<p>Hi I'm an international student from Singapore, and I'm planning to apply to US universities.</p>
<p>Our grading system doesn't go by the GPA system, and I'm getting like Bs Cs and Ds for internal school exams but will likely be predicted all As at A levels, maybe a B or two. Our A level system is harder than the UK one, and we don't have A*, the grades range from ABCDESU. There are like maybe 15? junior colleges in singapore and I'm in the best government one, the first 2 are independent schools. I'm taking 4H2 subjects, bio, chem, math and economics and h1 gp. I think H2 is the equivalent of AP in the US??</p>
<p>Extra curriculars wise I've been in a sport throughout jc, so 2 years. Represented the school but didn't win anything. I have a leadership position in a club and I was part of the org comm that organised a really successful fundraiser in our school. Also 2 years. Outside school me and a few friends organised a service project for some primary school kids who are underprivileged. That's pretty much it. </p>
<p>In secondary school I did 3 years in photography though but I don't think I can include that? And like 100 hours or so with the school library then too. Had an overseas service learning trip to vietnam at an orphanage. And a 2 week program overseas which was related to biology and conservation.</p>
<p>I'm applying only to cornell and amherst. I'll either be going on a local scholarship or financial aid (from amherst only since they're need blind). I see a ton of super qualified people on this forum and I'm thinking I don't even have a shot. Is it realistic at all to aim for these two schools? </p>
<p>Oh and for SAT1 I got 1960, 690 math 740 critical reading and 530 writing. Retaking and expecting at least 2150. SAT2 I'm taking math2, chem and lit. Expecting 800 for the first two, hopefully >750 for lit. </p>