help out a confused foreigner

<p>I've grown up hearing about the Ivies, but since I have little exposure to the American college system, I don't know if it's even worth applying. I hear you need to be extraordinary to get an acceptance, but I guess HOW extraordinary is the question. </p>

<p>WILL CHANCE BACK </p>

<p>Bio: </p>

<p>Born in Siena, Italy.
Moved to Aix-en-Provence, France in 2000.
Moved to LA in 2007. (moving for my dad's work)
Fluent in French, Italian, and English. Proficient in Spanish.
First generation American and college student</p>

<p>Testing/ Schooling:
SAT I superscored: 2310
M: 720
CR:790
W:800
SAT I single sitting: 2260
SAT II:
French- 800
Italian: 790
latin: 740
European History- 730
Math II- 690
APs:
AP French: 5
AP Italian: 5
AP US History: 5
AP European History: 5
AP Art History: 5
AP Bio: 4
AP Latin: 4</p>

<p>Taking: AP Calc, AP Spanish, AP US Gov and Politics, AP English, and Economics
UW GPA: 3.6
Class Rank: 6 out of 219
- Have always attended International Schools (curriculum is same as US)</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>In 2009 founded an NPO to help the Eden Orphanage in Haiti. Organization has become increasingly important since the earthquake/ cholera epidemic. Funding to rebuild school/ general aid comes from the Red Cross and UNICEF. The issue is close to me because I have extended relatives in Haiti. </p></li>
<li><p>founded Classics Club and French Club at my school</p></li>
<li><p>Model United Nations, President; 2 National Awards; 3 State Awards</p></li>
<li><p>NHS</p></li>
<li><p>Eucharistic Minister at local church</p></li>
<li><p>I swim on JV team, but not well</p></li>
</ul>

<p>Essays: Common App essay is about my experience fouding NPO and my visit to the orphanage in 2008 that inspired me to do something
The activity essay is about Model UN and how my involvement has helped me realize what I want to do in life: work as a diplomat for the UN. </p>

<p>ANY comments (however brutal) are welcome. I really don't know what I'm doing because my school has an awful guidance program. SO bad- as in I didnt find out what ED was until October 15- too late for me to write a thoughtful application anywhere. </p>

<p>AGAIN, I WILL CHANCE BACK :)</p>

<p>Your U.W g.p.a might hurt you a bit but im not aware of how exactly g.p.a is considered in other countries.</p>