<p>To GleasSpty:
I don’t know why this topic about low scores killing anyone was even started. Granted, OP’s SAT II’s are somewhat below average, but he will not be rejected right away merely because of his scores (If this makes you feel better, I (not applying as an international) took SAT I twice and got CR 580 both times (with 750 M)(I went from EA -> RD -> Waitlist, however)). What will most likely kill him is the lack of shown interest towards math/science/CS/you name it. </p>
<p>Which brings me to Castel’s latest post:
Nobody was screaming at you - they were telling you why you are likely to be rejected. Do you think us saying “You have as good a shot as any” or “Looks good to me. I hope you get in. Good luck!” will change AdCom’s decision?</p>
<p>Although it’s just plain speculation, this is how people reading your application might reason:
-so he didn’t make it to AIME - it’s ok, maybe he is more of a science person and, besides, not all applicants take AMC anyways. He was the president of math club for 4 years, though. I wonder what the hell they were doing there if not math competitions, but whatever, let’s see what he’s got science-wise.
-5 on AP Chem…Well, that’s certainly good, buuuut… there were almost 100,000 who took the exam in 2007 and about 15,000 got a 5 on it ([link](<a href=“AP Chemistry – AP Students | College Board)…so”>AP Chemistry – AP Students | College Board))…so</a> we can’t take him just because of that. Is there anything he did besides studying for the test? Any research project? Anything that could possibly separate him from the rest of that 15000-people horde? No? It’s a pity… But maybe he is good with computers? He did teach himself Basic and Python. But what did he do with this knowledge? Did he create some cool program? No? Hmm… What on earth does he do with his free time?..
So his scores are below average, all those clubs and positions look suspiciously suck-up’ish, and he doesn’t do anything interesting with his knowledge and his free time. Do we want him? Will he contribute something to Caltech? It doesn’t look so from his application… I might be wrong - he could really flourish here, but why risk it?..</p>