<p>Extra-Curriculars:
Briefly put, active participation in inter-school quizzes, debates, essay writing (in English and Hindi) and cricket tournaments. An A Grade in community service (its compulsory in our school, and we're given grades based on our performance), and a certified programmer in C and C++ from NIIT. </p>
<p>Not much, but our school never had the concepts of clubs and the like, and while I actually did much more than this, I never got certificates from our school regarding those activities. (In college - nothing. State Board College - only IIT and AIEEE)</p>
<p>My Questions:
1. I'm going to take my SAT in November. Now, what should be my score if I have to have a chance at some of the better universities?? My marks are not impressive, and my EC's even worse. I'm not aiming for MIT the Ivy League - I'm sure they're out of my reach. But do I have a chance at other good ones? (Georgia Tech, Illionis@UC etc.)</p>
<ol>
<li>Another problem is, November is a bit late. But the October seats were filled up by the time I registered. Now, most universities have a deadline of Jan 1st for the Fall Intake. What do I do about my Subject Tests>?? Even if I do write them in December, there won't be enough time to send the applications by Jan as far as I know. Am I supposed to forgo the universities which require Subject Tests too???</li>
</ol>
<p>Thats not a very strong application. Your SAT scores won’t be able to make up for your low school marks. Having said that, you’re looking at at least 2100+ to be (a little) competitive for GTech and UIUC. Also consider Purdue.</p>
<p>Most schools specify on their website whats the last testing date that they accept. GTech accepts all dates through January, for example, while UIUC does not accept the SAT II at all.</p>
<p>Of course it’s not a strong application. A few more facts here - I’ve been improving my EC’s for a while now. I’ve added painting, French and more community service. Also, my estimated SAT score (according to various practice tests) is 2200+.</p>
<p>I guess your school is really lenient with grades, then. #justsaying</p>
<p>You can never predict SAT scores. Luck plays a huge factor in your scores. You might get ~2000 on the practice tests but if luck is by your side then you just might get a 2350+. </p>
<p>What is your prospective major?</p>
<p>French as an EC? Elaborate.</p>
<p>An “A” grade in SUPW on the ICSE certificate means nothing.</p>
<p>You got a 62% in your board exams? You should be able to explain that to the adcoms. </p>
<p>In my opinion, get your SATs to 2200+ to be a little competitive for GT, UIUC etc and work hard on your extra curriculars. There’s nothing else you can do, really.</p>
<p>I’m assuming you don’t need financial aid? Look into Purdue. They accept almost everyone. Sorry can’t really comment on your chances (not qualified enough :P) but I think UIUC looks like a high reach for now. And ani is completely right about SAT scores being unpredictable, at least within a certain range.</p>
<p>Of course SAT cannot be estimated this way - but I mentioned it just for the sake of this discussion. After all, without 2100/2200 odd there’s no point of me applying to the US.</p>
<p>@aniruddhc - you’re implying 78% is a good score?? (:/). Its an average score according to me. Your comment was not sarcastic by any chance was it?? </p>
<p>By French as an EC I meant I have a very strong interest in learning languages. I hear colleges ask you for interests/pursuits outside academics. This is one of mine. </p>
<p>Major - Computer Science.</p>
<p>And any suggestions on what I can do to improve my Extra-Curricular’s?? </p>
<p>Out of curiosity, had I been able to write my SAT Subject Tests in time and apply, and assuming I scored very well in those subjects (Maths, Physics, Chemistry), would it make any difference to my application??</p>
<p>To anyone who’s wondering who Brian12 is, its the same thomyorke17 who started this post. I had a problem with the previous ID - had to make a new one.</p>
<p>Hey Brian 12 never worry. Academies aren’t the only thing that is considered… You essay has a huge weight. They can make or break your application. But if you can make it above 2100 in the SAT then you should be pretty competitive for GATech and other…Do keep some safeties too… All the best.</p>
<p>@aniruddhc - Just to clarify, “high reaches” means more or less outside my reach right?? Or I have high chances to get in?? Silly question I know, but still, confirm.</p>
<p>Brian, the colleges you’re looking at don’t require SAT II scores (someone correct me if i’m wrong here)…but you don’t need fin aid and that opens up quite a few universities to you because they want your money (internationals pay more fees at state universities, at least when compared to in-state students)…Purdue, Arizona State University, Iowa State University…and they have decent engineering programs…these are universities you could get into…Rutgers too but I guess it would be a reach, but no harm in applying right?</p>
<p>EDIT: By looking at, I don’t mean GATech and UIUC, but universities you have a realistic chance of getting into.</p>
Silly question I know, but still, confirm.</p>