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<p>International admissions are hard to predict and they don’t follow the same statistical guidelines as US admissions. </p>
<p>There’s nothing in your academic standing – grades, scores, rank, course rigor – that would put you out of the running, even for the most selective schools. The intanglibles like extracurriculars, essays and recommendations are important, but, in my opinion, what will get you past the finish line will be your personal background. </p>
<p>Personal profile is a factor to a certain extent for all applicants, but for internationals it is critical. If you are admitted, it will be, in part because you can do the work and in part because of what your perspective would contribute to the campus community. This will be your point of differentiation.</p>
<p>So, in answer to your question, it depends on where you’re from and what you’ve experienced. Your personal profile will be much more significant than your course load.</p>
<p>I agree with happymom, if your home country offers an appropriate university, that can be your safety; however, if, for whatever reason, the opportunities in your country are inadequate then you need to do more research.</p>