International student in need of some assistance

Applying to College
1

<p>First of all, I come from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is, as some of you may know, a war torn country which has only a few students in the US. So, getting genuine help is quite hard, thus this post.
My colleges are: Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, U Penn, Oberlin, Wesleyan, Middlebury, Vassar, Northeastern, Gettysburg and Wash U. St Louis.
This brings me to my first question... Is 12 colleges too much? Do they consider it a proof of your weak interest in their school if they see you applied to 11 more? I am considering to through out U Penn and Wash U., cuz those are the only I'm not absolutely sure I want to attend.
My SATs are 1870 - CR 600, M 640, W630. I know it's low, even for an international but I'm taking them again in October. I'm doing my Subjects in November.
I am aware Ivies are a strech beyond breaking point, but I don't wanna wake up one day and ask myself: "What if...?" I'm thinking I might get round 2100 on the tests, and I believe it's quite good for an international. And yes, I do know tests are not all that matters.
Moreover, I have a TON of extracurriculars like research in the field of biochemistry, countless hours of volunteer work and evidence that I have a personality of a leader (I organised a huge bunch of stuff). I speak 3 foreign languages: English(obviously), German and French. I am the state champion for 4 years in dance (hip hop) and I was ninth in the European championship. Actually, am preparing for the world championship as we speak. So one might say I am a very well-rounded person. I think all of the above will help me quite a lot.
My wishes for a major are Biochemistry and/or Film(cinema) studies. I know there is no connection, but that is what I love and am not ready to give either up.
So, what do you think might be my chances of getting in the earlier stated colleges? Also, if you take or know someone who takes these majors, I would appreciate it if you could comment on those.
Furthermore, I am gay. What is the liberality in these schools? I know Yale, Columbia, Wesleyan and Vassar are veeeery liberal about this sort a thing, but if you could add something on the topic, thanks.
I'm also a smoker (no judgement please). How big are the smoker communities in these schools? I am considerate of non-smokers, rarely smoke in their pressence, but would still like an insight in the smokers world of US colleges.
Last, but not least Early Decision/Action. I am considering Yale, Columbia and Dartmouth. Columbia doesn't have Need-blind for internationals, whereas the other two do have, but it's in NYC. Yale is awesome and I love that they require more from their students, cause, u see, I'm a bit of a nerd. And Dartmouth just looks cool (weather, as well as metaphorically:) and I believe I have a STANDING chance of getting in.
So, based on all of the above, tell me everything you can. You will help me and my future immensely and you will have my immeasurable gratitude.</p>

<p>Yours sincerely,
V de Reve</p>

2

<p>You should get in touch with the EducationUSA office in Sarajevo: [EducationUSA</a> - Center Profile - EducationUSA at American Councils](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/Sarajevo]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/Sarajevo) The counselors there are expert at helping students from your country find good places to study in the US, and they will be able to tell you which colleges and universities here have admitted students like you in recent years. they will also be able to help you find out more about the financial aid situation at each institution on your list.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

3

<p>Thank you very much for replying, but I have already contacted them. They helped me a lot, but as far as the situation in the college itself through eyes of attending students goes, they can help me only to a certain extent. The purpose of this post is to get that… The environment and situation through student eyes. Anyway, thank you very much for replying.</p>

4

<p>A few answers to a few questions: </p>

<p>NO - applying to 12 schools will not “look bad” and no school will take it as a lack of interest.</p>

<p>YES - most of your schools are ‘reaches’ and the odds are against you. But they will be even more against you if you don’t apply. To increase your chances, look at liberal arts colleges in the mid-western US which are less popular with international students: I’m thinking of Oberlin, Grinnel Kenyon, Macalester, etc. They’re not need-blind but have been known to give good aid to students they really want. </p>

<p>And as long as you’re applying to the Ivies, add Brown to your list. I think it may be a (a tiny tiny bit) easier for you to get into, since it has a different type of program. I don’t know if Dartmouth would be a good fit. Maybe ask on one of the Ivies and school-specific forums. But everyone I knew who went to Dartmouth was more conservative politically (and maybe socially too? Don’t know.) </p>

<p>Smoking will be an issue. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time standing outside puffing in the cold with the few other smokers you’ll come across :wink: </p>

<p>Northeastern is a strange school to have on your list. It’s different in what it offers. I’m not sure that would be a good academic fit for you since most of its students are career-oriented types.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the 12 comment. I am applying to Oberlin. Won’t do so for Brown, cause I can’t do both Biochem and Film there, based on my knowledge. Personally, I would like Yale the most. Not only 'cause it’s Ivy. I love the weather, I love the campus, I love the 36 courses, I love the student faculty ratio, I love the number of admitted international students, etc. I have a whole list. I just thought maybe Dartmouth would be easier to get into. I mean, come on, the “gay Ivy”… It’s perfect. I’m joking about the last one, but all other are valid likes. I’m used to puffing in the cold. As I said, I’m a consious smoker. You wouldn’t believe how many students smoke in the toilette. My friend and I always go outside and do our business and don’t bother anyone. I’ve spoken to a few Americans about smoking. As I understand, it’s a much bigger deal there than here. We have A LOT of smokers, and it’s quite normal. I mean, come on, we can smoke inside clubs and cafes. I’m planning on quitting, but not yet. To get back on the colleges, the main criterion was to have both Biochem and Film, so my choices were pretty limited. I just hope that my overall impression will get me the place, because my SAT are mediocre. AM working on them, and improving, so we’ll see that’ll happen after the 1. October.<br>
Thanks to both of my first posters and I hope I’ll have more of you soon. :)</p>

<p>Your V de Reve</p>