<p>I'm an Indian, like most others I'm preparing for IIT-JEE which is one of the toughest engineering entrance exams. So, SAT isn't tough and I'm sure I can score more than 2250-2300 (taking SAT this year). My scores in board exams have been consistently above 90% (except in 11th because I was very ill). As you might know ECs are not given prominence in India (most schools don't have much to offer). So, my ECs are very ordinary. Here are my ECs-</p>
<ol>
<li>Managed Art and Literature club at school for 4 years and was the leader in the last year. </li>
<li>Conducted art exhibitions (through arts club) for 2 years.</li>
<li>Learnt harmonium/keyboard for 4 years (no achievements).</li>
<li>I'm doing research at the Indian Institute of Science and Technology (physics).</li>
<li>I've been in scouts for 4 years and have passed 3 exams (was troop leader for 2 years). </li>
</ol>
<p>Some more random stuff-</p>
<p>-Won 3 distinctions in national level general knowledge exams.
-Won the best student award at college.</p>
<p>I know my ECs don't stand a chance but wanted to know what you guys feel about it. Assuming I get good score in SAT (above 2250-2300), do I have a chance? What other universities should I consider? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Every year college gives an award to the best student (overall) recommended by the teacher from each department (computers, electronics, biology). I won from the computers section.</p>
<p>-You can’t assume a 2250+ SAT Score just because you are preparing for IIT. It isn’t the same thing, and IIT is PCM, while this is Math and English. Who said SAT isn’t tough? It is for people who don’t prepare. Again, wrong assumption. Don’t assume things just because your preparing for IIT.
-What major are you applying to?
-Colleges don’t know about EC’s available in India. they just want to know how well you used the chances and opportunities you got for them.</p>
<p>Good Luck! What year are you going to apply? If engg, I suggest add some more like UC-Berkeley, Stanford, Caltech, etc.</p>
<p>I’ve started preparing for SAT, took some practice tests and got good scores. I don’t think I’ll much problem with SAT, bigger problem is ECs as mine is extremely poor. My intended majors are electricals and computer science. Is Berkeley, Caltech need-blind? Otherwise it’d be expensive for me. Btw I’m applying this year (nov/dec).</p>
<p>Just like me then, I’ll also be applying. If your on summer vacation right now, why don’t you get some volunteering done in this month and may before school starts? </p>
<p>Just remember, Ivies and other top colleges are extremely unpredictable. For every app they accept, they reject apps that are of equal merit.</p>
<p>Berkely, Caltech and even Stanford(of HYPSM) are not need blind for Intl. students!
Only 6 colleges are need blind for Int. :HYPM, and Iam not sure, but I think Dartmouth and Amherst. But check for the last two! I was not interested in them, so I don’t remember exactly!</p>
<p>And as Anvesh said, HYPSM admissions are very unpredictable! So apply to some safeties and be prepared to pay for them or you can keep any Indian colleges(e.g. IITs) as a safely!</p>