Vietnam, to volunteering in Cameroon, to interning with the World Health Organization in Geneva, to interviewing Iraqi refugees in Syria... (and so much more!), Dartmouth students have stretched themselves during their terms away from Hanover, and this week reflected upon their experiences. Read their presentation abstracts here. I am amazed and inspired just by browsing the summaries!
LIFTED: A Celebration of Unity and Song, the culmination of our MLK celebration, is a dinner, fundraiser, dance show, and community party all rolled into one. Students have teamed up to bring together high-energy performances from hip-hop dancers in Sheba, slam poets in Soul Scribes, rock band Occam's Razor, and more -- plus food from local favorite restaurants Gusanoz, The Orient, and Jewel of India.
One of the best parts of my job in Admissions is staying connected with students and seeing the amazing work they are doing -- across the globe and here in Hanover. This week has been a beautiful example of that, combined with a wonderful celebration of MLK's legacy.
The Student Conference on Global Learning featured Dartmouth students who recently pursued international internships and projects, thanks to Dartmouth's unique calendar -- the D-Plan. From researching AIDS in Vietnam, to volunteering in Cameroon, to interning with the World Health Organization in Geneva, to interviewing Iraqi refugees in Syria... (and so much more!), Dartmouth students have stretched themselves during their terms away from Hanover, and this week reflected upon their experiences. Read their presentation abstracts here. I am amazed and inspired just by browsing the summaries!
LIFTED: A Celebration of Unity and Song, the culmination of our MLK celebration, is a dinner, fundraiser, dance show, and community party all rolled into one. Students have teamed up to bring together high-energy performances from hip-hop dancers in Sheba, slam poets in Soul Scribes, rock band Occam's Razor, and more -- plus food from local favorite restaurants Gusanoz, The Orient, and Jewel of India.
One of the best parts of my job in Admissions is staying connected with students and seeing the amazing work they are doing -- across the globe and here in Hanover. This week has been a beautiful example of that, combined with a wonderful celebration of MLK's legacy.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Are we admitting applicants or applications?
Earlier this week our staff had a lively discussion with President Kim. He brought up this question about admissions in general and I thought I'd pose it to you.
Have you asked yourself this question before? How valid is the premise that an application is actually representative of an applicant? How can black-and-white forms capture a person's potential?
This question is not just for college admissions, but also for job hiring and other selection processes.
Grades, rank, and curriculum are solid measures of academic performance and potential. However, a liberal arts education is so much more than this. Accordingly, our decisions are based on far more information about the range of qualities you bring to our community. We're looking for intellectual inquiry, passion, leadership, talents, sense of humor, compassion, creativity, and much more. How can the entirety of the application accurately reflect all these more difficult-to-measure qualities?
Recommendations can be tremendously helpful. The Peer Evaluation similarly reveals intangible qualities. The Personal Statement shows us your life beyond grades and scores. But are we not still simply admitting the collection of words that have been ascribed to you?
What do you think? Are we admitting the applicant or the application? Is there a better process? What would the alternative look like?
Have you asked yourself this question before? How valid is the premise that an application is actually representative of an applicant? How can black-and-white forms capture a person's potential?
This question is not just for college admissions, but also for job hiring and other selection processes.
Grades, rank, and curriculum are solid measures of academic performance and potential. However, a liberal arts education is so much more than this. Accordingly, our decisions are based on far more information about the range of qualities you bring to our community. We're looking for intellectual inquiry, passion, leadership, talents, sense of humor, compassion, creativity, and much more. How can the entirety of the application accurately reflect all these more difficult-to-measure qualities?
Recommendations can be tremendously helpful. The Peer Evaluation similarly reveals intangible qualities. The Personal Statement shows us your life beyond grades and scores. But are we not still simply admitting the collection of words that have been ascribed to you?
What do you think? Are we admitting the applicant or the application? Is there a better process? What would the alternative look like?
