Canadian considering Ivy Leagues

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey there,</p>

<p>I've had a lot of family members recently attend a lot of American universites (namely Harvard, Princeton, Cornell and Amherst) but I'm unsure as to whether I should even bother applying because I really don't think I have a chance. I've been to visit most of the Ivys and they look amazing, but again, I feel its largely out of reach. </p>

<p>I'm planning on writing my SAT in Oct, and SAT II in Nov.</p>

<p>Currently, I have about a 90% average (ranking in the top 5% of my class). I play 3 varsity sports and am also the only girl on my "coed" hockey team outside of school. I'm the President of the largest club at our school and I'm also a Prefect.</p>

<p>I'd like to think that I have a lot going for me, but for some reason I seriously doubt that I'll make it to any Ivy league schools. </p>

<p>Any thoughts? Is it a realistic goal? Or am I way beyond my reach?</p>

<p>All suggestions are welcome.</p>

2

<p>whats are your grades
thats important inorder to evaluate you....</p>

3

<p>The thing is, your classroom grades and rank in Canada aren't really indicative of how well you'll fare at an Ivy. It'll be much easier to chance you once you've taken the SATs. Nonetheless, I think it's certainly a realistic goal, as long as you score well on the SAT I and SAT IIs.</p>

4

<p>Well throughout my highschool transcript, I haven't gotten lower than an 82%. With my highest mark being a 95%. However, at my school (and all across Ontario), an 80% or higher = an "A" grade. This means that according to that, I've always received A's.....</p>

5

<p>"Nonetheless, I think it's certainly a realistic goal, as long as you score well on the SAT I and SAT IIs."</p>

<p>How well is "well"? My school doesnt offer Honors courses or AP classes, as well as no prep for the SATs...</p>

6

<p>
[quote]
How well is "well"? My school doesnt offer Honors courses or AP classes, as well as no prep for the SATs...

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Don't worry about preparation. The SAT I is a very cerebral, intuitive test that's not easily prepped for. With a 2200, you'll have a decent shot at the 'lower' Ivies (Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth), and with a 2300, you'll have an excellent shot at these three and a decent shot at the 'higher' Ivies (Harvard, Princeton, Yale, University of Pennsylvania).</p>

<p>The SAT IIs aren't particularly important if you score well on the SAT I. Aim for 750s.</p>

7

<p>You're a Prefect? Do you go to Hogwarts? lol, sorry I know that's not funny, but I can't wait for Book 7!!!</p>

<p>Sorry, I don't have any insight on you're actual question. I don't know much about non-American schools.</p>

8

<p>habsfan = Montreal I presume
Canucks are better!</p>

<p>Anyways - another Canadian here. Victoria, BC for me.
I was accepted in Cornell (with likely letter), UPenn (with honours program), waitlisted at Harvard and Stanford and eventually rejected. Received regular decision rejections from Yale and Princeton (applied EA to Yale and was waitlisted). I know I may very well be presumptuous, but these results lead me to believe I would also have had a good chance at the other Ivies (Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown).
Edit: I am a dual citizen - worth noting</p>

<p>Below are my stats - pasted from old UPenn stats thread:</p>

<p>Decision: Accepted (Arts and Sciences) - biochem</p>

<p>Stats:</p>

<ul>
<li>SAT I or ACT: 2250 (800 M, 760 CR, 690 W) (stupid 8 on essay? weird as English/Lit is one of my best subjects)</li>
<li>SAT IIs: 800 Math 2, 760 Bio E and M (yea took both... same result), 760 Lit, 710 Physics</li>
<li>GPA: Don't do GPA around here... say around 95+%</li>
<li>Rank: Top 3% - only ranking school gives, but received award as top male academic student last year (note that top 5 included one girl...)</li>
<li>APs: None final (not available at my school until senior year)
Projected 5s on Calc BC, Bio, Lit
Projected 4s on Chem/Physics B (mad about these two, got 5s), French</li>
</ul>

<p>Subjective:</p>

<ul>
<li>ECs: Piano, violin (both with awards) guitar, varsity rower (bow), student council, prefect, fairly prestigious summer internship at local cancer research centre, presentations at many local high schools about internship, volunteered as teaching assistant at local learning centre, school outdoor leadership program, debate</li>
<li>Essays: Solid</li>
<li>Teacher Recs: Both quite strong I believe</li>
<li>Counselor Rec: Good... but not brilliant I believe</li>
<li>Interview: N/A</li>
</ul>

<p>Location/Person:</p>

<ul>
<li>State: BC, Canada!!!</li>
<li>School Type: University Prep Private, one of top in province</li>
<li>Ethnicity: Asian</li>
<li>Gender: Male</li>
<li>Other thoughts: Am an American citizen... </li>
</ul>

<p>Hooks: Believe the internship and accompanying presentations was huge, outdoor leadership (and corresponding Leadership Award) in my favour, and I believe my recommendations were quite strong</p>

<p>Just an idea of something that worked.</p>

<p>However - to close - don't feel that anything short of the Ivy League is a failure! If you are bent on going to the states (may not be the best idea in terms of $$$), then look at other top schools, which very well be a better fit for you. I myself debated accepting a major scholarship to McGill (though UPenn's very generous aid package carried the day).</p>