<p>I am considering summer programs such as MIT's MITE, Calthech's YESS, Carnegie Melon's SAMS, etc, and need someone to advise whether I may make it. </p>
<p>I am a US citizen living in Canada. (I have lived in Asia since I was three until I came to Canada last year) Considering that I have lived in an English speaking country for just a year, I guess my academic performance has been not too bad: PSAT expected this November around 210 (at highest), GPA 4.2 out of full 4.5, SAT II math around 770 and SAT II physics around 780, both to take this coming November. BTW, I am in grade 11.</p>
<p>Do I have a shot? I am worried because my PSAT is lower than some of those summer camps require: over 220. Plus my application essays are not going to help much...My essay suck. If my counselor or other teachers write that I am fairly new in Canada and with English, will that help? I truly wish to participate in this kind of summer program. I hope it helps my college application as well??</p>