Am I competitive enough?
I am an international student, with perfect GPA, taking gap year
Don't have a class rank
Took advanced classes for 4 years: biology, chemistry, math, physics
Predicted SAT 1500-1550
Major - Neuroscience; prob minor Computer Science/Math
Have 2 national neuroscience awards( 2nd and 7th place) and 1 math state-level
Extracurriculars (still working, but): Independent Neuroscience Research, Several Science Projects (biology and computer science), Neuroscience Course under university, Community-based project, Biology Club Leader, +Working on non-profit about neuroscience
My EFC is maximum like 12,000, so I need generous aid
I'm applying to some Ivies, John's Hopkins, Rice, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, URochester, Lehigh, Brandeis
I really need to know if I am competitive enough to get into some cool schools and get generous scholarship 🙏
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1 answer
First, your perfect GPA and advanced coursework in biology, chemistry, math, and physics are strong indicators of your academic preparedness. Your predicted SAT score of 1500-1550 is also competitive for the schools you're targeting, though a higher score can always help. Your national and state-level awards in neuroscience and math make you stand out.
Your extracurricular activities, particularly your independent research and leadership roles, highlight your passion and initiative, which are key for top-tier schools.
Financial Aid Considerations
Since your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is $12,000, focusing on schools that are known for generous financial aid is crucial. Many of the schools on your list, such as the Ivies, Johns Hopkins, Rice, Vanderbilt, Swarthmore, Amherst, and Vassar, have strong need-based financial aid programs and are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need.
Key Strategies
Strong Essays: Craft compelling personal statements and supplemental essays that demonstrate your passion for neuroscience, your intellectual curiosity, and how you’ve pursued your interests.
Recommendation Letters: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors who can attest to your academic abilities and character.
Demonstrate Interest: Engage with the schools by attending virtual events, reaching out to admissions officers, and perhaps even visiting if possible. Demonstrating interest can sometimes play a role in admissions decisions.
Financial Aid Applications: Ensure that you submit all required financial aid documents on time, including the CSS Profile and any other forms the schools may require.
Next Steps
To better understand your chances, let's consider:
Your Personal Statement: Have you started working on your essay? Would you like some tips on how to approach it?
Recommendation Letters: Do you have specific teachers or mentors in mind who can write your recommendation letters? Would you like advice on how to approach them for this?
Additional Extracurriculars: Are there any other activities or achievements you haven't mentioned that could bolster your application?
Your chance of acceptance
Your chancing factors
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