Update: Dartmouth's Relief Efforts in Haiti
President Kim sent out a late afternoon e-mail regarding the status of our ongoing efforts to support the relief efforts in Haiti:
January 19, 2010
To the Dartmouth community:
Since last week's earthquake in Haiti, I have been astounded by our community's rapid response to this tragedy. Dartmouth people have come together, and they have reached out to their own networks. The result has been an outpouring of support from students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends.
A team of nine doctors and nurses from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is already on the ground providing direct care to earthquake victims at a Partners in Health (PIH) hospital in Hinche, Haiti. Another plane carrying 3,000 pounds of supplies landed in Port au Prince yesterday, and a second team of DHMC medical personnel departed from Lebanon, N.H., at 1 p.m. today. I am deeply grateful to these volunteers and the Dartmouth alumni and parents who provided the air transportation.
Dartmouth students have quickly mobilized, demonstrating that the world's troubles are their troubles. Through their organization, Students at Dartmouth for Haiti Relief (SDHR), they have raised more than $46,000 to date and are developing a long-term educational effort. Their vision is now serving as a national model, as students at other colleges and universities organize their own responses. I am so proud to see what our students are achieving through compassion, intellect, and hard work.
I have often commented on the unique spirit of collaboration at Dartmouth. Now, we are seeing how much we can accomplish by working together. While many other organizations are still trying to set relief efforts in motion, the alliance between Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Medical School, DHMC, and PIH has enabled us to quickly get help to where it is most needed. Regular updates on Dartmouth's response will be posted at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~news/features/haiti/index.html
Many of you have given to relief agencies, including PIH http://act.pih.org/page/outreach/view/haitiearthquake/DHR . I thank you for demonstrating such generosity even as we address financial challenges here in Hanover.
Through next week, Dartmouth is celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1963, King wrote that, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Our response to Haiti is focused on disaster relief, but we're also working to build social justice for a country that has been allowed to suffer without it for too long.
Sincerely,
President Jim Yong Kim
January 19, 2010
To the Dartmouth community:
Since last week's earthquake in Haiti, I have been astounded by our community's rapid response to this tragedy. Dartmouth people have come together, and they have reached out to their own networks. The result has been an outpouring of support from students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends.
A team of nine doctors and nurses from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is already on the ground providing direct care to earthquake victims at a Partners in Health (PIH) hospital in Hinche, Haiti. Another plane carrying 3,000 pounds of supplies landed in Port au Prince yesterday, and a second team of DHMC medical personnel departed from Lebanon, N.H., at 1 p.m. today. I am deeply grateful to these volunteers and the Dartmouth alumni and parents who provided the air transportation.
Dartmouth students have quickly mobilized, demonstrating that the world's troubles are their troubles. Through their organization, Students at Dartmouth for Haiti Relief (SDHR), they have raised more than $46,000 to date and are developing a long-term educational effort. Their vision is now serving as a national model, as students at other colleges and universities organize their own responses. I am so proud to see what our students are achieving through compassion, intellect, and hard work.
I have often commented on the unique spirit of collaboration at Dartmouth. Now, we are seeing how much we can accomplish by working together. While many other organizations are still trying to set relief efforts in motion, the alliance between Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Medical School, DHMC, and PIH has enabled us to quickly get help to where it is most needed. Regular updates on Dartmouth's response will be posted at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~news/features/haiti/index.html
Many of you have given to relief agencies, including PIH http://act.pih.org/page/outreach/view/haitiearthquake/DHR . I thank you for demonstrating such generosity even as we address financial challenges here in Hanover.
Through next week, Dartmouth is celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1963, King wrote that, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Our response to Haiti is focused on disaster relief, but we're also working to build social justice for a country that has been allowed to suffer without it for too long.
