Good enough for Ivies???

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>I really want to go to an ivy league university. My SAT score is: critical reading-720, math-690, writing-670. I’m also gonna do 3 subject sats. Is this good enough??</p>

<p>I’ve also done IGCSE, and i got pretty good results: A* for french, math, physics, biology, chemistry. A for add math, literature, english language, food and nutrition… For AS levels, i got A for literature, psychology and biology, and B for chemistry… Also, i’m doing A-levels this year.</p>

<p>So what do you think, would it be possible for me to get in?? I feel like my SAT score is kinda average, but i’ve heard that they take everything into account before making a decision…</p>

<p>I’d really appreciate any kinda input at all, coz i don’t know many ppl in the US(i live in South Africa), so, i don’t know much…
Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Anything is possible. What are your extracurriculars? Do you need financial aid?</p>

3

<p>Well, at the moment im do karate, drama, writing… And i do need financial aid.</p>

4

<p>Anyway, i might retake the SATI if i can…</p>

5

<p>The fact you’re international and need financial aid will count against you.</p>

6

<p>I would definitely take the sat’s again and aim for over 2000 (2200 would be better!).
What about extra curricular activities, jobs, awards, honors? Anything that would make you stand out?</p>

7

<p>I got 2080… But yes, i see what you mean… I’m gonna try to take them again, i just hope a centre will be available.
Anyways, these are my extra curriculas:
Green belt in karate
Writing: I’ve won poetry and short story competitions, and had my work published.
I do volunteer work(at a children’s home)
Drama
Participate in musicals
I sing, play guitar and keyboard, and write songs
Netball
Math and Science Fairs:
Regional fair in grade 10, 2nd place for statistics project.
Regional fair in grade 11, 2nd place for statistics project.
Interhouse fair in grade 12, 1st place for problem solving.</p>

8

<p>Yeah, you’re probably a little below the average applicant due to your test scores, but you’re still in the possibility range</p>

9

<p>You should consider applying to schools that have need-blind admissions with foreign students (ie, Amherst).</p>

10

<p>Well, these are the only schools that i know about that have need-blind aid for international students: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth, Amherst, Williams, and Middlebury. Which do you think is easiest to get into??</p>

11

<p>Hey autcat,</p>

<p>I’m living in Australia atm, but I was born in SA and have lived there for 7 years overall, i’ve also lived in the US so I do know about being an international from SA. lol</p>

<p>I’m actually applying to essentially similar colleges as you are this year, and I can tell you that…</p>

<p>1) Requiring fin-aid does not count against you for need-blind colleges, and the ivies are all pretty much need-blind as far as I am aware.</p>

<p>2) You have some good school results there, I did the IGCSE Add Maths in grade 10 and I got a B, so an A for that, and for the other subjects is quite impressive. </p>

<p>It all really comes down to a few key factors</p>

<p>a) Your scores (SATI and SAT II)
b) Your EC’s
c) Your essay</p>

<p>Regarding a, I would suggest that you try and get above 2200 for the SAT I and 3 subjects test is good, just make sure you do reasonably well.</p>

<p>b is pretty much fine, there’s not much one can do about Ec’s in your final year, lol, trust me i know, but what you should include are any National or International awards/certificates for tests, etc.</p>

<p>c is the hook. This is what will get the colleges to stop for a moment and really look at you seriously, so make sure it is good. Individuality and passion are key ingredients for this.</p>

<p>Finally good luck,</p>

<p>If you want it bad enough it’s never out of reach.</p>

<p>M</p>

12

<p>Thanks so much for all the advice, i really appreciate it! btw, which part of SA are you from, M-Brane??</p>

13

<p>no problem autkcat,</p>

<p>and Cape Town would be my home town. Good times. <em>shakes head in nostalgia</em></p>

<p>Although not sure atm. She’s heading Zimbabwe’s way unfortunately.</p>

<p>Cheers,</p>

<p>M</p>