Chaaaancessssss......

<p>I know loads of people here have answered endless posts anxiously asking "What are my chances?" but I'd really, really appreciate some opinions. I'm a South Korean student and I'm a sophomore at one of the top schools here (foreign languages high school), though I don't know if that means anything. I lived for 6 years in Britain until I went back to Korea when I was twelve. I'm taking basic Korean school courses as well as courses that I need to get into American universities; the Korean courses include Korean Literature, math, modern history, geography, French, Spanish.</p>

<p>GPA: currently 3.96, always have been 3.96 lol - high honours
SAT: I've only taken model tests so far, but I'm currently averaging 2250, and I'm planning to take it in November or December, providing my scores pick up by then
PSAT: I took it last October, and got 220...will take it again this time, hopefully get a 230+
AP: World History 5, Economics both 5, Statistics 4 (I HATED it), US Government 5
SAT II: World History 800, Math IIC 800
Currently taking AP courses in Biology, English Language and Composition and English Literature, probably will study alone or take lessons for US History (the school teacher for US History is unbelievably bad at teaching)
Am unsure of which additional SAT II to take.
Should I take Calculus? I want to concentrate on English Literature right now because it's my favourite subject, plus Calculus wreaks havoc on GPA (the teacher is v. v. strict and v. v. stingy)</p>

<p>I'm currently volunteering to teach kids from low-income families, I'm in several school clubs: school homepage club, the yearbook, MUN, culture magazine, choir, association against corruption, dance club, orchestra, French department kickball team etc, and I'm also learning the Korean drum. Performed in charity concerts for comfort women, foreign labourers etc.</p>

<p>Awards: First prize for international essay competition, won twice in a row.
Numerous awards for English language skill competitions, about four or five.</p>

<p>Have completed various translations for children's books, English to Korean or vice versa. Will participate in Interantional Frankfurt Bookfair as a translator.</p>

<p>I want to be done with my SAT I by next January and complete all my remaining APs, SAT IIs by next June, so I can concentrate on my special activities for the last months of my senior year. I've heard a lot about all the Ivy league schools and the LACs, and lots of college admission officers have visited our school and drawn enticing images of wonderful campuses and amazing opportunities etc, but right now I'm drawn mostly to Columbia and Swarthmore. I'd be really grateful if people could give me advice on what to do or rate my chances so far.</p>

<p>With an 800 on Math IIC its going to look fishy if you don't take calculus. A minor hit on your GPA is better than looking lazy. </p>

<p>As an international student, your chances will depend in part on whether or not you need finaid - it's limited at many institutions. Do you require financial aid?</p>

<p>Actually, the main issue for you as an international student is that your chances for acceptance to a top school is quite lower compared to kids in the US. The quotas show that it is way more competitive for interntional students to apply. I'm a little confused...are you a junior or a sophmore now? If you study hard Calculus won't be too hard for you.</p>