Colleges in Hanover: Options and Tips?

Hello! I'm considering attending college in Hanover. Can anyone provide information on colleges in the area and any tips for making the best choice based on academics, campus life, and extracurricular opportunities?

Hi there! Hanover is a small town in New Hampshire, primarily known for housing Dartmouth College, a prestigious Ivy League institution. Since you're considering colleges in Hanover, I'll focus on Dartmouth, as it's the most prominent school in the area.

Dartmouth College: As a member of the Ivy League, Dartmouth is known for its rigorous academics and strong programs across various disciplines. It's especially renowned for its programs in economics, government, engineering, and liberal arts. Dartmouth follows a unique quarter system (D-Plan) which offers flexibility in terms of course selection and the option to take time off for internships or other opportunities.

Campus life: Dartmouth has a tight-knit community due to its small size (undergraduate enrollment around 4,500) and rural setting. The campus is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, which provides a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and canoeing. The college boasts a strong Greek life scene, with around 50% of students participating in fraternities and sororities. Additionally, there are numerous clubs, organizations, and intramural sports available for students to get involved in. Keep in mind that the nightlife and entertainment options in the surrounding area can be limited, as Hanover is a small town.

Extracurricular opportunities: Dartmouth offers over 350 student-run clubs and organizations, so you'll definitely find something that suits your interests. In addition to Greek life and intramural sports, there are options for volunteering, entrepreneurship, arts, and cultural organizations. Dartmouth is known for its commitment to undergraduate research, with numerous opportunities across many fields for students to gain hands-on experience and work closely with faculty.

Tips for making the best choice: When comparing colleges in Hanover, consider the factors that are important to you and your academic interests. If you value a small, tight-knit community with rigorous academics and outdoor recreational activities, Dartmouth might be an excellent fit. In addition, explore the unique D-Plan to understand whether it aligns with your preferences and goals.

Given that Dartmouth is the primary college in Hanover, If you're also open to exploring nearby areas in New Hampshire or neighboring states, schools like the University of New Hampshire, Middlebury College (in Vermont), and Colby College (in Maine) might be worth checking out.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if a college is the right fit for you is to visit (if possible), engage with current students, and research the institution's core values, programs, and extracurricular offerings. This will provide you with a comprehensive view of what attending college in Hanover might be like. Good luck!