What do i need to give a strong application?

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<p>Hello all, im an 11th grade student from India who's looking to study CS or CS-related fields. I'm giving my first SAT in a few days, and expecting something like:
Math: 780/800
Reading: 720-760
Writing: 740-800.</p>

<p>In addition, i think i can easily rake in 800s in ALTEAST Math I and/or II and Physics subject tests (i gave diagnostics last year, just for fun and got 780 in both, no prep).</p>

<p>Additionally, i can probably rake in a 4/5 on the Mechanics AP and maybe even Calculus BC (i cant speak for calculus, since we're not allowed to start before 12th grade, formally, and i can only give APs in 11th due to different semester systems). My school record so far isnt OUTSTANDING, but i rest in the top 10-15% ( average was 91% this semester, expecting about 94-95 in the final exam).</p>

<p>Do note that my school doesn't offer any CS courses (only python, and i want too keen on learning it,since i could probably finish the entire 2 year syllabus in 3 months, tops) so ive settled for a Physics, Chemistry (ughh), Math and Economics course (with english compulsory, but its hardly english, i remember topping the exam with 4 hours of prep :P). Personally, i love Math and Physics and am interested in computers, though the only thing i can show for the latter are a few certificates of me winning some inter-school gaming tournaments,hardware bowls and 1 or 2 quizzes. Sadly, we've only had 1 hardware event in like 2 years, but i trashed the competition by having double the runner-up's score.</p>

<p>Im looking to study in institutes like MIT, Carnegie or any place that offers an excellent CS course. (ive looked at others like Stanford, Georgia Tech, CalTech but havent really given which colleges i want to apply to any serious thought).</p>

<p>Coming to my question- what else can i do to give a strong application and ensure i get at least one of the colleges of my choice? Do note that ill be applying with financial aid (my family is well under $100K/year) and as an international student form India.</p>

2

<p>Financial aid is going to be the tricky part. Only US students are eligible for federal aid, and most schools don’t offer need-based aid to international students. If expenses are a significant concern, you are going to have to have broaden your search to schools that might earn you merit aid. Keep in mind, too, that it will likely be harder to get merit aid as an international student.</p>

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<p>True. There are only about 5 need blind schools. But besides that, what would you recommend? I mean, if all else fails, loans remain a possibility.</p>

4

<p>Undergrad loans are very limited. You won’t be able to borrow the full cost of attendance.
HOWEVER - you appear to be a contender for the University of Alabama’s Presidential Scholarship. The cost of attendance will still be $15k per year or so plus flights, but for your family it might be do-able. </p>