Hi
Right now I am really scared and confused about my situation.
My family is moving to another country and I must go with them.
I am going to be a Junior is HS starting this Fall.
However, I am very confused as to how I am going to apply to US colleges if I graduate from an international HS.
I am in the IB program and I will still be in the IB program in the country I am going to.
The problem is that I am a US citizen, therfore all colleges will expect the same things from me as if I went to school in the US.
I know how to take the SATs there. But I do not know about the PSATs (which is not really needed except for Merit Schlarships, but I would really like to try it) and the SAT subject tests (which I found out are REQURIED for admission to colleges.
Basically based on everyones experience, what type of stuff am I going to face when i apply? I would really like to know, but I really dont think I have a choice of not going to the other country.
All in all, if i go to this country, will I still ahve a chance of getting into US colleges? What would I need in order to do it and what advantages will I have and not have?
THANKS FOR ANY HELP, I NEED IT!!!
<p>Most international schools are based on the American system and have classes such as Honors or AP, so if you take them - you're in good shape. Even if the school doesn't offer these courses, you still have a chance of going to a US college, just get good grades and explain your situation when applying.</p>
<p>Yes, this school has all IB courses and IB tests as well.
I am just afraid that the Standarized tests will be maker of me. What about the grading systems, will colleges accept that? Anybody thats been in the same situation as me and plz plz plz tell me what I can do to INSURE my chance of getting into a US college and a good one at that since I have a 4.7 Weighted GPA and pretty good SAT scored and IB program.</p>
<p>OMG why r u so freaked ouuttttt????? bbrreeaatttthhhh
.
Ok
going to a different country might actually give you a plus, you know like an international experience twist . Im in an intel school its just the same thing: American system, American teachers, mystery meatloaf for lunch, cheerleaders and the whole 9 yards. so its not like you are the first to go to a different country, manyyyy before you have and maannyyy before you have gotten into good schools..
Standardized testing is also the same unless you go to china which would make you lucky as you don't even have to take the sat...but other then that both sat and sat 2s and sometimes even acts are offered (more expensive then in the us tho). You might not find as many prep books or prep courses so take some with you.
As for the grading system, its fine as well. Usually a school will send some sort of profile with your application which colleges will read and if the grading system is totally diff then they will try to convert it to the best of their abilities or put it in context or something, our grading system is on a scale of 1-7 and we don't even have GPA's but most people who graduate from here do go to really good schools regardless of that
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what country are you moving to by the way??</p>
<p>Oh and I forgot to mention that most places also offer the psat's at school I remember I took them in the 9th grade and I could have signed up for them in the 10th grade as well..</p>
<p>whats different about china? how come you dont have to take anything there?</p>
<p>iv nvr been to china but on all the apps i read it says SAT required except for people in mainland china where it is not offered.</p>
<p>Lol... wow, then Im screwed cuz China's where Im going...
Doesnt that mean that theyre probably pick others with SAT scores over you since you dont ahve one? However, on the collegeboard website I see that they have this tons of schools that administer the test...
Im just confused right now.. REALLY confused.</p>
<p>LOOK:
"If you are applying from a school outside the United States or Canada, the application procedure and timetables are essentiallythe same as for candidates applying from schools in the UnitedStates. Either the SAT I and three SAT II Subject Tests, or the ACT, isrequired, with only two exceptions. Students whose home countries(e.g., mainland China) do not have a testing center are, of course,exempt. In addition, students enrolled in A-level programs may usecompletedA-level results as a substitute for the SAT IISubject Testson a one-for-one basis provided o≠icial test results arrive at Yale by February of 2006. No other substitutions are acceptable."
yale application</p>
<p>Dragon, relax, colleges LOVE expatriate American kids! They get cultural diversity and global outlook (big draws today) but they dont have to worry about visas or language problems. Your experience will only enhance your application, not detract from it. Dont worry, SATs are given all over the world. There are millions of test takers in China.</p>
<p>Its difficult to give you specific comments without knowing which Chinese city you will be in and what kind of school youll be going to. If you are going to an established international school that teaches an American curriculum most likely youll find that MANY of your predecessors have gone on to top US colleges. At my sons former school (were in Asia too, in Jakarta) the kids regularly get into HYPSMAWSP plus top schools all over the world. The counselors well understand how to help them with their applications.</p>
<p>If, on the other hand, you are going to a small school in an under developed part of country, then you may not find the support systems, but the experience itself will trump everything else.</p>
<p>The difficulties of applying from abroad are really more logistical; for example visiting is more difficult and you have to be more organized and focused. </p>
<p>Moving to a strange country and leaving your friends and culture is always a difficult and stressful event. Just try to keep it in a positive light. Please let me know if you have any specific questions.</p>
<p>I moved to Germany after my freshman year. My school offers in 9th and 10th grade the English curriculum GCSE's and in 11th and 12th the IB. You may actually get a better education at the school you are going to. I know I did. You'll be exposed to so many different diverse students and teachers, as well as subject matter you wouldn't have in the US. I've learned areas of history I never would have as well as read literature you'd never read in America. </p>
<p>Colleges love international people, regardless of citizenship. They love the experience you will have had and the diversity you could bring to the class. If you take all the required tests and keep your grades up you should have no problem, maybe even an advantage. So don't worry about it. You'll be fine.</p>