So I grew up in China and went to Chinese public primary school. Then I home schooled (because of health issues) and came to US in eighth grade. By that time I was fluent in English. I learned some English in my primary school and taught myself when i home schooled. My parents know zero English.
I am a junior in high school now, as an international student.
I take APush and AP Language, and I am doing good in other courses too.
My parents and I are about to immigrate in the next year.
Should i mention this experience in my essays? Is is considered “unique?”
Would this experience help or hurt me during college applications?
Thanks!!!
In addition, I lived with my relatives in eighth and ninth grade. My parents were in China at that time.
Of course you can mention this in your essays. It won’t hurt your application, and it may make you a bit more unique, but don’t forget that there are MANY immigrants with similar stories applying to colleges in the US. You’re not as unique as you think, so don’t count on your story too much. Your grades, scores and ECs are still the primary requirements colleges will take into consideration, especially the more selective ones.
Yeah that’s what I am concerned about,… there is literally a ton of international Chinese students/immgrants out there, so I am wondering if i should emphasize on my immigration experience at all.
You can, but I’m not sure that is something to focus on.
No. Colleges in the US expect you to speak English; they do not give brownie points for how one learns it.
Colleges expect applicants to take challenging courses and do well in them.
Compared to other international applicants? Neutral. Compared to all applicants as a whole at a selective university? The fact that you’re from China hurts you. At many top schools, international acceptance rates are roughly half the overall rate.
Thank you! it seems to hurt more than helps…