Please chance me I'm terribly insecure

Colleges and Universities A-Z Smith College
1

I’m a Vietnamese students and I’m applying this year. Smith is my top choice. But my parents wants me to go and live with my aunt so they also told me to apply to San Jose State University. So here it is:

*Standardized Tests:

SAT I: 1500/1600 , Math 800, R+W 700

SAT II: Math Level 2: 800, Chemistry: 790

IELTS: 8.0/9.0

*GPA: 8.9/10 (not really sure how to convert to a 4.0 scale, but according to WES it resembles a 4.0 unweighted)

*EC:
Third Prize in Language’s Ball Cutural Competition
Third Prize in Spring Sports Competition
Top 10 in my school’s Natural Science Competition
Third Prize in City’s Online English Competition

Volunteer for Earth’s Hour
Internship at a Enviromental Company
Tutor at an English Language Center

I know my EC are not very good compared to others but I was hoping my scores would make up for it. Please help me evaluate my resume, I’m terrified. Also I’m planning to study at SJSU (if I’m admitted) for a year, then continue to apply as a transfer student. I think by then my GPA would definitely rise but financial aid won’t be as much. Anyway, thanks for your help!

2

Please try not to be terrified! Have you run the Net Price Calculator for Smith? It’s a very expensive school but there is a lot of financial aid. Smith will look at everything about your application, not just your scores or your extra-curriculars. Work hard on your essay. Do an interview. If you’re not able to visit the campus, interview with a Smith person local to you, or via Skype. If Smith is your first choice, make sure they know that. It’s great that Smith is your first choice but your parents are right to want you to have other schools on your list.