I’m a junior at a high school in Toronto. Here is what my application would look like:
Stats:
SAT-1500
GPA-4.0
5 in AP Micro and Macro (Had to self-study both as my school doesn’t offer any AP courses)
Took the hardest courseload I could, including taking two grade 12 courses in grade 11 and getting the highest grade in both classes.
ECs:
Started an online youth publication (almost like an informal research group) for authoring articles on international relations, economics, and politics. Currently has over 150 members in dozens of countries around the world.
Summer internship at a human-rights group at the University of Toronto last year. Continuing as a “Youth Ambassador” this year. For this, I write articles and focus on enhancing youth engagement with human-rights issues. Might be selected to attend an official UN conference in NYC this summer on behalf of the organization.
An executive at my school’s MUN club. Attended 10 conferences. Possibly Sec-Gen (President) for another larger Toronto-based MUN conference.
Analyst at a University of Toronto research group. I write official compliance analysis reports for important international summits. This is usually a position for undergrads in their second year or higher.
Recently started a charity at my school to fundraise for supporting cancer patients and funding cancer research. Dedicated to my teacher who passed away due to cancer last year.
This summer, I’m planning to reach out to professors and independent researchers to work with. I’m trying to write academic research papers and get them published.
Other:
No legacy status. Indian male.
Unique background (I lived in 4 countries for 4 years each).
Looking to apply to all Ivies, MIT, UChicago, Stanford, Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon and others for either econ or international relations (hopefully both?).
Will apply for financial aid.
How do you think my chances are? What do you think I should improve upon? Anything particular I should highlight in essays?
Thank you very much!
What country are you actually a citizen/permanent resident of? Colleges generally tend to compare international applicants against the background of other applicants from the same country. For the most part, admissions is even more competitive for international student applicants. At the most competitive schools (HYPMS caliber) that offer need blind/full financial need met admissions for international students, you have to be one of the best handful of students to have a shot.
Harvard publishes a page on international student enrollment statistics at http://www.hio.harvard.edu/statistics
At present there are 787 undergraduate international students enrolled. Divided by 4 years = under 200 students each year. A few examples: Canada 135/4 = ~34/year; India 19/4 = ~5/yr.
You sound like an impressive student, but the odds are long for any international applicant at these schools.
Thanks for the response! I am actually a citizen of India living in Canada. The statistics you linked are appalling: I never thought there would be only 5 Indian students in each class. Nevertheless, is there anything you suggest I should do to enhance my application?
Go back to the link for Harvard’s statistics. I think that the 5 that you are referring to is the key to the graphic on the right: one mortar board is equal to 5 students.
Nope. It’s really 5. Or more accurately it’s 19 across all 4 classes as @tdy123 says. In the link, one needs to select:
Show me: Students
from India
at Harvard College
Which generates 19
See, nothing really stands out to me so far, no offense. As an Asian male, you’re going to be pitted against people much like you, maybe even better. Furthermore, as an international, your chances are slim. However, you do have some pretty good ECs that may make up for your grades/test scores.
Your unique background will definitely make you stand out in the admissions process if you write your Common App about it. Furthermore, it will connect nicely to your interest in International Relations. I know this was posted long ago, but I hope you did apply to some of these schools. Best of luck.
@Chief134 Thanks a lot! Yeah, I applied to UPenn ED and my decision comes out this Thursday. And I did end up writing about my background in my common app, although I’m very uncertain as to how good it is? Would you like to give it a read?
@nomansland Thanks for the honest review. Appreciate it
UPDATE: A few things to add^, I ended up getting great rec letters, I did become the sec-gen of a really big MUN conference in Toronto. Wasn’t able to go to the NYC meeting but I published a research paper with the same organization. Wrote my common app on my weird background (living in 5 different countries).
I applied ED to UPenn and results come out this Thursday. Thanks a lot!
UPDATE: Rejected ED from Wharton, UPenn
Not a surprise. You’re up against a lot of brilliant applicants from all over the world for the very few spots. Nothing wrong with ivy dream, but you do need more match and safety schools.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/2095312-generic-chance-answer-for-super-selective-colleges.html
But since college admission decisions are not independent events, having a rejection from one of the schools gives information suggesting that other super-selective schools are even more of a reach for you.