<p>So freshman year was brutal for me, I got C+/B- is Language class and chemistry hn, but then in level 2 and level 3 of language I got A- then A. In AP chemistry I got a B+ (Grade 10). In Math in Alg 2 I got a B- and then in Precalc (Grade 10) I got an A- and in BC Calc (Grade 11) I got an A. Same with English started off in grade 9 with a B+ and then A/A- in grades 10 and 11. I also dropped out of a course in Grade 9 with a WP (Withdraw Pass) mark.</p>
<p>Is this a good thing, my junior year grades are very very good, my main school Im concerned about is Dartmouth ED any advice/information on if this is perceived as good by Ivy's I know Upward Trend is good but by Ivy's how is it. My overall GPA isnt bad too bad its about (3.5-3.6)/4.0. I also have some decent EC's and test scores that befit the standards of the school. Freshman year classes are the thing thats worrying me.</p>
<p>You have “decent” EC’s.
You have a GPA that “isn’t too bad”.</p>
<p>And you’re applying to ivies. The odds are clearly against you. Unless you have a hook/amazing essays, your Dartmouth admission is very unlikely. Of course, I don’t have your full list of stats/EC’s/etc in front of me, but the information you provided in your post is not very convincing. Dartmouth’s idea of an “upward trend” is A-'s --> A’s, not C+/B- —> A.</p>
<p>You would be a great candidate for other top schools, but an “upward trend” is not going to get you into an ivy league school.</p>
<p>Dartmouth is trying to increase their admissions pool due to their poor reputation around frats. The admissions counselor for my son’s school mentioned this. That said, highly selective colleges use grades in highly challenging classes to make the first cut in their huge admission pool. I think you need to really prove to Dartmouth (and any other similar schools) why its worth their resources to offer you a place. Take your best shot at writing compelling essays. But it’s an uphill fight for just about everyone, and perhaps a bit steeper for you. Also explore schools that are a good fit for you personally. Prestige is enticing but over-rated.</p>
<p>You have a good record overall, first of all. The trend you have is certainly doing better in more advanced classes which is what they want to see. It confirms you are working hard and have the ability. Overall, having higher gpa is better. But I think it is positive to show the effort and mastery you have achieved. </p>
<p>@Solarcode
This is my EC list:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Volunteer Organization Founder (CEO), FutureBusinessLA (Secretary), Investment Group (President), Presidential Service Award
Volunteer Org info: raised $9000 for Educate Africa, Tutored low income kids (900+ hours all volunteers), constructed series of educational websites for peers and community members to learn about Social/Political Issues</p>
<p>Job/Work Experience: 2 Political Internships with local candidate (7 months), , Intern at local Software company (did website design some product testing)
Volunteer/Community service: Tutoring through Volunteer Organization (150+ hours on my own), Presidential Service Award: Soup Kitchen Frequent Volunteer (50+ hours), [Toy Drive, Book Drive], Reading Partner at local Elementary School
Summer Activities: Both internships were throughout summer, Leadership Summit, one-week Economics seminar, Software Internship throughout summer as well, Mostly Volunteering thats listed above.
Idk if that provides more perspective</p>
<p>@zzzmmm Thanks for the advice, but yeah my main interest is business and finance as well as global politics and things along those lines I felt Dartmouth offered great programs and I was immediately attached to the campus. I agree about the prestige thing, I have a few other schools on my list that I also like. Again Thanks for the insight.</p>
<p>@BrownParent Thanks for the supporting comments do you have any specific advice?</p>
<p>Sure, write a great essay. You can tell a strong story through your app and show the love for Dartmouth. And keep a strong schedule and as high grades as you can in Sr year in case you are deferred.</p>
<p>nice extra cirriculars! i know that an upward trend isn’t as good as consistent good grades, but seeing as you improved your grades greatly, you are in a better position than most. keep in mind dartmouth is a reach for anyone, so make sure you got your safeties and high matches ready! good luck man</p>