<p>I'm a poor international student so I'm aiming for the need-blind universities (Harvard, Princeton, Yale and MIT).</p>
<p>I intend to pursue a Pure Science degree.</p>
<p>Cambridge A-Levels:
Mathematics A
Biology A
Chemistry A
Physics A</p>
<p>Top 3 out of 250+ students for every exam in secondary school (mostly 1st place).</p>
<p>Have not taken my SATs. But I'm confident I can get above 2250.</p>
<p>ECs:
Science and Research
National Science/Innovation Fair (Runner-up)
National Chemistry Quiz (High Distinction)
National Physics Quiz (Gold Medalist)
Represented country to the International Physics Olympiad
President of school's Science Club
Organized a Science Fair in my school
Organized a recycling project in my school (on World Environment Day)
Job at a Science Exhibition Centre (2 months)
Volunteered to teach orphans Science and English (160 hours)</p>
<p>English-related (Writing and Speaking):
President of school's English Society
Head Editor of school's year book
State level essay-writing competition (3rd place)
Represented district at state level in Public Speaking
Represented district at state level in Scrabble
Represented school in Debate</p>
<p>Chess:
President of school's Chess Club
Represented state at national level
Participated and won numerous tournaments outside school</p>
<p>Others:
President of class
Vice-President of school's St. John Ambulance
Represented school in Bowling
Community work in a library (140 hours)</p>
<p>I got good recommendations from my teachers, and I'm already working on my application essays. However, I don't think I have a "hook". Is the Intel Science Fair open to 19 year-old students?</p>
<p>Thanks, that's nice to hear. Anyway, in my country, the GPA isn't calculated based on school exams. Instead, we sit for the 'O' level (ordinary level) and the 'A' level (advanced level) examinations. The grades we get for these exams are our GPA, which means mine is 4.0/4.0 =) .</p>
<p>Realize that most people here have no idea what it takes for an intnl to get in with financial aid, so take what's been said with a grain of salt. Your competition for the little money available for intnls is killer, and you indeed need a hook. things are easier if you come from a country that's not well represented. Asian and Western European countries are the hardest to get in from. A small African country would be ideal. I go to school with a lot of intnls and the ones who get into HYP have a MAJOR hook. Without one, you need to apply to schools where you'e stats are at the very top of their class, schools where you are overqualified basically. I would post on the intnl board for specifics on schools that are generous with intl aid.</p>
<p>I think that IPhO <em>is</em> a great hook.
Moreover, some top colleges offer need-blind aid for internationals, too (MIT, for example). I think you have a great shot. Beware, however: make sure to <em>rock</em> the essays, you won't get in otherwise.</p>