<p>My daughter has Dartmouth as her first choice but did not apply early decision. She is #1 in her class out of about 165. She is 16 as she skipped a grade. Her SAT scores are 2190. She has taken two subject tests not sure what subjects but both were in high 700's. She is taking the math one tomorrow (her weakness). She is involved in alot of extra curriculars such as Cheerleading (4 years, 3 years captain), President of Student Congress, President of National Honor Society, President of Stand (a group), was president of Prom committee Junior year, member of interact, student mentor, on yearbook staff, volunteered for four years as assistant cheerleading coach for pee-wee cheerleading. She has taken the ACT's and awaiting scores. First generation college student with income <70,000. Does she have a chance? Thanks for your replys.</p>
<p>IMO, they will look for evidence a 16 y.o. is ready for the full college experience- academic AND social. Hopefully, her reccs will include mention of her maturity.<br>
Somehow, in her essays and how she phrases ECs, she needs to get past the age. Any non-school-related activities? Music, church work, volunteering, job, competitions, etc?</p>
<p>Very mature she will be 17 in January so for those of her peers whose birthday is in September she is only 4 months younger. Her teachers all comment on how mature and responsible she is and socially she is great. I listed all her extra curriculars and the volunteering for cheerleading and interact are outside of school. She also has worked at a local ice cream shop for the last three years. Several schools that she has had interviews at were very impressed with the way she handled the interviews but I know Dartmouth is a reach. I am hoping for her though!</p>
<p>Definitely include the job- it doesn’t mater that it’s an ice cream shop, but that she managed that responsibility and for so long. One thing missing is harder vol work- the sort that takes her out of her comfort zone. So, see what you can make of the mentoring- or any challenges involved with the peewees. Also, how she led as president (nothing overbearing, just the very few words that can show this was more than calling a meeting to order.) I suspect the adcoms will note the grade skip and the maturity and be happy.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. Interact is heavily involved with lots of volunteering. She may be going to El Salvador in February to build a home with them. She also has volunteered in church at Sunday School and when my dad and mom have put on church suppers she has volunteered and helped with those. She has done alot and I guess I just have a hard time remembering it all. I have four girls and trying to remember it all gets a little confusing at times!</p>
<p>My 2 D kept forgetting what they had done, so I made the master list- everything, including the church suppers or giving tours at school. (I taped it on a wall and one of us would remember bits at odd hours and just add them.) Then, when they filled out the CA, they grabbed that list and made their own sense out of it. Interact sounds good; seems she has what she needs. El Salvador can be included as a prospective trip. Good luck.</p>
<p>Sure, she certainly has a real chance!</p>