<p>Good afternoon everyone,
My name is K A. I am a student from T......
I am the top of my high school with a GPA of 18/20 the highest in the country, an SAT score of 2180, the highest in the country too (Composite Score of 1530), 800 in Math II and 710 in physics. I have 4 strong recommendations and an exceptional personal statement. I am involved in several activities ranging from Kung-Fu(state champion), Volunteering 560 hours last year, International Debate, 2 Work experiences, an international program about energy with MIT,...
I am applying for Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, University of Chicago, Duke, Upenn, Washington University in St louis.
What are my chances in getting admission in these universities?
Thank you. :D</p>
<p>Your SAT results aren’t especially compelling, however, the remainder of the information you provided appears excellent. I’d suggest you are entirely competitive, but I must add two caveats:
a) All of the universities you’ve listed are extremely selective, and tens-of-tousands of applicants with truly distinguished performance records and great potential – much like you – will annually be denied; I highlight this fact, not to be discouraging, but to ensure you understand there are virtually no guaranteed acceptances for this group of institutions, despite outstanding qualifications.
b) Extensive financial assistance for international undergraduates is not readily available. </p>
<p>But, isn’t there any sort of diversity promotion in those universities I mentionned?
I mean only 20 Tunisians apply for american universities every year since English is the third language here.
My SAT scores are the best scores in Tunisia for last decade and I know people who went to MIT and Harvard with less qualifications. I hope that universities take in consideration this fact…</p>
<p>@AKAKHALEDBEST (re #2):</p>
<p>Of course these universities will seriously consider the totality of you achievements, background, and experiences. That is the only reason – with a 2180 SAT – I suggested you are “entirely competitive.” Without “diversity promotion” (to use your words), you would not be (perhaps, “somewhat competitive” or “possibly competitive,” but not “entirely competitive”). I fully understand what you’ve indicated re Tunisians who entered MIT and Harvard, but not one of these universities has a dearth of international applicants (and the numbers decidedly increase each year). Furthermore, the situation I outlined in post #1 “a,” is reality for the first-tier of American National Research Universities (please carefully reconsider that paragraph).</p>
<p>In addition, please understand that I offered one individual’s opinion. Others may well disagree; however, I urge you not to debate with them. You’ve requested honest, experienced judgements and people of goodwill are trying to assist you.</p>
<p>Finally, while all of the universities you’ve cited are outstanding and very competitive, obviously some are even more so than others; admission to Stanford, for example, is clearly more than to Vanderbilt.</p>