BackdoorDonny

It sounds like you should have some good essay writing material-- maybe the Ivies would like to hear how you worked to support your family .
As mentioned before , your SAT is pretty low but assuming you get that up you should have a fair chance of getting into one of those places, especially Cornell or Dartmouth.
The EC's are good so that should help. The reason I began mentioning how you worked to support your family is that last year someone from my city got in to MIT with an 1860 on the SAT likely because his application was centered around family hardships and how he worked and overcame them. Nonetheless, a better SAT Score would be nice. Good Luck!

eltanin

IIO is VEERY impressive.
SAT, 10th, 12th board percentage and top 20% is not. Also, SOF olympiads aren't recognized. No one cares about them.
And if you can afford a second attempt at the SAT, rowing equipment etc you're probably not that poor. Sorry if I'm being insensitive.
Your ECs are awesome. But are balanced out by your relatively lack-luster academics. I'd say your chances are somewhere between average and above average. If I had to score you on a 10 point scale, I'd give you 6.5.
I can't see how can someone who claims to not know much about US applications chance people. But I appreciate your effort.

hope2013

I think people have said the main things: try and improve your SAT, explain your background, etc., so I won't repeat that.

Just wanted to tell you that my cousin, from India, who has similar quality ECs to you, applied to a bunch of schools from the US and ended up getting a full ride to Harvard. He got a 2020 on his SAT--also similar to you. Obviously he was super fortunate and that doesn't happen to everyone, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm sure you have a fighting chance!! No one can really predict who will get into these schools--who knows, it could be you! Be sure to put your heart and soul into your essays, and really show them who you are. Good luck.

guyinblue

Twinsarebetter - You're welcome and thankyou Okay, I will do that.
Yeah, since I'm applying to RD, I do have 2 months to think about and write some really good essays, hope I can come up with something
Yes I think I will take it again, since the first one was kinda sponsored by my school (i.e. the school pitched in some of the money needed). So yes i think I will be able to register for it again, probably for the Jan one .


@White Captain - Thanks. Seriously? Just a 2250 will do? :O Thanks so much, chancing right away skipper !

@MarceloSanchez - I know how it is man. I know its hard
Yes I know. It severely limits our options, though we're lucky that a university is funding a student from ANOTHER country :| But lets just hope for the best.
Umm yeah I guess my teachers will explain my ranking system and stuff, since I have a good image in front of both teachers. Best Of Luck to you too, my man

guyinblue

BackDoor Donny - Okay thanks Yes but that person was a US Resident and I am an Indian, they're very picky when it comes to Indians I've heard. But I will make sure to follow your advice. Thanks a lot

eltanin - Even the 10th percentage? I was one of Top 5 students in the school. And back then not many people managed CGPA's of 10.0 (It was before CCE was started).
Anyway, shouldnt I include SOF Olympiads simply because I am ranked well nationally?
My SATs were partially sponsored by my school after my request. Also, I do not own any Rowing Equipment, the organizers provide it. No problem man
Thankyou I omitted several relatively "useless" ECs like Youth Congress Stuff, Clubs etc. Thankyou again. Appreciate it!

hope2013 - That surely gives me hope ! True to your name, you inspired some hope in me. Thankyou Appreciate you taking out time to chance me!

FateGoneAwry16

Most of the other posters have already stated you're obvious strengths (IOI, sports, awards) and weaknesses (GPA,SAT,international).

Given that you're an international student, I don't think you should focus on just HYPSM. While these colleges are ridiculous competitive for american students, they are nearly impossible for internationals (MIT took <3% of internationals last year and Harvard took <1%). You're obviously an exceptional candidate, but those aren't good odds at all (there are internationl IMO gold medalists who were rejected by MIT). I'd recommend look at other top 25 colleges & ivies, like Columbia, Brown, UChicago, etc. You'd have a better shot at those schools and they're much easier for international students.

