International IBDP Student SAT 2200 - What are my chances?

Applying to College
1

Hello!

I am an international IBDP student with a SAT score of 2200. I’m in the top 5% of my grade and take Math HL, Chem HL, and Physics HL. I’ve been volunteering and participating in school clubs. I want to study computer science engineering. I will apply this year.

Here is a list of schools that I am interested in. Which one do you think I have the most chances to get in? Please be harsh with your comments.

  • Cornell
  • UPenn
  • Swarthmore College
  • Caltech
  • UC Berkeley
  • Dartmouth

Also, please recommend any universities you think are suitable.

Thank you.

2

Do a lot of students from your program come to the US to study? If so, the college placement advisor at your own school is the person to speak with first.

If you have no one to help you, contact the counselors at the closest EducationUSA advising center. They are the experts on this issue. https://educationusa.state.gov/find-advising-center

3

You probably have the highest chance at getting into UCB from that list. Though it is incredibly expensive for anyone who doesn’t have residence in California, so don’t forget to consider that.

Check out Carnegie Mellon and UT Austin.

4

Hello @neoking , I’ve heard that UC Berkeley is a pretty competitive school. Can you give me more details about your reasoning? Thank you!

5

@mellony It is a VERY competitive school, but out of the ones you listed, it’s probably the least or 2nd least competitive.

The thing is, every school on your list is already extremely competitive even for domestic students with your stats. As an international, it’ll be even more difficult for you to get accepted.

I’m not saying to not apply; apply to whatever schools you want to attend. I’m just saying that if the U.S. is where you want to study, make sure to have safety schools on your list as well. Everyone on this website would say the same thing for a domestic student. As an international one, this applies even more for you.

Carnegie Mellon is one of the best computer science schools in the country, so check it out (but it is extremely competitive). UT Austin is a strong, public university that you would have a good chance at it (though it will be expensive for anyone outside of Texas).

6

Alright, I’ll look into it. Thank you very much, @neoking !