Suggestions for good grades but very bad ecs

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hey guys, I would appreciate some opinions on my situation (which you probably already have a vague idea about from the title). I’ll jump right into this

I’m not even going to list ECs. They’re all school level and there isn’t much of them. Listing them would just be me trying to make small things sound good in a sentence so I’ll save you and me the pain :smiley:

Academics:
GPA: 4.0
Class rank: 1/200ish
SAT: 2270 / ACT: 35
SAT2s: Physics 800 / Math 2 800 / Biology 770
APs: Chemistry 5 / Macroeco 5 / Physics C 5 / Calculus 5 / Computer science 5 / Biology 5 / English Lang and Compo 5

I would appreciate two things, one if someone could recommend schools that would be good matches despite my lack of ecs, and two some thoughts on whether it’s completely useless applying to HYPSM or I should take the chance despite my reaaaally slim chances. (My recommendations will be GLOWING and I’ll take the chance and try to write a stellar essay so yeah lol there’s that)

I already know how bad my situation is so be as brutal as you please :smiley:

PS. I’m an international student.

2

You’re right, you have nothing to offer to HYPSM and they’re gonna pretty much flat out reject you.

What you DO have is objectively good grades that second and thrid tier colleges will EAT UP. After all they do want to increase the average test score and GPA and that’s how you make yourself useful. Generally internationally, especially in countries like India (where I lived till 11th grade), ECs are greatly discouraged until college so I do feel your pain. Try applying to colleges like Northeastern University or hovering around 30% acceptance rate I guess.