<p>Hey guys, I know you must be tired of threads like these, but I was wondering if any of you could enlighten me on whether I have a shot at Yale, or any Ivy League for that matter.</p>
<p>I am a junior studying with a scholarship in a small American School in Northeast Brazil.</p>
<p>Academics:</p>
<p>I previously studied in a Brazilian school, where I got passing grades since I didn't apply myself too much, until I had decided on going abroad for college and taking advantage of the opportunities given to me in an American school system. Brazilian high school is basically a three-year SAT-prep class for our national exam, no emphasis at all on extra-curriculars.</p>
<p>I transferred to the American School in 10th grade, kept a 3.8 GPA throughout that year, with distinguishing awards for every discipline. Throughout 11th grade I have achieved and maintained a 4.0 GPA, taking 5 AP courses.</p>
<p>SAT(1st try) Math 780 Writing 700 Critical Reading 760 Total 2240</p>
<p>Planning on taking SAT II English, Physics, and US History.
Still going to take TOEFL, but predicting good scores on that.
Just finished taking APs: US History, Calculus AB, Physics B, and English Lit and Comp. Predicting scores of 5, 5, 4, 5 respectively.</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:</p>
<p>I worked regularly on our school paper in 10th grade(It stopped being published when I went to 11th) and worked on a Homework Help program, tutoring younger kids after class.</p>
<p>In 11th grade I was elected President of the Student Government. With 4 other kids I also formed the school's first Knowledge Bowl team in 20 years, competing with other schools throughout the country. I also began working as a teacher assistant (unpaid) in a nearby ESL school.</p>
<p>Throughout 10th and 11th grade I have also participated extensively in the school's Model United Nations program, which is a really big academic activity here in Brazil. In 10th grade I applied to become a Vice-Chair in this year's Brazilian National simulation, and in 11th grade I was selected to be next year's Secretary General for the national simulation. I have also received awards for Best Delegate in simulations hosted by other schools. In school I also work my best to expand the MUN program, helping out new delegates as a lead delegate and starting internal simulations to help train them.</p>
<p>In between grades I went on a People to People Summer Program on International Diplomacy. I found the program was not as rewarding academically, but I ended up helping the organizers execute their own MUN simulation, since I was more experienced than most of the other students present.</p>
<p>I have a good relationship with my teachers and the faculty, even if most of my studying ends up being independent.</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>That's all I can think of right now.</p>
<p>Yale is a really important university for me, I am completely enamored by the wealth of choices one has when studing at Yale. It seems to me like a really nice place to live in, with happy people; at least that's what I take from those I talk to who went there. I would also really need the financial aid they offer, in order to study abroad. I have a love for politics and debating and public speaking that seems a perfect match for things like the Political Union or the International Relations Association. Plus, they did make this awesome video: YouTube</a> - That's Why I Chose Yale</p>
<p>I was wondering whether there is anything I could do to better my chances moving onto Senior year... I have nothing planned for this summer, and not enough money to go on an academic or a community service program. I am planning on applying for Yale as a SCEA.</p>
<p>Thanks for any of your insights, and for already having given me a place to organize my thoughts regarding my credentials...</p>