Sincerely,
President Jim Yong Kim
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Engineering at Dartmouth: Some Frequently Asked Questions
Note: To begin what we hope will become a semi-regular feature on this blog, we invited Professor Erland Schulson of the Thayer School of Engineering to answer some frequently asked questions about studying engineering at Dartmouth. In the future, we hope to have similar guest posts from faculty and staff representing various areas of the college. If there are academic or extracurricular topics you would enjoy reading more about on this blog, please leave a comment on this post with your suggestions. -Brian
------------------------------------------
Guest Post by Professor Erland Schulson
Char, Engineering Sciences Department
Erland.Schulson@Dartmouth.edu
Dartmouth and the Thayer School of Engineering believe that nothing should stand in the way of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. That’s why you won’t find departments at Thayer, and you won’t be limited to a single area of engineering. Instead, you’ll study Engineering Sciences. You’ll master broad principles you can apply in all areas of engineering as you solve real-world problems. You’ll explore a variety of disciplines before delving into a specialty of your choice.
1) How is the undergraduate program structured in the absence of engineering departments?
A single department brings together faculty with expertise in a range of engineering and science disciplines. Students are mentored by teachers who are not only experts in one or more fields but also generalists who can envision solutions that cut across traditional disciplines.
During the A.B. program, core engineering courses give students tools that are applicable to all fields while electives allow the student to investigate a field of choice.
At the heart of the undergraduate curriculum is systems analysis. Not mechanical systems or electrical systems or thermal systems. Systems. Students apply equations for lumped, discrete, and distributed systems to engineering problems from all fields.
In our “Introduction to Engineering” course, you’ll team with other students to meet a real-life challenge, such as devising a way to conserve energy, easing life for people with physical disabilities, or helping children learn. In our core courses you’ll master principles you can apply to all areas of engineering. You’ll delve into various fields — biomedical, materials science, and mechanical, to name a few.
2) I do want to work in a specific area within engineering. Is it possible to prepare for such a career at Dartmouth?
Absolutely. At Dartmouth you can select a concentration in a particular area of engineering. This coursework focus, combined with projects and/or internships in a particular field, prepares students well for launching careers in a variety of traditional engineering disciplines.
3) The A.B. degree in Engineering Sciences does not lead to professional licensure as an Engineer. What educational and career paths do students pursue with an A.B. degree?
Approximately three-quarters of engineering majors acquire Dartmouth’s professional B.E. degree, and most of the rest go into a variety of full-time employment. Opportunities for A.B.-only graduates include:
· Lab technician
· Computer design and analysis
· Technical sales, marketing, and public relations
· Financial consulting
· Technical writing
· Science and technology public policy
Of course many students also go on to Master’s and Ph.D. programs, not only in engineering but also in other fields such as medicine, business, and law.
4) What areas of concentration are available through the B.E. degree option?
Although engineering at Dartmouth is cross-disciplinary, students can also pursue interests in traditional engineering fields. Engineering sciences majors who plan to pursue the B.E. program work with faculty advisors to develop the best programs. The sample programs accessed through the list below show the typical foundation and advanced courses for specific engineering fields.
Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
5) How does Thayer's approach enhance the engineering student experience at Dartmouth?
Most engineering schools advocate interdisciplinary thinking while still requiring a commitment to a specific discipline. Climb into the box first, they say, then think outside it. For Dartmouth engineers, the box does not exist.
You'll learn engineering by solving real engineering problems. Even in your initial courses, you'll be inventing things and analyzing problems using tools common to all engineering disciplines.
At Dartmouth—the smallest school in the Ivy League—you'll also experience unparalleled personal attention within a close-knit, collaborative community.
And because engineering at Dartmouth is part of the liberal arts, you'll gain the skills and knowledge that distinguish Dartmouth engineers as a breed apart. You'll know how to communicate. You'll know how to see the big picture . And, most importantly, you’ll learn how to work with people to get the job done.
------------------------------------------
Guest Post by Professor Erland Schulson
Char, Engineering Sciences Department
Erland.Schulson@Dartmouth.edu
Dartmouth and the Thayer School of Engineering believe that nothing should stand in the way of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. That’s why you won’t find departments at Thayer, and you won’t be limited to a single area of engineering. Instead, you’ll study Engineering Sciences. You’ll master broad principles you can apply in all areas of engineering as you solve real-world problems. You’ll explore a variety of disciplines before delving into a specialty of your choice.
