What are my chances at these competitive schools?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>Gpa: 3.95 Unweighted, 4.23 Weighted
SAT: 2140 (760 CR, 700 W [10 essay], 680 Math) I'm considering retaking this for a better score. </p>

<h2>SAT II: In queue to take, with an estimated 650-750 in Italian, Spanish, and Literature</h2>

<h2>AP: Unfortunately only Environmental Sci from my sophomore year, but only because I got into a better program at an early college nearby (well...a 1.5 hour commute, but worth every mile for the best education in my area) that DOESN'T OFFER AP because ALL high school classes are taught at a college-prep level and 80% of the classes are taken through the actual partner college. So as opposed to AP I will have 40+ college credits by graduation in a variety of time.</h2>

<h2>Ranking: Top 5% I'd wager, but my school is so small we don't really do ranking. (Grades of 35-40 students)</h2>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Tutor at my previous high school
Commended National Merit Schollar
Art Club Member/President for a year
Key Club
Poetry Out Loud (Oratory Competition) county finalist
Docent for county recreational area
Actively participated in a river cleanup volunteer group
Editor for the school yearbook
Ongoing internship with the county gov.
Plays the Cello</p>

<h2>Individual study of 3 languages for over 3 years (moderate/advanced comprehension in Italian/Spanish)</h2>

<p>Other Stats: Female, Caucasian, lives in CA, comes from a poorer family.</p>

<h2>Majoring in International Relations and Foreign Languages</h2>

<p>So, that's a general summary at least.
Universities that I'm considering:</p>

<p>Reach: Stanford, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell
Match: Colgate, Uni. of Chicago,
Safety (more or less): UCSD, UCI, UCSC</p>

<p>As you can see, I am somewhat lacking in the "Match" department, so any suggestions you have would be more than welcome.</p>

<p>BONUS:
On the off chance that anyone knows something about UK universities, could you tell me about my chances of attending UCL, King's College London, Uni. of Kent, Bath Uni, and/or Royal Holloway?</p>

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<p>Also, my high school is ranked as 5th hardest/best in the state. I don’t know if that helps but I thought I might as well add it.</p>

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<p>I don’t know too much about your chances of getting into the US schools, especially with your somewhat unique high school system, and I’m sure someone else would be more helpful in that respect. </p>

<p>However, you mentioned that you were interested in several schools in the UK. Admission information for all UK schools are on their websites, usually in their undergraduate prospectus. Normally admission for US students is based on AP scores but you might want to contact the admissions officers personally since you are taking actual college courses. They will probably really like that. </p>

<p>One thing to be aware of is that as an American student you will be paying full tuition, not government subsidized like most of your fellow students. It is also highly unlikely that you will receive any aid from the university itself. Because you mentioned that you are in a lower economic bracket, that is something that may not make it feasible for you to attend school there. Ivy Leagues and other private institutions are much more likely to have aid packages that you and your family will be able to afford.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the reply, especially since it concerns the UK system :).
I’ve looked on every school’s/program’s requirements on the web and I definitely meet them, but I’m still nervous about being accepted against the competition so I just wanted to where I stand against students applying for the same programs.</p>

<p>As for the money, it will be tough but manageable. I currently work, and I plan on finding work in the UK while I go to school as well so that will help. And luckily the school and county that I’m in has multiple different scholarships offered so I will definitely be applying for those. And whatever is left will have to come out of loans but like I said, I’ll manage.</p>

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<p>Just remember that the UK system is very different from ours. In your personal statement, make sure to not emphasize how unique or dedicated you are (unlike US admission essays) but emphasize your passion for the subject you’re applying for. They’re looking for focus and passion, not well-roundedness. Also, ECs and GPA don’t count nearly as much as AP and SAT scores. You should check a website called The Student Room. It’s kind of like their CC…</p>

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<p>Also many schools in the UK actively seek American students because they pay full tuition so it is frequently easier for us to get in.</p>

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<p>Will you be allowed to work in the UK? And what are UK expectations for time spent on courses? If your classmates are subsidized, will you be at a disadvantage if you also are working?</p>

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<p>Thanks, I’ll have to check that out. And I will keep that in mind for the statement. I have a few friends in the UK who have been through the system and dealt with UCAS who said that they would read and analyze my personal statement for me too, so I’ll make sure to talk to them about that.</p>

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<p>Yes I will be allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours a week. And most of the universities I’ve looked at have services that help international students find jobs. If by time spent on courses you mean the time estimated for classes and assignments, I guess it depends on how many classes your course allows/requires. Usually they have set courses required for a certain program, with optional courses that the student can choose to take on the side.</p>

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<p><em>Edit to the main entry</em>
Also, is there ever a way to explain an unusual situation to a university when applying? For instance, the reason why I don’t have that many clubs/long term ECs is that my school only has 3 small, hardly formed clubs, and they are all after school (besides key club). And as stated in the post, I live an hour from the main campus, and I drive 30 minutes the opposite direction for the second half of my classes, so I am simply not able to stick around for them. It was either do clubs, or go to class. So in short, my lack of clubs and such is not because of a reluctance to join, but rather an inability.</p>

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<p>Bump. Still looking for thoughts on my US chances.</p>

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<p><em>EDIT</em> Also, could you chance me for Brown? I forgot to mention that one in the prompt and I am VERY interested in it.</p>

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<p>Is there a reason you would apply to UK schools? Why good for you?
I’m afraid Ivies will be real stretch, big reach.
You need more matches!
What do you want to major in? Environment? Culture?</p>

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<p>Whatis your true interest? Not clear</p>