<p>Hello, I am new to this forum and to the US as I'll be moving to Chicago this summer. My situation is a bit complicated , so let me explain. I'm bilingual but I've always lived in France - up until now- so naturally I've pursued my high school education in the french system. This means I am passing a french baccalaureate but with an International Option ( OIB ). I'll be in the Lycée Français in Chicago (private high school) with the OIB. I'm being so repetitive sorry, so the issue is that before moving to the US, I never really considered graduating here, and always considered french post bac education. However, now that I'll be living in Chicago and even though I'll continue in the french "cursus" I would like to give US universities a try. I already took a mock ACT exam but being in the French system and never having studied for standardized tests I only obtained a 31 composite score ( which is good I heard but tell me if this is true ). However I count on tutoring this summer and STUDYING for the test ( I took the mock exam without studying ) so that my score rises to 33/34. I do not have a lot of time ( I'm entering my senior year ) this is why I need to be efficient and have advice as quickly as possible. More about my credentials : i do the MUN and won prizes, I do sports ( but no professional level), I do latin and greek, I do volunteer work, I had an internship at the Ministry of Culture in France. My average in the French system is 18 ( I think that's a 4.0GPA) and I'm currently in 1ère S. So if anyone is familiar with the french system could they tell me my chances to go to Ivys or Brown ,per example. Baring in mind that my scores will be raised ( I'm fairly dumb :p and I know I'm a student that does better when I study thoroughly, which I haven't done yet) and that my EC's are limited due to the fact of 38 hours of class a week and saturdays arrghh, WHAT ARE MY CHANCES ?</p>
<p>Thank you so much for reading this long-long message and for answering my inquiries :).</p>
<p>Well I could simply study in France where I have good grades. I was just thinking as the US as an option but thanks for your answer. I realize that all Ivy’s are reaches and I absolutely do not have the best profile ( some are impressive ). However the problem is that my test scores don’t reflect my “level” this is said without arrogance and not as an excuse, I am a student that needs time and study and I didn’t have the opportunity yet, I will pass my tests in fall and I think I could get a clearer idea of what is in my reach. UIUC is pretty good I hear and it wouldn’t be expensive as I’m an Illinois resident ? Thanks for your answer btw :)</p>
<p>I’m a parent, and not an admissions officer, so keep this in mind. I think your chances are quite good because from what I know of the French system, by upper level classes it is quite advanced, because in your country, students are specialized while US students are not. Some French Bac tracks are rigorous. I am not familiar with the specific ones. I also think your unique background would make you an interesting applicant.</p>
<p>While I think you should apply to the selective schools that interest you, also consider looking at colleges that fit your interests. Colleges in France are specialized, but in the US, students at many colleges can study many subjects and also pick a major that interests them.With your background, it seems that liberal arts colleges are what you are considering (Brown is one). Colleges here in the US are quite varied-in size, location, school climate, and some of them might be good fits for you. If finances are a concern, then you might qualify for some merit aid. Some of the less competitive colleges might also be good fits and a “safety”. There are several of them, so do your research and find those that you might be interested in attending. </p>
<p>You should also plan to take some tests in subjects that you are good at. Many colleges require two SAT subject tests. While you could take French, if it is your native language, that doesn’t impress a college, and many don’t count achievement tests in a native language. However, you can consider taking the French AP test, and any other AP tests not for admission but for credit. I don’t know if your school offers the international IB tests that colleges award credit for. Some people take both. </p>
<p>Also be sure your college classes line up with the required classes for admission to US colleges. Since they admit international students, they probably do, but I’m not familiar with that. I would expect that your Lycee in the US also has students who are planning on attending college here, and they may be very helpful to you in advising you about applying.</p>
<p>The best part about this is that you have nothing really to lose by trying, because you could attend a college in France, so why not see what is here in the US too? You could end up somewhere that you really like. </p>
<p>The French S-series is a scientific stream (if I am not mistaken, the L-series is focused in the humanities)… so I think you should be good to go for multiple AP tests in the sciences.</p>
