Yo, I've gotten pretty interested in Dartmouth because of its strong sense of community, focus on undergraduates, and rural setting. However, I'm aware that Dartmouth is very selective, so are there other schools that have a similar emphasis on undergrad teaching and similar vibe, but might be a bit easier to get into?
Sure, there are indeed many colleges that emphasize undergraduate teaching, have strong communities, and are located in rural settings, similar to Dartmouth. Here are just a few examples:
1. Williams College: Williams is a standout liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts, known for its dedication to undergraduate teaching via its student-faculty ratio of 7:1. It's set in a rural part of New England, just like Dartmouth, making it an ideal place for those who love the outdoors.
2. Bowdoin College: Located in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin offers an intimate learning environment with a focus on undergraduate studies. Though a bit more suburban, Bowdoin still has plenty of natural surroundings to explore.
3. Middlebury College: Middlebury, in Vermont, provides not only robust undergraduate instruction but also an array of outdoor activities, owing to its location in the beautiful Green Mountains.
4. Colgate University: Based in Hamilton, New York, Colgate offers rigorous academics and a tight-knit community in a rural setting.
While all the colleges mentioned are also somewhat selective, their acceptance rates are generally higher than Dartmouth's, so they might serve as solid 'target' or 'reach' schools. That being said, it's essential to consider factors beyond academics and setting when deciding where to apply - such as campus culture, diversity, student body size, and available majors. Remember to thoroughly research each institution to determine if they'd be a good fit for your personal academic and extracurricular interests.
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