<p>If I may, H and P and others say that “consider all applications in the same way, regardless of citizenship or high school location”, which I believe. What is omitted is the fact that top schools have unsaid quotas that limit the # of accepted international students. If you look at the static percentage from year to year, this theory holds true.</p>
<p>So what happens is as international applicants vie for a fixed # of seats. Since their app numbers grow and grow, their competition grows and grows. Their admit rate plummets as more internationals apply.</p>
<p>It’s called “category admissions” For an explanation, read this:
[Reed</a> College Admissions Essay: realities vs. messages](<a href=“http://www.reed.edu/apply/news_and_articles/admission_messages.html]Reed”>http://www.reed.edu/apply/news_and_articles/admission_messages.html)</p>
<p>Summary: yes they are read the same, but that doesn’t mean they get in at the same rate as other applicants. Without a a doubt, international applications have the MOST competition.</p>