Non-US Citizen Admission to Ivy League Schools

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations for non-US citizens seeking admission to Ivy League schools, excluding Dartmouth. It touches on competitiveness, language proficiency, and the perceived advantages of coming from certain countries.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that admission for non-US citizens is highly competitive and may require significant improvement in English proficiency.
  • One participant claims that coming from an "exotic" country could enhance an applicant's chances, while others question the definition of "exotic" in this context.
  • It is noted that the admission process may vary depending on whether schools are need-blind for international students, with some schools prioritizing domestic applicants for financial aid.
  • A participant shares specific statistics from MIT regarding the representation of various countries among admitted students, indicating a preference for certain nationalities.
  • Another participant mentions that their non-US classmates were often elite athletes, suggesting that athletic achievements may also play a role in admissions.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about the exclusion of Dartmouth from the discussion, with one participant expressing a personal interest in astronomy as a reason for their exclusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors influencing admissions for non-US citizens, particularly regarding the concept of "exotic" countries and the impact of athletic achievements. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, including the significance of nationality and the admissions process specifics.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about admissions may depend on specific definitions of "exotic" and the varying policies of different Ivy League schools regarding international applicants.

Salman Ranjha
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How much difficult it is for a Non US citizen to get into IVY league..?? (Other than Dartmouth)
 
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It's very competitive. It's probably safe to say that you need to improve your English substantially to have a chance.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
It's very competitive. It's probably safe to say that you need to improve your English substantially to have a chance.

That is true. I went to Harvard, and all the foreign students spoke perfect English.

I CAN tell you that coming from an exotic country would be a big advantage in admissions. Canadian or UK citizenship wouldn't help, but Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Maldive Islands, Bolivia, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malawi, anything like that, I think if you were minimally qualified they'd take you. Even France or Germany might do it.
 
It's harder than for domestic applicants, but it also depends on if the school is need blind for international students. Not all are. The ones that are however wilol not admit many international students since they usually want to save financial aid for domestic students.
 
Hornbein said:
I CAN tell you that coming from an exotic country would be a big advantage in admissions.

Why do you say that? And in particular what is "exotic" about France or Germany?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Why do you say that? And in particular what is "exotic" about France or Germany?
France or Germany is a lot more exotic than New York City. Being a citizen of NYC would be a disadvantage on a Harvard application. They want diversity, and they get it.

It is widely rumored that there is a Jewish quota. I believe it.
 
Well, I only have access to the MIT numbers, and they have taken 1 French and 1 German undergrad. No Austrians, Hungarians or Slovenians in 4 years. Nobody from Madagascar, Sierra Leone, the Maldives or Sri Lanka. One from Bolivia, 6 from Indonesia and 8 from Vietnam. The countries with the largest representations are China, South Korea, Canada, India, and Mexico.
 
my non us classmates at an ivy league school tended to be olympic athletes. so if you were on a medal winning soccer or swimming team you will probably get in.
 
Salman Ranjha said:
(Other than Dartmouth)

Just curious, why not Dartmouth?
 
  • #10
gmax137 said:
Just curious, why not Dartmouth?
Cause I'm interested in astronomy and Dartmouth don't offer it...:'(
 

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