So, For the past year I was waiting for this moment to come, but I’m very disappointed. I’m an international student that scored 1840 on SAT, has 4.0 GPA, and needs almost full scholarship. And I was rejected by all universities.
I applied to Kenyon, Bates, St. Lawrence, Wake Forest, Gettysburg, Trinity CT, Grinnell, Dickinson, Skidmore.
I thought I have a CV.
For four years I had been invited to one internationally famous science center in my country (not to mention that people usually go there for two years, not more).
I was invited by a former president of the GA of the UN to the conference he’s organised and took active participation.
I was in US for a month on US Department of State program.
I was in Ukraine in second half of 2014 on a conference organised by OSCE and US Dep. of State.
Took part in many MUNs, and European Youth parliaments
Made my own organisation that helps young people, especially minorities, become more engaged in society and organised a lot of seminars about minorities and their integration in the society.
I’m president of students council.
Won two bronze medals in Jujutsu national championship
Volunteered a loooooot
Have a great knowledge of English, German and French (and plus my mother tongue)
I couldn’t choose any APs, because school system is a bit different in my country, but my grades are perfect, all As both at the end of every year and mid year.
I just don’t know what was wrong about my application. I still cannot believe I’m not in. I know that my SAT score is not perfect, but I think it’s not that bad either.
You sound like a very talented young person, and this must be a difficult time. Many of those schools are not need-blind for international students, that is, when they make admissions decisions for international students, they also consider the applicant’s ability to pay. So a high need international student would have a more difficult time being admitted.
Another possible consideration is that, as Adnissions departments are probably not familiar with grading expectations at your school, they will see the 4.0 and SAT score together; the fact that the test scores are not as high as a typical 4.0 student would be expected to get could suggest to admissions that there is more grade inflation in your school.
Not saying it seems fair, just suggesting those are possible explanations.
Thank you @midwestmomofboys for your opinion. And true, that might be the reason, but somehow I always looked it in a way that they’ll now that it is hard to prepare for a good SAT result in my country (Eastern Europe, poor country) because schools are following completely different system. But I agree, that might be the reason.
Sorry for asking but do you maybe have some proposal where to apply in December this year, because I’ll try once again, most likely?
If you’re going to reapply, definitely try to get that SAT score up to at least a 2000. You could try applying to schools that are need-blind for international students, although they are incredibly rare and hard to get into (ex. Harvard). While I would suggest applying to lower-caliber schools that the ones you listed above, I’m afraid such schools may not offer the FA you need.
Your ECs are amazing but if you’re going to take a gap year and reapply then you should get your SAT score up. Now that you’re done with school you’ll have more time to focus on that too. Also depending on what you’re applying for, try to give 2 (or maybe even 3 if you can manage) SAT Subject tests. If you find the SAT I isn’t too your liking try the ACT instead. Good luck!
If you’re gunning for full scholarships or very high aid, your SAT score is much too weak. Try adding 400 points and try again. Sorry to be blunt, but that is what everyone here is hinting at.
It was your SAT score plain and simple. You had no match or safeties . You aimed too high. Another international poster had the same problem last year . I see that she is back on the boards and now has more options because she had a more realistic list . Good luck. Maybe a gap year ?
@gminor It doesn’t surprise me at all that OP didn’t get accepted to Gettysburg or St. Lawrence, since neither of those schools are completely need-blind, even for American students, and are definitely need-aware for international applicants. At Gettysburg, and possibly St. Lawrence, he certainly could have been rejected just on stats (SAT) alone, even if full-pay.
Unfortunately the SAT score was your downfall. However, you still seem like a very strong student with a lot of potential. I wish you luck wherever you go!
I disagree that the AP’s were also a factor. Every country/school is different. Not all students have the same access to resources. They can’t hold that against the students.
One of my friends just received a sweet merit scholarship from one of the LACs you listed, 2300+ SAT I, plenty of APs, major languages, unique EC. So I’d say get your test scores up up and up.
If you want re-apply, apply to Soka. It’s need blind for International students and isn’t as hard to get into as the Ivies. They offered me a full ride.
I’ll just reiterate that it was your SAT score, no doubt. Just look at it from the point of view that the admissions officer doesn’t necessarily know your country’s educational system that well, but he/she does know the SAT. It’s not fair, but it’s what they have to do. I have nothing but criticism of the SAT but you have to play their game. You seem to be very intelligent and your future is bright, don’t let this bring you down. Use it as fuel to work harder and make those schools regret not accepting you.
Also, 7 isn’t enough. I applied to 20, and so far have gotten acceptances from 2/10 as an international needing full aid. But I have a higher SAT score (I really am trying not to sound condescending). Just remember that asking for 60,000$ from a school is asking for a lot, and it really has nothing to do with your capabilities as a student.
It’s tough for us internationals.