Chance me?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I’m a junior in HS, so I’m starting to think about college a lot. I wanted to know what your opinions on my ECs are, how I could improve, and if you think there’s a possibility of me getting into the colleges I’m applying to.
The ones I’m currently planning on applying to are (from least to most likely):

Harvard
Columbia
UChicago
Vanderbilt
UCBerkeley
NYU
Boston University
George Washington Uni
Purdue Uni

Yes, I am aware all of these are nice schools, I haven’t decided on which safety schools I am applying to yet.
Anways, here’s some info about me:
I’m a white, male, international applicant with a family income <$60,000. My GPA is a 3.7 unweighted and my SAT score is a 1520 (Yes I know these are below average at some of the schools I’m applying to)
My main three extra curriculars are probably music, writing and science/general academic stuff.

Writing: I have published poetry in several youth anthologies, as well as participated and gotten good placements in a few international essay and writing contests. I started a Dead Poets Society at my school last year.

Music: I have been playing violin for almost 13 years. I don’t have any awards, except getting 2nd place in a national classical music competition (you know, those kinds where lost of people get 3rd/2nd/1st and only one is the “real winner”). I played violin in my school orchestra for 3 years, and have played at a lot of fancy places (I go to a school for musically gifted kids)

Science/general academic stuff: This is probably the strongest part of my resume. I have done scientific research for almost one year with a researcher at a university through a nation wide program. The program lasts a year, and at the end four winners are named. Even if I don’t win, I hope to have my research published. I’ve also participated in PROMYS Europe, Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad. I participate in a pretty selective nationwide talent program, that consists of seminars, lectures, stuff like that for gifted high schoolers. I’m considering taking an online course for credit, but I don’t know if I will have the time or money.
And that’s it! Constructive criticism is welcomed, but please be nice:)

2

Since you don’t live in California then you probably shouldn’t apply to Berkeley because I don’t think they give very much aid out-of-state, and you will definitely need financial aid. Everything looks good but your GPA. You still have one semester to get that up. You are an international applicant who needs a lot of financial aid so that lowers your chances a bit. You should probably take SAT subject tests. Your SAT is very good, don’t waste time retaking it. I’m assuming your intended major is STEM- related? So you should probably take Math II and a science.

3

CA UC’s give little to no financial aid to OOS/International students. Expect to pay full fees at $60,000/ year. Since you are in need of significant FA you need to run the Net price calculators on all schools of interest before applying.

4

The last four schools are great schools in which you have great chances of getting into.

5

You look good but some more leadership positions, higher grades, and higher test scores would be a good idea. You need a passion, something to make you stand out. Focus on that while you still have time