Unique or All In My Head?

Chance Me / Match Me
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<p>Hello this is my first post on CC but I’ve been lurking for a few weeks and this is my first post (of many hopefully!)</p>

<p>I’m fairly new to the whole college thing, the school I go to doesn’t really emphasize it much. I was wondering if some of you could help me with knowing which schools I might have a fair chance of getting into…</p>

<p>For the record, my strength isn’t really in grades or academics (not that I’m an idiot), but more in my background and what I can provide to the school in terms of character…so here’s a bit about my background:</p>

<p>I’m Nigerian by blood, but I was born in Saudi Arabia. I lived there for 3 years then moved to Nigeria for four years, then New York for about 9 years, then Texas for about 6 months, then Nigeria for about 6 months, and I am currently living in Abu Dhabi UAE attending an International Pvt. School (reason for moving around so much is my father’s a diplomat, currently Nigerian Ambassador in the UAE).</p>

<p>I’m also a Muslim, African (bilingual) male… My GPA isn’t too great…around a 3.6 or something like that. SAT first go I got a 2020 with not much studying but going to retake it and will probably get 2150+. Also think I will take the Math 1 or 2 SAT II and the World History SAT II…hoping to major in International Relations (NOT because of my father…he actually hates that I want to do this) with a concentration in something like business or economics.</p>

<p>For EC’s…I’m a bit of an athlete so for Freshman and Sophomore year (when I was in New York) I played football and indoor/outdoor track. In track I was League Champion a few times, All-County a few times, and All-Section a few times (long jump and triple jump). The distances I was posting my sophomore year would match some distances ivy-leaguers are jumping (hoping this might help give me a slight edge? idk)</p>

<p>In addition I participated in Model UN for the first time this past school year, won some International Diplomat award (ironic) and planning on doing it again this year. Also planning on running for school president (almost definitely going to win that as well)</p>

<p>I think that’s basically it, I’m terribly, terribly sorry if I sound conceited or anything like that, it’s really not my intention. I’m just saying it how it is…and if you read this far I give you massive props (Y)</p>

<p>I’m really hoping I can get into a top tier school like Harvard or Columbia or Princeton, seems like a crazy, crazy reach but I think I might have a chance! Would love to hear some feedback!</p>

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<p>Oh also let me add I’m currently taking AP Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry (the only AP’s offered at my school).</p>

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<p>For the record, you DO seem like a very unique person, and you should be proud of your many accomplishments :)</p>

<p>That being said, with your GPA, SAT score, and status as an international student, those will definitely be high reaches for you; Ivies tend to (usually) look for 3.9+ GPA and 2250+ SAT. </p>

<p>Of course, apply to a few of those schools, because who knows, you might get in, and that would be awesome! But think of some more realistic matches and some safeties. Is there any location in the US you’d prefer for college, so we can recommend some good universities for you?</p>

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<p>Thanks so much for the response, I’d love to stay in the Northeast because that’s where most of my old friends are…haven’t seen some of them in years, so it’d be really nice to be close to them!</p>

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<p>In addition would it still be that much of a reach if I talked to the Track&Field coaches at some of the Ivies? I haven’t competed in two years but I know for a fact I’d be a great addition to most of their teams! :)</p>

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<p>Can you get recruited? If you do, that will do wonders for you. Your diversity may also help you somewhat.</p>

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<p>@Achilles09</p>

<p>I’m really really not sure about how that process works or how I’d tie it into my application. There aren’t many people here I know whom I can turn to for guidance… However I’m planning on writing to some of the coaches. I’m just unsure of whether or not to do that before or after I apply.</p>

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<p>You do that before you apply. Just try to get in touch with coaches of universities that you like, and tell them that you are interested. If they like you and your ability, then they take care of everything from then. Just be sure to keep in regular touch with them so that they can see your eagerness to play for their school. However, keep in mind that some recruits do get rejected, so being a recruit is something that increases your chances, and not something that guarantees an acceptance.</p>

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<p>@Achilles09</p>

<p>Yeah I completely understand. I think I’ll start working out and film a little video then I’ll get in contact with the coaches and show my interest… I think that’ll be my best bet. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! :)</p>

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<p>No problem! Good luck!</p>

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<p>Bump Bump, would love more input! :)</p>

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<p>All of your ECs and your heritage are great!! (I would definitely recommend you writing about all of this moving and how it has changed you for your CommonApp essay)… That being said, I think you should just get your SAT up and study hard for those Subject Tests and you’d be in pretty good shape without recruitment. You should still try to get recruited to the college(s) that you would like to go to. Good luck!</p>

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<p>@kuzon988</p>

<p>Yes I’m actually already starting to work on the essay for the CommonApp :slight_smile:
Also I’ve already started to study for the SAT I’m taking in October so hopefully that goes well! Thanks for taking the time to respond, really appreciate it!</p>