<p>I really want to go to Dartmouth, so I'd appreciate any/all realistic appraisals of my chances of getting accepted to Dartmouth. Stats? Well, let's see. </p>
<p>SAT Subject Tests:
Math Level 1 - 750
Math Level 2 - 740 (retaking)
Chemistry - 760
Literature - 650 (retaking)</p>
<p>AP Examinations: </p>
<p>Calculus BC - 3 (5 AB subscore) <em>note: I only took calc AB at school...</em>
Computer Science A - 3 (self-study)
English Literature - 4 (self study)
English Language - 5 (self-study)
Chemistry - 5
Statistics - 5 </p>
<p>Extra-curriculars/unique stuff: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>I write 3D video games (math/computer science intense) and am completely self taught. </p></li>
<li><p>I learned classical/electric guitar completely on my own to the point where I've played professionally. </p></li>
<li><p>I write short stories and poetry for fun. Not professional quality, but I do have an interest in it. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>...and that's a wrap. So, how are my chances? Would they be improved with better SATI/SATII?</p>
<p>unweighted gpa is way low. your SATs are excellent, though. i think it's a big reach for you, but you gotta market yourself well in your application.</p>
<p>i got into dartmouth with a 2120 on my SATs, 700 on my math SATII and 740 on my lit SATII. I had some unique interests that i stressed in my application (and a really bizarre essay) that i was genuinely passionate about. you sound like you're in the same boat, so you just need to know how to package yourself correctly. i was third in my class, though, but there were only 60 kids. unweighted GPA of 3.9.</p>
<p>I think that you are focusing too much on your SATII scores. Your 740 in Math is good enough. Don't retake it: you might do less well and then you WILL look bad. Your Chem score is also fine. They are only going to look at your top 2. A 740 and a 760 are no barrier to acceptance. If they have any concerns about your ability in English, they should be allayed by your SATI scores and your AP scores.</p>
<p>You've done enough standardized testing. Your scores are fine. The worst thing you can do IMHO is present yourself as one of those internationals who thinks that getting into top US schools is all about test scores, just like it is back home in Korea or wherever. (I know you aren't Korean, but you know what I mean.)</p>
<p>Now you need to concentrate on two things: getting your GPA/class rank higher if possible, and presenting yourself as an interesting person who would be an addition to the student body. Your accomplishments--writing computer games, creative writing, and guitar--sound interesting to me. Try submitting some of your writing for publication. Also, make sure that you find a friend who will write a GOOD peer recommendation for you. By good, I mean something that presents you as an individual, preferably as an individual who has a positive effect on other people, not a recitation of test scores and all that stuff. Showing some involvement in your community would be helpful also.</p>
<p>Note: From what you said I assumed that you were an international, but I just realized that you didn't actually say you were...and you say you are in NH (duh!)...are you at a boarding school, or an immigrant? Nevertheless, advice still applies.</p>