What are my changes? How should I make myself more competitive?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi all! </p>

<p>I am a student currently studying in RJC (a school in Singapore) and a year-one, i.e. 11th grade. I wonder what my chances are, and how I should make myself more competitive amongst international students, considering I still have 1 more year to do it.</p>

<p>SAT I: have not taken yet. Plan to take in next year Jan. Any tips?
SAT II: Only taken Bio since i do not take Bio now - 790/800. Plan to take Physics Chem and Math II next year May. Hopefully can get 800</p>

<p>Academics
+Taking A-level General Paper, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics - it's a pretty challenging course, I would say harder than the average American course. Taking "heaviest" workload of 12 academic units (although most people take 12 also)
+Secondary school GPA, i.e. 10th grade - 3.90/4.00 - but i guess it's quite different from the GPA system in US. Anyway I got A and A+ for all subjects</p>

<p>ECs
+School Career Club - President (9th, 10th)
+Organized events in school like Careers Forum, Work Exposure Program, Careers Quiz Blitz and exhibitions to showcase what the club does
+School Red Cross Unit - Quartermaster (9th, 10th)
+Attained various national awards as a unit, including Excellent Unit Award (Gold) 2003-2006, Community Service Award (Gold) 2003-2006
+School's FoundersÂ’ Day Parade
+School Chemistry Club (11th, 12th)
+School Econs/Current Affairs Society - Committee Member (11th, 12th)
+Peer Support Leader - providing support and guidance for juniors during and after their school orientation
+Facilitator for Southeast Asian Youth Conference 2007 - helping out with this inaugural program to promote education in Southeast Asia
+Year-long commitment, giving free tuition to lower-income family kids weekly
+Stanford University EPGY - Quantum Mechanics Camp
+School Physics Olympiad Training
+Participation in various community service projects - around 300 hrs so far
+Worked for one month in a restaurant
+Plays soccer, violin/viola in my free time
+Represented school in many other competitions, albeit without much sucess though :(
+Will be trying to take part/win other competitions... </p>

<p>Research Experience
+Science Mentorship Program (9th): Conducted research on anti-fungal products (Presented project at local Youth Science Conference)
+Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Youth Research Program (9th, 10th, 11th): Conducted research on biosensors and nanoporous materials
+Completed self-initiated project in school on peritoneal dialysis (10th)
+Nanyang Research Program (10th): Conducted research on memory devices at Nanyang Technological University (Presented projects at SSEF)
+Science Research Program (11th) : Currently conducting research on mesoporous materials </p>

<p>Achievements
+Research Science Institute
+A*star Science Award - basically a scholarship given by the research institute for excellent science students
+Edusave Scholarship for Integrated Program - basically a scholarship given by the government to cover school fees
+Gold Award for Nanyang Research Program - given for excellent project done in local university
+Promising Young Researcher Award - given for excellent project done in local research institute (selected to present on Young Researchers' Nite)
+School Merit Award - given for contributions to school club
+JLPT Level 3 - international Japanese proficieny test, there are 4 levels, 1 being the highest
+Finalist in National Science Symposium
+Distinctions for various random competitions, like Australian Math Competition, UNSW English Competition, UNSW Math Competition, Singapore Math Olympiad
+Will be trying to represent Singapore in international programs...</p>

<p>I'm afraid that's all I have for my ECs, which I admit aren't very impressive. But considering I still have 1+ year to beef up my CVs and take my SATs, I will greatly appreciate any advice or help!! :)</p>

<p>Thank you very much!</p>

2

<p>Sorry i meant "chances"</p>

<p>No replies?</p>

3

<p>It looks as though you're doing about as much as a person can do. Your profile looks great; it's just that there are so few places for internationals at the top schools you are probably looking at...</p>

4

<p>i think you've got great chances, even for being an international. just have some match/safety schools as well as reach schools and all that jazz.</p>

5

<p>"I'm afraid that's all I have for my ECs, which I admit aren't very impressive."-LOL</p>

<p>Good chances, just do well on the SAT.</p>

6

<p>Take the SAT's this fall!!! If you take them next January, that is your LAST CHANCE, and you want to make sure you have at least two times to combine your best scores from each sitting!</p>

7

<p>Thanks for the replies!</p>

<p>Here only those interested in US universities take SAT, so I don't really know how to prepare for them? Does just reading those PR/Kaplan/Barron guidebooks gurantee a high score?</p>

<p>Eww i guess the international student pool is more competitive... what do the top universities look for in these international students then? I heard essays are very important...</p>

<p>Also, do you all have any idea what I should focus on in my applications? (or focus on now to beef up my CV) Should it be my science research experiences?</p>

<p>Thanks a lot again! :)</p>

8

<p>bump</p>

<p>replies?</p>

9

<p>Great chances, I do not know how they can reject you....All you have to do is do very well on your SAT or ACT and you will be fine...</p>

10

<p>Take the SATs before January, and then take them again in January if you do not like your score. Putting all of your eggs in one basket is very risky.</p>

11

<p>your ECs are impressive...even by CC standards.</p>