<p>I have an 8o% for the first 3 years of school (combined)
Took rigorous courses - I never took an elective like music or art
over 200+ volunteer hours</p>
<p>Sats? Acts? I cant really touch on the gpa because i am unfamiliar with that method of using percentage instead of a 4 or 5 point scale</p>
<p>I’m taking the SATs and subject tests in Nov.</p>
<p>what‘ your sat1 result? I think 2100 is a safe score.</p>
<p>2100 is not a “safe” score. Most people with SATs in that range do not get in. Looking at the admissions stats, the thing that they seem to like best is an 800 on the CR section, but even that doesn’t make it anywhere near a sure thing. The facts are freely available on the D website. I suggest that you look it up.</p>
<p>Although course rigor is certainly a good thing, I doubt that never having taken music or art is a plus…</p>
<p>Where does an 80% average place you in your class?</p>
<p>Sats are not everything in the application process, but they do help. 2100 is a good score</p>
<p>Just go here and see where a 700 in each section places you:</p>
<p>[Testing</a> Statistics](<a href=“http://www.dartmouth.edu/admissions/facts/test-stats.html]Testing”>http://www.dartmouth.edu/admissions/facts/test-stats.html)</p>
<p>And when considering the 700-790 range, look at the percentage of applicants admitted with 690s, and ask yourself how a 700 probably does as compared to a 780. Then ask yourself how many of the bottom 25% of scorers are likely to be hooked.</p>
<p>No, the numbers aren’t everything by any means. And yes, the one sure way to not get in is not to apply. But what this kind of chart demonstrates is that–in general–they are looking for the kind of students who post very high stats AND have great essays AND have great recommendations AND other things to offer, not kids who have other things to offer INSTEAD OF great stats. Yes, anyone could be the exception to the rule, and it is fine to dream a dream, but it is important, IMHO, to be realistic at the same time in order to make sure that you have real choices next April.</p>
<p>I don’t mean to be terminally discouraging, but I do think that people need to realize that there is a reason why there are schools called “reaches” and “lottery schools.” By all means try, but always make sure to have a list with good safeties and matches–including a financial safety!</p>