hello,I am an 18-year old student from china and I want to apply for an university in the United States the next year.I’ve just finished my college entrance examination in china and have just been admitted by a chinese university.My studies is not excellent but still OK in china.I don’t have SATs or TOEFL yet so I am going to work with my SATs and TOEFL right now. And to be honest, I know quite little about how to apply for a university in the US.I think I must be crazy,but I still want to have a try.
something may help:
1)fist of all I think I need some suggestions about which universities and colleges should I choose(Ivy League is my dream…but forgive me dreams are not usually practical.)since I’ve already admitted by a university I’m just looking for better (or maybe not so bad)universities.
2)It seems that I need some experience of communication service and being a leader,but I may have little.I would be grateful if anyone can tell me what to do
3)I heard that we should take an active part in extracurricular activitis if we want to apply for a university in the US.I began to play the piano and draw when I was very young(a lot of chinese students do this),I don’t know if that counts(I’ve ever taken part in some international competitions,although they are not famous ones)
4)Maybe I should know something about APs,what it covers and if it is hard for me.I’ve read something about SATI on the Princeton Review.I foud that the maths sessions may not be too difficult to me,but the reading sessions seem to be harder.Would SATII be a lot harder than SATI ?
5)My parents agree to cover a majority of the cost but I prefer depending on myself.Earning
a scholarship would be great,but it doesn’t matter if I’m not able to get one.
It seems that I’m crasy because I know so little,but thanks for any imput. I have no idea what I’m doing here.
I would start by posting this set of questions on the International–>China thread here on College Confidential. Your questions are international in flavor, not necessarily non-traditional, which usually refers to older, transfer or returning college students.
It will be almost impossible for anyone to give you ideas of what US universities (especially elites like Ivy League) would accept you without some standardized test scores. Since it may be awhile before you get your SAT scores, you may want to take a practice test to get an idea of your range.
-
ECs are best if it something you are passionate about - and generally speaking about 2 activities that you do with intensity is better than 4+ that you do only “to look good on paper”. Admissions officers have read so many applications that they generally can figure out if someone is truly engaged in their ECs… ECs are about having a student that is more than an academic machine. Adcoms want to see that the student has a real life, real passions, is well-rounded, enjoys being with other people, cares about community, etc.
-
Some people struggle more with SAT I and others with SAT II. However, there is a forum here for SAT questions as well - so give that a try instead.
-
Scholarships for Internationals tends to be rare - and many colleges do not even offer institutional aid (grants directly from the college that reduce the sticker price of the college) to international students. So it is good your parents are willing to pay because that will likely be needed.
HI,
I can help you. I am an educational consultant. If you are interested in the Torrington Campus of UConn, I can help with the admission process. They do not require any SAT’s and after 1 year, you are guaranteed admission to the Storrs campus which is the main campus. The company that I am representing is in the housing business and provides housing for the students who are attending Torrington. Check out the websites. I am traveling to China the beginning of Dec. If you want to let me know what city you are hear, I can tell you where we will be. We provide a full service college placement program. Best of luck. Let me know if you need my help.