Hi!
I’m an American looking to apply to Edin. I love the location, reputation, and history. They’re top-ranked for the humanities and seem to have a strong program for my major, Philosophy.
I’ve spent a year at a relatively unknown and average American Uni, and I came out with a 3.7 GPA. I was a member of student government and a ‘global engagement’ club.
In high school, I had didn’t do as well as I could do to problems at home, coming out with a 2.7 GPA. In high school, I was in the debate team and an improv club. I also worked in a bakery. But I realize that extracurriculars matter less outside of the US.
I’d have great letters of recommendations from my professors as well.
What do you think my chances are? And what do you know of their Philosophy program?
It’s always trickier to judge with an application after starting a US college and relying on your record there rather than standardised tests. Your recommendation will be important.
Are you looking at applying this year for admission in 2020, after two years at your US college?
Be aware that, if admitted, you would almost certainly be admitted as a first year, to a 4 year course. Your current Philosophy class(es) will be taken as evidence that you are a good candidate for the Philosophy course, but are very unlikely to be sufficient to give you ‘advanced standing’. For reference, look at the reading list they suggest for HS students considering applying to study philosophy:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/ppls/philosophy/prospective/undergraduate/philosophy-degrees/get-ready-to-study-philosophy
Be sure that you have read the year by year of what you study (it is different than an American ‘major’): (under ‘what you will study’)
https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/degrees/index.php?action=view&code=V500
Finally, remember that there is no financial aid for international students, so you are limited to FAFSA funding parameters.
Conformist1688-
Thanks for your reply. I’ll be applying after one year, and taking three philosophy courses which I got As in.
collegemom3717-
Thank you for your reply, and for the links. I’ve read a number of the books on the list, and I like the course of study, and the breadth of the faculty/specialties. Thanks!
Are you taking next year out then? Because obviously you’re too late to apply for this year as it’s already started.