<p>I'm grade 11 student from Canada. I'm seriously considering US colleges (specifically Harvard and Yale) for my post-secondary eduction.
However, I don't know if I have a chance at these colleges...
Considering my accomplishments (highlights listed below), what do you think my chances are?
* I've written the SAT once and got a 2100. I think I can improve this.
* Have not yet written any Sat IIs, though I believe I can get 750+ on all three.
* 97% average (has been 94+ since grade 9). All courses are gifted. School does not offer AP, though I'm writing AP calculus anyways in May.
* I am taking courses a year above me so I will be graduating with 5-6 extra courses.
* Big contributor to school Theatre club. Multiple plays every ear, writing plays, acting, directing, organizing, etc. I was a part of the Improv team which made it to the regional finals this year (top 5 among 70 teams.) I am also Stage manager for a play that recently advanced to the provincial level (top school among 30 teams). I have helped fundraise money for charities through theatre productions.
* Robotics team (2 years), school Reach for the Top (similar to teen jeopardy - big in canada), writing articles for school paper, Model UN delegate (high school competition), etc.
* Student council president at the moment; was VP last year. I've also been a House Captain and grade representative.
* President of York Youth Council, a group I started that does volunteering on a local level (things like environmental cleanup).
* Volleyball, basketball, soccer ... all on a school/local level.
* Summer enrichment courses (Shad Valley program at Queen's University, and programs at Mcmaster University and University of Toronto).
* Volunteered for over 900 hours at 2 hospitals and an elderly home for 4 continuous years.
* I am doing a summer research internship at a hospital over the summer with a University prof.
* I am traveling to a third world country to do community volunteering for 2 weeks over the summer. I am planning on fundraising money to build school in a developing country.
* I have done lots of charity work for local and national organizations (food drives, gathering money for Canadian Cancer Society, etc.).
* I have worked part time as a tutor and basketabll coach.</p>
<p>What do you think my chances are?
I greatly appreciate your help!</p>
<p>Well, I guess the answer is 7%. Sounds like good, representative applicant pool stats, and for the typical applicant the odds are 7 out of 100.</p>
<p>But I’m interested in your terminology about having “‘written’ the SAT once” and having “not yet ‘written’ any Sat IIs.” In the States we’d say that we’d “taken” the SAT once. From where does the Canadian terminology originate to “write” a standardized exam?</p>
<p>OP, your accomplishments are impressive; to get in, though, you will need more than that. Spend a lot of time on your essays. You really want to show the adcom who you are and what you have to offer their university. Start early, don’t get too agitated over it (lulz, as if that were possible), and enjoy your last year and a half of high school. :)</p>
<p>Probably slim to none. Since you are canadian.</p>
<hr>
<p>A Canadian bloke is walking down the street with a case of beer under his arm.</p>
<p>His friend Randy stops him and asks, “Hey Dave! Whatcha got that case of beer for?”</p>
<p>“Well, I got it for my wife, you see?” answers Dave.</p>
<h2>“Wow,” exclaims Randy, “Great trade.”</h2>
<p>What do urine samples and Canadian beer have in common?</p>
<h2>The taste.</h2>
<p>A French guest who was staying in a hotel in Edmonton phoned room service for some pepper. “Black pepper, or white pepper?” asked the concierge.</p>
<p>Your list of ECs are impressive and varied, but variation can hurt. A recent book I read from a former admission officer to Harvard said the applicant who has done ALOT but contributed little is alot worse off than an applicant who is involved in few things and has contributed A LOT. </p>
<p>This thread should be required reading for anyone applying to top schools, check it out:</p>
<p>thanks so much for the replies!
In Canada, we both “write” and “take” exams lol.
Dbate: I understand your point about the importance of depth in the work that we do. I’ve tried to demonstrate that depth in theatre and community work (almost 1000 hours of volunteering.) But I completely understand what you’re saying.
Does anyone have any suggestions about what I can do to improve my chances? How important is the essay?
Thank you so much for your help :)</p>