I’m an American/French citizen who grew up in the French public school system only, but was still able to break 1000 on my SAT scores (I know its not great, but for me it’s encouraging). I’m in the top quarter of my class. Do I have a chance at a good US University? Does anyone have any information on where I could go and how to get there?
I read some of the accomplishments of American High School kids and I’m worried that the systems are just so different…
MORE DETAILS: I’m a dual national, American-French, born in Chicago, moved to France when I was 3. I have always been in a purely French public school system (no bilingual or international schools) and I got 540 verbal and 500 math on my first attempt at SATs. I’m a bit disappointed in my math, but in France we don’t approach math the same way at all.
Even though my family is middle income (less than 50 000 US dollars a year), I am determined to go to a good American University. My mom went to Oberlin and University of Chicago. My dad (French) is an architect. Nobody in my French high school has ever even tried to go to the States so I have no help in understanding the system.
The idea of going to an American University is very new to me. I believe I have a good chance because I grew up in a French system but was still able to break 1000 on my SAT scores (I know its not great, but for me it’s encouraging). I’m in the top quarter of my class.
I play competitive basketball here and would really hope to get to play at least Division III.
Thanks!
<p>Geographic diversity is a real consideration for most colleges. The fact that you are a French national but speak totally fluent English would definitely be in your favor. And the French schooling thing would serve to explain your medium-level SAT Verbal. If you trully are Div III varsity material, it will help A LOT in admissions.</p>
<p>Those factors might not get you into a top-ranked college (esp U of Chicago), but there a ton of good liberal arts colleges that would be a match for you. Apply to a bunch and see what kind of aid offers you get.</p>
<p>N'day, American colleges will forgive a lower verbal SAT score when english is not your first language. They will, however, be looking for the same math score any American student would have for their school. So get a Fisk or other guide book and look at where your score fits. Assume that will consider you with applicants who have 100 more points in verbal category. You are probably looking at what US News categorizes as third tier. There are many fine schools in this group. Good luck!</p>
<p>Buy SAT prep book and study yourself- it will definitely help math. Take timed practice tests yourself. </p>
<p>Also, if you are also interested in smaller schools, there're many excellent Liberal Arts Colleges (LAC) that do not require SAT or will overlook your score provided that your academic performance at your school is good. I understand that French system is very difficult and demanding so I am sure you're prepared for US colleges.</p>
<p>As Lizzy stated, you can find SAT optional schools at <a href="http://www.fairtest.org%5B/url%5D">www.fairtest.org</a> for example, Bates, Bowdoin which are very decent liberal arts colleges are SAT optional (you don't have to submit them but will be considered if you do) But your stellar grades can speak for themselves</p>
<p>N'day, I went to school grades 6-12 in a foreign country and totally know what you're going through. If you have any questions, feel free to IM me (AIM LadylegolasE)</p>
<p>N'day - My D is in a similar position without the bilingual advantage (she was born and raised in the UK). Do read the "expatriot games" thread on the parents forum and the original thread in the old discussion that binx began - I found it quite helpful. Then, if you want specific recommendations for schools, start a new thread and say what kind of course of study you'd want as well as giving your stats, basketball ability,and any geographic preferences. The people who post here usually provide a wealth of information. My D was also told to study and retake the SAT as well (she won't) and we certainly know what you're saying about the math bit. Somewhere we were told to make sure we made it clear that she had attended a state school, not American, not international or even private as it would be in her favor. I'll be interested in what you think after you've read what we were told. Good luck.</p>
<p>So interesting to me. My children are in American school in France but have high SAT score, 710 in English but high math for my son applying now. Is American school really bad? From our school many go to high American ranked schools.</p>
<p>American schools abroad usually prepare kids really well for college in the US, so in that sense they are VERY good. If you have a person who comes from a state school like N'day and still performs well in classes, they might not hold lower test score against them as much, or think they had to overcome more to get where they are. I guess it's a trade-off between good preparation but a more competitive group versus less preparation and more allowance made. I read that the elite schools are beginning to look for lower income kids too, as they have proven to be really high achievers once admitted. But who would know...? At least if your S's school has some experience getting them into American universities, you are further ahead than we are.</p>