<p>^^^^^^^^Agreed, very much true. I know first gen helped my mom out, as she was very poor, but her family valued education and broke the bank for her to attend private school. My mom values her high-priced education, even though she made significant sacrifices in other areas of her life. </p>
<p>I still think that intelligence is inherent, and a poverty-stricken student can be more resourceful/motivated and the wealthy kid more knowlegeable from more learning resources. BTW, my statement of “rich kids can be more intelligent from more opportunites” is NOT my personal chance; I was just playing devil’s advocate for the sake of the conversation (sorry, that was inculcated into my brain from this school year…ugh!!!LOL).</p>
<p>Best of luck to the OP! :)</p>
<p>PS: Not sure if you found this out, but BMWs are much better in Germany than US; your 118d is unheard of here because the USA is just like that! ;)</p>
<p>@big dreamer - Yup, I guess that is a nice summary; thanks a lot for taking the time to answer my question. I have got one more…</p>
<p>I just met my counsellor to collect my transcript that is sent to the Ministry of Education in order for me to obtain the German Abitur (The IB has to be converted, in case I wish to attend a German University) and I have to admit I was rather appalled! Neither my school nor I ever paid much attention to the importance of U.S. High School Dipoma Exams. I sat my IGCSEs in 10th grade (went fairly well) and my IB Diploma this year.
Now I read that I have in grade 10 - 3 As, 2 Bs, 2 Cs; grade 11 - 2 As, 2 Bs, and 2 Cs. I consequently asked my counsellor whether the Cs are not repulsive to the Admission officers and she said from an academic point of view I have nothing to fear. She recalled how she attended some private conferrence in Monacco with leading U.S. universites and there a Harvard representative explained something like “The IB is more than sufficient to prove whether a prospective student can handle the work.” (I heard from other sources as well that you people across the pond seem to fancy the IB ^^). Now I thought maybe some of you have some feedback on what is permissible on the transcript. Grade 12 is all fine, all 6 A+, here I knew they would count toward the Abitur and my school uses grade 12 to calculate my GPA and class rank (Yup, thats me : )). What do you think? (I know it would be better to have all As but in relation to the importance of IB and SAT, SAT IIs etc.) Thanks in advance! </p>
<p>P.S. @big dreamer - I know BMWs are much cheaper in your United States. My leasing contract is only valid until summer 2010, in the event I move to the U.S. I am thinking of getting the same car again, do you whether they differ in quality? I asked a boston resident on aSmallWorld how they compare and he advised it would be better to import it - but that is way to expensive I think.</p>
<p>The quality most likely does not have a huge drop, as our X5 was made 1.5 hours from where I live and we have been happy with the way it has run so far. Also, if you’re in the market for a used Bimmer, then buying from a dealer is absolutely fine and pretty reliable. I have rarely heard from people I know that their BMWs have been disappointing to them. </p>
<p>I don’t know if you can import a 118d because I think that we don’t even have that model yet (you guys have much more engine options in Germany). Also, the diesels over in Europe have different regulations, so I’m not sure it’s allowed in the USA. </p>
<p>The cars in Germany are nicer overall, but our BMWs are fine. I think that the two engines you can buy here are the 128 (230 hp) and 130 (300 hp) in coupe and convertible forms. Both these engines are gasoline-powered; the 1-series starts at 30,000 USD here.</p>
<p>I honestly don’t know about the IB program because I have no experience with it all. I’m really sorry, but I don’t have any answers to your academic questions. I hope that your few Cs don’t hurt you, but from what I hear, you aim for a certain range of SAT Is and SAT IIs (like 2250+ for SAT I). SAT IIS should be all in the 700s (from my understanding), and it’s a boon to get 750+; also they like to see one 800 (although not necessary).</p>
<p>Basically, they do want to see a well-rounded student that has a certain passion or liking that interests them. I’ve heard that recs and essays are paramountly important at Harvard, so make sure that they SPARKLE!!! </p>
<p>Best Wishes! :)</p>
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<p>So, for my father (who was an engineer), could I just say Retired or Unemployed or something? He actually does a bit of real estate, rehabing and renting houses but he certainly considers himself to be retired. A lot of people in my family don’t believe in selling property, so renting out former homes is just part of life.</p>
<p>As to the OP, as many have already assured you, first gen status is a definite hook. We’ll be applying in the same year, so I hope we’re equally lucky!</p>
<p>^ “Retired” and “unemployed” mean different things, which is why they are two different choices on the Common App. I don’t think it would be dishonest to say he’s retired, though, since he considers himself to be.</p>
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<p>Perhaps. But this tactic could be dishonest when you’re dealing with a list of choices, as on the Common App. If “principal” and “school official” are both listed and you check “school official,” you’re implying that your father is not a principal.</p>