Hello everyone. I am currently a community college (CC) student whom resides in Minnesota whose hope is to transfer to Dartmouth in fall of 2015. At CC, I am a Mathematics major, and by the time I am finish, I will have taken Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. (In my free time, I study quantum physics, the theory of interest (I want to become an Actuary), and modern algebra using books and online lectures provided by MIT, UC-Berkeley, Yale, and Harvard.) I would also like to note, when I finish (granted I continue to get all A’s), I will have either a 3.87 cumulative GPA or slightly higher. I plan to apply to Dartmouth soon with a 3.84 cumulative GPA and 4.0 technical GPA, do I have a chance at being accepted? Moreover, can anyone tell me about Dartmouth’s math department (and if they have an actuarial program)? (I will appreciate any help given.)
I should mention that I have ADHD, and there is well-documented statistical evidence suggesting persons with the aforementioned disability only have a 5 percent change of an undergraduate degree; obviously, I will be an exception. Would mentioning the adversity I face because of my disability help my chances of acceptance?
Thank you.
Note: I did receive a letter in the mail from the University of Columbia - School of General Studies (without requesting it).
First, your GPA is solid. That’s a good place to start.
Second, a lot of people have ADHD. I’m not sure where you got that 5% statistic, but it doesn’t sound accurate.
I’m not trying to downplay the rigors of ADHD – I also have ADHD, and I know it is a significant obstacle. But that alone is not going to win you many points with admissions. If you can write a great essay about adversity related to disability (a great topic if done right), then you have something to work with. But because of the number of ADHD diagnoses they are going to see as applicants, it better be a unique spin.
I would recommend applying to multiple schools, not just dartmouth. Also, why Dartmouth? If you don’t know about their math program (your intended major) it doesn’t sound like you know much at all (please feel free to prove me wrong).
I will respond to the rest of your message later, right now I need to study Laplace Transforms… Yes I agree, Dartmouth does not rank highly in Mathematics, however, they do produce a lot of fortune 500 CEOs.