Dickinson College (D'son)

As a historic liberal arts college dating back to 1783, Dickinson College “does a great job at working to expose you to as much as possible” and helping students to “discover their interests.” The “very interdisciplinary” environment challenges students to “think critically” and consider “alternative points of view,” which, as one enrollee notes, has “been transformative in my worldview.... I feel like I’ve become a better writer, communicator, and person.” The “very hands-on and interactive” curriculum means that most students complete either an internship or externship or take a research, service-learning, or fieldexperience class. One student describes their multi-year internship working with a psychology professor as the “highlight of my experience” at Dickinson. Dickinson also offers “extensive study abroad opportunities,” which 63 percent of students participate in. In terms of classroom dynamics, students say Dickinson is a “very healthy environment with excellent professors” who “expect high-quality effort and everyday attendance and engagement.” In return, students receive “actual helpful feedback” and feel challenged by “interesting topics that push us to think out of the box.” Ultimately, students applaud the school’s strong, “personalized approach to education.”

The “passionate, empathetic, and curious” students at Dickinson “care a lot about the world (globally and domestically) and are in large part motivated by...want[ing] to make the world a better place,” which can be seen across a “campus that focuses on human rights and the environment.” This also produces a driven population, as “it seems like everybody has something that makes them want to get out of bed in the morning.” While some have noticed a “slight social divide” between athletes and non-athletes, others say “artistic individuals are friends with athletes on campus and vice versa.” Overall, “You don’t need to be a specific type of person to succeed here,” and “everyone here encourages you to try again instead of putting you down.” Moreover, “each person at this institution has their own unique perspective and is not afraid to share what it is.” The school attracts “a lot of people who are bold [and] outspoken.” In this overall positive and supportive environment, students “find ways to comfortably discuss uncomfortable topics” and “appreciate meaningful conversations with one another.”

Dickinson’s campus features a number of unique facilities and resources, including a makerspace with craft supplies, and an outdoor-gear–loaning program. There’s also the Dickinson farm, which supplies organic produce to the local community and dining hall, helping to provide a range of food options. (There’s also a weekly farmer’s market and “a lot of very good, student-affordable restaurants within walking distance.”) There’s “a big emphasis on school spirit,” and students “are big on attending sports games.” Another popular activity among this well-rounded student body is attending the Clarke Forum lectures, which host guest speakers, including renowned scholars and celebrated authors. While “some people party,” it’s overall “not a party school” and “drinking is not an expectation,” especially with so many other on-campus activities, as well as shopping and movies in the town of Carlisle. Students appreciate the “lively and diverse” music scene that includes a cappella groups, the student-run radio station, and “band performances almost every weekend.” And when it comes to keeping busy, they point to how “MOB—our student planning committee—often throws amazing concerts and events,” including “a winter carnival with indoor obstacle courses.”

Dickinson’s Advising, Internships & Career Center (AICC) provides personalized support and development through academic advising, internships, externships, and student and alumni career services. Before first-year students set foot on campus, AICC begins the advising and career support process, with phone calls from faculty members helping students select their first semester classes. Students can use the Center’s detailed Four-Year Pathways success guides to point them in the right direction for resources at each stage of their education. They can also attend a series of career development events during Internship Search Week, ending in the five-hour Resume Rush. Workshops, networking opportunities, alumni career chats, one-on-one consultations, and more are designed to equip students with the tools they need for success as students and as graduates. Payscale.com says that Dickinson graduates earn a median career starting salary of $65,500, and 45 percent derive a high level of meaning from their job.