<p>So you got out of the “bottom” by studying? With no aid financially?</p>
<p>We got merit based scholarships from studying hard… No matter what, even if you have to get student loans, education is the only thing that can change your socioeconomical status and is worth to invest in. </p>
<p>Major in STEM related field where jobs are plenty … </p>
<p>I spent the whole January being told how my chances were grim,near to zero because i was international that needed full FA and its not like I was of any under represented minority… I got accepted to some of my top dream schools… Dont get discouraged by those seriously… Race and legacy and all of that will not be enough to get you in! And even when they say it is nearly impossible… its not</p>
<p>@RockComet Did you apply through any sort of program? It isn’t impossible, but it sure is hard. People, including myself, should be more realistic about the outcomes. </p>
<p>@stargirl3 Nope. No sort of special program. Just me writing some essays, and completing some applications and sitting some exams :P… But seriously… its like… I had been told really depressing stuff and nearly lost all hope and when I got the acceptances it was like a dream… 
So, guys dont get discouraged. Theres always always hope, even if its tiny :3</p>
<p>(As about that, you are actually one of my favorite posters in CC and I really think that the schools dont know what they have lost :PP. Lets hope the waitlist ends up well 
)</p>
<p>@RockComet You must be amazing. When I saw your decisions and that you’re an international getting full aid I thought you were joking. :D</p>
<p>@Rockcomet: I agree on most of what you said. But, just for the record, I think Albania is a pretty under represented country in most US boarding schools… </p>
<p>I just checked her chances thread and thought she’d be a top contender no matter where she’d come from, including NE. </p>
<p>@stargirl3 thanksss :3 ^_^</p>
<p>@Benley ur right, actually i dont think there are any students from my country, but then again accepting me…it would not help the diversity(white, mediterrean there are tons of students like that), and i dont come from URM, and I cant imagine being accepted just for the school to have one more country represented. Thats why I was feeling kind of hopeless… </p>
<p>@SharingGift oh, i so much regret that Chances thread… I was new here at the time and had no idea that i should not reveal that much info… :/// But since i was accepted no harm done. 
Thanks a bunch!! You have no idea how cute it is to read those kind of words. Made my day :3 
(what is NE? o.O)</p>
<p>NE = New England</p>
<p>The odds of an international student receiving full FA are much lower than those of any NE student in a similarly competitive position in their respective applicant pool. Of course such an individual must be highly qualified, but even so they gotta be a very lucky fella and being the one and only from a country/region may have helped more than one realized.</p>
<p>I would’ve been that full FA kid from NE, but I’m sure there are a bunch more just like me. </p>
<p>Isn’t often hard, if not impossible, to verify the financial status of international applicants?</p>
<p>RockComet, you are clearly extraordinary and deserve your opportunity. I wish you happiness and success.</p>
<p>@twinsmama thank youuu so so so much!!! </p>
<p>The article on Mr. Park is not unrealistic but I am worried if it could be misleading. </p>
<p>I know many Asian American friends whose parents were the first generation of the US immigrants. They got into top colleges without having parents’ legacy or socioeconomic status. Now, their kids get into top colleges without having such hooks. Asian American population accounts for about 5% in US but the number increases to 9-10% when it comes to the Asian American students in US colleges. I am sure at top colleges, numbers are even higher. </p>
<p>Character plays an important role in college application. If an applicant has nothing but the great numbers without having any character, chances are high that he/she is denied. </p>
<p>@patronyork, I agree with you. I saw many AA immigrant kids enter top colleges too. It probably was more about Park’s lack of certain qualifications desired by the colleges he desired. The question is, though, whether all these legacy students were any better than Park. We just don’t know for sure, but we do know legacy plays a significant roles in admission decision.</p>
<p>@SharingGift</p>
<p>Oh, of course, I agree. Legacy plays a significant role in the college (and probably more for boarding school) admission. My son’s friend got into the top boarding school this year and his numbers were not very impressive compared to many applicants here on CC but he has two brothers at that school. </p>
<p>We don’t know if other legacy applicants were any better than Mr. Park. But I don’t think colleges accept legacy applicants just because he/she is a legacy. They should meet at least some qualification criteria unless their parents donated a building or they are a board member. There are just so many legacy kids of all different levels these days. </p>
<p>yes, legacy would give a bump! And many people see it as violating an American value of meritocracy, and resent it. </p>