I’m an international student from Israel, dreaming of going to a college in the states. Ideally to a top University such as an ivy league college (Harvard is my dream school), stanford, uchicago or MIT (ambitious, I know)… Yet I’ll also apply to other strong, yet more realistic schools like Boston college.
What are my chances to get in? I’m doing 5 points math (which is the highest level one can take in israel), 5 points biology, 5 points chem, 5 points English (I lived in CA for a few years as a kid so I’m fluent in english), in addition to the core carriculum.
My grades translate roughly to a 4.0 unweighted GPA, and I’m doing the SAT this December and I’m hoping for a 1500. However, I fear that being an international student my application won’t be up to par simply because the educational system works differently here (for example, we don’t have AP in Israel). Should this worry me? Do I have a realistic chance to get in?
Top schools accept the top students. Being an international student makes it even more competitive. Ask yourself this - if only a handful of students from Israel are accepted into the top US schools, am I one of those few students? You will be judged against your peers and a stranger can’t evaluate you against your peers. I am sure you have a pretty good idea as to how you stack up. If you think you are the best of the best, then go for it. No one has a realistic chance at getting in at a school that turns away over 90% of the students who are probably all qualified but you won’t know unless you try.
This should put some context to the competitive road in front of you. While your chances are slim (even with a perfect SAT – this is true for any student), not applying gives you 0% chance. That having been said, definitely apply to good schools with higher admissions rates. Also be aware that schools have different policies with respect to financial aid if that is an issue for you and your family.
Unless you have very wealthy parents, no degree is worth $250,000 unless it says M.D. next to it. If you can get into Harvard, you can get a full ride scholarship to just about any major university in the country. You’re much better off graduating from the University of Michigan with an engineering degree debt free than Stanford $1,000 a month poorer.
The Ivy League admissions at this point are so unpredictable, you honestly just have to be yourself and hope for the best. As you can see even on the ED threads, some people score a 36 and don’t get into Harvard while people who score a 31/32 do. It’s just a matter of whether they think you’re fit or not. Don’t get me wrong, higher test scores the better, but don’t beat yourself up over it.
You will love Boston College. Go Eagles! Truth is there are many American Universities that would be fortunate to have student such as you. Best of luck!