Search around on CC, a lot of people reported low scoring for the writing section on the new ACT. A 25 is not so bad.
my Chem teacher just showed me his rec letter and ratings. while his rating were mostly “one of the top few…”, his letter seemed slightly generic. How would they see that, considering that my teachers had never written a letter before?
If you want, I can show you the letter. It is only about 90 words. The teacher was my favorite teacher, and we had a good relationship. It is just that we don’t do these kind of things in Iran.
Maybe try talking to friends enrolled at those colleges? I am also an international student and that helped. Also going to the College Peek web page helped too. Good luck!
Also, guys! Anyone know any insider info about Pomona? Any special resources other than the uni page?
Hello again. Thanks @Liza777, I will take a look at college peek.
I have a question : I have just been contacted for an interview from Harvard. But what is strange is that my interviewer is an admission officer, not an alum. What does that mean? I personally think that this is probably because my interview is going to be conducted via Skype, but can there be another reason?
Also, according to this thread, http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1620087-harvard-interview-offered-only-to-good-international-applicants.html, it is a very good sign when an int’l from an under-represented country gets an interview. Does anybody agree with this?
No info on that but thought you opted for Princeton SCEA?
@dowzerw
I was advised to apply to Harvard by posters in pages 3-4, as they believed that Harvard is better for me considering my fit criteria. I did some research, and I found out that they were right.
Good luck to you with that.
@dowzerw Thank you! Also thank you for all the help you provided
We will be waiting to hear your news. Fingers crossed for you.
@dowzerw Thanks again! I will definitely update this thread with news.
Yes, the interview is a good sign. I think almost everyone in the US who applies is offered one, so it’s not significant domestically. International students are encouraged but not required to interview (because interviewers aren’t always available). Sounds like they are making sure you have that opportunity, so you should certainly take advantage of it.
It’ll be a friendly conversation (NOT a kind of oral examination), designed to give the interviewer a sense of your personality and your understanding of what you’re getting into. It’s also explicitly designed to give you a chance to ask questions about the school. Be prepared to talk about favorite books, hobbies, etc. (again, not a test but ice breakers – i.e. prompts to get you talking comfortably) and to ask a few questions of the sort not easily answered by reading the school’s website. Your interviewer may not be able to answer your questions on the spot (especially if they relate to a specific major), but will get back to you or put you in touch with someone who can answer.
Good luck! Judging from what you’ve written here, just be yourself and you’ll make a good impression.
@exacademic
thanks! Your post cleared some of my misconceptions, and relieved most of my worries. I have absolutely no problem with talking about my hobbies. I was under the impression that it is an oral exam, which freaked me out.
And thank you for the compliment.
I literally can’t thank all the contributors sufficiently. I hope that my next update is good news.
Wow Harvard…good luck man
@Malcomx99 THanks, and good luck with UofC. I want to apply there too. Who knows? maybe we’ll be classmates. 
I am updating this thread with my first decision.
I got into Harvard.
I thank all the kind, generous souls on this thread who helped guide me towards this path.
@Soheils Congratulations!. Am so excited for you…lol…i donno why