<p>Well, I have really decent O Levels (7A*s and 2As) but my internal transcript for A Levels is not that good. Now, if I take good grades in my A Levels and take a gap year then would it reduce the impact of poor transcript or not for Ivy League universities?
I have very good ECs and if I take a gap year then I can certainly improve on my SAT (2050 right now).
Help will be really appreciated!</p>
<p>A gap year won’t change your stats. A 2050 SAT would not get you into the IVY’s as they are extremely competitive for American students, let alone international students. </p>
<p>Additionally, financial aid would not be an option for you, given your current stats, and a majority of international students apply for FA. The IVY’s are extremely expensive. Improve your grades and SAT scores and then consider applying. Cast a wider net and look at other schools other than the IVY’s.</p>
<p>It really depends on what you have to offer. For example, I know that MIT admits most of its international students from the pool of international math and science olympiad winners. If you have an accomplishment at that level (and that’s what I interpret as “good ECs” at the Ivy level), I wouldn’t worry too much about SAT scores and apply anyway. </p>
<p>If your application looks more like above-average-but-not-exceptional student at your school, good-but-not-exceptional SAT scores and nice-ECs-but-nothing-that-would-make-the-news, I agree with aunt bea that your chances at the Ivies are next to none. You could take a year off if that would allow you to work towards some accomplishment that will offset your less-than-perfect high school record, but it might make more sense to work towards more attainable college choices right now.</p>