Have I any chances for ANY top uni in the USA or England?

Chance Me / Match Me!
41

<p>You do realize that by improving yourself now you are significantly increasing your chances at a very good school (there are many top 100 schools, maybe even a hundred!!). Just because you don't get into any ivy doesn't mean you're screwed. Only around 10,000 applicants get into an ivy ever year, compare that to the 1.4million juniors/seniors who took the SAT last year. That's 7/10ths of a percent of collegebound students(the actual percent, I'm sure, is my lower). 99.3% of college students are failures?</p>

<p>Get a grip, not making it into an ivy does not mean failure. Ignore my user name, I was too dumb to think of anything better:O</p>

42

<p>Nick, since you admit that you do not not know much about American universities, how do you know which ones are prestigious?</p>

<p>As for the rest of you, the European system grades differently than the American system. In the British system, an 80% is an A, a 65% is usually a B and a 50% is usually a C. However, the grading is much tougher. It is almost impossible to get a 90%+.</p>

43

<p>Well everyone kows Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Stanford, etc are prestigious, you don't have to be an expert in the educational field to know that.</p>

<p>And yeah, European grading is very harsh, and this is why I feel the IB and AP (or high school diploma, whatever its called) should not be judged in the same manner. For example I will have plenty of community work in ECs which are required to complete the IB course. These are called CAS hours (community action and service), and we have to do 150 hours of it. That and a very long research and essay project of about 30 pages, and something called Theory of Knowledge.</p>

<p>Make no mistake, the IB is a hell of a tough course.</p>

44

<p>There are plenty of good schools that are not Ivies that you could probably get into. You're biggest problem is that you have no ECs and no leadership positions. Getting good grades at the end of high school and being trilingual is nice. But, think about who you're competing against: charismatic all-star athletes who've gotten straight As and champion debaters, among others. I suggest that you spend less time criticizing those who have worked really hard all throughout high school, and instead spend time researching alternative colleges.</p>

45

<p>Well demgirl I'm going to take your advice. Except instead of researching alternative colleges I'm going to apply for Cornell early, that or Stanford. Ha. Anyway know that I am captain of the rugby team which is a good EC, and next year I will have 150 hours of community service done as part of the IB program. I am also going to do a competition in Track and Field.
So my ECs are pretty much covered... I hope. And I can get straight A's, that's not a problem, if I work hard, which I am doing. And guess what? I'm getting straight A's!
And I was not criticising those who work hard, rather those who work TOO hard and lose out on life.
Edit: I will also join the Student League of Nations next year. I can't join this year, mind. Only in 12th grade.</p>

46

<p>Make sure you make a list of safety schools. Stanford and all of the Ivies are extremely hard for ANYONE to get into. From what I understand, Princeton received over 16,000 RD applications this year.</p>

47

<p>Less time on CC and more time studying would do you well, nick. </p>

<p>" Except instead of researching alternative colleges I'm going to apply for Cornell early, that or Stanford. "
You're shooting yourself in the foot. Cornell is generally a miserable grey place 9 months of the year, prestige will only satisfy you to a certain extent. Your stats are not good enough for cornell. They are not good enough for stanford. </p>

<p>You're not following demgirl's advice at all, she said good grades too late are "nice" but certainly not ivy quality. Has anyone even mentioned that international students have a significantly lower chance, especially if they dont have any kind of appealing hook.</p>

48

<p>nick, what are you planning on applying for at Ox or Cam? I took a quick read through your posts and I couldn't see you state explicity which course you are interested in, unless it is law?? (If you did state this somewhere I apologise, as I say it was only a quick read). </p>

<p>I am in my first year at Ox studying Chinese, so I have fairly recent experience of the app/interview process, and I can say with total certainty that unless you show complete dedication and passion for your subject, you will not be accepted. Your GCSE grades are not great, but if you knuckle down and revise thoroughly before May, they should be a breeze. GCSEs (and A-levels for that matter) don't require that much in the way of independent thought - revise a few model answers for each question and you should be set. </p>

<p>What subjects are you taking for IB? You should be aiming for not less that 6/7s in all of them. For Law, you will be competing with the very best in the country - mediocre GCSEs and IB scores will not get you in. </p>

<p>At Ox, the sifting goes something like this:
1. Great GCSE/A levels/IB scores get you into the interview pool.
2. A bad interview will break you. A good interview will make you. Simple as.</p>

49

<p>Cheers laylah. yeah I want to follow studies in law preferably, as it is interesting as hell and doesn't require any scientific knowledge like maths or chemistry, and the opportunities in law are endless. There are many careers within the career of law. So a law degree can get you far, especially if gotten in a good university like Harvard.</p>

<p>Anyway so you got into Oxford eh? Well done! Well done indeed. Did you work hard for it? What were your ECs? Did you get great marks? Straight A's?
How is it?</p>

<p>And to the guy who said something about it being miserable in Cornell 9 months a year, lol, I'm used to it what with me having lived in London my whole life up until I moved to Switzerland 5 months ago.</p>

