Hey guys, I was thinking about applying Early Decision to Dartmouth, and I want your help debating whether or not I would be accepted.
For starters, I am a Native American (Cherokee) who lives in Los Angeles, and is currently a Junior in high school. I know about Dartmouth’s history of favoring NAs in the application process, and this is a main factor as to why Dartmouth is my top choice.
I plan to major in Native American studies, which apparently not many people take, so I guess that could be an advantage.
I’m an eagle scout, I play the trumpet, speak Spanish fluently, and am a multi sport athlete.
I’m also a big lacrosse player. I’ve started every year on varsity, have been named all-league three times, and have been names team defensive MVP. Lacrosse is also significant to me because it is a game of Native American origin, and a sport I would plan on trying out for (I am confident that I would make the team).
The downside is my GPA. Cumulative throughout high school, it is probably around a 3.3. However, my SAT scores sort of pick up the slack in that department, as I scored a 1350/1600, or 94th percentile.
What do you guys think? Any and all information or suggestions are appreciated.
LAX is a varsity sport at Dartmouth. While they do take walk-ons from time to time, most of the players are recruited. For LAX, since it is a spring sport, most of the incoming class of 2017 is probably fully committed by now. I would highly suggest that you contact the coach and ask about your options. The coach will probably want to see your game play.
Regarding your GPA, this indeed is a bit low. However the Ivy league schools use what is called an Academic Index. Google this and calculate yours. You need to have an AI over 210 to be a good candidate. There is a sub-forum here that focuses on athletic recruiting, and I’m sure you can find more info.
Without the boost from athletics, I’m thinking the biggest hurdle will be for you to explain the low GPA. Was it due to hardship, medical illness, or just plain laziness? The admissions people want to make sure you don’t struggle once you get to college, so your challenge will be to explain the low grades.
@tigerdog113 Another strategy is to use your interest and skill in lacrosse in the academic D3 conferences like NESCAC or a D1 conference like Patriot League. Target schools in NESCAC might be Bowdoin, Bates, Wesleyan and Amherst all four have excellent highly ranked teams capable of beating many D1 teams.
Examples of Patriot League teams would be Bucknell, Colgate, Lehigh, Lafayette and Holy Cross.
Other ideas are Denison, Gettysburg and St. Lawrence.
I’ve already committed to another D1 school (not going to name which for confidentiality). So i think I’m good enough to play varsity at Dartmouth. BTW, the school i committed to beat Dartmouth handily this year and is a top 15 program.
Talk to the coach. Your academics will not get you in even as an URM and with Darthmouth’s history. However, if the coach wants you, you might have a chance.
If the coach wants me and says that he doesn’t have enough spots, and says that he will do what he can to help in admissions, is it possible?
Don’t know. Talk to the coach and see if he is interested, and if so what he can do.
If you already are recruited at a school like that you should count your lucky stars with that gpa. Schools like Dartmouth don’t usually admit by major. It might be of interest but it doesn’t really figure strongly because students can change the major quite easily. If you are already committed, is it okay/ethical to apply ED to another college? Don’t lose your spot.
I would be de committing from the other school. I only brought that up to show that I had the lacrosse abilities.
Turning your back on your commitment won’t go over well. You’ll need to figure a way to delicately approach this. The first thing the Dartmouth coach will do is to contact the other coach.
Have you talked to the coach where you are committed? Getting into Dartmouth without the support of the coach is possible but it will be tough.
Do you think I could get in if the coach said he was out of spots for my class, but said he would help me in every way he could through admissions?
The coaches at ivies have a fixed number of spots each year. Once an athlete is supported by the coach, the application is pre-read by admissions to make sure the student meets academic requirements. If admissions gives the OK, then the student is given a likely letter.
Once the coach uses up all of his/her spots, then sometimes they offer a letter of support. This is not as binding as using a spot, but can sometimes help. The NESCAC schools have an elaborate system of tips/slots/spots.
The only one who can give you an idea of what your chances are is admissions. Ask the coach some direct questions: how many kids in this same situation were admitted based upon your support?
They can’t admit you if they don’t know about you. Have you contacted the Native Program at Dartmouth https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/visits-programs/dartmouth-bound/native-american-community-program? Does both the coach and the diversity/native people know about you? Are you Pell-eligible?
Also, have you considered Cornell? Big program (http://aiisp.cornell.edu), even have a Native dorm. Good lacrosse program too.