1) How is the undergraduate program structured in the absence of engineering departments?
A single department brings together faculty with expertise in a range of engineering and science disciplines. Students are mentored by teachers who are not only experts in one or more fields but also generalists who can envision solutions that cut across traditional disciplines.
During the A.B. program, core engineering courses give students tools that are applicable to all fields while electives allow the student to investigate a field of choice.
At the heart of the undergraduate curriculum is systems analysis. Not mechanical systems or electrical systems or thermal systems. Systems. Students apply equations for lumped, discrete, and distributed systems to engineering problems from all fields.
In our “Introduction to Engineering” course, you’ll team with other students to meet a real-life challenge, such as devising a way to conserve energy, easing life for people with physical disabilities, or helping children learn. In our core courses you’ll master principles you can apply to all areas of engineering. You’ll delve into various fields — biomedical, materials science, and mechanical, to name a few.
2) I do want to work in a specific area within engineering. Is it possible to prepare for such a career at Dartmouth?
Absolutely. At Dartmouth you can select a concentration in a particular area of engineering. This coursework focus, combined with projects and/or internships in a particular field, prepares students well for launching careers in a variety of traditional engineering disciplines.
3) The A.B. degree in Engineering Sciences does not lead to professional licensure as an Engineer. What educational and career paths do students pursue with an A.B. degree?
Approximately three-quarters of engineering majors acquire Dartmouth’s professional B.E. degree, and most of the rest go into a variety of full-time employment. Opportunities for A.B.-only graduates include:
· Lab technician
· Computer design and analysis
· Technical sales, marketing, and public relations
· Financial consulting
· Technical writing
· Science and technology public policy
Of course many students also go on to Master’s and Ph.D. programs, not only in engineering but also in other fields such as medicine, business, and law.
4) What areas of concentration are available through the B.E. degree option?
Although engineering at Dartmouth is cross-disciplinary, students can also pursue interests in traditional engineering fields. Engineering sciences majors who plan to pursue the B.E. program work with faculty advisors to develop the best programs. The sample programs accessed through the list below show the typical foundation and advanced courses for specific engineering fields.
Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
5) How does Thayer's approach enhance the engineering student experience at Dartmouth?
Most engineering schools advocate interdisciplinary thinking while still requiring a commitment to a specific discipline. Climb into the box first, they say, then think outside it. For Dartmouth engineers, the box does not exist.
You'll learn engineering by solving real engineering problems. Even in your initial courses, you'll be inventing things and analyzing problems using tools common to all engineering disciplines.
At Dartmouth—the smallest school in the Ivy League—you'll also experience unparalleled personal attention within a close-knit, collaborative community.
And because engineering at Dartmouth is part of the liberal arts, you'll gain the skills and knowledge that distinguish Dartmouth engineers as a breed apart. You'll know how to communicate. You'll know how to see the big picture . And, most importantly, you’ll learn how to work with people to get the job done.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Dartmouth's Response to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster
As the world continues to learn the extent of the devastation in Haiti following this week's earthquake near Port-au-Prince, the Dartmouth community is mobilizing to provide financial and medical assistance. Here is a bulletin to the Dartmouth community from President Jim Yong Kim, sent yesterday evening:
To the Dartmouth Community:
Reports on the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince this week reveal the devastating extent of the damage and loss of life. At Dartmouth, we share the grief of Haitians and are mobilizing to assist in the relief effort.
As you may know, over 20 years ago I co-founded Partners in Health (PIH), the nonprofit medical relief organization that operates in several countries. My colleagues on the ground tell me that earthquake victims are streaming into PIH clinics in Haiti, which are located in rural areas that sustained less damage. Author Tracy Kidder wrote in The New York Times today that, "As a result of this calamity, Partners in Health probably just became the largest health care provider still standing in all Haiti."
