<p>Sidfromaus: So these universities are looking out for international students that are really gd at academics and research? There are TONS of internationals who are extremely gd at academics (International Olympiad medallists in various subjects etc), so what sets one apart from the rest? I have this general impression that top colleges expect 'internationals' to win olympiads, many prestigious awards etc. And if one doesn't have all these accolades as compared to the rest, does it mean that he or she can't get into the top notch universities like mit? ><</p>
<p>i didnt have a single olympiad medal...neither did 10 other internationals i know who made it through...i get the impression that MIT looks for a unique applicant...
To contradict your impression of MIT looking for olympiads etc...browse through some of the international students who didnt make MIT, and compare their profiles with me. Youwill notice that a lot of them had many more research/olympiad awards than me ( i had none)...
Universities, in my opinion, are looking for students who can handle the courseload and explore their passions...be it sport, music or community service.
Olympiad medals are helpful, but certainly not a necessity.</p>
<p>Wowwwwwwwwwww
kwaldner, I DO THINK you should go for ivies! your profile is fabulous!
you deserve the acceptance of every ivy college!</p>
<p>
[quote]
In my school, I am ranked the top 10% (estimate?) out of 1200+ students. About 50% of my schoolmates attend US universities and Ivy leagues every year. In fact, my school is actually known as the "Gateway to the Ivy League", as published by the Wall Street Journal in 2004. Hence, I think my school is well-known among US universities.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>According to my research, not nearly 20% of RJC students make it to US/UK universities... Care to provide more details? I didn't know RJC was so pro in sending students to topflight universities :)</p>
<p>Actually, U Mich changed their admissions policy this year. EA is Oct 31 and Reg Decision is Feb 1, but they are still rolling (which means that they don't sent out all letters at once, just in batches).</p>
<p>You may or may not be admitted to UMich, but expect little to no financial aid. As a public school UMich generally does not give money to international students.</p>
<p>Sidfromaus: Thanks! I guess admissions are also really unpredictable then? But it seems you are really good at business-related stuff, undertaken several community projects, and you're excellent academically. (Top 40 in Australia wow, many academic awards, great leadership, competed in many different sports WOW!) So i guess this made up for the international olympiads and stuff? You definitely deserve to go to MIT, as far as i know! :)</p>
<p>Fiona: 'Over 40% of the 820 students who graduated in December have been accepted by top U.S. universities.' ok may be a bit outdated though. Here's the link: Raffles</a> JC - Gateway to the Ivy League - [forum] funkygrad.com</p>
<p>LEOWIN: I think ivys are really competitive, I don't think i stand a good chance at all. >< </p>
<p>ddit_47: hmm ic..yep thanks!</p>
<p>maoskillskid: Wish me luck! ;)</p>
<p>bump. bump</p>
<p>dude, UChicago is so not a safety school</p>
<p>by the way, fiona, he's right about the gateway to ivy league thing. rjc is probably the world's top ivyleague-sender school.</p>