Oh yeah, I’ve actually gotten pretty good at French, even though I’m not explicitly learning it here. Honesty, even though I was beginner 2 at Arabic at the start, it’s astounding the progress that has been made. I can articulate myself very well, and can read at like a 3rd grade level. Even though I have 2 more weeks, I have already been tested into intermediate 2. Like I don’t know how that happened, but I’m happy nonetheless. @MYOS1634
Let’s not be naïve here. Obama’s the daughter of a POTUS. she could literally be a tree stump and go anywhere so don’t liken yourself to someone so connected. That being said, as an URM, you have a lot of leeway where test scores go. 31 ACT for a black applicant is prob pretty good so I wouldn’t rule out HYPSM etc. Really focus on developing ur “story” and EC focus.
Considering how notoriously difficult Arabic is, your testing that high already is indeed astounding. You’re going to be in-demand at some schools (am thinking northwestern Mena, tufts, and critical language flagships.)
Arabic +French is a winning combination in terms of IR and alphabet agencies.
I think I already said that in my essay I’m going to stress how I had to find my identity as a quadruplet, and how that struggle helped me find my passion for IR and Arabic, and how it motivated me to find a way to study abroad, and how my passion has solidified into a career goal @DedicatedParent4. And those 3 letter agencies are where I’m looking for work after college, and perhaps internships during. I’m for sure applying to critical language scholarships like the Boren awards, CLS, and the Fullbright @MYOS1634. Do you think colleges would accept my official Oral Proficeny Test in Arabic if I submitted it as supplemental info on my app?
And my focus reach colleges this far are: Georgetown and Univeristy of Chicago (Possibly Princeton also)
Targets: The Ohio State University, Univeristy of Michigan Ann Arbor(maybe it’s more of a low reach), Boston Univeristy, American Univeristy
Safety: Univeristy of Cincinnati, Jackson State, Howard
I’m applying EA at Uchicago and Georgetown, OSU, and Michigan becuse their policies are both completely open and non-binding. Maybe Princeton too.
Also, on an unrelated note, should I add levity to my EC essay? See here in Morocco, people often call me “Obama” becuse I am black, and American, (I’m not complaining, it’s a nice break from the borderline violent racism I get from the more ignorant Moroccans. They think I’m a Senegalese migrant). But should I talk about being called Obama to add a little humor?
@NikkuWadde Princeton’s EA is Binding
I don’t think so, you simply can’t apply early to other private universities @NotIvyYet
This is straight from the Princeton site:
“Under the nonbinding program, you must complete your application by Nov. 1. You may not apply to an early program at any other private college or university, but you may apply early to any public institution, as long as the decision is nonbinding”
Sure, about the humor, and the contrast - by the way, experiencing racism in a country where the majority population has been victim of racism is an interesting effect (synecdoche? Mirror?.. Not sure).
Anyway : consider applying to the universities I mentioned. Your list doesn’t include the ir heavy hitters.
Yes Umich is a reach.
Considering your financial need and constraints, you and your brothers should absolutely apply to Tufts and Princeton.
I don’t see the critical language flagships for Arabic? Absolutely include them and make sure our brothers apply to their engineering majors too since the “quad” aspect could help.
Why UChic?
I think it might be irony, with just a dash of juxtaposition. @MYOS1634
IR heavy hitters: Tufts, Northwestern MENA. I’ll be sure to look into them.
I thought so about UMich
Definitely applying at Princeton, need to look into Tufts
What are Arabic critical language flagships? I am lost there.
UChic because I think they are a hidden gem and people don’t think about them a lot. Plus they are strong in Economics which I am also interested in as maybe a dual major or more likely a minor with Arabic.
@NikkuWadde But Chicago and GTown are private institutions…
Yeah I know. I will either applying to Umich, Georgetown, Chicago and OSU EA OR Princeton early. Sorry I wasn’t clear. @NotIvyYet
@NikkuWadde Lol sorry got confused! Best of luck! Looks like you have a very unique background, be sure to emphasize it in your apps! 
Shukran Jazillan (Thanks a lot) @NotIvyYet
*repeat for unknown reasons *
U Chicago isn’t a hidden gem at all. It’s not hidden at all - in fact it inundated everyone and their brother with marketing materials to make sure no one who might apply forgets to do so. It’s highly selective - think HYP - with a very specific culture - think ‘discussing fonts for fun’. It’s proudly intellectual, with a heavy core. Kind of Columbia but more intellectual and harder to get into. The essays’ topics alone will let you know whether it’s the school for you - either you’ll enjoy the 20hours you’ll dedicate to writing them… Or you’ll be confused or stumped by the prompts, and drop the application.
I suppose you’re right
@MYOS1634. But what are those critical language flagship you were talking about?
I can’t copy paste on my phone (am in France) but use your search engine for ‘critical language flagships’ + Arabic.
These are special programs where talented students take an intensive language class as well as major in whatever they want. They reach a very, very high level.
@NikkuWadde There are 4 Arabic Flagships - Arizona, U of Oklahoma, U of Texas, and U of Maryland. Unfortunately, I doubt any of them would be affordable. I think the colleges you are already looking at that offer a high level of Arabic classes plus good study abroad options and the possibility of need based aid are going to be better options for your situation.