Applying to Bates, Bowdoin, Gettysburg, Mt.Holyoke.
GPA - 8.7/10
In my country it is virtually impossible to receive a 10/10. The biggest GPA in my class is around 9. We don’t rank, but I would say that I’m in the top 5% of my class.
Course load - Huge, 14 classes. We have a set curriculum, so we don’t get to choose our classes.
Scores- SAT - did not submit
TOEFL - 113
EC’s- Founder of school Debate Club
Editor-in-Chief of school newspaper
Writer for an online youth platform
Spokesperson for an NGO, also responsible for its social media channels
Spent a year in the US as an exchange student with a full scholarship on a very competitive program
While in US, I’ve won an award for outstanding community service from the US Dept. of State, was part of a bunch of clubs(NHS, NEHS, NFHS), done a JV sport, won a “most coachable” award( I know it’s kind of lame, but I’m still proud of it :D)
Recommendations - One teacher let me read it and I thought it was great, wasn’t generic at all, provided nice examples.
Financial Aid - I am looking for huge amounts of aid and since these schools are need-aware for internationals I am sure this will be an important factor during the admission process.
Also,if this is relevant in any way, I’m coming from a country without any representation at any of these colleges.
Even SAT-optional schools favor SAT-submitters for scholarships (not for admission, but if you need huge amounts of aid, what good does it do if you get in, beside pride?)
@MYOS1634, well, I am applying for need-based FA and I thought scores were taken into consideration only for merit-based FA. These colleges don’t even offer merit-based scholarships( they clearly state that the FA will be calculated based on the demonstrated need).
I am not sure whether I understand your question correctly, but pride is definitely not the main reason I applied. I just want the chance to receive a great education, take advantage of opportunities that I don’t have at home, grow as a person, meet new people, and generally have an enriching college experience. I know this might sound corny, but it’s true.
I believe you, and it’s good you have these motivations.
My question was rhetorical - that is, when you get into a school and they don’t offer sufficient financial aid, you can be proud of yourself, which is good, but you can’t go, which from a practical point of view means the admission is pointless even if it “is” good for you.
I bookmarked your thread because it’s interesting to see how your application will be treated. I’m not sure how they view internationals who don’t submit tests and apply for financial aid. Do update it with results (both admission/rejection, and financial aid awards).
I know that Northeastern only looks at TOEFL scores and NYU admits with “national” rather than standardized test scores, but NYU doesn’t meet need anyway…
So for test-optional, meet-need schools, it was my impression that internationals had better odds if they submitted a good score.
Did you submit a strong portfolio?
@MYOS1634, I applied to NYU as well, although my primary interest campus was the one in Shanghai, which along with the one in Abu Dhabi is known to offer good financial aid to international students. For NYU, I submitted all of my test scores, as well as the predicted national exam results.
I can’t assess on how strong my portfolio is, which is why I decided to post here and see other people’s opinion, especially for these schools.
