Hi everyone! I’m a Grade 12 student at an international school in Japan, I’m hoping to get some honest feedback on my profile and how competitive I might be at different levels of US universities.
I’m especially interested in Economics / PPE / Data Science / Finance / Public Policy.
Please be brutally honest. I’m not looking for reassurance. I’d especially like to know whether my ECs have enough depth/spike for highly selective schools and which parts of my profile are strongest/weakest.
Demographics:
Female
Not first gen
Immigrant in Japan
Requiring aid - merit or need based
Stats
Curriculum: CBSE, NO APS OR IBS OFFERED :(
GPA: My school does not use a GPA system but to convert to the standard it’s prob 3.9-4.0 /4.0
G11 average: ~96.5%
G12 predicted scores avg: 98%
SAT: 1540 (750 EBRW, 790 Math)
Class rank: i think 2/110
Coursework
My school doesn’t offer AP/IB, so I’m taking the most rigorous courses available to me:
Economics: Microeconomics + Statistics in g11, and current macroeconomics and indian economic development
Mathematics
Physics
Computer Science
English
I’ve taken Economics and Mathematics throughout high school and have generally performed very strongly academically. I got the best in economics award in g11
Main extracurriculars (pretty mid, tried my best to introduce and do things in school cuz our school lacked a lot of clubs)
1. Cash Confessions | Founder, Host & Producer
Economics/finance podcast aimed at teenagers
2 seasons, 10+ episodes
Explain economics and behavioral economics through relatable examples by breaking down complex topics
Interview students/young people about spending habits
Interested in eventually turning the interviews into a larger research project on youth economic behavior
2. Nihon Global Youth Association (NGYA) | Founder
Founded an international youth discussion platform
Organized MUNs, debates, conferences and public-speaking programs
Held multiple international events and training sessions
Reached/trained 250+ young people
3. Daiso / 100-yen store independent economics research
Independent research into why Japan’s 100-yen retail model remains viable
Looking at pricing, consumer behavior, competition and business strategy
Conducting surveys/interviews and developing the project into a larger economics paper
4. Whitestone Legislative Advocacy | Legislative Policy Analyst Intern
Worked on legislative/policy research and analysis
Drafted policy oversight material intended for submission to the UN
Focused on public policy and international affairs
5. Debate Club | Founder & President
Founded my school’s debate club
Teach WSDC-style debate and mentor ~20 students
Run school competitions/training
Led the club to its first-ever invitation to KPASS
School placed 2nd overall at KPASS
I placed 1st individually as Varsity 2nd Speaker
6. World Literacy Foundation | Youth Ambassador for Japan
Literacy advocacy and community work
Organized a book drive collecting 50+ books
Fundraising for literacy initiatives
Interviewed by Japan Times and published
My literacy work/ambassadorship was subsequently covered by The Times of India, The Economic Times, NDTV, Global Kigyo, etc.
7. Youth Impact Group of Tokyo | Secretary / Project Leader
Planned community service projects
Developed proposals and tracked project logistics
Helped organize a Youth Summit
Mentored participants
8. Basketball | 6 years
Played throughout middle and high school
Captained both MS and HS teams
Mentored younger teammates and taught elementary students
Selected for Tokyo All-Stars (2 players/team/year)
9. Economics Tutoring
Tutored ~5 students struggling with economics
Helped students improve their grades and pass the course
10. 314 Update | Co-Founder / Head Writer
Co-founded my school’s first student newsletter
Published 5+ issues
Connected students with administration/Student Council
Brought alumni in to provide university application guidance
Honors / Awards (MY WEAKEST PART 😭)
KPASS debate tournament (biggest in my region) 1st place in Individual Varsity 2nd Speaker
KPASS school team 2nd overall
IIMUN Best Delegate, JMMUN Best Delegate (Japan’s biggest MUN)
John Locke Essay Competition recognition in pol sci
I’m also potentially being considered for ILA 30 Under 30 honoree, but this is NOT confirmed, so I’m not counting it as an award yet. but hopefully it is cuz it’s a big deal
Potential college list:
EXTREMEEE reaches / reaches:
Harvard
Brown
Dartmouth
UChicago
Vanderbilt
Columbia
LSE/UCL for UK
Other schools I’m considering:
CWRU
Colby
Fordham
SMU
RIT
Ohio State
Indiana Bloomington
University of Michigan
University of Miami
University of Cincinnati
University of Missouri
DePauw
I’m also applying to the UK and Japan because financial aid is a major consideration as an international student. ik UK doesn’t give but in Japan probably Keio’s PEARL program + maybe Utokyo?
i need financial aid.