Chances of Getting into Dartmouth! Please!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>DISCLAIMER/INTRO: Ok FIRST off, I know Dartmouth is a reach school. I just really like the school, and although I feel I have a slim chance of getting in, maybe someone can tell me differently. </p>

<p>GPA: 3.93 (as of now, could go up by end of 1st semester) weighted
Rank: 42 out of 319 (so freaking close to top 10%, but alas it is top 12%)
SAT: 1950
ACT: 29 (writing high: 9)
SAT 2 Subject tests: got a 570 and 590 on the ones I took, not terribly good but am taking them again in a couple weeks.
ACTIVITIES, etc. : I did varsity ski racing in my freshman year, have played in the Jazz Band for 3 years, and have played in the school concert and symphonic bands for 3 years together. I am also a part of the History National Honors Society, and potentially regular NHS this year as well (waiting to get response). I have done multiple community services through the years (sou kitchens, volunteer for school, at a rec department, etc.). I had a summer job working 40 hours a week, and work sporadically at my dad's lawn management company throughout the year as well for all 4 years. I skied on a mountain ski team for 3 years separate from the school one I did freshman year. I also dog sat for a neighbor last year, and may do it again this year depending on their schedule. I have taken saxophone lessons 3 years and piano lessons since elementary school. Even took guitar lessons last year and will probably do it again this year.
CLASSES Taken: I only took level 2 classes in freshman year because I was forced to in a Catholic school I was originally forced to go to. I switched back to public sophomore year and have been there since. All my classes have been honors or AP. I took AP english last year and got a 4 on the exam, and am taking AP Government and Politics, Ap Economics, and AP Statistics this year.
ESSAY and Recommendations: I have a strong college essay (got glowing review from two "pro" college essay correctors), and although I haven't seen my recommendations, I have no doubt that both teachers gave me great reviews. My guidance counselor also had a long talk with me so I expect hers will be great as well.</p>

<p>CLOSING: So what do you think? I know my test scores are lower than ideal, but they are so close to the middle 50% and I just don;t know if I can bear taking another standardized test (I have taken 5 already). And my rank is just so close to top 10%, although I amy be able to move it up by end of 1st semester. Sometimes these admissions are flukey and they may see something special in me or my essay? I don't know for sure though. But what do you think? Thanks for the time and effort, I really appreciate it!</p>

<p>Additional Notes: GPA is based on 5 point scale (A+ in an AP class gets 5.0, A in AP gets 4.67, A+ in Honors gets 4.67, A in honors gets 4.33, etc.) I emailed a Dartmouth admissions officer and she said that the 12% vs. 10% wouldnt make a difference for me, and that the test scores are not necessarily the main thing they consider. She said its different for each student. If anyone has any questions on specific classes I took just ask. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I think you answered all of your own questions! :)</p>

3

<p>Do I have a fighting chance though? I feel like the competition is so fierce that it all comes down to whether nor not the admissions officers are having bad days or not :/</p>

4

<p>I think you have a pretty strong application, especially if you stand out in your essays! You certainly have a chance, I can’t imagine the admission officers just throwing out your application because of a (comparatively) slightly low SAT/GPA. Good luck!!</p>

5

<p>You will certainly have a chance just based on the fact that you are applying, however at a school like Dartmouth where the best of the best are applying, you are going to have a pretty hard time! However, shining through in your essays and having glowing recs will definitely help your chances! Best of luck from a fellow prosp-y</p>

6

<p>Thanks so much, I think I may go for it just to see what happens. I know I have tough competition, but hey, maybe I will get extraordinarily lucky!</p>

7

<p>Your standardized test scores are WAY below what you need to have a decent chance at D, unless you are a recruited athlete in a helmet sport. I’m sure you are a great guy. I’m sure you can get into a school that will be lucky to have you, and that you will enjoy. I just think it unlikely that it will be Dartmouth.</p>

<p>I think that you should apply to D as a reach, if you wish, but concentrate on putting together a good list of schools that appeal to you and includes at least 2 safeties and a number of matches.</p>

8

<p>I completely agree with you Consolation. I suppose I should have listed my other colleges! But I have fits like Colgate, Hamilton, and GW, and safeties like UVM and Umass Amherst. So no worries there, I just really like the area Dartmouth is in and the sound of the campus. Although I know it is difficult, it just sounds more welcoming and less cut-throat than bigger more pretentious ivy league schools. </p>

<p>On another note, I know my test scores are a weakness…I did look it up on Naviance and it said the bottom of the middle 50th percentile was around something like 2010 or 2030. So I am quite close in that respect, but not quite there. I emailed the school and they stressed how they weigh certain parts of the application more than others for each student. Regardless of this ideology, I know higher scores would be a great asset, but I am not sure I can stand taking another test. To be honest, I have taken 5 already and am quite tired of them!</p>