What are my chances?

cc8912
Sat, 17 Jun 2017 03:37:11 +0000

The Ivies and similarly elite schools are definitely worth applying to and will cover all of the aid you need (I believe), but they are very tough to get into, and even more ridiculously tough to get into if you are international. Not only that, but they will likely only accept 1 student or so from a country like yours each year.

Because of this, I strongly recommend that you study for the SAT some more and give it another shot – if the 1460 is your first test, you have plenty of room for improvement. Your EC’s are certainly not as developed as they could be, but if you are able to really explain what they meant to you and use your essays to describe your life in a country unlike nearly all other applicants’, you should be in a strong position. I’d also really recommend finding a leadership role in something you enjoy this summer or at the beginning of next year.

Based on what I know about students in the US, your list of schools – NYU, Trinity, Skidmore, and Union – seems great. Of course, it is a lot tougher for international students, so also add plenty of safety schools that you would love to attend while filling out the list with a few reaches. One thing you should really keep in mind is how much aid each school offers – there’s no point in applying to a school only to find out that you can’t pay for it even if you are accepted.

The fact that you are the first in your family to go to college should help, and it seems like you’re a very competitive applicant. It’s awesome that you’ve done so well and have given yourself the opportunity to study at many great schools – wherever you end up, I’m sure you’ll do well. Good luck!