Thousands of students from around the world apply to Harvard (and Yale, MIT, Stanford, etc.) with 800s on their record – and they’re rejected.
Why?
Because these schools aren’t JUST looking for perfect SAT scores. They’re looking for students who have shown tremendous leadership qualities. Who have taken part in international academic Olympiads. Who are accomplished artists, musicians or athletes. They’re looking for future leaders, politicians, inventors, entrepreneurs and Nobel prize winners.
They’re also looking for children of the very, very rich and powerful. How do you think Harvard got to be so rich?
Applying to Harvard (or any of the top elite schools) is a bit like playing the lottery. If you feel like playing, go for it. If you feel like you want to put your effort and apply for schools more likely to admit you, go to the International Students subforum and start reading.