<p>While you certainly can make up for those scores (which are by no means bad) with a spectactular essay or incredible reccomendations, admission will still be very difficult at Dartmouth, Amherst and Cornell. Schools like those are inundated with applicants who have great EC's (like you) but also have 1500+ SAT1 scores and 700+ SATII's. It's nothing that's "wrong" with your application, it's just that top tier schools have soooo many qualified applicants and therefore have to split hairs in admissions. Brenner is also right in saying that being white and from NY doesn't help. That being said, you have shown a passion for your intended major and if you can stand out in your essays or recs, who knows. Anyway, good luck dude.</p>