<p>I am planning on applying to Dartmouth next year and I think my odds are limited, even early decision. I read that ED at Dartmouth doesn't help much since many of those students who get admitted early have hooks, and I don't. I'm not a minority. I come from an affluent area. My SATs and GPA are mediocre to poor, relative to Dartmouth standards (2120 - first time, and 3.92). Like many other applicants I have a few leadership positions, have a few 1st place finishes at regional and state competitions. I just don't think I stand out enough. This summer I am doing research at Stony Brook University with the Simons Program, which means I will have 2 weeks at the end of the summer left free. Is there anything that Dartmouth really LOVES to see in a student, that I may have the possibility of covering in that amount of time, or would my time better be spent on getting my applications ready?</p>
<p>I would spend the time focused on raising the SAT score. I’ll take a leap here and guess you are white and from LI. If that’s the case I’d say you want a 130 point increase for a real shot.</p>
<p>Yep, my goal was 2250. And you got the Long Island part right, but thats not much of a surprise. Fortunately, I did very minimal studying prior to my 2120. Unlike everyone else around here, I didn’t have tutoring, and I didn’t take any courses, so I think 2120 isn’t a bad score considering. And I think that should I get tutoring now and study hard I will be able to gain about 130 more points. I have the test coming up next weekend, and I’ve done some stuff in the blue book. Still don’t have a tutor though. SAT IIs are set with 3 800s though.</p>