<p>don’t fixate on tests scores so much. I believe admissions is much more nuanced than one data point. For example, in cllgemom’s post, I would suggest that an applicant would get a “fair look” if he/she had a 1400 with a 3.9 gpa at a highly competitive HS. </p>
<p>(I realize that the Dartmouth’s reputation is more test score oriented than some other colleges, but I have yet to see any evidence of same. On another thread, a poster mentioned that D focused on test scores than say Brown, but statistically, their test scores are identical. Yes, Michelle Hernandez did write that the former Adcom, Karl F would give lower gpa kids a break if they had higher test scores, but that does not prove that D prefers higher test scores relative to ALL other stuff in the folder. Moreover Michelle did not indicate if that kid with the lower gpa/higher test scores was possibly hooked, i.e., development case that Karl was helping thru. Also, note that he is the FORMER Dean – we have nothing to indicate how this new admissions team will work – and Michelle’s work is based on late '90s info.)</p>
<p>Transcript, curriculum, strength of schedule, strength of HS competition, being part of an educational community, and recs are ALL part of the review. IMO, once an applicant is over 1400/2100, the adcom knows that the applicant is highly capable of doing the work – then, it’s on to the other ‘stuff.’</p>