Dartmouth Early Decision Class of 2021

Hello Everyone! Thought I start an ED thread for Dartmouth since I haven’t seen one up yet. Please ask all of your questions here. It will be helpful to all of us thinking of applying to Dartmouth as our ED.

I was wondering one thing.
How long have you guys known Dartmouth was “the one”. Did you know since you were a 5 year old, this past summer, yesterday, or are you still undecided?

I decided to apply ED to Dartmouth this past summer. I wanted to ask whether or not the interview can make or break some srudents’ verdict. If so, I’d really appreciate tips about how I could do a great interview.

@INeedFinAid Have a read here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/admissions-hindsight-lessons-learned/246098-the-thread-for-college-interviews.html

Basically unless you do poorly, it will have likely no affect whatsoever. If you do great, it will have likely no affect whatsoever.

FYI @INeedFinAid my son was never offered an interview and was accepted.

@CCswami I was deciding between Dartmouth and Duke for ED but after visiting Dartmouth this summer, I’m going to apply dartmouth!!!

I’m applying to Dartmouth ED! Have you guys completed your supplements yet?

Not yet…still editing common app

Yeah I’m applying ED. not done with app

Which supplement questions are you guys planning on doing?

I finished my supplement but not common app. The supplements seemed to write themselves but I’m struggling to write a common app essay

@INeedFinAid, the interview serves two purposes for the school, typically. It’s a good way of keeping alumni involved, and it’s a good way of assessing whether or not the prospective student is committed, professional and has social sense.

If you really make an impression, a good letter written on your behalf will certainly help (to what extent, no one knows). Basically, if someone who attended the school gives you a glowing recommendation, the school knows you can a) cut it there and b) would contribute something special on campus/fill an important niche.

for the school I am applying to, there is someone else in my school that is applying as well that has a similar profile as me. we both play the same instrument, similar gpa, similar extracurriculars…etc. do you guys know if that will be a hindrance to my application?

@greenalltheway yes, you are essentially competing with him for your place.

^^ I have to disagree. This is a somewhat different scenario, but the same year that my son was accepted to Dartmouth, a fellow student from his high school class was accepted as well, and both now attend. The other person was a recruited athlete, so Dartmouth knew he was attending well before my son applied RD, yet they still accepted 2 students from the same obscure high school in the same year. I do not think that colleges directly compare students, head to head, just because they are from the same school. Rather I think that each person is evaluated independently, based on their own merit and what they potentially bring to their entering class.

@greenalltheway, Dartmouth has stated that their consideration of each student is individual (ie not affected by the performance of students attending the same school who have also submitted an application). The only way location will factor into your admissions decision is when they consider whether you come from an underserved area (think rural Mississippi or the hills of Nevada).

Anyone know if interviews can be scheduled before the November 1 deadline?

@Erikj28 It’s possible but not highly likely. It’s up to the individual area coordinators. You should also know that the vast majority of applicants never get interviewed due to the # of available interview slots. Among the Ivies, D has one of the lower interview rates. Thus, don’t freak if you’re not offered one.

I am applying to Dartmouth Early Decision (obviously my application will be turned in soon). I just wanted to know if any of you could tell me if you think I have a chance at being accepted.
-I have shown a lot of interest in the school (visited and attended information sessions in my area over 4+ times)
-4.2 GPA
-top 6th percent in my class
-taking all AP courses since junior year of high school
-I play piano (competitively), sing, and act for 8+ years

  • have participated in 3 high school varsity sports
    -competitive horseback rider- I am very interested in joining Dartmouth’s equestrian team (if accepted)
    -member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and hold leadership roles in various clubs at school e.g. Student Council, Spanish Club, etc.
    -and not sure if it helps but I am a minority (referring to my ethnicity)
    -my letters of rec will be great
    -the only MAJOR problem with my application is my ACT score which is a 24. According to my college counselor, there was most probably a scoring issue- but assuming that a 24 is my actual score, do I still have a chance at Dartmouth? Dartmouth is my dream school and I will be crushed if not accepted! So if i don’t have a chance, I just wanted to save myself the heartache by the time December comes!

Any feedback is much appreciated.

Are you retaking your ACT? Have
you taken the SAT?