madananteshwar

Hi All,
I'm Madananteshwar Vinayak Bhat, a 1st year Pre-University student from Bangalore, India (FYI- Pre-University is equivalent to 11th and 12th grades), and while looking for Colleges, I've come to a decision that the Ivy League and Stanford are THE best options for me. I ask you respected elders for your opinion as to which University to go for, as I've got to pick one University to enroll into. My options are:- 1. Harvard University, 2. Yale University, 3. Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, and last but not the least, Stanford University. My criteria is as follows:- 1. Great "community feeling" and friendliness towards International Students, 2. Respectable Safety record, 3. NO discrimination towards Hindus and those from LGBT community, 4. Financial aid options for international students, 5. Good housing and dining options for undergraduate students (as I'm planning to stay on campus for the full four years) 6. Majors in either Ethics, Politics, and Economics/Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; and International Studies/International Relations, Minors in Environmental Studies, 7. Campus setting (but Urban Setting will also do, providing that there's a single campus where most of the facilities are located), 8. Options to take few Graduate-Level courses, 9. Lots of Entertainment options, etc, etc.
Any help would be most welcome,
Yours,
KMB

madananteshwar

Oh and BTW I'm planning to apply via Early Decision/Early Action

themerlion

If you're applying early, the deadline is the 1st of November. All the schools you listed above fullfill your criteria. India is a very competitive country to gain admission to US undergraduate schools so keep your options open. How are your academic and Extra Curriculars?

madananteshwar

Hi Sir/Madam,
Point # 1. (My Academics) Well you see, I've Just submitted my Board Exam for English and am due to submit the rest of the papers shortly, and My School Board in India takes about 8-10 weeks to announce the results, but I'm expecting about 80-85 to 90% out of 100 marks, (BTW FYI I'm planning to seek admission for the class of 2015 or the class of 2016) so I've yet to write my SAT, ACT, and TOEFL, and in my 10th grade board exam my avg was 76% out of 100 marks.
Point # 2. (My Extra Curriculars) Well I play drums pretty well, I also Cook pretty well, I've done some event management, I'm also a hobby Architect/Fashion Designer/Interior Decorator/General Designer, and plus I'm the Chief Communications Officer at my Dad's NGO (Non Governmental Organization) AND I handle the Newsletter of my Father's Company, (and FYI I also practice Taek-Won-Do and I'm a blue belt) I also have a website/blog which I maintain,
Thanx in advance for any help + Thanx for the tip,
Yours,
KMB