Insights on Dartmouth Undergraduate Admissions?

I'm keen on applying to Dartmouth but a little bit unsure about what they're looking for in an applicant. Can anyone who has gone through the Dartmouth undergraduate admissions process shed some light on what kind of applicants they tend to favor, beyond just good grades and test scores?

Based on the Dartmouth admissions website and information from various sources, Dartmouth looks for applicants who are academically rigorous, civically engaged, and possess a well-developed interest or passion. Here are a few things to focus on when applying to Dartmouth:

Excellence in academics: Like all Ivy Leagues, Dartmouth values students who have pursued a challenging curriculum in high school and have excelled in those classes. Taking a mix of APs and honors courses is a solid approach. But remember, it's not just about how many AP classes you take, it's about how well you perform in those classes.

A special talent or passion (a "spike"): Dartmouth, like many other top colleges, is looking for students who excel in a particular area. Whether it's being a state-level athlete, an accomplished musician, or a successful entrepreneur, showing a deep commitment to a passion can be very important.

Community involvement: Dartmouth values a strong sense of community and they look after students who have demonstrated meaningful involvement in their local communities, be it through extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership roles.

Personality: Through the essays, Dartmouth wants to see students who are curious, engaged, and interested in a broad range of topics. They value students who demonstrate kindness, humor, and an open-minded approach to learning. The supplements are a great way to show this.

The last thing to note for applying to Dartmouth is the Early Decision option. Applying Early Decision does increase your chances. Statistically, it can result in about a 60% overall increase in your chances of admission.

All of this should give you a good starting point in understanding what Dartmouth is looking for. However, remember that college admissions can be unpredictable and even the most qualified students may not get in. Best of luck!