So I’m currently in the 11th grade. I’ve taken PCMC (CBSE) but I might switch to humanities with math. I took science as a safe option but I definitely know that I don’t want to study engineering so it’s like, kind of pointless. That’s just one of the ongoing problems I have. My school also tends to deflate marks in 11th to prep us for 12th. That really blows considering my 11th grade percentage matters the most.
I did okay in 9th (9.4 cgpa) and pretty good in 10th (10 cgpa). I took the SAT in June but I didn’t really study for it (I don’t know why I thought I could waltz in without studying anything and manage a 2000+) and scored 1830. I plan on writing it again this fall with actual preparation - hopefully score around 2100-2200.
As for ECs…I’m pretty good at drawing, writing, and speaking but I don’t have a lot to back it up. I could make a portfolio for my art but I don’t have a lot going for me in terms of winning competitions. I’ve won a few competitions here and there but nothing that stands out. I never really had the opportunity to participate in a lot and to be honest, it demotivates me to see so many people with numerous amazing ECs. I’ve done a bit of community work - taught underprivileged children and volunteered at drives to clean up our local lake. I’ve got a few half assed hobbies like guitar and piano where I’m self taught but not amazing or anything so it doesn’t count for much.
I just need to know if it’s worth applying abroad with my mediocre application. I mean I have one year before I apply and the most I can manage is study for SAT, work on an art portfolio and essays, and back up my ECs along with keeping up with all my school work. I can tell it’s going to be a very basic application, nothing compared to most of the stuff I see on here. So is it even worth it to apply abroad?
My dream college is Brown but I need to be realistic, haha. I either want to get into a design college or one for liberal arts. I’ve been thinking of Pomona, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell etc. but honestly, they’re all obviously reaches.
What do you guys think? Do you have any advice as to what I can do in the upcoming year - and if it’s even worth it to apply abroad in my case.