Expert: Todd Johnson - 8/27/2010

Question
Do you think I have a chance at Harvard, Yale, Princeton, or the University of Chicago? Could you also please suggest some top ranked schools that are matches and safeties? Thank you!

Background Information
Ethnicity: Asian (South Indian)
Location: An industrial town in Saudi Arabia (where, apart from the opportunities at school, girls my age don’t exactly have the freedom to go out and become actively involved in the community)
Income Bracket: $55,000 - $65,000
Languages: English, Malayalam, French, Hindi, Arabic
Other: Vegan

Tests
SAT: 2070 (600 M/690 CR/780 W)
I know the score is not up to par with top school standards, but it was really the unfortunate result of a bad day. Although my writing score correlates with my performance on practice tests, my math and critical reading scores are far below my average practice results; they're typically in the 700's, giving me a combined total of 2200+. I want to retake the test and get at least a 780 on each of its sections.
SAT Subject: I haven't taken any yet, but I'm hoping for at least a 780 on French with Listening, Biology, and World History each.
AP: Our school offers no AP courses, but it does allow seniors to take the examinations in May (I’m studying for four).

Academics
GPA: 3.99/4.00
Courses: Grade 9 - Geometry, English, Physical Science, Ancient World History, Technology, Health, Saudi Arabian History & Geography, Psychology, Marine Biology, Lifetime Sports and Fitness, Physical Education
Grade 10 - Algebra II, World Literature, Biology, Modern World History, Physical Education, French I, Arabic Language & Culture, Yearbook Design, Space Science Physics
Grade 11 - Pre-Calculus, American Literature, Chemistry, U.S. History, Art, French II, Space Science Physics, Music, Marine Biology, Islamic Culture & Arabic Language
Grade 12 - Calculus, British Literature, Physics, Economics, Saudi Arabian History & Geography, Arabic, French III, Technology, U.S. Civics & Government, Physical Education, University Preparations
*At our school, we don't have electives or accelerated courses; we don't have the opportunity to choose our classes.

Extra-curricular Activities
Creative Writing: writing poetry, stories, and scripts for publication, participating in online writing clubs and competitions, founding writing clubs, running writing competitions and website (700+ hours)
Community Service: Raising money for African charity, tutoring elementary and high school students, teaching technology in India in the summer, rescuing and feeding strays, animal rights activism as member of PETA, promoting and participating in Free Rice and other online modes of societal impact, running fundraiser for the Haiti earthquake relief, running charity drives for Saudi orphanage and nursing home, organizing a free farewell before summer, Student Council secretary, newsletter editor, website manager, president, and bulletin board director, organizing a school celebration of internationalism and multiculturalism, running fundraiser for Pakistan flood relief, founding and running eco clubs, contests, and website, founding and running animal rights clubs, contests, and website, helping teachers prepare for school (1400+ hours)
Music & Acting: Listening to and performing contemporary music, performing in talent shows, practicing piano, learning guitar, lead roles in musicals, founding and running music and acting clubs, websites, and contests, organizing arts week, directing and acting in videos (1400+ hours)
Volleyball: Varsity libero, power, captain of third place team, winner of best player award, captain of winning intramural team, running and participating in lunchtime volleyball, helping run intra-kingdom tournaments, running volleyball website and club (700+ hours)
Badminton: Captain of J.V. girls, J.V. girls training, varsity girls' second place, organizing and participating in lunchtime and after school badminton, organizing competitions, running badminton website and clubs (700+ hours)

Summer Activities
Involvement in the aforementioned activities, traveling, reading extensively, and studying for standardized tests.

Recommendations
I know my teachers' recommendations will be spectacular; they're close to me and really think I'm a genius (I know better LOL). They truly believe in my capabilities and are intent on sending me to Harvard. =P I barely know my counselor, though he is impressed by my SAT score (our school has a low SAT average).

Essays
I'm a good writer; I love the process of writing and have a few great ideas for my essays. They're going to be about some of my unique life experiences; I'm going to make sure they turn personal and striking.

Answer
Jasmine,

First, congratulations on being a strong student. There are many colleges that would love to have a student like you. That being said, there is no way for anyone to predict admission to the most selective colleges such as those you mention.

Even for students with near perfect grades and test scores, admissions to these colleges is very difficult. As an international student who will need financial aid to attend, it is even more difficult.

There are many factors that the most selective colleges look at in deciding who to admit. You have some strong extracurricular activities and being an international student might help if a college is looking to admit a student from Saudi.

I think it is fine to apply to the colleges listed but I would strongly urge you to also apply to some other colleges that are somewhat less selective. You also need to pay close attention to which colleges give international students financial aid. Here is a link to a page on my website that discusses aid for international students. http://www.collegeadmissionspartners.com/international-students/financial-aid/

There are links on that page that show which colleges have aid for international students.

I hope that helps.