<p>I'm just a typical student; nothing exceptional. No leadership positions, no EC's, no training in music/singing/dance/<insert ec="" here="">. I have a Best SPeaker prize from an intra-class debate, but I doubt that'll be worth anything.</insert></p>
<p>Intended Major: Physics/Astrophysics.</p>
<p>Despite my unimpressive academic performance, I can put in 16-18-hour-workdays, and I'm also willing to participate in research internships, etc.
9th; school = ~90.
10th; ICSE = ~89.
11th; school = ~50.
12th; ISC = 90.</p>
<p>i. According to GPA</a> Calculator , my GPA is 3.67 if I consider 9th grade, and 3.57 if I don't. So, which one do I consider, and is the provided link an accurate converter?</p>
<p>SAT-I = ~2200 (expected; result out 24th Oct).
SAT-II; Physics = 770+, Math-II = 770+ (expected; taking tests 2nd Nov).</p>
<p>No AP's.</p>
<p>Now, my questions are,</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What exactly is a "Physics, General" under the Majors tab I see in so many places?</p></li>
<li><p>A friend of mine got ~2000 in SAT-I, and had ~70 in his 11th, the other marks being almost identical to mine. He's currently in UMKC with $12k aid out of $37k. Is that an exception or does this happen normally?</p></li>
<li><p>I'm a single-parented student. Mom can afford ~$15k'ish a year. Given my academics and SAT scores, what are my prospectives college-wise?</p></li>
<li><p>Am I chasing an unreachable dream by trying to study in the States, or do I stand a reasonable chance of getting in and being able to afford it?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Hey @Chronum
Your 11th grade marks are very low, though I hear ICSE is tough, so maybe you should ask your counsellor to mention your percentile rank in her LoR. That apart, it’s really hard to say anything without your SAT scores, because they’re a very crucial part of the app. Also, you haven’t mentioned which colleges you intend to apply to.</p>
<p>EDIT: As for aid, it all depends on- a. Your SAT score(your estimations are very competitive) b. Your overall competitiveness(depends on the college)</p>
<p>To summarise, if you do get the SAT scores that you’re projecting, and if your essays are good, it isn’t a total write-off. That said, more info would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Here in India, there are no such things as counselors (none that I know of, at least). I’ll get my LoR’s from teachers who’ve taught me and have respectable positions in their fields.</p>
<p>Now, for the colleges: (pinned ones from CC’s search)</p>
<p>Queens College, CUNY.
The City College of New York, CUNY.
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Bob Jones University.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Evergreen State College.</p>
<p>Places where I want to go, but >90% chance that I won’t make it:</p>
<p>My guess: Physics General is sort of like B.Sc Physics. As opposed to Astrophysics. Quantum Physics. Applied Physics.</p>
<p>Getting in: Largely a function of SAT with your track record (which barring XI seems to be pretty good) given your choice of colleges.</p>
<p>Affording: This is very speculative. Colleges can be very inelastic (cf. elasticity of demand). Choosing non New York City colleges can make things better.</p>
<p>@Chronum - first of all, great job on the SAT! 2130 is a really good score, and now you have a great chance at the colleges you want to go to. Consider Emory University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of California campuses, they’ll surely consider you (if not accept you). Yes, you do include 9th grade GPA, so it would be 3.67, which is alright. But extra-curriculars are crucial, they show a well-rounded person, and unfortunately you do not have any. I’m sure they take into account that you are from India and such, but otherwise you have a good chance. Good luck!</p>
<p>Mate, I’m from a school in Delhi. We definitely have a counsellor. Either way, your school’s principal can be the acting counsellor. Again, ensure that she mentions your rank in her letter of recommendation.
Your SAT score is very good. I think elitepwnage has given you some great options, though I’d consider Rice and USC too. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Thank you all. ;D Also, my EC’s have changed slightly.</p>
<p>I’m doing 4 hour of community work a week. Teaching kids.
And I got a research internship. Woohoo!</p>
<p>Also, my SAT subject scores will be in by 21st(?). Physics went really well, a perfect 800 wouldn’t surprise me. Math Level 2, went pretty well, 780+ seems feasible.</p>