Small Classes, Big Rewards in Science, Support and Self-Discovery
Student Snapshot: Sofia Taroncher ’28
“I fell in love with the campus, small class sizes and people I met ... It felt like Dickinson was committed to me and my unique experiences." Meet Sofia Taroncher '28.
Hometown:
Philadelphia, Pa.
High School:
Central High School.
Majors:
Data analytics and chemistry.
Clubs and organizations:
Liberty Cap Society (tour guides), Delta Nu, Club Badminton and Club Volleyball.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Dean’s List, Academic Merit Scholarship and Engagement Award.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
The best thing about my Dickinson experience so far has been meeting lifelong friends. Everyone I’ve met at Dickinson, whether during Orientation or through one of my classes, is unique—Dickinson truly brings together a melting pot of people, ideas, hobbies and passions. I often find myself having long, in-depth conversations with my friends about our days, classes, lives and everything in between.
Another highlight is my professors. I have always felt very supported in my classes. The professors (even those who do not teach me directly) are incredibly willing to help whenever I need assistance with a problem set, choosing classes or getting feedback. The attention professors give to students made my transition into college coursework much more manageable.
Best thing about my major:
The best thing about my major is the small lab sizes. This allows me to have unparalleled access to my lab professor. The close relationships I was able to foster with my lab professors allowed me to fully understand the complexities of each procedure and why each step was being completed.
Why I chose Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because I fell in love with the campus, small class sizes and the people I met during Accepted Students’ Weekend. The staff and faculty were extremely welcoming and passionate about Dickinson, and it rubbed off on me. Another major deciding factor was the generous scholarship Dickinson offered me made the decision to attend Dickinson a no-brainer, because it felt like Dickinson was extremely committed to me and my unique experiences.
Favorite class:
My BIO 132 class with Mike Somers, associate professor of biology, went to the College Farm to collect environmental samples and analyze the diversity of yeast in the farm environment. This was my first exposure to hands-on field experience and to the processes of collecting, processing and analyzing samples.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
The most important thing I have learned at Dickinson is to embrace all the opportunities and experiences that going to a small liberal-arts college can give you. You can truly make the Dickinson experience unique and fine-tuned to your interests and goals.
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Published November 7, 2025