<p>I’m a Swedish citizen living in the US on a G-4 (dependent of international organization employee) visa, which puts me in the “international” category even though I’ve lived here for the past five years. My family is quite solidly middle-class, neither destitute nor wealthy; our annual income adds up to something like $120,000, which sounds like a lot, but after Swedish taxes we’re left with less than $60,000 per year. When college costs $45,000+ per year, this becomes problematic–especially at a place like the U of C, where less than 20% of foreign students receive aid. We have a mortgage in Sweden and no savings (this is how socialism works). I love Chicago and would be more than thrilled to attend, but considering that I’m not living out of a cardboard box I know the chances of qualifying for aid are slim even if I manage to get in. There is no way my family can afford full tuition. Should I even bother to submit an application?</p>
<p>I’ll post my credentials for reference, even though this is mainly a financial issue (I’m not asking about chances).</p>
<p>Academic
IB Chemistry HL
IB English A1 HL
IB French A1 HL
IB Biology SL
IB Mathematics SL
IB History SL
Theory of Knowledge
Journalism</p>
<p>Numerical
GPA: 6.3 out of 7 where 6=A- and 7=A+
PSAT: 232
SAT I: 2270 (800CR, 760M, 710W)
SAT IIs: 800 (French), 750 (Literature), 700 (Math II), 680 (Biology-M, retaking), 650 (Chemistry, retaking)</p>
<p>Extracurricular
*School newspaper (9-12): News & Features Editor, Photography Editor; the newspaper has received the Columbia Scholastic Press Association gold medal every year during this time
*Photography (10-12): Taking courses at a local darkroom 3.5 hours/week, featured in a local exhibition of student photographers two years in a row, lots of independent work, sending a portfolio
*Equestrian (1-12): 10+ years but not competitively (horse shows are expensive!), worked 40 hours/week as an instructor at riding camp for a month this summer
*Amnesty International (9-12): Not-very-active member in grades 9-11; campaign coordinator in grade 12 (basically, I organize events and letter-writing/awareness campaigns… I’m by far the most involved senior (and possibly member) aside from the president.)
*Volunteering at a local hospital (12): 15 hours/week for a month this summer (while I was working), 4 hours/week during the year
*Chemathon team (12)
*Model UN (12)
*Chemistry tutor (paid) (11-12)
*Yearbook (9-10)
*Self-studying Spanish
*misc. art, writing, crafts, cooking, etc that does not serve any purpose or fit on a resumé but that I am including anyway because why not</p>
<p>Miscellaneous
*Fluent in Swedish, French, and English (chronological order); self-studying Spanish
*Lived in Stockholm (1989-1990, 1998-2001), Moscow (1990-1994), and Brussels (1994-1998) before moving to DC in 2001
*Academic interests include but are not limited to biology, chemistry, economics, English, environmental science, French, languages in general, international relations, neuroscience, and sociology, in alphabetical order because I am still undecided.
*I’m very uncertain about career goals, but when I think about what would be my ideal job right now, I picture myself at an international organization working with issues like education, public health, or the environment. That would tie together my international background and language skills, issues that I’m passionate about, and my ever-so-idealistic wish to Help People and Make A Difference.
*The teachers writing my recommendations are my English teacher (grades 9, 11, 12) and my Chemistry teacher (grades 8, 10, 11, 12). I may submit a supplementary rec from my TOK teacher and newspaper advisor.
*I’m supposedly a good writer when I try, so hopefully my essays will be decent.
*I’m submitting a photography portfolio. </p>
<p>Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!</p>