<p>@earthmama I am an international applicant, so my parents have spent a lot of extra money on prep center classes, standardized exams and whatnot. Similarly, I also had to sacrifice a lot of things to apply to American schools. If I didn’t get into a top 15 school, it would be more than a bit disappointing. If I didn’t study sat math in the library everyday, my parents won’t leave me alone</p>
<p>And yes, I am very much aware of outside factors that play into the admission game. I am Asian, so perhaps that’s why prep centers think I need a 2300+.</p>