I moved 5 schools in the past 5 years in different countries, some of them are emerging nations and industrialized countries. My grades aren’t very great, I have mostly B’s with a couple of two C’s. Recently, I had all A’s for my senior grades.
I’m applying to some ivies, how do you think they would view this? Would they think that my background is unique and would it advantage me?
No I don’t think you will get into an Ivy.
Okay, thank you for your input. May I ask why?
Also, I just wanted a perspective on what the admissions officers would think.
Academic stats are the first hurdle to clear at super competitive colleges. Unless you were in a country with severe grade deflation where Bs/Cs still put you at the top of your class, you changes of admission into an Ivy is very low.
There are plenty of good schools that will fit your academic profile where you can be very successful.
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okay! thanks 
Frequent moving around can be very difficult. Of course, depending on the countries, grades can work quite differently. The challenge for you is that an ivy sees so many applicants without the blemishes that it will be extremely difficult for you to be in their consideration set. I am glad that you realize the importance of showing your capabilities senior year, because that will help you overall. You did not mention tests, but in your situation, that may also be a help to you - assuming they are strong. Of course, there is a lot we do not know, but I bet if you share more detail, people here will offer further thoughts and maybe some other great schools that are a fit.
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And yes, your background will be pretty unique, and that could help you stand-out if your application is done well.
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hey! thank you for your reply. i didn’t have the chance to take the tests as they kept getting cancelled due to covid.
i think my extracurricular activities are pretty strong. i started a few NGO’s, one of them raised $100k to $200k and those funds managed to build a new school for underpriviliged children in an emerging nations. and i have leadership positions in sports, student government etc.
and i’m taking the full ib diploma. is there any other information that may be helpful?
hmm okay! what are some tips that would help me make my application good
What do you want to do in college? Why are you selecting the schools you would be applying to?
There are many factors colleges consider when reviewing applicants. But entering into the application process saying “my grades are low because xyz” may likely be seen negatively by admissions officers. I would frame things more as “I moved around a lot and got all these experiences and this is how I think your college in particular will be a great fit for me”.
Grades are a major factor in admissions. What is your financial status as well?
Yes, explain the story of your travels and your academics to include the grades as you progressed through the 5 schools. Also, what would you want in a college?
Harvard has ~42,000 applicants for 2000 seats. They can afford to be picky.
If i were you I would:
- Continue to do well in your classes now to show you can succeed in college
- Talk to your guidance counselor about your background so they can include that in their recommendation
- Take the SAT/ACT so you have a standardized test score
- Apply to a variety of colleges…sure throw in an Ivy or 2 but concentrate on matches/and even some safeties.
- Look at colleges (e.g., SUNY Binghamton) that gives you more than the usual credits for IB test scores
- Study hard for your IB tests
- Possibly look for colleges that look at your IB scores for admission (e.g., in UK)
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yea i used additional information to provide reasons why my grades were low.
i am not applying for financial aid.
okay, thank you! i cant’ take the sat anymore though i’m already applying, i’ve gotten good grades for my senior year
i’m a psychology x entrepreneurship/marketing or any business course major
What type of schools and were they on different systems?
What’s your predicted score for the IB? (As an indication, 38+ would be expected)
Which universities have you applied to? Do you have safeties in the country you’re living or elsewhere?
Being full pay would not matter at need blind colleges.
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yes they were on different systems, some were american grading scale, mostly international schools. but most of them were hard and rigorous.
my school doesn’t have predicted, but i have all A’s for my senior grades in my ib courses.
i applied for some safeties yes.
Did your counselor provide a grading scale (what % in the country typically get that score) for each school system?
Ask your teachers to estimate what score you could get for their subject in the IB. If they say 6 or 7 (or don’t) it’ll give you an idea of whether youre one of the best students in the country (for ivies) or where you stand. A 5 typically gets credit for HL, not often for SL.
What subjects are you taking?
What schools do you consider safeties? Does your school typically send students to the US?
Do apply to SUNY Binghamton (New York State’s flagship, not a safety at all, but gives a lot of credit for IB). Many Florida Universities too but I think their deadline has passed - try FSU because they didn’t get the numbers they wanted this year.
My school averages a 24 for the ib diploma. I’m currently getting 6’s and 7’s in my classes. But, they don’t provide a predicted score.
I’m taking HL Spanish Econ Literature, SL Psychology / Math (analysis and approaches) / Biology.
My safeties are Drexel, etc. Yes, my school is in the US. Most students go to the US for college.
Will do, thank you.
Good safety.
If you’re getting 6 and 7, it means your lowest score would be 37 so you’re within range academically at least.
Hopefully you applied for Global Studies, International Relations, English, Spanish, even Psychology… because it’d match your profile well.
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