Snowball's Chance in Heck?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>Hello CC,</p>

<p>I'm planning to apply to Dartmouth RD. I found out last night that I was deferred from Williams ED, but after a few hours of soul - searching I've realized it wasn't exactly the school for me. I'd never considered Dartmouth until today, but after looking into the school for the first time I think I'm in love. Well... I at least have a crush, but who knows where that will lead?</p>

<p>That deferral is pretty discouraging, though. I assume that Dartmouth, being an Ivy, is just as (or more) selective than Williams. I've heard of kids in exactly my situation getting in to Dartmouth, but it can't be likely. What do you think... have I got a shot?</p>

<p>SAT: N/A
ACT: 34 (36 English, 33 Math, 36 Reading, 31 Sci)
SAT II: 720 Lit, 700 MathII. Planning to re-take in January... studying my butt off. Really hoping for 750+ on each.
GPA: N/A, school did not grade or rank class. Great teacher recs though... I was close with both of them, and had incredible experiences in both classes.
Extras: -Ski racing, age 12+. I'm not expecting any help from the Dartmouth coach (the ski team is INCREDIBLE) but I'm going to try to ski at whatever school I end up. Certainly my most involved EC, 500+ hours of training and ski-related time commitments over the past year.
-Violin performance, I may submit a CD. Member of school, area, and regional select orchestras.
-Intern (unpaid) local news blog. Write 2-3 quality articles a week. REALLY time consuming, though great journalistic experience.
-Peer mentor, jr and sr years of high school
-Student-teacher, freshman social studies class. Help plan lessons and occasionally teach class.
-Volunteer, local health education and fitness class for kids ages 6 - 12</p>

<p>White female from New England. Lower middle class, financial aid is a must. </p>

<p>I'm hoping that schools won't penalize me for my lack of involvement in academic clubs (my school didn't offer any) or AP classes (again, none were offered, but I self studied and took two tests... 3's in both). </p>

<p>Thanks so much! I'm also considering Midd, Colby, and Bates, but the Big Green is certainly my top choice.</p>

2

<p>Your school doesn’t sound very competitive, at all. No AP’s, class rank… Your ACT is great though. Due to your school however I hope you have a number of safeties.</p>

3

<p>I agree, and I’m sure that was some sort of factor in my deferral. Do you think it’s worth applying?</p>

4

<p>My S was waitlisted at Williams and got into D. (Williams took a classmate of his who had much weaker stats but a strong and somewhat unique family history with the school…so they were unlikely to take anyone else from the class, I guess. The year before they rejected a really stellar girl from the HS. Admissions at all super-selective schools are freakish, but the smaller schools are even more so.) I think you have a chance at D, and if you like it you should apply.</p>

<p>In addition to submitting an arts supplement, my advice is to get one or possibly even two “extra” recommendations beyond the GC and two teachers, someone who knows you outside of school in an EC or job-related capacity. Don’t pick two people in the same EC. Your ski coach and someone you work with on the blog, especially if it is a professional, for example. But no more than that. Also consider putting together a resume, especially if it is difficult to adequately describe your ECs in the meager space allotted in the Common App.</p>

<p>No one is going to penalize you for not being active in academic clubs. Most of them are fairly meaningless. I don’t know if I would send 3s on AP exams to a super-selective school like D. It shows initiative, but they probably see a lot of self-studied 5s from testing drones, and usually 5s are required for any kind of placement there.</p>

5

<p>What are your fis points??</p>

6

<p>". I found out last night that I was deferred from Williams ED, but after a few hours of soul - searching I’ve realized it wasn’t exactly the school for me." Oh but of course.</p>

7

<p>thanks, all, for the advice! I will definitely look for ways to improve. i just got back from visiting campus - it’s amazing! the admissions staff was so helpful as well. great experience.
@109111 - I’m a nordie, so FIS points aren’t as important. I have no idea what mine are…
@metaphy6 - well, i didn’t cry, or break anything, and i’m not missing the thought of myself at williams so much… i’d say those are pretty good signs</p>