Don’t worry, you are not the reason I did not apply as the deadline was long before you commented =) Cheers… Everything happens for a reason.
Thanks for your tips tho 
oh dear, i feel conflicted, but oldbatesidoc do you realize how many posts you’ve put up putting down another poster’s comments? to the op, you’ve got good schools, a good attitude and foundation and here’s to making the most with what is now in front of you….kudos!
I feel scolded, if that was your goal. Seriously, and your point is? I think a lot of the posts/posters are just feel good encouragement and not realistic advice. For that, they can ask their friends or their parents.
I’ve gotten a lot of excellent advise on CC for my children and their issues. I’ve given a lot of advise to try and “pay back”. Two of my children had difficult times and great disappointments, and they were very smart students with fabulous grades and excellent test scores. One was wait-listed everywhere with a 4.0 in IB and an 99%ile SAT scores. Another was lead astray on athletic recruiting by an unscrupulous coach. This caused great disappointment and many tears, tho life lessons. I hope to help others avoid this trauma. I try to give honest advise based on experience and data. Of course I don’t have a crystal ball but the underlying theme of all my advice is to be realistic and have a back-up plan.
Hey… thanks for all your advice. Nobody here is wrong and everyone is right. I really really appreciate all your help and advice. I got into a good college (top 20 LAC) and wait listed at another (top 10 LAC). I had many exams going on during the process and I could have made my application better but ohh well… All is done. I will not be going abroad to study. But I did apply to all reach school (all)… and got in.
Thanks 