<p>I REALLY want to go to Dartmouth, but I don't think I have the stats.
My GPA is 94.5 or 95 depending on my grades this semester (for you 4 point scale school students 95 is not that high). I have not taken my tests either, but I think I will do okay. I have good ECs, and I am thinking about applying ED. But, if, in my interview, I show that I really want to go to Dartmouth, that, if accepted, I would really appreciate it, that I would be dedicated, and that I would work hard, could I get in. I would also show those things in my essays. Could wanting to go to the school and dedication in an interview make a significant difference in acceptance? Can an okay student get into Dartmouth because of those things in an interview?</p>
<p>what state are you from?</p>
<p>Illinois (north shore of chicago)</p>
<p>As an interviewer I know for a fact that interviews count for next to nothing. The admissions office hopes that interviewers will convey a love of Dartmouth to students so that IF the ADMISSIONJ office decides they want the student, there will already be a nice connection and the student will be more inclined to choose Dartmouth. Interviews do not help you get in. I haven't even seen evidence that a bad one can keep you out.</p>
<p>what about essays?</p>
<p>Essays can really make your application stand out against other applicants with similar stats and ECs. </p>
<p>I've heard stories of people with sub-par stats writing five page essays (completely ignoring the 500 word suggested length) about their life and why they want to go to Dartmouth. That's not to say that you should go ahead and write a five page essay too. These people had really compelling reasons that couldn't be explained in 500 words. </p>
<p>I'd suggest you look at Harry Bauld's book, "On Writing the College Application Essay." It's a classic.</p>