<p>I'm a student from Singapore and I will be applying to the following undergraduate architecture schools:</p>
<p>Cornell
Carnegie Mellon
Washington (St Louis)
Syracuse
USC
Berkeley
Columbia
Michigan
Maryland</p>
<p>Despite copious research I have to admit that the US education and college system is still very confusing. I guess it's probably because the Singapore system, like the UK, is much more academic in nature and other factors (extracurriculars, leadership, volunteer work, etc) are not as significant in the application process. I do realise that different colleges look at different things differently, and this only adds to the confusion. I really, really appreciate any help/insight from anyone who's familiar with the above-mentioned schools!!</p>
<p>What are my chances of getting admitted? I know that the standards set for international students are much higher so this is where my doubts come in. </p>
<p>**In Singapore, we have the O Level and the A Level exams (quite similar the UK system). My O Level was taken when I was 16 and I will be taking my A Level this November (I'm 18).</p>
<p>O Level: AAAAAAB Six distinctions, very close to perfect score. Top Malay Student in the country.
A Level: Probably (and hopefully) gonna get AAAA/A, which is the best you can get for A Levels.</p>
<p>SAT:
First time: 2070 (CR: 650, Math: 760, Writing: 660)
Second time (results not out yet): rough estimate would be ~2150-2250
Math II: 780
Physics: 800</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
Vice-President of Event Organisation Team
Project Head of a volunteer work mission to Cambodia
Representative of my school to national Singapore seminars e.g. Pre-University Seminar, National Climate Change Youth Conference
Heavily involved in Canoeing with a leadership position as treasurer. Interested in joining a college rowing team. (I am aware that Ivies don't provide athletic scholarships)
Tubist of Concert Band
Member of Bowling</p>
<p>Experience:
Worked at an architectural firm for a month
Skilled in graphic work, designs used for events, merchandise and logos
Decent artwork portfolio so far but honestly I'm not sure how to judge myself on this. I do know that Cornell's AAP wants to see a strong portfolio.</p>
<p>Other personal stuff:
Ethnicity: Malay
18 years old
May or may not be applying for financial aid (would this affect my application?)
Studying in quite a prestigious high school
Low to middle-income family
Will be in the military for two years before starting college
Portfolio includes free-hand drawings, graphic design, and photography
EDing to Cornell</p>
<p>What are my chances of getting into the above colleges? What are considered reach and match schools for me?</p>
<p>Thanks so much!! :)</p>