<p>Hello.
I'm an Indian student who's looking at liberal arts schools in the U.S.A. The ones that most appeal to me are Middlebury and Oberlin. However, there are some disadvantages I have in my application. Please let me know what you think of my chances of getting accepted to Middlebury.
High School Grades - 71% I lost my father the day before my board exams (final exams) and wrote my exams after this. I managed to clear all my papers, but it was a distressing time for me, and I couldn't really focus on scoring well. I've also felt alienated and left out throughout school. I managed to scrape decent grades, but never really excelled in academic terms. I feel this really is the weakest part of my application. However, I have a good relationship with my teachers and will get pretty good letters of recommendation. </p>
<p>Another thing I'm really worried about is that I enrolled at Loyola College, Chennai. It's ranked 3rd in India for Arts and Science Colleges, but I dropped out almost immediately because I found it to be intellectually numbing rather than stimulating. What's most worrying to me is the fact that Middlebury doesn't require a writing supplement, and I'm afraid I can't explain these things to them.</p>
<p>Now, moving on to the parts of my application I feel confident about.
SAT - Math/CR/Writing - 770/750/750
Super Score - 2270
SAT II - U.S History - 780
Literature - 750</p>
<p>Another thing I'd like to add is that I stood 402 in the CLAT. Approximately 35,000 takers. I was offered a lot of law schools, but decided that it wasn't the path for me. (Yes, Law can be done as an undergraduate course in India :D)</p>
<p>Extra Curriculars
My strongest extra curricular was that I'm a soccer player. I was even admitted to Loyola College on a sports scholarship. I've played at state level and taken part at in some national level camps. I've organized and taken part in lots of soccer tournaments in order to raise charity. I've also taken to coaching underprivileged children for free. I also played in professional and semi professional leagues, most recently representing the State Bank of India. Was my school team captain for 2 years. </p>
<p>MUN/Debating/Public Speaking - I've given a lot of speeches on various topics during my time at school. I've also engaged in a lot of MUNs and parliamentary debating, especially on human rights issues. I was most often the delegate of USA at the UNHRC. I'm really interested in pursuing debating, but i've found it difficult to find a platform in India. </p>
<p>Writing - Written for school journal for two years, contributed lots of articles. I've written a series of short stories that
I will be sending in as part of the art supplement. Yet to be published.I've worked at the office of a reknowed artist, and helped promote his art and work on social media for just about 6 months. I'm looking to formally learn creating writing, and potentially major in Philosophy and Writing at Middlebury.
I've also been loosely invovled in some semi-professional gaming tournaments, placing 3rd and 5th respectively on online tournaments. I have a channel on which I stream my games, and have about 500 followers. I had setup a fund for which I recieved about 300 dollars in donation, which I have given to charity. </p>
<p>Volunteeering Activities - Volunteered at my school's cultural fest for 2 years in a row.</p>
<p>Worked at the local hospital for over a year.
Hosted and organized a donation camp for flood relief victims.
Taught basic English and Math to watchmen and security guards.</p>
<p>So thats about it. Please let me know if I have even a remote chance. I couldn't feel more positively towards a school, than I do towards Middlebury. Also, I'd require Financial Aid. Also, should I apply ED to Midd, and does it significantly bolster my chances? Or should I use the ED advantage in applying to Oberlin? (Less selective)</p>
<p>Please be honest and let me know what you think. </p>