These chance things are really obnoxious; I know.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>I am not a superstudent, but I'm passionate about learning. I'm applying to Dartmouth, although I have probably no chance of getting in. I figure I only have 70 dollars to lose. =)</p>

<p>Small noncompetitive public school in rural area
I am an Irish American.
GPA: 4.1 weighted
Rank: top 5%
SAT I- R: 690, M:650, W:700 (utterly deplorable)
SAT II- Literature: 650, Math: 640 (utterly deplorable again)
Classes:
AP Gov't
AP English
AP Psychology
AP Chemistry
Calculus
(then some electives; our school only offers a total of 6 AP classes- no AP US History, or European History, otherwise I would have taken both.)
Our school is an extremely rural area, (97% white) and there is not a lot of room for advanced academics.</p>

<p>EC
6 years in Men's Gymnastics (20 hours per week; 52 weeks per year)
Winner of over 20 competitions
USAG 2005 Level 6 Pennsylvania State Pommel Horse Champion; 2006 and 2007 Region 7(PA, NY, NJ, VA, MD, WV, DE) Rings Champion; 2005 Level 6 2nd place All-Around in Pennsylvania, 2007 Level 7 Region 7 (PA, NY, NJ, VA, MD, WV, DE) 5th Place All-Around.
Lead Guitarist in Touring Grindcore Band (3 years)
President of Academic Decathlon Team (2 years)
Scholastic Scrimmage Team (1 year)
Model U.N. member (3 year)</p>

<p>Volunteer Work
Played benefit shows for St. Judes, Toys for Tots, etc.
Taught local cheerleaders tumbling skills and safety for months
Taught about the importance of tolerance in a local church (although I am not Christian)
Nursing Home Volunteer, and Recreational Therapist Assistant (4 years)
Nursery Children's Helper (3 years)</p>

<p>Jobs
Condo Manager (1 year)
Laborer for a contract company (2 years)</p>

<p>Honors
USA Gymnastics First Team Academic All American;
University of Rochester’s Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences;
National Honor Society Membership;
National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security: Exploring Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Defense Certificate of Achievement;
Bellefonte Area School District Academic Excellence Certificate of Achievement;
Bellefonte Elks Teen of the Month for November 2007;
2007 First Place Winner: VFW Voice of Democracy Speech;
Semifinalist in Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts in Creative Writing</p>

<p>I have fairly good essays, and three wonderful recommendations.</p>

<p>I know these chance things are highly obnoxious, but I would just like to know whether I should have even bothered applying to such a school if it is strictly out of my league. Thank you.</p>

2

<p>wow, those are some impressive ECs, congratulations! Are you planning to pursue a sport at dartmouth? although your scores could be considered weak by dartmouth standards, don't let that upset you because they are looking for accomplished well rounded people. you definitely have a great shot i would say.</p>

3

<p>I wouldn't be surprised to see you in the fall.</p>

4

<p>thanks a lot for the feedback! although i love gymnastics, and i've been involved in it for over 10 years of my life, i would probably not pursue it in college because mens gymnastic clubs/organizations are very hard to come by at a college level. plus, i have tendonitis in my wrist and osgood schlattar (sp?) in both of my knees.</p>

<p>i know my sat scores really hurt me, and i know dartmouth really depends a lot on those scores, but we'll see what happens; i don't have any real "hooks" but i'm hoping they're willing to see past that.</p>

<p>thanks again!</p>

5

<p>Don't get too down about your SAT scores. I honestly was pretty upset/worried about mine but i ended up getting in with scores not much higher than yours. And i don't have any huge hooks. I hope to see you in the fall!!!! good luck with everything</p>

6

<p>University of Rochester’s Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences</p>

<p>I got that award. I'm applying for admission to Dartmouth as well. Good luck.</p>

7

<p>good luck to you as well.</p>

<p>i don't exactly understand how i received that award; i never applied for it, and my school sent it to me in the mail.</p>

8

<p>Are you interested cheerleading in college? Perhaps that is a way you can make use of your gymnastics talents.</p>

9

<p>that's actually a great thought...</p>

<p>although i'm not trained in the jumps and in the pyramidal structures, that could definitely be an option.</p>

<p>thanks for your input.</p>

10

<p>Good luck! Scores will probably hurt you, but your ECs are amazing.</p>

11

<p>Looks great!</p>