<p>I'm a student from South Africa. I'm currently standing at the number 1 position in my grade (12th grade) in a top school in South Africa.</p>
<p>However, my native language is not English, which led to a not-so-high SAT score. Will this count against me? In my country (developing country), I am at the top and aiming for Harvard, but looking at SAT scores of Harvard applicants, I start doubting.</p>
<p>what is the exact number of that SAT? because i think youll do pretty well with a 1800+ and you need TOEFL as well</p>
<p>Compare your stats to those of applying/accepted international Harvard students on this site. If the difference in the scores is significant, you may not be a competitive applicant. Having said that, scores – while very important – aren’t EVERYTHING. If you have something to offer that most other candidates don’t, or if you come from an under-represented country, you could still get into Harvard or other highly selective schools. Good luck! (And do think of retaking those tests.)</p>
<p>Try scoring above 2000+ and aim for 700+ in CR and Maths and that would make you safe
However to be considered competitive you will definitely need 2100+
If your academics and ECs are spectacular then don’t worry too much about SAT
And I don’t think Harvard needs TOEFL at all
GL!
Btw the applicants of CC represents only a small % of actual admitted students so don’t freak out so early
But do retake the test!</p>
<p>Thanks to all for the replies. I am strongly considering retaking the SATs. I have another question though: should I apply to Harvard with ED application? Does ED improve chances of getting accepted?</p>
<p>Apply RD
Since you are an international its most likely Harvard is going to defer you to RD so that they can review all the internationals from your pool at the same time</p>
<p>So do you advise me to not apply ED at all? Isn’t the point of ED that they let you know early in December already? My second choice is NYU - but they don’t offer financial aid to international scholars. Maybe I should apply ED there…? But then I can’t decline their acceptance if Harvard accepts me later. Is this correct?</p>
<p>Why would you apply to a school that won’t give you financial aid? </p>
<p>Do you realize that if you apply to NYU ED you are obligated to go there even if they don’t give you one cent? </p>
<p>For broader advice on the relative merits of applying to Harvard ED go to the Harvard thread or the Parents Forum. But yes, the point of ED is that they let you know early in December – though you could also be ‘deferred’ in December and have to wait until April like everyone else. Getting into Harvard is like playing lottery: sure, give it a shot, but don’t count on it. It’s a reach school for everyone.</p>
<p>You can apply ED and get the same benefits as US citizens. Harvard is need-blind for evreyone INCLUDING international students. It also provides 100% demostrated need financial aid to international students. They don’t consider citizenship when deciding who gets admitted/who gets financial aid.</p>
<p>Are you black?</p>
<p>Try get above 2100 at least.
Also, you don’t need TOEFL if you are from an English Speaking country (you are) and went to an English speaking school that taught in English (I assume you did if you went to a top school).</p>
<p>I’m from South Africa</p>
<p>There won’t be ED at Harvard AFAIK, just SCEA (like Yale’s). So apply early if you feel like your application is ready. It may be smart to plan on applying early as you will force yourself to write everything in time (and you will be completely focused on a single application, while you will fill all other apps in December).</p>
<p>You should definitely retake the SAT if you’re not happy with the score. Aim to get more than 2100. 2300+ is perfect. A second try could definitely bring you a better score even with no additional preparation, since you get some experience with the real test, timing, etc. Not being a native speaker of English will not ruin your chances. I’m an international got into Yale early with 670 in CR, so I’m sure it’s okay for Harvard too if you are a good applicant.</p>
<p>Just make sure to do your best in other parts of the application. SAT IIs - get 800 or close to, write essays early and let multiple people read them and help you improve them, carefully choose teachers who write your recommendations, keep your fall term grades high, if you have any competitions do your best to win them… Good luck! :D</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That’s not how it works, though. If your fin aid package is unsatisfactory, you can back out of the ED agreement.</p>
<p>NYU Abu Dhabi offers amazing financial aid for international students.</p>
<p>I second the above comment. It also has fantastic acadamics. If you have your heart set on college in the US I would strongly urge you to look at some top LACs. PM me if you have any questions, I’m also an international student and understand how overwhelming the whole process maybe. Good Luck!!!</p>