Dartmouth College's scenic 269-acre campus is the perfect setting for an academic environment that puts an "emphasis on pursuing passions, and making the college experience your own." With over 40 academic departments and programs, undergraduates are encouraged to explore their interests before declaring or even designing a major. The academics are certainly competitive, but students report that "no one really talks about their grades openly" and it's "generally understood that everyone is smart." The professors at Dartmouth exceed student expectations both in the classroom and outside of it. As one student explains, "Dartmouth puts a huge focus on the undergraduate students, and I have found my professors to be available and engaging in nearly every instance." Another student agrees, saying, "I came to Dartmouth for the professors, [and] they were far beyond anything I could have hoped for. Not only are they great lecturers and accomplished scholars, [but] they go out of their way to be available outside of the classroom, and to forge relationships beyond what is expected or necessary." Classes are described as challenging-in a good way, with an emphasis on being "discussion based and...small." This is a school "known for its community and intelligent students and faculty, who are also personable and know how to have fun."