<p>Hey guys! I'm from Pakistan, I'll be applying as an international student, and I'll be applying for financial aid. I realize that the previous line alone reduces my chances of admission at any top tier US college considerably, as us South Asians are considered an ORM (or so I've been led to believe). I know my chances at most of these universities are slim, if not zero. But how bad is my situation really? Should I even bother applying to some of these universities? I'd really appreciate if anyone can help me out here!</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Colleges:
Princeton
Reed
Rice
Dartmouth
Brown
Cornell
Northwestern
UChicago
Swarthmore
Middlebury
Lafayette
Washington University at St. Louis
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Texas A&M
Illinois Institute of Technology
Lake Forest College
Bennington College</p>
<p>Academic Stuff:</p>
<p>O Levels</p>
<p>English
Urdu
Mathematics
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Statistics
Business Studies
Islamiat
Pakistan Studies</p>
<p>Straight A's (10 A's)</p>
<p>A Levels</p>
<p>Physics - A
Mathematics - A
Biology - A*
Chemistry - A*
Economics - A*</p>
<p>Class Ranking: School doesn't rank, but I had the highest number of A's in my school in O & A Levels both, if that counts for anything.</p>
<p>No GPA system here, but I have an extremely weak transcript. As in, C's and D's in mid terms and mock exams. In my defense, my main aim was to get good grades in my actual CIE exams, and I didn't really bother myself with class tests since they weren't going to have any bearing on my final grades anyway.</p>
<p>SAT
Critical Reading: 760
Math: 750
Writing: 740</p>
<p>= 2250</p>
<p>First sitting. Should I give it again? I think I can break the 2300 mark.</p>
<p>SAT II
Math IIC: 760
Physics: 750
Biology: 800
Chemistry: 800</p>
<p>ECs
Not many because the school didn't have any clubs and never promoted any research based projects.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Worked for an NGO which is trying to rehabilitate and provide basic education to people affected by the earthquake in Kashmir (a mountainous region in the north of Pakistan). Went to Kashmir and interacted with many of the affected local people .</p></li>
<li><p>Worked in a hospital as a representative of another local NGO which helps people with myasthenia gravis and is basically trying to spread awareness about the disease.</p></li>
<li><p>Attended a national journalism competition.</p></li>
<li><p>I can play the piano and the guitar PRETTY well. Well-versed in music theory/composition, can read sheet music. Part of a local "underground" band. We've opened for a well known Pakistani band at a concert (their albums are on itunes :p), played several gigs at restaurants and played at most of the major events at my school.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>*I'm thinking of sending a couple of recordings of my guitar and piano. Should I? Should I also send links to videos of our gigs?</p>
<p>Additional stuff
I'm proficient in English, German and Urdu. Can read and <em>partly</em> understand Arabic.</p>
<p>Essays/Reccomendations
I think I'm fairly capable of writing an "intellectual" enough essay. I intend to apply for engineering/physics/math/neuroscience majors so my essay will contain ample references to topics in these fields.</p>
<p>I don't expect my recommendations to be anything special, but only because English isn't the first language here.</p>
<p>Well, that's about it. Sorry about the long post! I tried to make it as concise as I possibly could. I need someone to give me some hope! Haha. And any suggestions regarding other universities I should apply to?</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>