PROMPT: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
The summer after fifth grade, my parents told me we were going to move to Arizona to take care of my sick grandparents. I had been raised to believe that my grandparents were cruel, heartless people. Short story: I realized they weren’t. Okay, let’s cut to the chase because I only have so many words.
Dartmouth: You are the school I really want to go to. I know I am taking a risk writing that here because this application will go to every school I apply to.
First of all, let me quickly say to all the non-Dartmouth Admissions officers: I liked your school’s fine, and this has no bearing on you. Just understand I have decided to use this platform to tell Dartmouth how all-in I am on them.
Guys, I’m willing to burn every bridge I have built in the college admissions process so far. I spent a lot of time and effort writing follow-up emails to tour guides, admissions directors, and alumni interviewers at other schools. I’m willing to throw that all away for a chance to go on a date with the hottest girl to the prom. That’s you, Dartmouth.
They say college is all about the people you meet and the connections you make. If I push send on this application, either you put me on your team, or I sit on the bench while the rest of my life passes me by.
I know I am not the strongest candidate. I do not have the highest GPA or SAT score. That is part of the reason why I am dedicating all 650 words of this essay to convincing your school that you should take a chance on me. Accept me, Dartmouth, and I will be your ride-or-die.
Don’t think I’m going far enough? Every Dartmouth man must be strong and true to their word, and I vowed to burn every bridge. Harvard is an institution where grade inflation long ago replaced real leadership. Middlebury can kiss my ass. The University of Michigan is worse than the garbage pile of a state it’s located in. These are all schools that I’m applying to. I would not care if they burned to the ground as long as I am attending Dartmouth when the ashes settle.
If you accept me to your school, I will study whatever you want. I like to write, but if you need more Biology majors, I will put on that lab coat and make you proud.
My parents have told me that wherever I go to college, I will learn so much over the next four years, both inside and outside of the classroom. They met at UCONN, so I guess over their four years, they learned to settle for less in relationships, too. I would never say that to their face. But if that’s what you need from me, all you have to do is ask, and I will burn that bridge, too. The folks at UCONN who read this application may think that makes me a sick man, but I do not care.
I want this. Admit me and you get an average student who is absolutely devoted to your institution no matter what happens. Or you can take some straight-A genius who does things by the book. That student will not sacrifice everything and destroy their entire life for the honor of being a Dartmouth student. I will.
Anything you need, day or night, I can get it to you. Call, email, text, or DM me any time.
All you other schools: don’t you dare try to contact me.