Snowball's Chance in Heck?

skiguurl21
Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:53:32 +0000

Hello CC,

I’m planning to apply to Dartmouth RD. I found out last night that I was deferred from Williams ED, but after a few hours of soul - searching I’ve realized it wasn’t exactly the school for me. I’d never considered Dartmouth until today, but after looking into the school for the first time I think I’m in love. Well… I at least have a crush, but who knows where that will lead?

That deferral is pretty discouraging, though. I assume that Dartmouth, being an Ivy, is just as (or more) selective than Williams. I’ve heard of kids in exactly my situation getting in to Dartmouth, but it can’t be likely. What do you think… have I got a shot?

SAT: N/A
ACT: 34 (36 English, 33 Math, 36 Reading, 31 Sci)
SAT II: 720 Lit, 700 MathII. Planning to re-take in January… studying my butt off. Really hoping for 750+ on each.
GPA: N/A, school did not grade or rank class. Great teacher recs though… I was close with both of them, and had incredible experiences in both classes.
Extras: -Ski racing, age 12+. I’m not expecting any help from the Dartmouth coach (the ski team is INCREDIBLE) but I’m going to try to ski at whatever school I end up. Certainly my most involved EC, 500+ hours of training and ski-related time commitments over the past year.
-Violin performance, I may submit a CD. Member of school, area, and regional select orchestras.
-Intern (unpaid) local news blog. Write 2-3 quality articles a week. REALLY time consuming, though great journalistic experience.
-Peer mentor, jr and sr years of high school
-Student-teacher, freshman social studies class. Help plan lessons and occasionally teach class.
-Volunteer, local health education and fitness class for kids ages 6 - 12

White female from New England. Lower middle class, financial aid is a must.

I’m hoping that schools won’t penalize me for my lack of involvement in academic clubs (my school didn’t offer any) or AP classes (again, none were offered, but I self studied and took two tests… 3’s in both).

Thanks so much! I’m also considering Midd, Colby, and Bates, but the Big Green is certainly my top choice.