What are my chances? Class of 2021

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi everyone!
I’m Marta, I’m Spanish and I’m applying to NYU for fall 2017.I’d like to major in International Relations at CAS. These are my stats:

New SAT: 1210 (taking it again in october)
GPA (unweighted): 3.7
TOEFL ibt: 98

My first languages are Spanish and Catalan. I’m taking the highest English course next year (CPE) and the intermediate course of French (b1). I’ve taken part in 3 exchanges (2 in Sweden and 1 in the US) and I’ve volunteered for 3 years at a local nursing home.
I’ve played soccer for 11 years and I currently play for the regional team. I’ve played in the best divisions and last year I won the regional championship.
My high school doesn’t offer any IB nor AP courses, so I wonder if that would weaken my application. I’ve managed to improve my English by taking private lessons at an academy and by practicing it at home (reading english books and watching american shows have helped me a lot). I’ve also managed to find out the way to studying in an american college on my own, as I don’t have any counselor or advisor in my school that can help me. I can have really great recommendations from my teachers, which I think will strengthen my application.
My dream is to study in NYU, it’s my dream school and I want to spend my 4 years of college there. What are my chances?

2

Your SAT is low, but that does not mean that NYU is out of reach. If you can get it up higher (to about a 1400 would put you in a “safe” zone), that would be beneficial.
The fact that your high school does not offer IB/AP will not count against you- colleges will see that in a school report.
I believe that your situation is unique because you are of Hispanic heritage and English is not your first language- making you have a sort of “hook” with the admissions office. I would encourage you to pursue your passions (which seem to be soccer and volunteering at the nursing home) and emphasize those on your application. Finally, if possible, apply Early Decision because it demonstrates a lot of interest (since this is your dream school). Also, visit and interview if possible.
Overall, I believe you have a shot.