<p>Student2007, I concur with others that see your chances at Dartmouth as being very good. You sound very determined and motivated. You've also had the advantage of visiting Dartmouth and apparently like the fit.</p>
<p>To me, Dartmouth represents a school that has to have a strong "fit" factor, given its academic philosophy, its physical environment and its campus life. If you like breadth, it should serve you well academically and provide you with a time for discovery. Hanover is not for everybody, but it's fine for many who like the climate (make no mistake, the snow can start in late November and not melt off fully until April). It's a place that is somewhat isolated but fortunately has the advantage of a developed college community. Since ED is a binding option, it's one that you should give careful consideration to, but it does sound as if you are enthralled with everything you've heard and seen about Dartmouth. </p>
<p>It doesn't hurt to apply to other reach schools as well, and I see you've identified the UC's as your "safety" schools. Good luck!</p>
<p>though your claim may be true over the last 20-40 years i think more recently penn has moved ahed of dart. maybe its just a current fad, but regardless penn seems to be content in the top 8.</p>
<p>Student you DO NOT go to SFS to study French, you go to SFS to study international politics, economics, etc. If you want to study French make that your major or become a linguistics major. Be careful about applying ED to one place and EA to another. Georgetown specifically said they DO NOT want you doing that. </p>
<p>Calcuzer-Georgetown SFS, Penn, Columbia, and Brown are all more prestigious than Dartmouth. Dartmouth is like with Cornell at the bottom of the Ivy League.</p>
<p>NorCalDad: Thanks, that was a very perceptive post on Dartmouth. I absolutely agree.</p>
<p>Akjjred: Oh, don't worry, I know that. My concentrated interest would be in French/France in terms of international politics. And if I wanted to study French, I would major in French.</p>
<p>Along with the obvious facts. I really liked Dartmouth and it's quite a god tech school, it fits in quite nicely. Only thing I'm worried are my GPAs.</p>
<p>You might aswell go find a community college...grades like those attract nobody. Obviously I'm joking, but why must you be so self conscious with almost a perfect SAT score? I think you just want us to say "Oh WOW! Great job!" and pat you on the back...well not this guy, if you're as smart as you're numbers show, I think you're smart enough to go buy a college book and look up the requirements for the colleges you want to attend and that will show you your chance of getting in, not people in here that you want to praise you.</p>