Belgian student for CS/Engineering major: top schools
Hi, I'm a high school student from Belgium that just finished 11th grade going into 12th grade (it is currently summer break). I live in Flanders, Belgium and go to a catholic school (pretty standard in Belgium, not really a "religious" school).
Intended Major(s): Computer Science, (Electrical) Engineering
ACT/SAT/SAT II: Haven't taken the SAT yet, but I plan on doing this. (1550 is realistic, I have practised)
UW/W GPA and Rank: My school doesn't publish rankings and doesn't use the GPA system. 72/100 (average of my class is 66/100)
Coursework: My school does not offer AP/IB/Dual Enrolment classes, but I do follow the highest possible curriculum at my school (Economics & Math) with extra math.
Awards: None (my school doesn't organise competitions)
Extracurriculars:
- Founded and managed a Dutch Minecraft server that has hosted over 3000 players and generated roughly 6000 EUR in revenue. Managed a team of about 8 people and did the development (software, coding plugins).
- Currently building an app that lets student housing owners in Belgium easily manage their student housing.
- Started learning Chinese.
- Learned to program by completing CS50x.
- Was part of the EYP (= European Youth Parliament) group at school, where we debated about topics concerning the European Union.
Essays/LORs/Other: I still have to write my essays. I do not know how to get LORs because this really isn't a thing where I live (advice?). I plan on taking the TOEFL test.
Schools: Stanford, Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, Caltech, UCLA, Cornell & possibly other Ivies.
I am aware that this may be unrealistic at this time, but I would love advice on how I can improve my profile so I can get into at least 1 of the mentioned schools. I feel like the education system where I live doesn't prep people to be competitive applicants for international schools like the Ivies. Advice and feedback is much appreciated!