<p>Well, I think that you applying to 18 schools is a good strategy if and only if you are willing to put in the work…apply to each of those schools if they were your only shot. Admission is very selective in the US…even people with perfect scores get rejected from top tier schools. You seem like an accomplished person and the fact that you are seeking for opportunities outside Europe says a lot about you. Just do your damnedest on those apps and wait to see what will happen. Good Luck!</p>