What Should I Know About Universities in New Hampshire?

I'm starting to think about where I'd want to go for college, and I'm considering some universities in New Hampshire. I'm curious about the vibe there and how those colleges are viewed academically. Do they have good programs, especially for someone interested in sciences? I'd also like to know what student life is like and if there's a strong sense of community. Any tips from people who go or went to school in New Hampshire would be awesome!

New Hampshire has some reputable universities with strong programs, particularly in the sciences. The two most notable universities here are Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

Dartmouth College, a member of the elite Ivy League, is known for its diligent focus on undergraduate education and strong science programs. You could expect a rigorous academic experience, with numerous research opportunities. Keep in mind, that Dartmouth's Quarter System means shorter, intense terms, which some students find challenging but also invigorating.

UNH, on the other hand, is a larger public institution known for its marine and space sciences among other STEM programs. It provides more choices in terms of majors and clubs due to its larger size. While it doesn’t have the Ivy prestige, it's still nationally recognized for the quality of its education.

When it comes to student life, they both offer a variety of clubs and organizations. Dartmouth has a well-renowned outdoors program, and the Dartmouth Outing Club is the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the country; so if you love nature, you're in for a treat. Meanwhile, UNH, being larger, has a broad spectrum of clubs, Greek life, and Division I athletics.

In terms of community, Dartmouth, being smaller and more isolated, tends to foster a tight-knit community where you'll likely get to know a lot of your classmates well. UNH has a larger student body, so you have more chances to meet people with all sorts of backgrounds and interests, but it may not feel as intimate.

Both Dartmouth and UNH are located in quintessential New England towns, providing a unique experience with tons of outdoor activities available like hiking and skiing. Hanover (where Dartmouth is located) and Durham (home to UNH) provide that classic small-town university feel.

The choice between them (or other colleges in New Hampshire) would largely depend on the type of environment and college experience you're looking for. Visit both if you can! It's the best way to get a feel for a school's unique vibe, and it could help you figure out if one of them is right for you.