<p>So anyway! I notice most people here are telling me I should start searching for alternate universities... That may be sound advice, but forgive me if I don't take it. Why? Well, if I work hard enough and aim sky high I know I'll at least get into a good school. Plus people tell me I have great potential, apparently. So Stanford's not out of the question yet!</p>

<p>Now, what I'm really looking for is not advice on alternate colleges (and discouragement, as in "you won't get into Yale, no way", however realistic that may be), but advice on how I can maximise my chances of getting into a top university.</p>

<p>I know I have to buckle down and study, for one. ECs are coming soon enough, for two... I guess the rest is down to God's will (and by God I mean the admissions officers).</p>

<p>Anyway just finished a biig essay on a poem that the school's going to send to Cambridge for my GCSE. I think it's good, so do other people. Hoping for an A*.</p>

<p>Anyway you seem to think I'm dumb, or academically inadequate or whatever. Is that the impression I give off?
That doesn't matter though. What matters is that today I went to see a guidance counselor and she told me I have a great shot if I take up some ECs, get a hook and elevate my grades to all 7/7s, or 6.5/7 at worst.
Hehe... Piece of cake :{. I can do it though. All it takes is three hours revising every day.</p>

50

<p>I don't think that you are dumb academically, but you seem very caught up in prestige. It is more important that you go to a college that you would be happy attending than for you to apply to the most prestigious schools that you can get into just to impress your friends and family.</p>

51

<p>My reasons for going into a prestigious university are not really to impress anyone apart from myself (unless there is some underlying psychological thing going on and that the real reason I want to get into a top school is because I think my family and friends think I'm inadequate. I'd have to see a shrink to get to the bottom of that though). I simply will not be happy with myself unless I do the best I possibly can, and get the best results (i.e. great university).</p>

52

<p>Okay, nick3333, I'm going to be blunt: In America, there are straight A students, with leadership roles, who have been participating in several extra-curricular activities for many years who do not get into any ivy league schools. When people say you should look at other schools, it's their way of nicely saying that your chances are low, especially because admissions is harder for international students. Apply to as many ivy leagues as you would like. However, to be safe, you really should apply to some alternative schools. Applying to a less well-known school does not mean that you're stupid. It means that you are planning ahead. Have you ever heard of the concept of reaches, matches, and safeties? If not, here's a crash course: Reaches are schools that you could get into, but it will be hard. Ivy league schools are reaches for everyone with the exception of a few special people (someone who discovered the cure for aids, started their own charity, etc). Matches are schools that match up with your statistics, and are places that you will probably get into. Safeties are schools that you are almost 100% sure will accept you, because they have a lower average GPA and average SAT score, and because they aren't as selective as your match schools. Because admissions is so risky, it is wise to apply to at least two schools in each category, even if you are super brilliant.</p>

53

<p>"Okay, nick3333, I'm going to be blunt: In America, there are straight A students, with leadership roles, who have been participating in several extra-curricular activities for many years who do not get into any ivy league schools. When people say you should look at other schools, it's their way of nicely saying that your chances are low, especially because admissions is harder for international students. Apply to as many ivy leagues as you would like. However, to be safe, you really should apply to some alternative schools. Applying to a less well-known school does not mean that you're stupid. It means that you are planning ahead. Have you ever heard of the concept of reaches, matches, and safeties? If not, here's a crash course: Reaches are schools that you could get into, but it will be hard. Ivy league schools are reaches for everyone with the exception of a few special people (someone who discovered the cure for aids, started their own charity, etc). Matches are schools that match up with your statistics, and are places that you will probably get into. Safeties are schools that you are almost 100% sure will accept you, because they have a lower average GPA and average SAT score, and because they aren't as selective as your match schools. Because admissions is so risky, it is wise to apply to at least two schools in each category, even if you are super brilliant."</p>

<p>I know all that. And it is fairly obvious to me when people insinuate that I don't stand a chance in an Ivy-league school.
However, for my psychological well-being I prefer to keep myself in a state of denial. Which you have just ruined thank you very much ;( lol</p>

<p>And yeah I'll definitely apply to safeties. My plan is to apply to every top school in the US and England, and see what I get. Hey, I won't know if I don't try, right? even if they are impossible reaches, it can't hurt to try.
Anyway I'm going to apply to about 40 safeties as well, just to make myself feel better when those rejection letters start pouring in.</p>

<p>Then again I'm only in 11th grade, I'm only just sixteen, and so I have plenty of time to think of safeties. Now though I'm only thinking about the top universities because it motivates me.
I'm going to have to stop visting this forum then, it's definitely a drain on my motivation. You guys are too grim and realistic.
And sure, I don't know much about universities, but ignorance is bliss. (although in this case it's probably the contrary. But that's not the point. The point is I'm right and you're wrong. Ha! -jking-)</p>

54

<p>Your best chance Nick is to aim for great grad schools. Grad school is a must for anyone who plans to be a big success as you do and it is much more important where you go at that level than the undergrad level. So while I agree with those telling you to forget ivies for undergrad, hope is not at all lost!</p>

