Pomona or Dartmouth

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>As some of you might know, I had previously posted a thread inquiring about my chances at Cornell and Northwestern. But after talking to alumni from my school who attended those colleges, I began to have second thoughts. </p>

<p>So, I decided to choose two alternative schools: Pomona and Dartmouth. </p>

<p>I would be very grateful for any help and guidance that you may have to offer. My info is as follows:</p>

<p>Oh, and I will be a junior this fall.</p>

<p>Ethnicity: Asian
First Language: English
Gender: Male
Financial well being: middle-class
Location: Honolulu, HI</p>

<p>Practice SAT:
2190
800 m
740 w
650 cr</p>

<p>SAT II:
Biology 700</p>

<p>9th Grade GPA:
UW: 3.9
W: 3.9
(no honors classes)</p>

<p>10th Grade GPA:
UW: 3.667
W: 4.0
(honors classes in Chem, Eng, Latin, Alg2/Trig) </p>

<p>My course load for next year is comprised of:
AP US hist
Latin 3H
AP PhysB
Precalculus
English electives in Am & Brit Lit.
Orchestra</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars:
Track, Paddling, Co-President of one community service club, Science Bowl Team, school orchestra, volunteer at local hospital, vice president of "young democrats" club, acolyte for school chapel. </p>

<p>Type of High School:
Large (with 250 students per class), private, and highly competitive- it is the most academically reputable institution in the state</p>

<p>Awards:
3rd place in a school-wide essay competition, headmaster's certificate (an award for about the top 15 percent of students in each class) </p>

<p>I am also an active participant in class. All of my mentors write positive comments in my report cards which range in quality from "good student" to "best in years." </p>

<p>Sorry for the ridiculously huge amount of information.
Please point out any weaknesses that you may see.
I would certainly appeciate it.
Much thanks!</p>

2

<p>What do you want to study and what kind of environment do you want to study in?</p>

<p>New Hampshire and California are VERY different places. And the hippie attitude at Pomona is the complete opposite of the jock/frat scene at Dartmouth.</p>

3

<p>Personally, I don't mind the personalities of the students, so I wouldn't put that into huge consideration. </p>

<p>However, I am looking for a village environment: preferably a region with lots of outdoor activities like hiking, frisbee, skiing, and intramural sports.</p>

<p>I am also interested in Pre-Medical studies and am therefore seeking a school where I can earn solid grades to polish up my med school app. I've heard of some Ivy Leagues using "grade inflation." Is this true or merely a myth? </p>

<p>Oh, and how would you say my chances are at being accepted to these colleges? I know it's slightly early to tell, but what can you say based on my frosh and soph record? </p>

<p>Much thanks!</p>

4

<p>Hiking and skiing? </p>

<p>Dartmouth.</p>

<p>You've got a decent shot. Low reach for you.</p>

5

<p>Sorry for the constant barrage of questions, but... </p>

<p>What particular areas do you think make me a strong applicant to Dart? </p>

<p>Will it be to my advantage that my dad is the only person in my family with a college degree?</p>

<p>Is there any area in which I can improve to substantially raise my chances?</p>

<p>Please don't be afraid to be frank.
Some criticism wouldn't hurt. </p>

<p>..really appreciate the advice.
Much thanks!</p>

6

<p>I'm assuming that you know that you will have to work like a dog next year; try for a 4.0 and 2100+ on the SAT or 32+ on the ACT.
I'm thinking about the same two schools also, and oddly, I considered both Cornell and Northwestern before deciding that I didn't like them.</p>

<p>To be very frank, you're probably going to have a tougher time because you're Asian.</p>

7

<p>Pomona is really close to seasonal skiing, so that should not rule it out. The quality of the skiing is not that great, though. Hiking is also possible - it is at the base of the mountains. I'd guess that the hiking at Dartmouth would be nicer, though. The mountains near Pomona are not very picturesque.</p>

8

<p>Nothing really makes you a good Dartmouth kid. You're just a pretty good applicant. YOU need to figure out why you're a good fit.</p>

9

<p>BTW - Dartmouth has far more "wow" power than Pomona amongst "commoners."</p>

10

<p>Not to be over-confident, but I'm almost certain that I can score a 2100+ on the real test. I managed to score about a 210 on the PSAT last fall and a 2190 on a prcatice SAT this summer. So I shouldn't worry too much about that.</p>

<p>My concern is school. You're probably right. I'll try for a 4.0. I just hope I can successfully manage my time between the heavy AP courseload and ECs. </p>

<p>Anyway, I did a little more research and decided that Dartmouth would be a better college for me. I just hope I'll be qualified by my senior year. </p>

<p>Thanks to all of you for the great help.
Don't be afraid to add any other comments/tips. </p>

<p>Much thanks. :)</p>

11

<p>Youi might also consider Williams.</p>