Many of you have asked how you can help. The urgent need is financial support. I encourage you to donate to organizations that you know will make immediate use of your dollars for earthquake relief. I especially encourage you to consider a donation to Partners In Health, https://donate.pih.org/page/contribute/haiti_earthquake . While there are a number of organizations involved in the response, I guarantee that your donation to PIH will go directly to relief efforts. If possible, we ask that you use your Dartmouth email address when making contributions to show our community's support for the Haitian people.
The greatest threat to Haiti now is a delayed response from people and organizations of goodwill. Dartmouth is in a unique position to help, due to our close relationship with PIH and our expertise in emergency planning. The New England Center for Emergency Preparedness, which operates out of Dartmouth Medical School and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), has been working to improve emergency response in the Upper Valley since 1999.
Dr. John Butterly of DHMC is managing Dartmouth's efforts to send medical supplies and a team of physicians, nurses, and critical care personnel to work with PIH in Haiti as a first line of response. There are major transportation and logistical issues related to providing direct aid. While raising monetary aid is imperative, if you believe you have specific expertise, skills, or access to resources that would be helpful, please email dartmouth.haiti.response@dartmouth.edu.
In addition, students across the institution are organizing to raise funds and awareness. I encourage students to attend an open meeting in Alumni Hall on Sunday, January 17, at 6:30 p.m., and to email students.for.haiti@dartmouth.edu with questions or ideas.
These are difficult financial times at Dartmouth, and we cannot lose our focus on the work ahead of us. However, moments like these are rare and challenge us to show our compassion for those who are facing unspeakable tragedy and desperation.
As John Sloan Dickey said, the world's troubles are our troubles and right now, Haiti's troubles are as horrific as anything I have witnessed. Let's show the world that Dartmouth will step up when people are truly in need.
Sincerely,
Jim Yong Kim
To the Dartmouth Community:
Reports on the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince this week reveal the devastating extent of the damage and loss of life. At Dartmouth, we share the grief of Haitians and are mobilizing to assist in the relief effort.
As you may know, over 20 years ago I co-founded Partners in Health (PIH), the nonprofit medical relief organization that operates in several countries. My colleagues on the ground tell me that earthquake victims are streaming into PIH clinics in Haiti, which are located in rural areas that sustained less damage. Author Tracy Kidder wrote in The New York Times today that, "As a result of this calamity, Partners in Health probably just became the largest health care provider still standing in all Haiti."
Many of you have asked how you can help. The urgent need is financial support. I encourage you to donate to organizations that you know will make immediate use of your dollars for earthquake relief. I especially encourage you to consider a donation to Partners In Health, https://donate.pih.org/page/contribute/haiti_earthquake . While there are a number of organizations involved in the response, I guarantee that your donation to PIH will go directly to relief efforts. If possible, we ask that you use your Dartmouth email address when making contributions to show our community's support for the Haitian people.
The greatest threat to Haiti now is a delayed response from people and organizations of goodwill. Dartmouth is in a unique position to help, due to our close relationship with PIH and our expertise in emergency planning. The New England Center for Emergency Preparedness, which operates out of Dartmouth Medical School and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), has been working to improve emergency response in the Upper Valley since 1999.
Dr. John Butterly of DHMC is managing Dartmouth's efforts to send medical supplies and a team of physicians, nurses, and critical care personnel to work with PIH in Haiti as a first line of response. There are major transportation and logistical issues related to providing direct aid. While raising monetary aid is imperative, if you believe you have specific expertise, skills, or access to resources that would be helpful, please email dartmouth.haiti.response@dartmouth.edu.
In addition, students across the institution are organizing to raise funds and awareness. I encourage students to attend an open meeting in Alumni Hall on Sunday, January 17, at 6:30 p.m., and to email students.for.haiti@dartmouth.edu with questions or ideas.
These are difficult financial times at Dartmouth, and we cannot lose our focus on the work ahead of us. However, moments like these are rare and challenge us to show our compassion for those who are facing unspeakable tragedy and desperation.
As John Sloan Dickey said, the world's troubles are our troubles and right now, Haiti's troubles are as horrific as anything I have witnessed. Let's show the world that Dartmouth will step up when people are truly in need.
Sincerely,
Jim Yong Kim
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
