Dartmouth Common Application Essay - Class of 2014 Submitted October 31, 2009 (Early Decision) RAINDROPS First drop: nothing in particular. Second drop: the glasses get wet, hazing the scene around me. Third drop, fourth drop, fifth drop.... The rain pours down as hurriedly as the people run for shelter. Normally, I would follow them, hastening to the nearest place that could keep my clothes dry. But today, I don’t. Holding my palms upward, I feel the tickle of the raindrops sweeping away...

My main selection criteria: 1. Financial aid: Since this was my primary concern, the first thing I did was to compile a list of schools that had historically offered good financial aid packages and...

1. Jobs: I usually hold multiple on-campus jobs -- library, TA, grading, research assistant, just...

Dartmouth is famous for sending grads to...

1. What I like about Dartmouth: - Size: The college is small enough for you to really get to know your professors and classmates. There are tons of student organizations for everyone to find their niche (you can even found your own on the college's dime!). - The unique academic calendar ("D-plan"): Dartmouth operates on a quarter calendar. There are four terms per year: fall, winter, spring, summer -- each 10 weeks long. For the most parts, you get to pick what terms to take classes...

I had three recommendation letters: One from my counselor who knew me and my background very well;...

1. Concerns about financing: Dartmouth has a need-blind policy for international students and is committed to meeting 100% of admits' financial needs. So you just...