South African's Chances of Getting Into Harvard, Yale or Duke??

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi everyone</p>

<p>I'm a South African student, trying to get into the Ivies to study Engineering or Physics. Just wanted to know if anyone thinks I have a chance...(I'm white btw)</p>

<p>SAT - 1990 (Reading 690, Math 670, Writing 630)
SAT IIs - Haven't written, but on diagnostics scoring between 660 and 720 (Biology M and Physics)
Getting straight 'A's in 9 subjects - (English, African Language, Hebrew, Mathematics, Physics & Chem, Biology, History, Computer Science, Life Orientation)
Playing two instruments - Piano (have certificates from Trinity College) and Guitar (just starting < 3 months)</p>

<p>Also, here's my activities etc:</p>

<ul>
<li>Visit elderly at Old Age Home every Saturday</li>
<li>Almost black belt instructor in Martial Arts</li>
<li>Select candidate for Creative Writing Course, taught by a Prof.</li>
<li>Counselor for Youth Movement</li>
<li>Public Speaking Victor Ludorum</li>
<li>1st ranked achiever in class (there's only 3 of us, but who's counting? ;) However, even at my previous school where there was 30 in a class, I was 1st...)</li>
<li>Winner of Biology Essay competitions at Royal Society</li>
<li>Won lots of certifcates at Music Festival for Piano</li>
</ul>

<p>I have got great teacher recommendations and I write good essays (trying not to boast).</p>

<p>I'm just a bit worried about my low SAT scores...the thing is I'll have to apply for financial aid - currency from dollar to rand is pretty bad (7 rand per dollar, which makes studing in the US about 350,000 rand per year). Also, I'm international so I'm at a disadvantage for financial aid anyway...</p>

<p>What do you think my chances are of getting into Harvard, Yale or Duke?</p>

<p>Thanx :))</p>

2

<p>the international pool at all three is ridiculously competitive – many at the highest levels of SAT scoring. While I can tell you’re an excellent student and will be very successful at university, the international pool is just crazy. My opinion is that you should focus on some less selective colleges.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you</p>

3

<p>There was a kenyan student who into Harvard last years with your exact SAT score-1990,but he was also among the Top 100 students in the country.</p>

4

<p>It is your SAT score that may hurt.I think for internationals,grades and SAT scores are the most important</p>

5

<p>Hey fellow South African :slight_smile: I think you have a chance at the ivies. They’re all wildcards so just make your best application and hope for the best - you just never know. My pricipal, who is a very experienced US application counselor, told me categorically that an SAT score above 2000 for the ivies will do (for us South Africans at least) - yours is fine though but as others on CC have said, the ivy league international pools are really competitive so you don’t want to do just the bare minimum. Your grades are awesome - well done! If your final exams are as good then you’re all set academically. Make your essays count. Your personality REALLY needs to shine through.</p>

<p>A source of encouragement: I know someone (South African) who got accepted to Yale and many other ivies with a 17-something SAT score so don’t fret too much about the SAT.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>P.S. Rand to dollar now R6.74 to $1 (I know, it’s not very helpful but hey - I’ll take anything I can get) :)</p>

6

<p>Hi :slight_smile:
Sorry for the late reply…forgot to check the forum until now :P</p>

<p>First off, I have to thank you so much for your comment!! You really raised my hopes after so many people kept giving me the “you have such a slight chance” talk. No-one can tell what’s going to happen, so might as well stay positive :)</p>

<p>It’s nice to know a fellow South African is trying to study further in the USA as well.</p>

<p>Let’s hope I get a hefty scholarship…I’ll see ya at Duke then? ;)</p>

<p>Thanx again!</p>