International student considering an Ivy League education

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>First off, I wasn't sure whether to put this in International Students, but I found this section to be more appropiate. </p>

<p>I'm a male caucasian student, currently halfway through the swedish equivalent of high school and considering continuing my education in one of the top-tier universities in the US when I graduate. I'm currently doing research on several schools and the US system in general, but i would like to get an honest opinion of my chances getting admitted to one of the higher ranked universities.</p>

<p>My grades are solid. If everything goes as intended I will be graduating with the highest grade possible in approximately 27 out of 30 courses, including some of the hardest courses available in swedish high schools. The odd three are unfortunately Maths A, Maths B and Maths C (Maths C is the equivalent of Calculus), where i've got the second highest grade. However i'm not planning on doing anything math-related, so hopefully it won't lower my chances.</p>

<p>This should leave me as one of the top 5% in my class. My high school is the most prestigeous in my town with the lowest acceptance rate by far and many students perform very well. 20.0 is the swedish equivalent of a 4.0 GPA. If my calculations are correct i will get approximately 19.56 unweighted, and 22.0 weighted (22.5 is the highest possible).</p>

<p>I'm going to try some old SAT's on the internet soon, and make sure I'll be prepared for the test when it's time. I reckon i could get a fairly good score. I also reckon I could get solid recommendation letters from the teachers, and perhaps also the headmaster. I will probably be able to write a solid essay.</p>

<p>My EC's however, are lacking. I'm politically involved in the Liberal Youth of Sweden (Liberal</a> Youth of Sweden - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) which I find great! I work out regularly at one of the local gym, where I also work several times a week. Haven't done sports for a long time, but in young age I tried most of them. I'm a mainly self-taught guitarist, and I can also play bass. I'm going to learn piano and violin in the near future. Regularly attend student council at school.</p>

<p>As you can see, I haven't got any evidence of leadership. I reckon that I could advance in Liberal Youth of Sweden though. Problem is, I live in a small swedish town, so the amount of EC's available is very limited, and the regular swedish student isn't involved in anything at all, we haven't got the same EC culture as the US has.</p>

<p>So, being honest, do you think I have a solid chance? Or should I give up the dream of attending an Ivy League and focus on attending a Swedish university? I would be grateful for any kind of advice!</p>

2

<p>Given your lack of EC’s, you can probably get into a lower Ivy (Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth) if you can do the following:</p>

<p>Get a 2350+ on the SAT
Get 780+ on 2 SAT Subject Test (and 750+ on the 3rd one)
Not apply for financial aid
Write some amazing essays</p>

<p>But honestly, an Ivy League education isn’t necessarily the best fit for you. And there are 2376 other 4-year colleges in the US you can consider. Don’t forget that you can be just as successful (if not more) attending college in your own country.</p>

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<p>Do the admission officers look at EC’s in a different way when it comes to international students? Or do they expect the same amount as from a US student?</p>

<p>I’ve also been looking at schools like USC and Berkeley, do you reckon i would have a chance?</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

4

<p>Like Iceui said, the lack of EC’s could be an issue when it comes to Ivies. There are many other good schools in the US though that are not Ivies but will also offer you fantastic eduaction (the UC’s, U Chicago, Northwestern, Chapel Hill, etc.) I can’t honestly say that they will look at EC’s differently for an international student because I just don’t know. You could always give it a shot anyway. Good luck.</p>

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<p>I know, i have been looking at alot of non-Ivy schools aswell, I’m just trying to get a realistic opinion of where I’m at :slight_smile: Anyway, do you guys reckon I would have a shot at some of the top universities ranked below the Ivies? I’m especially interested in USC. After all, I’ve got a year and a half to get involved in more EC’s! :slight_smile: Thanks!</p>

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<p>Stay in Sweden! I’m partially joking, but Sweden is such a great country. If you’re set on coming here, consider some of the top liberal arts colleges too. You don’t have to attend an Ivy to get a great education. </p>

<p>Sincerely,
A Saab-driving Snus Fanatic</p>

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<p>Well, if nothing works out I’ve always got dear Sweden as my plan-b :wink: I will definitely check out some of the liberal arts colleges too!</p>