Anonymous wrote:Dartmouth's trimester system is far less stressful than at other schools because Dartmouth students take just 3 courses per trimester.

Yes in the sense that it's 'only' 3 classes. But the amount of hours of instruction, labs, etc etc do add up to being the same as the schools that do 4 classes. But yes - less cognitive switching.

Anonymous wrote:Quarters are tough academically - there is literally no downtime, since a 9-week quarter of 4 classes includes, per class: 1-2 midterms, a final paper or exam, quizzes and homework... so they are always studying for something. It was easier when the quarters were 11 weeks, but at Chicago they have been shortened to 9 weeks. I wish my kids had time to just hang out in the grill and be carefree and not focused and directed.

9 weeks of classes followed by a review period and then exam week at U Chicago. Best system ever in order for students to remain engaged and busy.

I went to a college that was on the quarter system. I loved it. Other than after my freshman year, I stayed at school for the summers so it didn’t matter at all.

Dartmouth's trimester system is far less stressful than at other schools because Dartmouth students take just 3 courses per trimester.

It's so interesting what parents on this forum choose to fixate on (that your kid is going to college a bit later than their friends . . . the HORROR?!)

My DS is at Dartmouth, and a few thoughts here:
1) Unlike some of the posters here who feel like there's a binary answer to everything, the quarter system has its pros and cons. For my kid, it's been great. If you prefer less cognitive switching, and being able to take a wider range of classes (and be able to do things like double majors or modified majors like Dartmouth has), it's ideal. Yes it's extremely fast paced and you have to manage your time well.
2) It's a myth that kids on quarter system are boxed out of banking internships (whoever wrote that here about Stanford has no clue).
3) Every school has a different schedule. Michigan gets out in Apr, some schools get out in May, many quarter system schools get out in June. Kids are going to be home at different times from their friends, but they will always overlap at some point. Get over it. They do.
4) Dartmouth is unusual in this regard, but they finish their first term at Thanksgiving and then don't have to go back until Jan. It's glorious and I can assure you that the kids love it. They are done with exams and can go home and enjoy their Thanksgiving without knowing you have to turn around and head back in a few days. Their friends are always home for Thanksgiving, and most of them head back afterward, but then they start trickling back home within a couple weeks later.
5) Dartmouth has a sophomore summer. It's idyllic and amazing. They have the whole school to themselves, and kids try things they didn't before. It does make junior year fragmented, as they have to take a different term off. But many kids take the winter term off. So you get to experience a gorgeous summer and avoid a winter.
6) Not having to go back until Sept also opens up August. Kids will finish their internships by early Aug and have a whole month to chill/travel, etc.

At HYP and probably other schools there is “reading week” between end of classes and start of finals. Basically a week to study. At Stanford there is no such thing.

Quarters are tough academically - there is literally no downtime, since a 9-week quarter of 4 classes includes, per class: 1-2 midterms, a final paper or exam, quizzes and homework... so they are always studying for something. It was easier when the quarters were 11 weeks, but at Chicago they have been shortened to 9 weeks. I wish my kids had time to just hang out in the grill and be carefree and not focused and directed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The bigger issue seems to be the later start to summer break on quarter systems. Most internships have begun by June when classes end on the quarter system.

Is that really a problem? My organization doesn't hire undergrad interns, but we do have law clerks. It's no problem at all if one needs to start late and end late.

many banks have actual programs. the class comes in for orientation/training then moves into positions. they can't come in waves, that's not how they work.

+1. My kid went to Stanford (quarter system) and couldn’t be considered for some internships at banks because they were inflexible on the start date.

Anonymous wrote:Enjoy that month! Mine went back early to get a start on the internship they are doing this sweater! Wish I still had them another 3 weeks. I had a whole honey do list with them plus wanted to go to some concerts and theater and baking etc etc.

+1 Enjoy the time! My kid is applying to almost all quarter-system colleges. His HS has a schedule that's a little odd (starts in early-mid Aug; out beginning of May) and is already planning his 4.5 month break next summer.

*not to mention Stanford, which is also on the quarter system!