<p>I'm from Norway, which I know is considered to be a good thing, because Norwegian students are known for being very financially reliable.
My ACT composite score is 25, still waiting for my writing score.
My TOEFL score is 106/120.
My GPA is 3.6.
I'm applying to NYU, Columbia, Northwestern and Boston University (I'm well aware that I probably won't get into Columbia and Northwestern, but I figured it's worth a shot. Maybe..)</p>
<p>With an ACT composite 25 and a 3.6 GPA*, the schools you’re applying to are out of reach.</p>
<p>You should have 2 schools you’re sure you can get into and can afford (those can be Norwegian universities), 3-5 schools within your range, and as many reaches as you wish or can afford. All 4 schools on your list so far are reaches so you need to find safeties.</p>
<p>As a Norwegian, an obvious school to apply to is St Olaf. Your ACT and GPA aren’t competitive for the school unless you’re full pay; otherwise it’s a reach but they even have a special scholarship for Norwegian students, so who knows that might be you…</p>
<p>Check out Gustavus Adolphus which would be a match for your stats (not Norwegian American though, it’s Swedish), Augustana College would be a safety, Concordia College would also be a safety. At all these colleges would consider your being Norwegian a “hook” (an advantage to boost your admission.)</p>
<p>Are you full pay or will you be applying for financial aid?</p>
<p>*unless it’s a GPA created by your school for the purpose of your application, and thus not a very accurate GPA. A 3.6 means you’re not a top student and that some subjects are difficult for you, but that you work hard and can do very well in some subjects.</p>
<p>What are your actual Norwegian exam results/predicted results? This might help in getting a better idea of your academic standing.</p>
<p>I would suggest you work more on your ACT. How about your extracurricular activities? ECs and the essays count for a lot too. If you can get your ACT to a 30-ish and have impressive ECs and winning essays, you might get a shot. And I think the financial reliability depends more on your Financial Aid application and EFC than your nationality.
I agree that you should have some safeties.
Hope this helps!</p>