Chance me? Will definitely chance back!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Intl Student from Asia, currently taking a gap year</p>

<p>SATs: 2160 (690 CR, 750 Math, 730 W); 700 Physics, 710 Bio M
Academics and Rankings: 95.1/100, Top 1% in batch of 270+; took hardest courseload available (block schedule, so I have no choice in classes, but I took all advanced courseload)
Awards: received highest school distinction that's only given once every few years</p>

<p>ECs:
Gap year:
Founded country's first gov't simulation program that was sponsored by senators (I don't have any political affiliations); attended by over 400 students (currently being adopted as a gov't program)
Founding intern at a new startup that provides underprivileged public schools with sustainable materials and equipment
Founded a program that gives advice, mentorship, and standardized test training to underprivileged student on getting into local colleges (I attended college in my country for half a year)
Boxing trainer in local gym (6 hrs a day, thrice a week for three months)
Internship at a media consulting firm for politicians (political psychology focus; 8-5 job, 3 months)
Taught English in a rural village for a month</p>

<p>High School:
Organized a summer educational program for underprivileged 5th grade students (4 years)
Organized an annual concert that earned more than $30000 per year for four years that went to our school's scholarship fund, the aforementioned summer program, and public school awareness (4 years)
Directed four plays, two of which I wrote (one in Chinese, other three in English; 3 years)
Organized school's student outreach programs such as leadership seminar programs in underprivileged public schools (3 years)
Two month cultural immersion in Xi'an, China where I translated for the faculty and other students and served as the student leader of the group of 60 (I'm not Chinese, nor is Mandarin my first or second language)
Other minor stuff such contributor in school newspaper, science club secretary, prom committee head, etc. </p>

<p>Do you think I have a shot at Harvard or any of the other Ivy League schools + top LACs?</p>

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<p>In addition:
Took several courses on udacity.com in computer science (certificates with highest distinction)
All high school activities indicated - was either head or president</p>

3

<p>As you will be competing with many international students who have perfect test scores, it may be an uphill battle. I suggest you also apply outside of the ivy league and LAC’s. See: [What</a> Are Some Tips for International Students Applying to U.S. Colleges? - College Admissions Q&As (usnews.com)](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-experts/2011/09/14/what-are-some-tips-for-international-students-applying-to-us-colleges]What”>http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-experts/2011/09/14/what-are-some-tips-for-international-students-applying-to-us-colleges)</p>

<p>"International students need to realize that they can’t simply look at overall admissions stats to determine their odds because most schools limit the international student population to 10 percent of the overall class. Even though colleges don’t admit to quotas, these numbers don’t vary much year to year, so they are what I would call virtual quotas. If you look at a school that has a 20 percent overall admissions rate, the admit rate for international students is likely to be closer to 5 percent—not to mention the fact that international students compete with other international students from 80-plus different countries, plus their own country. Schools might receive 300 applicants from China and then accept two or three!</p>

<p>Therefore, students should focus on lesser-known “name brand” schools that all international students apply to, schools that don’t receive as many applications from international students. Rural schools for instance or schools outside the Northeast tend to get fewer applicants from international students."</p>