<p>hi, i'm a junior student studying in canada.</p>
<p>i want to know what my chances are like to get into the top schools in us.</p>
<p>Residence : Toronto , Canada</p>
<p>SAT I : 2350</p>
<p>SAT 2s : Math 2C 800, Bio 780, Chem 800, Physics 800, World History 800,</p>
<pre><code> Chinese 720
</code></pre>
<p>ACT : 34</p>
<p>GPA gained so far : 3.5
(my school doesn't rank, but it's a quite competitive public school in toronto ) </p>
<p>Ethinicity : Asian</p>
<p>Hook: no.</p>
<p>E/C s : Math tutor
100 hours of volunteering </p>
<p>Even though i have very poor GPA and E/Cs, do i still have any chances to get
into the top schools like harvard OR stanford, with excellent essays and recs?</p>
<p>If impossible, what kind of schools should i consider to apply to, especially the</p>
<p>ones that value the standized test scores the most?</p>
<p>Thanks for your time.</p>
<p>Yea your ECs are not good. Is that 3.5 weighted? Do you have an idea of your class rank? I think what does you in is the ECs, not necessarily the GPA. You may want to apply to Duke, WashU, Caltech, and Cornell (they care about test scores alot). Hm, I advise you to pick up some ECs over the summer. If this is impossible, you may want to apply ED to Duke, Cornell, or WashU if you want to go to a top institution (preferably WashU-I hear this is the easiest way to get in) Harvard and Stanford are pretty big reaches despite your amazing test scores. I wish you good luck.</p>
<p>To get into a top school, you have to demonstrate your uniqueness. Some people are unique for having basically perfect academics, others for extracurriculars. The problem, for you, is that many applicants with a 2350 or so will have a higher GPA and/or stronger extracurriculars. You will have to write extraordinary essays which would demonstrate that you are unique, and "more worthy" of acceptance than the other couple thousands of qualified applicants. Without a hook, it will be very difficult. (A hook in itself demonstrates that you are different than the rest of the applicants). Remember, individuality is the key. My best suggestion is that you follow through that statement in your essays.</p>
<p>Since you're an international with no real ECs/hooks I don't see you getting into HYPSM.</p>
<p>She's not international, Canadian does not count as international.</p>
<p>standardized tests aren't everything y'know...but they are impressive. =] i wonder though, what do you do with your life? even if you have no ECs you MUST have some sort of hobby, or something. What are you passionate about? what makes you groove? that kinda personality is what any school that matches your standardized score range is looking for. As it's too late to bump up your ECs, you can definitely work on that essay, and you might be able to squeak into something upper tier. </p>
<p>Chanceback: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=369237%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=369237</a></p>