<p>Should I perhaps self-study an AP? How easy is this? Is it too late? Which would be the easiest? Take into account that my strength lies in the Humanities field. and languages too.</p>
<p>
Do lots of practice.</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I just wanted to add my 0.02 about your concerns… My dd14 was introduced to Stanford at an event last year at a exploring college options event here in CT last May. She has the grades, EC’s, stellar writing skills, her LOR’s are always amazing and I am sure they will continue on that spectrum but her PSAT scores were a bit low… so I was a bit nervous about her adoration for this school! She has been studying for the Oct 6th SAT and has been bringing up her scores on timed practice tests. She has also visited countless schools since that exploring college options event. Her love for Stanford has cooled off a bit and she is beginning to open her eyes to the possiblities of other schools which is great. As the admit rates on these schools is so low. And being in love with a long shot is far too risky in my opinion. She told me a few weeks ago that she may/may not apply to Stanford and she wants to see more of what is offered first…She is only a sophomore so she has more time than you. </p>
<p>A funny story… I took her to Wesleyan for an open house in November… she- kicking/screaming/giving the silent treatment the whole ride up… me- feeling confident that I had made the right choice in the 20 minute trip to Middletown… she thought it was stupid to visit a school that she wasn’t going to apply to anyway as she had no interest in staying in CT for college. Guess who whispered in my ear how much she loved it ten minutes into the tour? LOL </p>
<p>The point I’m trying to make is this… never discount a school because of any limited ideas you have about a school… be a safety a match or a reach! As other more experienced posters have said to you…you never know until you investigate/visit. You never know until you try it. I have heard great things about Conn College. And my daughter will visit that school before its all over! And yes, she will prbably go… kicking and screaming! :)</p>
<p>If you allow some flexibility into your life, you may just surprise yourself and find some amazing safeties!</p>
<p>And as a person who is a bit older than you 
Always follow your dreams… but make sure you work hard to attain that dream! You don’t want to go through life wondering… Use Khan Academy, even sign up for the SAT online course/college board offers it… you have 5 months until October 6th! I know you will bring those scores up! As far as the books to buy, I believe both Xiggi and Silverturtle suggest the College Board Blue Book… start with that… go from there…and I bet if you pm either, they will be more than happy to clarify some questions you may have on how to approach this thing. Good luck! Maybe TASP rejecting you was a blessing… you can spend your summer studying!</p>
<p>@NewHavenCTmom Thank you for your post! I’ll make it my aim over the next months to find a safety/match I love and to get my SAT score up. </p>
<p>Any advice on self-studying APs, anyone?</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know if there are any good LACs that really want to increase their percentage of international students? 'Cause I’d have a better chance at those</p>
<p>Its always nice to reach out to admissions officers at the schools… by either calling our emailing! They are always more than willing to answer your questions. </p>
<p>As far as studying… there is a AP test thread… where students have been nice enough to post released AP tests and AP study guides. I bet if you post a question on there… folks will be more than happy to assist you!</p>
<p>
LACs that want to increase their percentage of international students would typically seek full-paying internationals.</p>
<p>Is it dumb, as a financial aid seeking international, to apply only to LACs? What do you guys suggest? Also, will having a single self-studied AP or maybe two help me that much?</p>
<p>It’s not dumb, but choose LACs where your stats put you at the top of their pool.</p>
<p>Well, what I was truly asking is, in my position (that is, being a financial aid seeking international) is it pointless to apply to Amherst, Williams, Vassar, etc. ?</p>
<p>Bump. I really need an answer to that last question!</p>
<p>Update: 117 on TOEFL iBT</p>
<p>Update number two:</p>
<p>Got SAT II scores back: 800 on french and 770 on literature.</p>
<p>Wanting to go to Columbia because it’s “in NYC” isn’t a good reason. Also, I’m surprised no one has pointed this out yet, but you don’t have many ECs. Your GPA is good, and raising your SAT a bit will help your chances.</p>
<p> Williams: reach
Amherst: reach
Vassar: low reach
Haverford: low reach
Amherst: lol
Hamilton: high match
Bowdoin: low reach
Barnard: thought you hated it?
Connecticut: low match</p>
<p>Yeah, you definitely need more matches/safeties. Why do you have to stay in the East?</p>
<p>I actually do hate Barnard… Thank you for reminding me. Well, I have to stay in the northeast to be close to Spain, my homeland, and NYC, where I know a lot of people. Also, I’ve always preferred the northeast to other parts of the U.S. because it’s closer to Europe in feel and mentality, and yet it’s very different. I’ve read extensively about Columbia through their “Columbia Blue” publication as well as what a variety of college websites say and it seems like a good fit. </p>
<p>To my ECs you can add a two-week long internship at a prestigious Spanish publishing company. I plan to go into publishing (which is why I’m the editor of my school’s literary magazine). To honest, I don’t know what else to do for ECs. I don’t like organized sports (although I do play badminton and golf) and music isn’t really my thing (however, I’ve played the xylophone for two years now). I’m hoping my patent passion for everything literary will make up for the lack of ECs - there isn’t really that much you can do in that realm. Thank you for chancing me, SgtDonut.</p>
<p>Reading about your goals and strengths (and desire to be on the East coast) I would suggest Skidmore and Dickinson as match/"safeties ".</p>
<p>Here are some matches/safeties too:
- Skidmore
- Dickinson
- Franklin & Marshall
- Wheaton</p>
<p>hahahahahahah, what telepathy!</p>
<p>All right, but just know that you may be limiting yourself by not applying to any Midwestern/Southern/Western colleges. The way I see it, this is the perfect time for you to experience a completely new environment, and as you’ve been in the Northeast for HS, I would once again advise that you broaden your horizons.</p>
<p>@inaweoflacs–yeah F&M and Wheaton would be on my list too!!! LOL</p>