couple of quick ??? about admissions

<p>Couple of quick questions about my possible chances of getting into Dartmouth:</p>

<p>If I have a 740v 680m 770w new sat (1420 with just v and m) is that low? Is it out of the question?</p>

<p>If my math sat is low and my one A- sophomore year (the rest were real As) and one B junior year (the rest were all As except for an A- in AP english and Honors French) would that be okay if I plan to stay as far away from math in terms of majors as I can. My writing is high and I will take 2 years of AP english and a year of journalism.</p>

<p>If most of my ecs concern tennis (varsity team, work at tennis club, teach tennis camp, volunteer at tennis camp, play at tennis camp/lessons, play tournaments) but I seriously doubt I would make the team at Dartmouth since I'm not especially talented but just love to play, would it be bad to focus my essay on this?</p>

<p>How much does the peer part of the application factor in? I've never seen anything like that. It's pretty cool and a really good indicator of character, but I'm not really sure who I might ask (a best friend, or a really good friend who can write well...:)) </p>

<p>Any opinion is appreciated (unless it is negative) Just kidding I want to hear it if you think I'm wasting my time thinking about Dartmouth :) Thanks</p>

<p>1420 isn't dismal...far from it in fact. But if you have the time and are willing to expend the energy, take it again after you've studied some more and maybe had another year of school. My math score went up more than 100 points after taking pre-calculus my junior year. Go figure. (P.S. I have no idea how they're going to use the writing score, so I can't give you any advice on that.)</p>

<p>I had one B (maybe two) and I still got in. My overall GPA (weighted) was something like 4.4.</p>

<p>Write about what you know and write about what you love. It's not your tennis skill that will make your essay stand out -- writing has a funny way of being a lot more amazing when the author is passionate about the subject. (P.S. Personally I think that the tennis thing has a lot of potential as an essay.)</p>

<p>I don't even remember if I even turned in the peer thing. I doubt it factors very much. But hey, it can only help you, right?</p>

<p>You're not wasting your time, especially if you love the place. And if you REALLY love the place, your chances would be even better if you applied Early Decision. Just a thought.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>When I looked back over my application, it occurred to me that my peer evaluation was my strongest point, other than perhaps my scores. Dartmouth was one of the few colleges I applied to that asked for it, and so I ended up getting into Dartmouth only. I was particularly bad at making my essays become "personal" statements, and my peer evaluation showed things about my I would know how to say.</p>

<p>Since you've spent so much time with tennis and obviously love it, you certainly could use it for an essay - perhaps as a showcase for a personal quality you'd like them to see. I'd go with the "good friend - good writer" for your peer essay. Someone who can write well is more likely to communicate your strengths in an essay. Pick someone who is NOT applying to Dartmouth. ;)</p>

<p>I wouldn't say wasting your time, but you should be aware that the 1420 is significantly below average. If you have a chance to take again, I would.</p>

<p>Ace,</p>

<p>As others have said, 1420 is on the low side; without some kind of pop or fizzle you should be shooting for the average which is upper 14's. </p>

<p>As to the essay, how fascinating would you find an essay about, say, wrestling? I'm sure a great writer could pull it off with ease...how well do you write?</p>

<p>You--anyone--need a personality to tack on to that application: someone they'll remember after they put your application down and move on to the next app.</p>

<p>I would definitely apply...if you really like Dartmouth--like I do.</p>

<p>Re-take the SAT I and you'll improve your chances.</p>

<p>A killer peer rec probably wouldn't hurt either.</p>