<p>Sorry to burst any bubbles, but reality shock: I think you're chances at the schools you listed are slim to nonexistent.</p>
<p>You are, no doubt, a wonderful student. But here's the truth: students with 2400's, perfect SAT II's, 4.0s, and a list of ECs get rejected from HYP all the time. And those are students in the US.</p>
<p>The other foreigner may have a similar academic record but by no means do you two share similar records. The other candidate, like you, has expressed himself acadmically but also shows remarkable uniqueness in his ECs. He's done nationally recognized work and unique, impressive ECs. While your list of ECs isn't horrible( if fact, it is very good), there is nothing noteworthy. Ask yourself this: why would HYP pick you over the thousands of VERY similar applicants in the US who boast the same stats and activities? If you doubt my words, look around CC, at the many posts and you'll notice remarkable similiarity between your stats and those of other US students. </p>
<p>So, if you carried those stats and were a student in the US, I would still say your chances are slim. But, now you have even more odds placed against you- as an international asian, you are an overrepresented minority. While you compete against the other Australians for a spot, think also of the many Koreans and other students who apply to the same schools- they have FLAWLESS academic stats, so despite working hard( because I know it requires so much hard work to maintain and achieve those grades), when applying, your academic record shouldn't factor in to you as a "get-in" or "good" factor because in the slew of applications, it will not stand out. And therein lies your problem- you do not stand out as applicant. You have done nothing, as you presented( rhetoric is key!), that seems noteworthy or significant. Another problem is the fact that you are a math/science concentrated student and that tightens the odds even further- there are so many math/science applicants with similar ECs and stats- you HAVE to distinguish yourself from them or you WILL be shot down. </p>
<p>I would suggest applying to more schools because even if you were a very impressive candidate, the odds placed against an Austrialian international are hefty and nearly impossible. While that student who you know by association may seem to lift your spirits and make you believe there is a good shot, look at this realistically. Apply to more realistic schools because everyone wants to go to HYPS because of the "great academics" or "wonderful instition" or "intellectually stimulating student body"--read PRESTIGE. Have you researched the schools? Do you know what programs you would want to study- what attracts you to the school? The climate or a notable annually held festival or a certain class? Do you know what the dorm room looks like? Have you talked to alumni in detail about not just the acadmics but social atmosphere( and no, this doesn't mean just clubs or bars if you're thinking you don't care about the social climate)- this means, you could be living here! I feel that most kids just want the schools because they have heard of it and they know of the prestige and such. You have written nothing in your stats to separate yourself from those students- and colleges will sniff that out.</p>
<p>That said, you do have a very good academic standing. If you expand your EC's and stand out, you, as any other, have a shot. Don't let this be too much of a downer- if you can do one thing, ONE THING, that is significant, remarkable, then you have really done what you can do for your application and the rest is up to the universities to work out the other factors( diversity quota, location, student body needs,etc.).</p>