At My Wits End Here

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I don't know if this is how every prospective undergraduate student feels, but I am honestly at my wits end here.</p>

<p>I don't know where I should apply. I don't know what should I do.</p>

<p>I've basically been educated according to the British educational system. My grades are:</p>

<p>O Level: 5 As, 3 Bs and a C. (A = 90+, B = 80+, C = 70+)</p>

<p>AS Level: A A B B D (in Computing, Physics, Maths, Psychology and Chemistry respectively)</p>

<p>We don't have a GPA system as such so I have got literally no idea how it translates to the American educational system.</p>

<p>My SAT score: 1990 (R = 630, M = 660, W = 700)</p>

<p>Loads of extra curricular activities, like, being the vice-president of the Music Society at my school, being selected for and attending a youth leadership conference in the US, interning at a reputed national newspaper, working as an organizer for a couple of large scale exhibitions, community service, an avid graphic designer (designed stuff like posters, invitations cards etc for school events and tickets and stage backdrop for a music concert), an avid book reader (I have actually been selected to represent my school at an annual Spelling Bee competition), played the lead role in a short film for a competition.</p>

<p>Plus there are dozens of certificates for achievements throughout my academic life like being a Prefect, Head Boy, president of the English Society, executive member of the Broadcasting Unit, winning art competitions, talent shows etc.</p>

<p>Currently, I am working with some peers to organize a youth leadership workshop at our school. I am also participating in a software programming competition and plan to organize a singing competition at our school.</p>

<p>I don't, I repeat I don't want to go to an 'okay' or a 'decent' university. I want to go to a really good university. I realize I don't stand much of a chance at high end universities like Harvard and MIT, but I want to to the best university where my grades and extracurricular activities will take me.</p>

<p>But the thing is I can't really survive the university tuition fees without any substantial financial aid in the form of scholarship. Which sort of makes me reconsider what I want because I feel I've got better chances of getting a scholarship at middle or lower end universities. Or do I? Correct me if I am wrong.</p>

<p>Lastly, should I appear for SAT II (Physics and Maths) in January? I understand it would be useless if I ended up not applying/getting accepted into a top university. And useless again (and waste of money) for middle and lower end universities that don't even require SAT II.</p>

<p>Please! Help me with this dilemma of mine!</p>

2

<p>Ok</p>

<p>Your SATs are decent…probably best for mid-range or 3rd tier schools…but there are great ones, so don’t worry!</p>

<p>Is money no object? How much can you spend each year?</p>

<p>Did I overlook what your major might be??</p>

3

<p>I can afford to spend around $10 000 a year. Max.</p>

<p>I want to major in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.</p>

4

<p>^^^</p>

<p>You’re an international student, correct?</p>

<p>The problem is very, very few schools give financial aid to int’l students. Typically the ones that do are ivies and similar and you don’t have the scores for those.</p>

<p>There are a few that give small merit awards to internationals but not enough to bridge the gap between what you can pay and how much they cost.</p>

<p>If you can only spend $10k a year, and the CHEAPEST non-resident “cost of attendance” is about $31k, then you’re at least $20k short.</p>

<p>To get a visa to come here for education, you have to provide documentation that all of your expenses will be covered.</p>

<p>The reason why most financial aid is not available to internationals is because most aid is provided by the federal government and they forbid aid to international students. Only a small number of schools can provide their OWN aid to give to some to internationals.</p>

5

<p>I take it you are an international student. If so, you need to read everything, and I do indeed mean every single thing at [International</a> Students - EducationUSA](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.state.gov/]International”>http://www.educationusa.state.gov/)</p>

<p>Then you need to make an appointment with the counselors at the advising center nearest to you. These people are expert on helping students from the area where you are living find good places to study in the US.</p>

<p>You also need to visit the International Students Forum (Click on “Discussion Home” in the upper left of this screen and then scroll down), and the Financial Aid Forum (there is a quick link on the left side of this screen) to learn more about your options.</p>

<p>As an international student who needs financial aid, there are no “matches” or “safeties” for you in the US, only “reaches”. You need to look for good options for yourself in your home country and/or other countries.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

6

<p>Whats wrong with the fine educational institutions in England?</p>