<p>I had to stop for a few seconds just to figure out whether you guys were pretending to console the OP with a bunch of plain, useless information on stuff that he should have already known, or are ignorant morons who clearly did not see into the OP's motivations. Are you guys so out of touch in dealing with people that you can't tell that the OP clearly feels entitled to a top-tier college?</p>
<p>It's funny that my original post still lies more in tune with the OP's line of thought than anything else posted here, and actually gives him something to work on instead of worrying about stuff that's completely out of his control. Excellent.</p>
<p>Not only that, but other posters have chimed in on what seems like they feel that the OP is entitled to at least several top public, if not top-tier colleges. The OP isn't entitled to anything, and he certainly should look into more schools than those included in the CC bubble like the aforementioned USC, UVA, Rice, Duke, Caltech (***), Michigan, the UCs. I would encourage solid, state Universities where you'll get a great education but still fare well in the admissions process - UGA, Texas, Florida, UNC-CH, Washington, SUNY, etc. Really, you can't go wrong with a lot of the flagship state Us, and even some state Us which are not flagships (I would know - I was at one last year). Absolutely strive for the best colleges you think you have a shot at, but also go for some reasonable schools and at least make an effort with their applications, scholarships etc. Don't buy into this CC bubble about certain brand-named colleges. I'm absolutely positive you can find a fit here and if you can't, then that's ultimately your own fault.</p>
<p>So you don't have a Green Card? So what? I'm also an International student, but while I did a lot of stupid things back in my senior year of high school from which I sit back and laugh at today, crying about your specific situation wasn't one of them.</p>
<p>For all of you guys complaining about the inherently unfair admissions practices of schools, get off your high-rocker and and actually post something that people will actually give two-s**ts about. Seriously. This is life. Get over it.</p>