Chances for an Aussie at Penn, UCB, MIT, NYU, Cornell

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I'm very interested in doing undergraduate business in the US, but I know my chances are slim as an international student (I'm Aussie :) )</p>

<p>Was just wondering what my chances would be of getting into Penn, UCB, MIT, NYU, or Cornell's undergrad business schools? What should I do to maximise my chances?</p>

<p>Thanks so much!</p>

<hr>

<p>Current grade: Year 11 (Skipped 9th grade)
School: Reasonably prestigious Australian private school (non-selective admissions). Full academic scholarship
Background: Asian-Australian</p>

<p>Rank: Top 10% - school doesn't publish ranks. Was 1st before I skipped up a grade.
Straight A's, report marks consistently mid-high 90s (with the occasional exception of phys ed)</p>

<p>Will be doing SATs in May, possibly again in November</p>

<p>Subjects (International Baccalaureate):
- Maths HL
- Economics HL
- Physics HL
- Chemistry SL (considering HL)
- Latin SL
- English A Literature SL</p>

<p>Academic achievements:</p>

<ul>
<li>High Distinctions in UNSW Science Competitions (state-wide), Australian Maths Competitions (national), Maths Enrichment competitions (national)</li>
<li>Perfect scores in National Latin/Mythology Exams</li>
<li>2nd place in state-wide essay competition </li>
<li>Proficiency Prizes for Academic Excellence (school awards to top 8 students of each year group)</li>
<li>"Best philosophical ideas" in regional philosophy competition</li>
</ul>

<p>Extracurriculars/Leadership:</p>

<ul>
<li>Music (7th grade clarinet, starting bassoon this year. First clarinet in both school ensembles, orchestra for school productions, etc.)</li>
<li>Debating</li>
<li>Speech (6th grade; won 'Studio Medal' for highest exam mark my region in 2012)</li>
<li>Football and Field Hockey (school teams)</li>
<li>Student Representative Council (Member in 2013, Chairwoman 2014)</li>
<li>Deputy Opposition Leader in YMCA NSW Junior Parliament</li>
<li>Volunteering (tutoring maths)</li>
<li>Charity work in Cambodia (Dec 2014, self-raised funds but done with the school. Had to be selected to go)</li>
<li>Participation in charity initiatives, e.g. food drives, fundraising, 40 hour famine</li>
</ul>

<p>Interests/strengths:</p>

<ul>
<li>Public Speaking</li>
<li>Organising events, rallying people up, etc.</li>
<li>Psychology</li>
<li>Business</li>
<li>Leadership</li>
<li>Music</li>
</ul>

2

<p>Oh also I’m not sure if this means anything but I tried out for Phillips Exeter, Andover, Lawrenceville and Milton when I was in 8th grade and got accepted into Exeter and Milton, wait-listed for the other two. I didn’t end up going because of financial reasons though (regrettably).</p>

<p>Thanks again :slight_smile: </p>

3

<p>If you receive a higher than 2250 score on the SAT critical reading test, along with 800 (or close to it) scores on your SAT subject tests (take math level 2 along with another test of your own choice for undergraduate business) then you should be in the range for undergraduate business school at NYU’s Stern Business School at least (assuming you don’t need financial aid). Problem with your resume is that you don’t really have many “stand out” state level/national level achievements (apart from High Distinctions, which we both know aren’t really much). To make your application stand out, make sure you write outstanding essays and get an internship at some local business, it can help indicate your interest in studying business. You should try and get your AMUSA on your clarinet instead of starting bassoon (more important for your application) or at least 8th grade AMEB. Ask me if you need more info (I’m basically in the same boat as you so I would (hopefully) know haha) Good luck :)</p>

4

<p>Chances for the schools you just listed (assuming no financial aid required) are NYU>UCB>Cornell>UPenn>MIT. For MIT, the chances are pretty much zero as they are basically looking for international math Olympians etc. </p>