could you chance me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>Hi I'm currently a junior and I'd really like to go to Dartmouth. I plan to raise all of my scores and GPA by the time I apply senior year, but currently my scores are as follows:
SAT: 660 Math
680 Critical Reading
660 English</p>

<p>ACT: 30 (composite score)</p>

<p>My GPA is currently about 3.9 unweighted. My goal is to get at least a 1420 with combined math/critical reading and a 32 on the ACT.</p>

<p>For extracurriculars (so far):
- 3 years varsity cross country (academic All-State this year)
- 2 years varsity track
- Junior class student council president
- 3 years school orchestra (two yrs. "varsity")
- Volunteering at my local School for the Blind
- Leading and organizing annual Spring Break service trips to Zimbabwe (this will be my second year doing this and we have undertaken major successful humanitarian efforts for schoolchildren in need and raised about $20,000 in the process)
- Conservation Club, Timmy Foundation Club (philanthropic club)
- National Honors Society
- Captain of my intramural basketball team</p>

<p>So I know that I have pretty low scores/GPA but my GPA has steadily increased since freshman year so I believe that will look good and I plan to take both major tests a few more times. Do you think I'd be able to get in by the time I apply?</p>

2

<p>fist off, your GPA is not low and is in fine range for Dartmouth. You do, however, need to get your SAT scores up by at least 100-150 points. Also, are you taking the most challenging courses that your school is offering?
While your ec’s are good, there are no standout awards or accomplishments. Would y9ou be recruited for track or xc? that would definitely help your chances. Still, it’s a reach</p>

3

<p>The link below provides test score information on page 3. Look at the Admits numbers to get a better idea of where you stand relative to the median.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.dartmouth.edu/~oir/pdfs/admissions_10.pdf[/url]”>This Page Has Moved;

4

<p>duplicate post.</p>

5

<p>really? What would you consider standout? I know I don’t have a lot of academic accomplishments, but what about the international humanitarian trips that I lead? Don’t want to seem too supercilious but I consider that pretty stand-outish…also I’m president of my class? Sorry I know I seem full of myself but I just want to make sure I’m getting the best criticism that I can get</p>

6

<p>The biggest thing you need to understand is that at this level of school, improvement is not what it’s about. Dartmouth must turn down the vast majority of students that have consistently high grades and scores.</p>

7

<p>Your GPA is subpar and your standardized tests are way below average. In terms of ECs, I applaud you for your work, and I’m sure that it will be a fine point of talk over admins, but at Dartmouth, I’ve met many people who were class presidents and started their own humanitarian fundraisers. Ultimately, you should really stop stressing. Just take life as it comes, and I really must say (from experience) that majority of your peers really know zip about your chances. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

8

<p>I am a senior this year, and I am very glad to be reaching the end of the admissions process. However, you say that you would ‘really like’ to go to Dartmouth. A year ago, I really wanted to go to Stanford. I was rejected, early action, and it totally crushed me. I realized that I had fallen in love with the school, but I simply wasn’t qualified. </p>

<p>My advice to you, if I could do the entire thing again: </p>

<p>1) Find 8-10 colleges/universities that you ‘really like.’ </p>

<p>Make plans for success at each one. Look into honors colleges/programs at state universities. You don’t want to go through what I just went through. Don’t be caught, mid-December, searching for Ivies you like and schools that might actually admit you. The more the merrier! Get to know these institutions. You can narrow your list next year. </p>

<p>…and, I would not worry about name.</p>

<p>2) Read “Debt-Free U.” </p>

<p>It’s an excellent book. The author debunks so many university myths, it’s just crazy. He shows you how to achieve the results and success you desire, from any college. I wish I had read it last year.</p>

<p>3) Most of all, enjoy high school.</p>

<p>I wasted so much time worrying over what Stanford would want to see, I lost sight of the fun in high school. You’ll be fine. You’re a driven, smart, and diverse person. </p>

<p>After Stanford, I never dreamed I would even be considered at Dartmouth. I counted on instant rejection. My interview for Dartmouth is next week. </p>

<p>Best of luck :)</p>