<p>I applied to one of the more prominent UC schools (biosciences) thinking I didn't have much of a chance there. It happens this was one of the schools that require international applicants to do a "pre-application", which for all intents and purposes includes most of the information one would normally find on a regular application, sans recommendation letters and application fee. </p>
<p>So a got an email from them this morning congratulating me saying that "your pre-application has been approved" and told me to proceed to the regular application. </p>
<p>I was just wondering what passing a "pre-application" actually means, in terms of chances of getting admitted (for an international applicant). Does it mean I have a higher-than-average chance, now that the adcoms have looked through my profile? Or do they pretty much pre-approve everyone who applies, like bank mortgages before 2007? </p>
<p>Any comments or thoughts welcome. I only have about 5 days to make a decision.</p>
<p>which school is it? Sounds like UCSD biosciences.
I think they only check your GPA and GRE if they cross the minimum. UCSF, UCSD, and others have really really really really really low acceptance rates for international students. If you have fellowship from your own country you might have a shot... otherwise it is very unlikely. But good luck! Maybe it will be you, which still might be awkward if you are the only international in the department :P.</p>
<p>I decided not to waste money on application fees at schools which admit one international student per year...</p>
<p>Not sure about your schools of interest, but at Queen's University (Canada), the purpose of their pre-app is to see if you meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the program. Nothing more.</p>
<p>Edit: As an added note, it's probably a process to filter out the unqualified students and lighten the load for the admissions people. I've read this post on gradcafe where the OP mentioned that half, if not more, of applicants are very under-qualified in more than just one area.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback. That was exactly what I needed to know. :)</p>
<p>I was thinking if someone from the adcoms had actually looked through my profile and pre-approved it, it might actually be worth a shot but it looks like that probably isn't the case.</p>
<p>I am not sure where people are getting their stats from on number of internationals admitted. I know that in at least one science related program at UCSD there are at least four internationals this year alone (out of about 30). I don't know if it is too late for you to apply now but for future reference- apply where you want to go and don't listen to other opinions.</p>