Thanks for your input! I probably will explore new interests since although I did enjoy the competition, I feel that there is a lot more to try. I think I may take up programming or something to get a feel for my interests before college.
BTW, congrats! Your story is a real motivator showing everyone of the potentials of effort.
Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it. 
thanks for this thread! as an international Asian student (not living in asia though, but not american), what can i do to differentiate myself more? or, what did you feel got you through the gates, rather than the other 100s of international/asian applicants?
Also, something i worry about is that im not looking to go into STEM, and apparently a lot of internationals that are accepted are science/math students. 
rather, I’ve got a passion for politics/law and am interested in economics. would this be a disadvantage?
thank you!
“Also, something i worry about is that im not looking to go into STEM, and apparently a lot of internationals that are accepted are science/math students. rather, I’ve got a passion for politics/law and am interested in economics. would this be a disadvantage?”
It’s an advantage. There are zillions of Asians with close to perfect scores applying for STEM.
@Marcelleparcelle, I totally agree with @mathplustutornj. Being not STEM-minded asian should be considered a blessing, in my opinion.
I believe that what made me different is that I am definitely a blend of two cultures which was manifested in my essays. Moreover, the interview was definitely what I was good at. I was able to show everything I wanted through it. I assume that my confidence in interviews might have been smth schools deemed unique. And a lot, I mean, a shitload of luck.
Congratulations! you are awesome! We are from Ukraine, our results: SAT 2220(1st time ) SAT II: 800 (Math 2), 800 (Physics).1st time.
Multiple prizes on national and international levels in Math and Physics, TOEFL 110.
School Type: public, best in Ukraine (Math Class)
Could you give us some advices???
We do not apply for financial aids !
To:idsl1996
Congratulations! you are awesome! We are from Ukraine, our results: SAT 2220(1st time ) SAT II: 800 (Math 2), 800 (Physics).1st time.
Multiple prizes on national and international levels in Math and Physics, TOEFL 110.
School Type: public, best in Ukraine (Math Class)
Could you give us some advices???
We do not apply for financial aids !
@Anna2014, I can’t say anything for sure since the information you provided me with is insufficient. So far I believe your child is doing well in terms of honors and academics. How about his extracurricular activities (ECs)?
I suggest taking SAT again. It doesn’t hurt. Moreover, many colleges take superscore so you have nothing to lose. Just don’t let it drop.
My advice would be to look into top public schools too since you don’t ask for aid. Imo, UC Berkeley is a nice match for your child’s endeavors. Other options might be UCLA and NYU (though it’s private).
Ukraine may be a plus because conditions there are so difficult right now.
The OP had international travel and volunteer work.
It would be good to make sure some volunteer and/or work is on a student’s application.
@Anna2014, if you don’t need financial aid, there are many, many fine universities that would love to have your daughter.
Tell us what she’d like: what does she want to study? Would she prefer a big research university or a smaller liberal arts college? Is there a part of the US that interests you more? In a city or in a suburban area/country? What kind of weather? There are more than 3,000 universities and colleges in the US, so we need to know these things in order to recommend campuses.
Thank you all so much for your advices. We will retake SAT in October. He works as a math tutor for young kids at school, collects books for children, spent all his summer in Math Camp. He has played soccer since 7 years old and captained at his high school team, besides soccer he plays tennis, volleyball for 3 years. His dream major is applied math.
He sounds like a wonderful young man. Good luck.
Your son should do just fine. Good luck to him!
to: ids1996 and katliamom
Thank you so much have a great day!
@idsl1996
How he can do to bolster his application
SAT I (breakdown): 2350 (superscore)
SAT II: 800 (Math 2), 800 (Physics)
School Type: Public, ranked 1st nationally, best mathematics school in Ukraine ( Each year we have more two students participate in IMO, the 2015 IMO contest his classmates won one gold and the other - silver)
Won different prizes on national and international levels in Math and Physics.
He has worked as a Math tutor for young students
A team member of school volleyball and football
Spent all his summer holidays at Math camp
Wants to learn to play the guitar
Loves Rock
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!!
@Idsl1996, congrats. Thanks for sharing your gap year experience.
@Anna2014, your son is a very strong applicant, especially since you don’t need financial aid. I’m not sure he needs to do ANYTHING to bolster his chances. Just make sure he applies to a variety of schools: not JUST the Ivy Leagues, MIT, Stanford, etc. Those are difficult to get into for any international student whether or not he needs financial aid.
To make sure he gets in somewhere, have your son apply to the top public universities where his full-pay international tuition actually gives him an advantage: schools such as University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, University of Michigan.
Also apply to excellent privates that aren’t Ivies: Caltech, Harvey Mudd, Northwestern etc.
@katliamom, UC Berkeley, UCLA are his dream schools, so thank you so much for your guiding us!
Have a great day!