ED vs. RD???

<p>Could anyone please comment as to ED vs. RD? This is the one school that I really want. Statistically speaking, it seems that I would have more of a chance just according to pure numbers by applying ED. On the other hand, I am concerned that if I was not accepted ED then I would be automatically rejected with no second chance for RD. Is it true that you have to have stellar stats (like Harvard) to get accepted ED? Also, if I apply RD, then it seems like I have no mathematical chance. SAT's are 2240 with 800 Crit. Rdg. and 1500 in just Crit. & Math, 750 on Chem SAT II. Other SAT II's to be taken in October. Rank about 6 or 7 out of 280 - any consideration given to a very smart class??? Also, is it immaterial that I am Puerto Rican (my dad is native Puerto Rican born and brought up in Puerto Rico - J.D. from Univ. of Puerto Rico Law School). My mom is not PR. I really need good advice on what to do as I don't want to make a mistake that will cost me Dartmouth admission. Thanks in advance for any advice.</p>

<p>Mel - chill!</p>

<p>I think, and someone will probably correct me if I am wrong, that Dartmouth is not one of the schools that gives a big ED boost, there is a small ED boost, but not enough to be certain that the statistic is not skewed by the presence of large numbers of athletes, and some legacies in the pool. Last year, among the college confidential kids at least, there seemed to be a definite edge to having high SAT scores (1500+ and/or 1 subsection 800) in the ED pool, HOWEVER, I do not recall any athletes posting.</p>

<p>Having said all that, I'm a little confused about what your SATs are, but I think if I am interpreting them correctly, you have an excellent chance at admission, RD or ED. If Dartmouth is your first choice in Oct, and you are not concerned about the impact on financial aid - apply ED and have a great spring.</p>

<p>I would say apply ED would be a slight advantage in the end, I would go for it if Dartmouth is your first choice.</p>

<p>If you know, as I did, that Dartmouth is 'your' school, go ED. </p>

<p>It was wonderful to have it out of the way. By my senior year I knew that Dartmouth was the only school I could really see myself living and learning. Through my junior year I was still considering Yale and Swarthmore, but by summer I knew it was absolutely going to be Dartmouth so I applied ed.</p>

<p>Mel, you said "This is the one school that I really want."</p>

<p>If that is true, there should be no question: apply ed. There may be a slightly better chance of acceptance, generically (unless you are an athlete, legacy, URM), but I believe for those who "really" want to go to Dartmouth it will come through in the application/essay/rec's and you have a very good shot at being accepted in the ed pool.</p>

<p>If Puerto Rican is considered to be a 'URM' you have a GREAT shot.</p>

<p>Your SAT looks good...how are the EC's?</p>

<p>Puerto Ricans are URMs, so you have a great shot. If you are not hooked, as you are, ED will not help much. With a 1500, you had a good shot anyway, as a URM, you're golden.</p>