<p>Hi, I am from Hong Kong and currently studying in an international school in China. It's my senior year next year.
First of all, I would really like to study in U.S. top 50 universities. My GPA is really not bad. I ranked third in my grade, an IB diploma student. However, my SAT is really bad, since English is not my first language. The math section was pretty good, but the other two will not get me into good colleges in U.S.
I'm just asking if SAT counts a lot if I'm aimming for the top universities. And what about SATII?</p>
<p>Also, I want to choose a major in Biology. Besides biochem, biomed, what majors are rercommended? And what careers do they lead to?
I've been thinking about molecular biology, don't know if it's good.
What schools have a stronger program at these majors (in U.S. top 50 and also in Canada)?</p>
<p>I'm sorry that I have so many questions, but it's pretty urgent.
I'm really confused and hope you guys can help me! =)
p.s. This is my first post! =)</p>
<p>While US colleges will give you a little bit of a break for not being a native speaker, there are also plenty of non-native speaker with very good verbal SAT scores.</p>
<p>Have you considered taking the ACT? Colleges accept it in lieu of the SAT and I found it a little bit easier because its English section does not test vocab. The ACT also has a science section that you might do very well on, and the essay is much more straight forward: E.g., should all public schools mandate school uniforms? Why or why not? On the downside, the ACT is harder on timing than the SAT. As a math/science person I didn't have too much trouble on the math and science sections, but I had a hard time reading fast enough to finish the reading section on time.</p>
<p>What do you consider low scores? If your verbal or writing scores are below 600, I would strongly recommend you to retake the SAT or take the ACT if you can. Otherwise don't fret too much about it. I don't know if this helps, but the ACT is offered in Hong Kong as well and the SAT and ACT test dates are usually within one week of each other, so you might only have to fly there once to take both tests. (Have you taken the SAT IIs yet?)</p>
<p>Wellesley breaks down their admission rates by SAT score range. The chart might give you an idea how good or bad your scores are: Statistics</a> 2011 FYI, Wellesley's overall admission rate was 36% and the medium SAT score range 660 - 750 for reading, 640 - 730 for math and 660 - 730 for writing.</p>
<p>oh...
Yeah, I got both writing and verbal below 600, with 7 for the essay.
I guess I will not take the SAT II. I heard that they don't really look at the SATII for asian students, since most of them get full score.
I didn't know that ACT is offered in Hong Kong.
Do you guys have any suggestions about the majors?
Which school has a stronger biology program?</p>
<p>I agree with you that many international applicants receive perfect scores on the SAT II. But all that means is that you better take them and get near-perfect scores as well, or your application is busted. Many colleges will not even consider your application if you don't submit SAT II scores...</p>