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Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, is one of the Ivy League schools that is both known for its academic challenge and admired for its sense of community and breathtaking beauty, in the sense that it is a small, tight-knit campus with small student-to-faculty ratios that is not too isolated. Suppose you're interested in an elite school but also want a school with decades of accumulated tradition and a progressive approach to education. In that case, Dartmouth may be the right place for you. Dartmouth is for students who want to balance a challenging academic atmosphere and a select family of friends.

How Dartmouth Works

Unlike many Ivies operating on semesters, Dartmouth works on a quarter system. That enables students to take more subjects in a year and offers more scheduling freedom. The college is known for its focus on undergraduate instruction, with professors often teaching undergraduate courses so experts in their field can teach students. The compact campus creates a community feeling, and there is a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams to get involved in outside the classroom.

Pros of Dartmouth

Small Class Sizes: With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 7:1, Dartmouth students enjoy better access to professors and more meaningful academic experiences.

Mighty Alumni Network: The Dartmouth alum network is considered one of the strongest in the world, which may open doors for internships, jobs, and mentorships in your field.

Possibilities for Research: It's a liberal arts college, but students at Dartmouth will find many opportunities for undergraduate research in fields like engineering, the sciences, and even business.

Beautiful Campus and Environment: Located in the picturesque Upper Valley of New Hampshire, Dartmouth's natural beauty is second to none -- a true paradise for lovers of the outdoors with hiking, skiing, and more at your doorstep.

Community: The small size of the college means that students can get to know one another, creating friendships and partnerships.

Cons of Dartmouth

Location: Gorgeous for outdoorsy types, but it can be out of the way for some students. Hanover is a small town with fewer nightlife and culture options than a city.

Hard Winters: New Hampshire weather can be tough; long, harsh winters aren't for everyone. Snowstorms and yawn-inducing cold can be challenging.

Cost: Its tuition is high, as many Ivy League schools do. With financial aid, the price generally proves burdensome for some families, particularly in the context of the cost of living in the area.

Mothballed Campus: As small as the campus may be, it brings out the community. The school couldn't be any more stressful. This is not as positive for those who enjoy a more collaborative or relaxed academic culture.

Graduate Programs are Limited. Dartmouth is predominantly an undergraduate institution, and although it has several excellent graduate programs, the school might not offer as many graduate programs as other Ivies.