<p>Your best strategy is to go to the best school you can get into that you can do well at. Do your research, some colleges make it much easier to get a high GPA. Study your butt off for your LSATS and go to HY or S law school. You'll be better off than most anyone who went to those schools undergrad.</p>

55

<p>nick3333, I think that many people will agree with me when I say that your optimism and willingness to change/improve is remarkable.</p>

56

<p>ATTN NICK, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.
Yup, I agree completely. Nick, you don't seem to get anything through your tough skull, but "remarkable" is not a complement, it is an insult. You posted with the title " Have I any chances for ANY top uni in the USA or England?", then you say we have ruined your state of denial. Unfortunately it seems you're still very much in denial.</p>

<p>I am saying this is an attempt to save you from the bitter disappointment you will soon experience. Applying to a hundred top schools does not increase your chance at any one (time spent on each app will probably be less, lowering your chances all over). </p>

<p>I hate those who come to CC asking for their chances, but all they really want is an ego-boost, not the truth. You're a great example of this type of person. </p>

<p>You seem to dislike hard working american students, you'd hate every student in the ivies. I work very hard to obtain my 4.0, my leadership positions, and to gain national awards. I know I have a very low chance at Princeton, as all do, and my mom is a professor at princeton! I resent your mindset that you deserve a position at a top school and that Americans such as myself have wasted their childhood(which is entirely off base, i have a great social life, and I enjoy studying and school).</p>

<p>Work hard, and maybe you'll make it to great schools such as Penn State, etc.</p>

57

<p>I was complimenting nick3333 when I called his optimism "remarkable." He's been getting a beating from all of us, and he deserves to hear something positive. At the same time, nick3333, listen to the valuable advice that you are receiving. I will admit, we're not always phrasing our comments in the most polite manner (though you have made some offensive statements yourself). However, everyone is trying to give you useful info. Maybe you can use these comments to turn your future (as a whole) around. Think about the big picture, and not just about college. Jazzpiano was right when he/she recommended that you work hard at whatever college you end up at, and set your sights on a really great grad school.</p>

58

<p>"ATTN NICK, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.
Yup, I agree completely. Nick, you don't seem to get anything through your tough skull, but "remarkable" is not a complement, it is an insult. You posted with the title " Have I any chances for ANY top uni in the USA or England?", then you say we have ruined your state of denial. Unfortunately it seems you're still very much in denial.</p>

<p>I am saying this is an attempt to save you from the bitter disappointment you will soon experience. Applying to a hundred top schools does not increase your chance at any one (time spent on each app will probably be less, lowering your chances all over). </p>

<p>I hate those who come to CC asking for their chances, but all they really want is an ego-boost, not the truth. You're a great example of this type of person. </p>

<p>You seem to dislike hard working american students, you'd hate every student in the ivies. I work very hard to obtain my 4.0, my leadership positions, and to gain national awards. I know I have a very low chance at Princeton, as all do, and my mom is a professor at princeton! I resent your mindset that you deserve a position at a top school and that Americans such as myself have wasted their childhood(which is entirely off base, i have a great social life, and I enjoy studying and school).</p>

<p>Work hard, and maybe you'll make it to great schools such as Penn State, etc."</p>

<p>first off mate, no need to get carried away like that. this is an internet message board.
i was kidding when i said you ruined my state of denial. it was all humour. i repeat, humour.
and its great that you have such good grades and leadership positions, congratulations!
i have no resentment for you however, nor any other hard-working student. However I do have resentment/ pity for those who miss out on life because they work all the friggin' time and dont have any social lives. that my friend is what i dont like. its not natural and its not healthy.
so stop misinterpreting what i say. and no i didnt come here for an ego-boost, i came here for some real advice. which i got, and i thank you all for.
you're all very helpful people ive noticed, and thats great. appreciate it.
now seriously calm down and know that i dont mean offense to anyone, and i dont come here to get my ego up a notch.
i come here to get some constructive advice. i just prefer it when its in an encouraging form rather than a put-down, you know?
and by the way you seem to have great chances of getting into Princeton, good luck with that.</p>

59

<p>Nick, I think as you grow older you'll come to accept that life is a series of trade offs. Unless you are the one in a million that can do it all, you will probably have to give up some of your desires to achieve your priorities. So while the typical HYP student has not given up their childhood, they have indeed had to miss some parties/events to keep their grades uniformly high. Entering Intel takes away from other activities and a summer at RSI means few beach days. We all have choices. What people seem to be reacting to here is your want to have it all. We're well aware here that 11th grade is too late to shoot for a top college if you slacked off before. </p>

<p>So get real Nick, it's never too late, kind of. But the longer you go without focus the harder it gets! And should you do what it takes to get into a top law school, you'll have to decide if you want to go for partner because that will mean missing other parts of an adult life. Oh those choices Nick! Never easy, but necessary!</p>

60

<p>I must've missed the humor, sorry. Where do you get the idea that most HYP acceptees have missed out on their childhood. Of the 20% of my highschool's senior class that usually get accepted into ivies, i know 1% has actually missed out by studying non-stop. Many, like myself, achieve a nice balance.</p>