<p>Hey!
I was wondering what my chances are to the schools stated in the title for junior year. Currently, I am studying in Japan as an international student.
I'm finishing my freshman year in a week, but since applications for next year are closed, I'm looking to apply the year after.
My grades for the core classes are:
Science: A
English: A
History: A
French: A
Math (Honors/Advanced): B- </p>
<p>The reason my math grade is so low is because I had just moved to Tokyo at the beginning of 9th grade, and there was a lot I hadn't learnt at my previous school.</p>
<p>Few other things that could be taken into consideration are:
Have been to a boarding school for 2 years
Got a 98th percentile on my ITBS scores
Was selected for the CTY program
Have studied in 7 schools around the world
Received a Global Citizen Award</p>
<p>So what do you think my chances are for these schools? I will be applying for financial aid, if that matters.</p>
<p>I’m not a really good 'chance"-er but I wouldn’t limit myself to those schools ONLY, as they are VERY hard to get accepted to. I would recommend look the the Hidden Gems thread for more lesser known but really good prep schools.</p>
<p>I second what BronxKid said. Additionally, do you have any hobbies in the arts or sports that you’re particularly good at? The schools are looking for people with a wide range of activities besides academics.</p>
<p>if you’re a Japanese citizen and you’re applying for FA, that will seriously hurt your chances. i think if you’re American, it’s ok (not 100% sure, check each school for their individual policies) but international FA is hyper-competitive. </p>
<p>Have you also considered applying as a repeat sophomore? Repeating is less competitive than applying as a junior and gaining an extra year won’t hurt you :)</p>
<p>Currently, I play tennis every week and have a good shot at varsity tennis for sophomore year.
Also, I have been doing MUN (Model United Nations) for 5 years now
I am also on the Speech Team in my school for extemporaneous speech
If this helps, I tutor three times a week voluntarily
As a hobby, I love playing the guitar. I’m no expert, but it’s a great pass time. I’m in a small band at school too
Also, I am running for Class President next year.</p>
<p>And actually, I am an Indian citizen. From what I have read (and I dont know how true this is), schools like these are looking for diversity and not many Indians are joining. My friend, who got into Exeter this year, it is quite factual, because the Korean quota for diversity is far more competitive than the Indian. I’m not sure how true this is though.</p>
<p>Also, does having boarding school experience help? The boarding school was known to be extremely prestigious and the acceptance rate was around 11%.</p>
<p>So with these ECs and hobbies, how are my chances?</p>
<p>Indian student studying in Japan is a hook and if you don’t need FA your chances should be good. You have the grades, so focus on essays and the interview and try to be unique in some areas and be yourself. I don’t think there are many Indian students at BS. Follow the essays and interview threads here on CC for some good tips and advice. Also, apply to a few less selective schools as safeties.</p>
<p>@Invent
Thanks for the support! I’m going to work hard over the summer for a good SSAT score, and then focus on the essays and interview.
From what I hear, the interview is casual, and I’m comfortable speaking in public. I’m not really shy so I don’t think thats a problem.
Unfortunately, I will be applying for FA so maybe that will reduce my chances…
But thanks anyways!
What is an ideal SSAT score?
Also, on these schools’ websites, it says that your admission chances aren’t reduced by need for FA. Is this true or not?</p>
<p>Above 85% SSATs is good for the schools you are considering. May be for internationals it’s better to be at or above 90%. Don’t waste time trying to score 99% like most asians do. Get around 90% and spend time on your extracurriculars as BS are looking for well rounded students who can score A grades while playing their trumpet dancing on their toes who head off to the soup kitchen to serve the needy. In spite of what the folks say here on CC, don’t believe when they say your financial status doesn’t affect your chances of admission. These are private schools that run on tuition money. They get a couple of kids from the boondoggles to make it look like your means doesn’t matter, but majority of the kids at these schools are very well off.</p>
<p>@Invent
Thanks for the advice. I’ll take that into consideration when I study.
As far as grades are concerned, I am fine with all subjects except math. I am in honors math and my grades dont reflect the work and time I spend, so I dont know what to do.
For FA, I will be needing it. I go to an international school here (private), but I will still apply for FA. I don’t think I will be able to be around 45k so, what can I do/what are my chances?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t stress SSAT’s at all. I got a really low score (low 60’s) and I’m going to Choate next year (only school from the ones you mentioned I applied to)</p>
<p>What are you talking about? I know an international student at choate I met on my revisit day with 60/70 scores (in that range). Ssat scores don’t kill your chances… It isn’t the only part of your app.</p>
<p>@Invent and BronxKid
Thanks, I wont worry about the SSAt too much. I will study ofcourse, but not be mad if I don’t get a 95 or something.
But honestly, how badly will I be affected since I am applying for FA?
Will I still have a shot?</p>
<p>(no hostility intended)
I don’t think you should value any of our opinions, as we are not qualified A/O’s. At least I’m not. But I think you have a great chance if you kill on your interview and have outstanding recs. There are plenty of internationals just like you, smart and clearly qualified, but they won’t take them all. Send a hand written thank you note to your interviewer. It works wonders</p>
<p>If you are an international needing FA, you need significant hooks like a Math Olympiad qualifier or who can speak 3 ancient languages fluently or an olympic wrestling prospect, you get the idea. The probability of you getting FA from India is not zero, but somewhat close to it without a hook. If you are from Uzbekistan that’s a different story.</p>
<p>@Invent
So you’re saying A/O’s have higher expectations from you because of your race? That’s so stereotypical. Are you an A/O? How would you know?</p>
<p>Bronxkid, I don’t have time to debate you right now, but you can post your opinions. The OP will be able to read our posts and be able to make something out of our collective wisdom.</p>
(only school from the ones you mentioned I applied to)</p>