Hi all, quick question about where my grades stack up, since I’m from abroad and I have no idea how they compare in general.
I took my SAT exams in 2015 and my A levels (final school exams) in 2016.
Reading: 800
Maths: 690
Writing: 700
Physics: 800
Maths II: 800
Assuming a good interview, essay, extracurricular section, etc: are these reasonable grades for someone looking to apply to Ivy League and perhaps other elite US universities, like MIT? Of course I know my subject tests were good but the writing and maths sections in the general SAT are really worrying me. My intended major is Economics, if that helps.
I did really well in my A-level exams, getting the highest possible grade in all subjects I took - will those results be considered?
Also, do colleges generally allow for extenuating circumstances? I was in the midst of a depressive episode whilst sitting my SATs and I have documentation to verify that I was receiving treatment for this.
Thanks in advance
You could retake the SAT.
When are you planning on applying - next year? You’ve missed the deadline for the best universities this year. What have you been doing since leaving school? Are you already at a university in the UK? THat will make you transfer applicant in the US, which lowers your chances.
What A levels did you do?
Thanks Conformist,
Would you say that resitting the SAT is essential or “just” advisable? Sorry if that’s a stupid question.
Yes, I’d apply next year. I’ve taken a gap year, for medical reasons.
I sat Maths, Further Maths, and Physics A levels.
Well, three quarters of admitted students to MIT have over 750 in the math section of the sat. That doesn’t mean an automatic rejection, especially as you’ve subsequently excelled at higher levels of math, but it’ s obviously a weak point in your application on paper.
The other potential issue is that you haven’t taken anything non-mathy since GCSE. You know that at most US universities, even MIT (Brown is an exception among the Ivies and Ivy level institutions), you will be required to take some humanities courses?
BTW will you be able to get good teacher recommendations two years after you left?
Yeah, I’m aware that I’ll be taking some humanities if I get in - what could I do to show that I’m prepared for this? I do read non-fiction and literature widely.
I’ll be able to get school/teacher recommendations with no problem.
So by next year you will have actually had 2 yrs gap? Is your reasoning going to be a 2 yr gap due to a depressive episode? What is your UK back up? Are you sure your teachers from 2 yrs back will have recommendations that are relevant? Re the SAT resits, I would double check on that being worthwhile if you are looking at being 2 yrs post graduation, your A levels are the highest possible score at A level?
Yes, 2 years by next year, and yes, for medical reasons. Usual 5 choices of backup in UK universities, which generally make reasonable concessions for students with studies interrupted by health conditions. Yes, I will be able to get relevant teacher recommendations. Yes, all my A levels are A* grade, the highest possible score.
Oxbridge? But your safeties are safe, right? You are already accepted?
If you have had 2 years off to address a serious health crisis, are you going to be able to address that adequately applying to a uni in a completely different country with horribly expensive health care and no support system for you as a foreign student? And might this be an aspect of the visa application?
You can be full pay?
^ UK has horribly expensive healthcare?
I wasn’t aware of that.
The OP wants to attend MIT.
This thread is in the wrong forum.
@Sybylla “horribly expensive health care” Where did you get that information from?
If I was a UK citizen with a chronic condition I would be hesitant to move to the US
It is only a short thread, both of you, keep up.
^ Did you just make that comment up or do you have evidence?