<p>I'm in my last year of high school in South Africa and would love to study abroad. I'd just like to know what my chances are of getting into Columbia, UPenn or the University of Chicago. Here's a little about myself.
2nd team Hockey
Member of the diving squad
President of the Interact Board (a branch of Rotary International in high schools)
Model UN debator: Speaker Honourable Mention award
2nd place best delegation
Member of the debating team
Won prize from French Embassy(Concours de la Francophonie)
Member of Jazz Band
Play Saxophone and Piano
Member of the Senior Chamber Choir
Deputy Head of Chamber Choir
Head of House
Silver Prefect
Member of junior city council
Coordinated annual fashion show design competition
Academic Colours</p>
<p>I will write my SATs in May.
I rank 5th in my class I think
We don't have GPAs but I have an A+ aggregate.
And that's all I can remember at the moment. Unfortunately I will also need financial aid. Will this effect the admission decision? Do I stand a chance?</p>
<p>That SAT will have HUGE effect on what happens in the future. Right now all you have really have is your ECs which are pretty solid, but you do in fact have a chance.</p>
<p>And if you really do have an ‘A+’ aggregate then great job!</p>
<p>Good luck on your SATs</p>
<p>As long as your SAT score works out, you’re a shoe-in!</p>
<p>When it comes to schools like Columbia or UPenn, nobody is really a “shoe-in.” </p>
<p>So don’t get your hopes too much lol, just good luck on your SATs is all I can say.</p>
<p>Thank you all! Really appreciate it. Will applying for financial aid really lessen my chance of being admitted? And do many international students receive any financial aid?</p>
<p>That will definitely not be a problem! Actually, most students in top colleges get financial aid! If your family makes less than $60,000 a year then it’s absolutely free (but you’ll have to work at the college to pay it off/pay $3,500/year) but if not, then they’ll calculate how much you’ll pay depending on income, taxes, any siblings, siblings going to/in college, etc. 
I know Yale has a calculator on their website 
Hope that helps&good luck!</p>
<p>Many top schools dont look at your need for financial aid. </p>
<p>Your ECs appear to be average for admitted students of Columbia. You will need a good SAT score to have a better chance.</p>