<p>Your answer was so helpful and very reassuring. So to follow up. I was thinking of taking French as my SATII subject test but I understand your point and it is relevant, and I’m following the OIB program which is quite similar to an IB in level of excellence ( that’s what I heard and was told, please correct me if i’m wrong). I’ll be having an american counselor in my school and since my school is also a private school for american kids, many actually do go to college in the US. When i start next year i surely will ask them about applications and get to meet my american counselor. I’m already in touch with the school and it has helped me sign up for an ACT preparation ( I don’t have much time). Oh and since I was in a British OIB in france i’m also familiar with UKAS and the British system so why not. I’m in an S which is science and I’m pretty good in math ( Premiere average is 19.5-20/20 which is considered to be solid in France and physics and biology i also have 18/20) but I am interested in majoring in politics or liberal arts, and I think Brown is the kind of school that suits me. I have nothing to lose indeed as I’m already preparing Sciences-Po, I’m not sure about my chances but it’s a possibility. Thank you so much for your tips. However something worries me as well. As a french student the EC’s/club/varsity system is completely different and I am under the impression students have achieved much more than I could ever do, considering that I spend so much time in school and that we don’t have the same opportunities here in France i feel like I lack some sort of originality. I know it’s not a competition and I always undertake projects with enthusiasm and I have never thought about doing stuff for college, but now that I’m considering the US, i feel like there are many things that I should’ve done and me turning last minute is highly at my disadvantage … </p>
<p>How do I take AP tests, could somebody explain the AP thing to me cause I have never heard of it, and is it independent from high school as I’m in the french system. Yes S is science, it is considered in France the hardest , but I doubt universities make that difference and it’s mainly different not harder in my opinion. However I’m under the impression the grade system in France is much harsher, if anybody knows how grades translates i’d be glad to have the info .</p>
<p>Do you want to major in the sciences? You can do that at any liberal arts college, but also science opens up a variety of state colleges with strong engineering and science programs. Don’t post any personal info here but you could list some general info like your possible major, and any financial restrictions if you have some, so that people can make suggestions for colleges that might fit you. I agree with Catia to take the AP science tests you are proficient in and also any SAT subject tests in the sciences you are strong at, and the Math2 as you are probably prepared for that. You can purchase test preparation books for these tests. </p>
<p>You will need letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well. If you are applying this year, then it is possible that your professors in France know you better. They should think well of you. These are good instructions to give them. I don’t know this for certain, but I think they should write in the language they are most proficient in, as trying to translate might stunt the letter and you want the best letter. Every major university has faculty who teach French and can translate them for admissions. You don’t need to have letters now, but you should ask them if they are willing to write you a letter and let them know that when you apply online, they will get an e mail from the school to submit them to. Also when you apply, send them an e mail to let them know to look for it. It is also appropriate to follow this up with a thank you letter later. </p>
<p>Again, I think your Lycee here will be very experienced at advising students from France who wish to apply to US colleges.</p>
<p>Also start thinking about where you might like to be. Cool cities are Washington DC- Georgetown, George Washington, American U. Boston: many colleges. NY- Fordham, NYU, Columbia. What region of the US interests you? In every area there are colleges with a range of selectivity. </p>
<p>UIUC is strong in the sciences and computer science and is a good one to keep on your list. </p>
<p>I would rather major in history, politics, international relations, and maybe minor in math ( I love math but I don’t want to make a career out of it). Yes this is my real name and it was a bad call but I won’t be divulging any personal info. Since I was already in a bilingual program in France I already know teachers that are used to writing recommendations and that are fluent in english ( and that really appreciate me btw) so that won’t be an issue . I’d love the east Coast, Cali, or Chicago area , do you have recommendations, the schools that popped up in the Search were Brown, yale, Tufts but I’m not sure i have that “level”.</p>
<p>AP tests are given each May. You sign up for them in the fall. Your school here should have info about how to do that. They won’t help you for admissions if you are a senior next year, but they will help for school credit. </p>