When it comes to the essays, you should do everything to avoid looking like a typical Asian. You're interesting background will probably give you a lot of material, so make sure you use it well.

Also, chance back? Chances for Carnegie Mellon MCS ED?

brinazarski

Thanks for chancing me! Here's my feedback to you:

You said you haven't prep'd for the SAT (I think). I don't know if there are any SAT books in your country, but here is a site you might find helpful: ht tp://i need a pencil . ck12 . or g/ (no spaces)

Study, study, study!!! From all this, I'd say MAYBE Dartmouth or Cornell, however, I still suggest you study. Not bad though! The other schools... ehhhh. But definitely give it a shot! You never know!

2017intl

Chances seem unlikely because of test scores. Retake and I think your ECs might get you in..although there seems to be a flood of Indian applicants with similar stats. Good luck!

oohtobeagooner

Your ECs and hooks are great, but your standardized tests are a bit low. If I were you I would definitely retake the SAT like you said you would, and aim for a 2100+. Honestly if your essays are great, I think you could get into any of those schools. Sucks that you missed the ED deadline, would have really helped your chances :/

please chance me though Please chance me for Tufts, Chicago, Cornell, Darmouth, Northwestern and Florida?

kevsvineyard

SAT, GPA, and class rank really need improvement if you want to have a good chance. You need to be even better than the rest because your an international applicant (esp from India which is very competitive). Extracurriculars are great; all the awards will probably be very beneficial to you. You have the best chance at Cornell and Dartmouth as those are the two "easiest" Ivys to get into. HYP and MIT are very very difficult for you at this point. But if you improve your SAT, GPA, and rank you will have a good chance there.

Also keep in mind that financial aid for international students is very difficult and for this reason a lot of the international students at top schools are full-tuition students. Just something to keep in mind.

Best of luck!

illusory

Nice EC's...

HYP and Ivies really look at GPA and stuff, though... although if you're an international, things might be different (my parents went to HS in East Asia, where A's are truly few and far between... a C in Asia is, well, actually a C). So I think you have a fair chance!

Fin aid might be kinda difficult... Try applying for Cornell/Dartmouth/Brown/Columbia, b/c HYP is hard to break (Yale gives out really generous fin aid though... I have a couple of Indian friends who went there solely for the great fin aid).

nosleepforme

Everyone has already said the same thing about your SAT scores so I'm not going to mention that.

But in regards to your GPA, class rank, etc. I'm pretty sure your GPA will have to be sent somewhere to be converted/confirmed because you're an international student? I could be mistaken, but in the end the schools you apply to will know what your GPA is relative to their grading system. Also, your school should mention somewhere about your ranking system. My school does something similar on our transcripts.

I also think you should look at other schools in the U.S. not just Ivies and highly selective schools.

Best of luck!!

guyinblue

Thank you everyone, reading your views and suggestions really means a lot to me since I believe you guys are taking times out of your busy lives and helping me Thanks a lot !

Chanced you guys back ! Hope I am able to get my SATs up. GPA cannot be changed now, so will have to do with it only
I know I shouldnt, but what can I do, I have no other choices! Are there are any good colleges that offer full rides to Internationals? I dont think so :| That is what severely limits my options.


Do any of you guys what FA policies of Columbia and Cornell (the TATA Scholarship) are?
Guess Im gonna have a busy winter

ipodlover88909

If you think your race might be a problem you might not have to report it, but I'm not sure. Your SAT should go up and the fact that you want finaid will hurt you if a school is not need-blind for internationals. Your background will help a lot and your ECs are strong. If you write phenomenal essays and can increase your SAT 200 or so points, you can be a strong candidate, although you can never be a match for Harvard/Yale/MIT. To be honest, I would consider looking at some additional match or safety schools instead of having them all in the same level.

guyinblue

ipodlover88909 - Thanks for chancing!
Whether I mention it or not, Im sure they'll figure out I am from India anyways!
Okay thanks a lot !
I cant look at other schools since I need like 100 percent fin aid!