<p>I was recommended to this school by a college coach (not a sport's coach, a coach that offers advice on college application and admissions and colleges in general). Upon receiving their packet a few days alter (kind of eerie actually) I instantly knew that I would pick those school above any others.</p>
<p>Now, I know that the admissions process is lengthy, difficult, and for me it's rather depressing (the depressing part primarily being the acceptance rate).</p>
<p>After reading some of the posts on here it seems that the essays are the most important factor in whether or not you are accepted. That a clear and deep thought process is the biggest factor that DS considers.</p>
<p>If anyone has any advice to offer me to try to help me in my application I would be extremely grateful.</p>
<p>I get extremely self-conscious when I'm trying to do something that I know must meet a high standard so I'm probably going to try to get help from whomever I can.</p>
<p>I worry that I'll write the essay's in an unacceptable format or that I'll misinterpret a question and answer it in some ridiculous manner.</p>
<p>Anyay, thank you for bothering to read this and I wish everyone who wishes to apply this year good luck.</p>
<p>Kind of intimidating to see so many talented people applying for DS, especially from looking at the people from 04 and 05, but I'm going to apply no matter what because it's the Dream College I've been wanting. I'm really excited about DS, and I wish everyone good luck on their long essays.</p>
<p>I know exactly what you mean midwisdom. My GPA is relatively terrible so I sometimes wonder if there really is even a chance of my acceptance.</p>
<p>I'm just hoping that I can write some amazing essays the demonstrate why I belong there.</p>
<p>Again, it's not the end of the world if I don't get in, but I know that I'd be really dissappointed even though it's unlikely I'll get in in the first place.</p>
<p>Wow, what a coincidence jbyrnes. I think we're in the same boat, since my GPA isn't all that flashy either. Haha, right now I'm kind of betting on my essays too, and they're really giving me a hard time. Anyways, I hope we can both get in and hopefully meet each other. Let's see if we can both make it.</p>
<p>It's starting to look like this year's applicants are going to be indolent quipsters...I fear that I'm also in the same boat--betting on my SAT scores and essays.</p>
<p>Wow. I never thought that more people interested in DS would post. NICE. Let's keep updating each other how we do along the way. So how did the October SATs go for you guys?</p>
<p>dude-who else is hella feaking out about the deadline? If someone else will just tell me that they have almost-but not quite-finished the essays yet, it would def make my next few days a whole lot calmer...if not, I'll scrap it and just go to Amherst</p>
<p>okay, I've almost but not quite finished my essay.
I was lucky my AP english class requires a new critical paper each week---I just chose my best.</p>
<p>Boyfleur, I'm definitely in your boat. I've probably spent 50 hours on these things, but they're nowhere near ready to be sent off to the desert. The only thing that gives me hope is that they take between 11-15 per year, and last year they took 11....</p>
<p>Also, is the 15th a postmark or received deadline?</p>
<p>Nov 15th is postmark date.
And i cannot wrap my mind around working on an essay, even a 1000-1500 word essay, for 50 hours. Are we rounding (way, way) up? Or does everyone else have a long, complex editing process?</p>
<p>The time you're spending is well worth it. The essays can, and often do, make or break an application. And if you make it to the second round, chances are quite high that you'll be asked to defend or elaborate on your essays when you have your interview with ApCom. The more genuine thought you invest in what you write, the better off you'll be in the later stages.</p>
<p>Well, I didn't go to school this week due to the fact that I felt I needed to <em>ahem</em> work on my essays. Shouldn't be that big of a deal, but I hope I'm not chastigated too terribly. I just entirely scrapped my 2nd essay for a different one. Oh well, it looks as though I won't be going to school next week (at least not until Thursday that is) either.</p>
<p>yah, skipped b-ball practice and going out thurs and friday 2 redo my topic #2 AGAIN (there's a very fine line between articulating "passion" and "doushe-ery" i'm finding)...hella hope i get in tho, just 2 save face at this point, cause right now all my friends think ima loser....</p>
<p>midwisdom, I didn't spend a ton of time on my essays either... In fact, I basically wrote them over this past 3-day weekend. They're not bad, but not great either. I just want to make it to the second round, and I'll be content.</p>
<p>I was thinking of creating a google group for those who are applying to DS. What does everybody here think? Would you guys all join? This way we can all track our progress, etc.</p>
<p>I am going to mail my stuff off tomorrow. Which service did you guys all use? I'm thinking about using UPS.</p>
<p>BTW, rejoyce, how did you take a week and a half off of school?</p>
<p>I wandered off into the wilderness without telling anyone.
I don't think that it matters what service you use as long as you get it insured. But damned, I wish that less people were applying.</p>