I just recently took the A levels and will be applying to some of the US top schools. I understand that most of the schools on this list are probably reach schools so just be as honest as you can be (haven’t gotten to my safeties yet). It would be ideal to have financial aid but not necessary for full financial aid (ignore for state schools, I am aware they probably do not have the sufficient funds).
Results: 2A*s, 1A, 1B
SATs: have not taken yet, plan to take them soon. (but having done a few practice tests so far, expecting at least 1550/1600)
ECs: I am in the national team of one of the mind sports and have represented my country multiple times individually in international competitions (sorry, keeping it vague to remain anonymous) and won a medal in one of the world tournaments.
Major: Computer Science
Also, if it is possible, I would appreciate recommendations for colleges based on my profile (preferably those capable of providing financial aid, including LACs)
(my perceived) Reach schools:
Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Columbia [hey a kid can dream haha], UC Berkeley, UCLA
(perceived) Match schools:
UCLA, NYU(business), UiUC, U-Michigan
Until you have an actual SAT score, you really cannot make a list of Match schools especially for CS.
Are these schools affordable? Any CS related EC’s ?
alright, for this instance let’s take it that I got a 1520/1600. and right now, i do not have any CS related ECs but I am in the process of developing a phone app
“ECs: I am in the national team of one of the mind sports and have represented my country multiple times individually in international competitions (sorry, keeping it vague to remain anonymous) and won a medal in one of the world tournaments.”
You will be competing with other international students who are the best in their country. The competitive nature of the academic contests is important. Without specifying anything that would reveal your identity, you might want to provide an indication of just how competitive the award you won is. For instance, “chosen as one of the top 4 students in the country in one topic area. Completed against 55 teams (one from each country). Won an individual award in physics, which was one of 6 topic areas covered”.
it is the most prestigious world tournament for mind sports
EDIT: just to clarify i played an integral role in the 3 man team and we won a medal in the team category
How much can you pay/year? Large or small schools? Private or Public? Geographic location? Without test scores, it is very difficult to make recommendations other than your Reach schools are Reach schools until you show test scores that are competitive. As an International applicant, consider the ACT over the SAT. What about SAT subject tests?
@TomSrOfBoston that’s what i have been trying to say, i do not expect financial aid from UCs and state schools… @Asaltb does winning an international competition help? because i did @Gumbymom assume for argument’s sake that i got 1520. I can pay around 30-40k/year and i don’t have a preference between large and small schools, prefer west coast but would not mind other locations
Winning an International competition is awsome but there are so many other factors that satisfy colleges requirements!! Essays, community service,leadership positions, school activities, recommendations, SAT subject tests!
You can never find a person who goes to Ivies or Stanford just because of a competition.
Asaltb is apparently a high school freshman. Yes being an award winner of an international competition is huge. You seem like a strong candidate for a competitive school but a lot will depend upon your scores.
UC 's are nonstarters unless they seek to recruit you for the ‘mind sport’.
Some universities do offer merit scholarships. If you do get 1500+ you’d be competitive for most of them.
Yes international tournament winners would be highly sought out. 3A/A* at A level is also a big deal (and guessing you have maths/further maths).
For CS, look into northwestern - lots of innovative programs going on or planned there. Harvey Mudd, MIT. Olin?
@GMTplus7 my parents would be willing to pay if i got into the top top schools so money wouldn’t be an issue for say Ivies/Stanford (it is not that i do not have the money, just a bit reluctant to spend too much) and my country is quite competitive and i’m aware they have quotas for each country so i know it’s gonna be tough but i wanna know my chances so i can roughly gauge which schools i should strive for or even try applying to
@MYOS1634 thank you for the recommendations, i’ll look into them (MIT seems a bit of a reach to me though haha may not even try it). yea and i’m unsure whether to indicate Yes to financial aid for the private schools as it may hinder my chances so it is quite a dilemma, i’m not sure whether i would qualify for merit scholarships too but i’ll try
Be aware that many schools with need-blind admissions do NOT have need-blind admissions for int’l applicants. Asking for FA at some schools may affect your probability of admission.
