Hi! I’m an international student from Costa Rica, here the education system is very different, specifically in high school. AP courses are not offered, you can’t choose to take a more rigorous class or repeat just one class if you want to get a better grade. I consider myself a good student, but I have some low grades in some classes, speaking in trimesters (3 trimesters for each year) I have 6 lower than 80 and 15 lower than 90 but higher than 80. I’m in 10th grade now, those grades are from 7th-9th. If I manage to get 90+ in all my classes during this year and the next one, could I still make it to a good college? I consider myself very intelligent but those low grades are a result of my family problems, there was days when I wasn’t able to study due to constant fights, and others when I just didn’t feel like due to anxiety and depression. Even with some low grades I was still the best on my class during 8th and 9th grade. I’m really determined to do my best on the SAT and ACT, and I’m starting to study English rigorous to do my best on the TOEFL. So I want to know, If I get a high score on the SAT and the TOEFL, and manage to get excellent grades this year and the next year. Could I still make it to a University? I know other things such as essays, extracurriculars, etc are also super important but I’m working really hard into those also (making essays and asking my professors to check on them and trying to get involved in important community service). Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, I appreciate any advice you have for me!
The biggest question you need to ask yourself is: how much money can my family afford?
If your parents are willing to spend up to $60,000 per year, there are literally hundreds of good schools that would welcome you with open arms.
If you need extensive financial aid, that’s a whole different story. Then the issue isn’t getting into a university – because I’m sure you will get into many – but getting into a university with a lot of financial aid.
But to answer your question: high SAT/ACT scores make a huge difference, and could qualify you for some automatic merit scholarships. Start your research here http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/ and be sure to check if the listed scholarships are available to international or out-of-state students.
It seems like international students are generally accepted based on their ability to pay not necessarily based on merit
Yes and No, and we can’t really complain; as I quote someone, It’s not owned by UN
Colleges look at 9-12th grades. Those 7th and 8th grades won’t really matter.
^7th and 8th grade results don’t matter, only 9th to 11th or 9th to 12th.