Chances on Harvard, Yale, Penn, other Ivies.

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello, I would like to know what do you guys think my chances are for Harvard, Yale, Penn, and other highly competitive schools. I am not sure where should I apply early, some advice on that would also be extremely helpful.

GPA: My school uses a 100 scale and does not give the weighted average. I currently have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 93. However, I have 2 Cs and a couple Bs in my transcript due to a very bad semester. Given that I study IB, the courses are the same for the last 4 semesters, the next semester after this very bad one I improved my grades quite substantially, taking classes with 85 on the bad semester to 100 on the next. It’s worth mentioning that there is no class rank.

Courses:
I’m an IB Diploma Student, meaning all my courses are International Baccalaureate courses.
IB Mathematics Standard Level
IB Physics Standard Level
IB Literature Higher Level
IB French Higher Level
IB ITGS Higher Level
IB Bussiness Management Higher Level
In addition, I take Theory of Knowledge, Research Class(For the Extended Essay), and Creativity Action Service.

SAT I: 1500 (750 Math, 750 R&W)
SAT II: Spanish: 800, World History: 650, Math II: 700, Physics: 700

Extracurriculars:

  • I Have published research in the most prestigious research university in my country, presented in an international congress.
  • Founder and President of my High School’s Economics Club
  • Started an initiative with my state’s government and an international NGO to bring financial education to people in need. Will benefit hundreds of thousands living in extreme poverty
  • Two times guest speaker in the most important entrepreneurship festival in Latin America. Other guest speakers include Richard Branson and Johnny Earle.
  • Attended Yale Young Global Scholars(A very selective summer program for high school students)
  • Run private investments in international securities, derivatives, and futures market.
  • MUN delegate in over 10 simulations, won awards
  • Chief of Special Committees in my school’s MUN simulation
  • I have a two-year degree in Music Production, I have also published songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms.
  • I am a Tae-Kwan-Do Black Belt in the second degree.
  • I play guitar and saxophone.

I am trilingual, I speak Spanish, English, and French.

If I write great essays and get good recommendations, do you guys think I have any chances in top schools?

2

Harvard has a 5% acceptance rate. However, because a substantial number of the admits go to kids with hooks, the true acceptance rate for unhooked kids is substantially lower than 5%. For an unhooked international student, the true acceptance rate is probably lower still. Bottom line, even if you had perfect stats (which you don’t), the odds would be very much against you getting into Harvard. Apply to Harvard if you like, but I strongly recommend having a plan B in place.

3

Grades reflect learning and readiness for a tippy top’s competitiveness, in class, and the level of peers. The courses in the 70’s are a problem, especially if they are cores, more if they relate to your major. Even the 80’s can lower your chances, considering competition from your country with all A equivalents.

4

Added complete stats, hoping to give a clearer view of my application

5

If you are an international student, these schools are even more competitive than the published stats. As previously stated, have a solid list of match and safeties because the schools you are gunning for are all big reaches.