<p>Hi, I am from Ethiopia applying via Early Action for Harvard.
My results:
*GPA=3.9~4 unweighted. constant through high school (thanks to physical education's B) In my country's system my Junior result is 97.45/100
*No AP, IB offered in my area. Although my courses are rigorous; for eg, for Bio class the curriculum equals "Raven, Johnson Biology" or "Campbell Reece Biology". For chem "Theodore Chemistry central science"
*I am Black (URM)
*I also am First-generation (any of my parents has attended college)
*Rank: 1st from 9th-11th; I am a senior in 2012/2013
*EC: In math club many initiatives and great actions..... Also in Science club
Participated in class soccer game
Intern in an ICT center.
*Applying for financial aid
*Hope SAT >2200
*The principal enthusiastically recommends me, so do my teachers.</p>
<p>In my experience, students at the top universities have a distinction beyond “best student in his or her high school class.” That could be a national or international academic accomplishment (e.g. an award from the international science olympiads) or a rare extra-curricular accomplishment. </p>
<p>
Enrollment statistics would list you as an international student, not a URM. International students don’t normally benefit from affirmative action policies intended to help domestic minorities.</p>
<p>I haven’t ever heard an international science olympiad in my area. There even isn’t national award for high achievement. B@r!um, What do you advice me then?</p>
<p>I think what B@r!um is saying, that to be admitted to a school like Harvard, you really have to be extraordinary on a big scale. How do you compare to the very top students in your entire country? What sets you apart from the hundreds of other great international science students who apply to Harvard every year? If you don’t know the answers to those questions, you can still apply. Just know, that the odds are against you. As they are against everyone else who applies to Harvard.</p>
<p>I agree with katliamom. You can apply but don’t get your hopes up. </p>
<p>Now is the time to put the “finishing touches” on your applications: do well on your SATs, help your teachers compose strong letters of recommendation, use your essays strategically to convey a carefully-chosen image of yourself. It’s too late to add substance to your application though. The kind of accomplishments that make applicants stand out build up on years of dedication and hard work.</p>