<p>People always say that internationals have a harder time getting in. But we can't compete in USABO, USAMO, Intel, and so many others. So what makes an international have that allure that colleges want?</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with the academics that internationals have on their applications–it’s that the applications all look the same and are directed to the same few schools and generally are seeking a lot of financial aid.</p>
<p>Try looking for schools that are seeking more international diversity in their student bodies. There are a lot of excellent schools out there that are totally ignored by internationals.</p>
<p>^^ zample?</p>
<p>i’m an international and i got into Princeton without ANY international awards like international olympiads, ISEF, commonwealth essay writing, or wdv. I didn’t even take part in sports. it’s possible.</p>
<p>" So what makes an international have that allure that colleges want?"</p>
<p>Not needing financial aid is a big plus since most U.S. colleges are not need-blind when it comes to internationals.</p>
<p>screwitlah..what is your stat? what other ECs that you hv?
you must hv done something in HS to be admitted to princeton,or youre a super smart student then..</p>
<p>i did have high SATs and did quite a lot of community work and government-related work… my essay was about my passion for government, which probably coincided with Princeton’s goal of public service. but I would say that I was an exception - most of the other admittees I’ve met did have international accolades.</p>
<p>^ any FA ?</p>
<p>yeah, ~46k grant</p>