<p>I think your dedication and level of commitment will get the same type of attention that a person who has spent a similar amount of time and achieved excellence playing an instrument. Yes, it's a good thing that will help set you apart, and demonstrate that you have tenacity and determination. They love persistance! I think all Sybie meant was that it won't be the same as being a tipped athlete. You have a good shot, but you need to have some safeties/matches that you would feel almost as good about as Dartmouth.</p>
<p>I wasn't expected to get the same treatment as a recruited athlete (a LAX player form our school got into Princeton with 1200-1300 SATs and a B average...Iw asn't expecting that kind of treatment!), but I figured a 11-12 committment would set me apart a little.</p>
<p>Do you have any other suggestions for match-safeties? I'm not so sure about women's schools, I'd like something in the NE and northern mid-Atlantic area, and something rural/suburban with a strong language and science program. Also, I'm planning on going to med./grad. school (right now it's looking like both...), so I obviously need a school with a decent enough reputation.</p>
<p>One other thing on the Bowdoin-Williams decision. I'm taking Arabic at University of Pittsburgh this year and love it even more than I expected to. Most schools don't offer an Arabic major, but Bowdoin doesn't even offer any classes in it at all. I could give it up for a school I absolutely love, but I was really looking to take a lot of French nad Arabic classes in college and really achieve a fluency in both languages, something I couldn't do at Bowdoin. Is this a legitimate concern?</p>
<p>tkb, You seem to have two related obstacles to overcome: getting in and paying for it.</p>
<p>Let's say that you apply to Dartmouth ED. If you get in, then you're all set! Your parents pay and everyone's happy.</p>
<p>If, however you're deferred or outright rejected, then you need a better alternative plan, a kind of hope for the best, plan for the worst outlook. What I would suggest is for you to prepare a wide range of applications and have them all ready to send in the event that you get bad news from Dartmouth. These should include both admissions and financial safeties.</p>
<p>The chance of getting into Williams RD is about the same or maybe a little harder than getting into Dartmouth ED. If Dartmouth turns you down, then Williams might as well. It's still worth an application, though, as your stats and interests fit well with Williams. </p>
<p>As far as putting schools in to groups, Dartmouth, Williams, Bowdoin and Middlebury are similar in physical surroundings, but Middlebury attracts a slightly more liberal student. Middlebury/Wesleyan/Vassar lean somewhat further to the left than Dartmouth/Williams/Bowdoin.</p>
<p>Williams isn't known for strength in language, but as a combination with a science major it will be fine. They are now offering Arabic, too! Do try to visit, though, as this can be a significant factor in admissions. Will your parents agree to pay for Williams? They should, of course, but if not, then don't expect any merit aid.</p>
<p>There have been quite a few posts on the parents board about good choices for merit aid. You may have to drop down a tier or two and hence, it's really important to demonstrate interest so that the colleges know that you're a sincere candidate. You should be spending as much time and energy -- or more -- on your safeties (both financial and academic) as on your selectives.</p>