<p>A poor fella from a lost, little country in Europe--Albania--who manages a decent SAT score which is like 100% in national percentile.</p>
<p>So, differently put, does applying from a small, poor country actually help or is it the same as if I were Asian or American?
Will my application be put in context of my "environment"?</p>
<p>You have a bonus when it comes to diversity. They prefer a student from Albania rather than a student from Asia with a similar status when it comes to internationals. Not sure about American students.</p>
<p>As an international applicant, you're in competition with some very strong applicants.
Stanford does not offer need-blind to international students, so if you need financial aid, it weighs in HEAVILY against you.</p>
<p>I'm aware of Stanford's financial aid policies and the competitiveness of the international pool, but my question is whether my being from Albania will somehow help.</p>
<p>That question was already answered in the second post. You must be competitive enough to be considered.</p>
<p>100% national percentile in your country, Albania? It doesn't matter what your percentile is in Albania. From your Stats Profile you have a 1990 SAT 1.</p>
<p>^^ lol, I'm retaking and no, I would never apply with a 1990.</p>
<p>My inquiry got somewhat distorted; all I wanted to know was whether Stanford, for diversity's sake, would accept an Albanian instead of an Asian or Indian although the former is slightly weaker academically.</p>
<p>ps. 1990 is like 96-97% in Albania but a 2250+ would be sheer 100%.</p>
<p>I think they would. But it depends on what they understand as "slightly": if it's a difference of about 100 SAT points, I think they will choose you.</p>
<p>They definitely consider you in the context of your environment. That said, there are a lot of incredibly bright international students who have done amazing things with their lives who you'll be competing against.</p>