<p>Dartmouth College:</p>
<p>They don't want a single essay from applicants except the common app essay.</p>
<p>How do they compare two different applicants? How do they know if an applicant is truly interested in the school?</p>
<p>In other words, are scores and GPA the most important factor in admissions?</p>
<p>There is something to be said about brevity. You will have 750 words to sell yourself and how you are a good fit for Dartmouth. The school also takes the recommendation letters and peer recommendations seriously.</p>
<p>They don’t know if an applicant is truly interested in the school, but neither do colleges with more essays. It’s pretty easy to fake interest and to write what you think a college wants to hear.</p>
<p>Extracurriculars are pretty important, in addition to the scores, GPA, and letters. For example, it’s easy to say in an essay how much you love animals, but four years of working at an animal shelter is better proof.</p>