High School Rigorism Recognition and Chances

Chance Me / Match Me
1

I am currently an 11th-grade student in Korea with a US Citizenship. The high school I am attending is one of the top ten academically successful schools in Korea(but it is not recognized by the US unlike other top Korean schools), which makes it very hard to get good grades because almost every student tries to get into top Korean colleges. I would get B’s in calculus but would be able to do very well on AP tests and ace SAT2 and ACT Math. And because of our high school’s successful record, our school tries to keep students focused on their studies by limiting extracurricular activities, which limits my ability to do other activities.

I have a 3.6/4.0 GPA in the 25% percentile, a 31 ACT, a couple 5’s on AP tests, 800’s on SATII Math and Physics. Korea doesn’t offer any honors or gifted classes, so I am not able to take any classes above my grade level. But grade level tests are already National Olympiad Levels compared to the US. I want colleges to acknowledge and recognize the rigorism of my high school, but I don’t know how. Should I write an essay or note regarding this topic?

P.S. I am planning to apply to UIUC, Purdue, Univ. of Washington, Univ. of Texas at Austin, Georgia Tech. I’ve run a couple of chance tests, but I would like to know the chances of me getting into theses schools by real humans, unlike computerized programs.

2

The Common App requires your guidance counselor to submit, in addition to your transcript, a school report detailing which courses (advanced and regular) are offered at your school and how well you have performed academically in relation to your classmates. I would make sure that your counselor explains the things you mentioned in this report, such as the rigor of your classes and the fact that your schedule is structured so that you don’t have time for extracurriculars.

3

Your standardized tests are great, so schools will realize the discrepancy. I agree with the above comment about your counselor. Make sure its crystal clear what your situation is and you’ll be ok. Chance me back for my schools and Villanova?