<p>As to competing with US students’ EC’s, I don’t think that’s as much an issue. I’m not an expert in this, but I know that colleges assess an applicant according to his or her opportunities. For instance, a student from a rural high school that offers few AP classes will not have his class choices compared to as student from a competitive high school in a major city. What colleges look for are students who have made the most of the opportunities they have. The colleges will look at your achievements in context of your school and culture. I don’t think they will expect you to have EC’s that are not offered at your school or what is outside the custom for your area. </p>
<p>Each college has faculty that teach French language and culture. Admissions has seen French applicants and has the expertise at hand to interpret your record. Don’t underestimate yourself, but also apply to a range of colleges as you can’t predict admissions well. </p>
<p>University of Chicago is in your area. California has UCLA, Berkeley, Stanford. Boston has Tufts but also Boston College which is quite good and not as super- selective as the Ivys. American University in Washington DC is somewhat comparable in selectivity to Boston College. Colleges have different “vibes” to them, so also consider which ones fit you better. </p>
<p>Thanks again but do you know which school is best for majoring in politics or international relations, as I really want to aim at those ? And isn’t May too late for applications anyway and that’s the moment I’m passing my bac which is a heavy exam, i frankly don’t think I’ll have the time. Oh and does anybody know about writing essays, I’m really not familiar with this. I feel like I’m totally ignorant when it comes to US colleges, sorry for my ignorance and slow comprehension :/</p>
<p>For international relations, the top Washington D.C schools are quite good: Georgetown, GWU, American. Add to the mix Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Dartmouth, UChicago, and Columbia.</p>
<p>May is too late for applications, but schools give credit for AP tests. You could save yourself time and money by testing out of classes you don’t need to take. Most colleges have general education requirements, so if you major in political science, you could place out of your math and science and some French classes by getting a good score on the AP tests. This would give you time to take more classes in subjects that interest you, another language, or study abroad and internships in place of classes. </p>
<p>Oh that’s very helpful, I kind of get the AP system. But maybe I should take general ed, as I’ve never been in the American school system, and I heard french school level was considered to be the level of an AP, but I’m not sure, if anyone knows could they clarify .</p>
<p>Oh and if anyone knows : are the anticipated bac grades and the brevet important in our credentials ? So many questions but I guess this is the use of this forum :p</p>
<p>I don’t know about bac grades or brevet, but your Lycee here should know that. You could also contact the admissions offices at the colleges. You can decide on AP tests later as you sign up for them in the fall sometime. </p>
<p>For now you can learn about the application processes and the colleges you might be interested in. I think it would help you to read some books. This is one that is very comprehensive ( I’m not the author or publisher so I don’t benefit from recommending it) College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step
by Robin Mamlet. There ars also books on how to write essays. I would read this first and there is a chapter on essays in it. </p>
<p>Since I’m in a bilingual school ( here in paris ) I think i might have friends that already might have these books, thank you so much you’ve answered all my tedious questions :)</p>
<p>Some more ideas for colleges by locations- outside the top Ivy’s and colleges like Stanford which are all good at everything: Chicago: Northwestern. Boston: Brandeis, Tufts ( great schools, just slightly less selective than Ivy schools) . In DC, American U has a great international relations department and is also good but not as selective as Ivy’s. </p>
<p>Also look at the list of National Liberal Arts colleges. The top ones are very selective, but even the ones ranked in the top 60 are still quite good schools. </p>
<p>In the midwest, a bit nearer to Chicago, is Carleton College. Also not too far is University of Michigan, an excellent public university. Ann Arbor is considered a cool college town. </p>
<p>In California, the Claremont colleges are a group of colleges and are excellent. </p>
<p>Another problem - and not the least - is that as my family never really considered moving to the US (the decision was prompt and it happened not long ago) we never really saved up for college tuition. I’ve heard and know that people save up from the birth of their child for college fees ( this might be exaggerated) , and even though my parents are pretty wealthy ( I’m not sure we qualify for financial aid but I’d still check) we still don’t have that kind of savings for college. Do you know colleges that are generous, that give out merit scholarships, or any other association- maybe I could find associations that help fund international students’ studies. Do you know any, thanks ?</p>
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