International Applicant Chances

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I am a Greek student who graduates from Senior High School in June. My intention is to major in Mathematics/Computer Science. </p>

<p>SAT scores: Math 780, Writing 720, Reading 710
SAT subject tests: Math II 770, Physics 760, German 780</p>

<p>My average grade (in school) is going to be around 18/20. All my grades in Honor Classes are 20/20.
(Mathematics (Calculus), Physics (mainly Mechanics), Computer Science, Business Administration)</p>

<p>In the final exams I am pretty sure that I am going to write around 95/100 in Honor Mathematics, Honor Physics and Honor Computer Science.</p>

<p>I discovered my passion in Mathematics two years ago and despite my inadequate preparation:
-I qualified twice (in 2012 and 2013) for the third (final round) of Greek Mathematical Olympiad.
-Especially in 2013 I failed to enter the IMO selection team (25 students) for 0.5 point. :(</p>

<p>Extracurricular activities:
-I am a regular contributor in the Greek mathematics-related forum "mathematica.gr".
My main interest is Euclidean Geometry and I belong to the top solvers.
-I participated twice in the school drama club.
-In 2011 I represented my school in the local School Board.
-I used to play Basketball, Volleyball and Table Tennis and be part of the local sport club.
-I also enjoy hiking and literature. </p>

<p>Awards:
-Above mentioned distinctions in Greek Mathematical Olympiad.
-I received an award for attending Greek Summer School of Mathematics which is organized by Hellenic Mathematical Society.
-Gold medal in regional Table Tennis Championship for middle schoolers.</p>

<p>I have decent scores in both SAT Writing/Reading. Do I need TOEFL? I think it is not necessary for some schools. Please let me know if you are better informed.
I would be grafetul if you could take a look at the college list and predict my chances of being admitted.</p>

<p>Stanford
Columbia
Cornell
Dartmouth
Carnegie Mellon
Johns Hopkins
Boston</p>

<p>Of course I need financial aid. My parents can afford $20,000 per year for my college. Let me know if any of the above mentioned schools does NOT give internationals financial aid.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance :)</p>

2

<p>Stanford: Reach
Columbia: Reach
Cornell: Low Reach
Dartmouth: Low Reach
Carnegie Mellon: Low Reach/Match
JHU: Low Reach/Match
Boston: Match</p>

<p>Of course, the Ivies are a reach for everyone. For financial aid, I’m not too sure… International applicants aren’t as eligible for financial aid, but there’s no harm in trying. All of them provide International aid, but how much is the problem. It is very competitive, and the amount won’t be as generous.</p>

3

<p>The only one that isn’t a reach…</p>

<p>BU: Match</p>

4

<p>Thanks for your replies. Well, I realise that Stanford and Columbia are totally out of reach. I shouldn’t have put them on the list. </p>

<p>What could I do in order to improve my chances for Cornell/Dartmouth/Carnegie Mellon? Any advice?</p>

<p>I despise the idea of undergraduate studies in Greece. The situation is getting worse and worse…</p>

5

<p>So? Any advice?</p>

6

<p>Good Job my fellow… You have decent chances and in my opinion you need TOEFL, BTW look through websites of these universities and there find requirements for international students…</p>

7

<p>Dude, Stanford and Columbia are not totally out of reach. It may be a reach for everyone, but you have nothing to lose (other than application cost) from applying to those schools. APPLY! DO IT!</p>

8

<p>I’m not familiar with the grading system in Greece, so what is 18/20 on a 100 point scale? Is it 18*5 = 90? </p>

<p>Other than that, I’m going to say that in some cases, International applicants have a decent chance at American universities (if you’re up to pay). My friend got 1900 on his SATs, didn’t even take SAT IIs, but still got into decent colleges.</p>

9

<p>Columbia and Stanford might be reaches, but at least they can be gotten into.</p>