help me with my list please? (int'l student)

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hi everyone <em>waves</em></p>

<p>I'm an international student, from a developing Southeast Asian country, but currently studying in Singapore (on scholarship, yay). In my final year of pre-university now, and I'll be applying to US universities later this year.</p>

<p>To tell you the truth, I'm a pretty average student.. Well back in my home country I was considered upper-tier [top 10-20 out of a few hundred students from a prestigious private high school], very good grades, okay extra-curriculars. Got the scholarship to go to Singapore, so I've been studying here since 2004. First two years [in secondary school], I was pretty good.. even managed to get into top 20 in class in my first year. ECs left a little more to be desired though. Was in Library Club [ugh], involved in a couple of school performances, no leadership positions, less than 80 hours community service, special three-day attachment to a research insitute.. Can't remember much else. Very good exam results though, got 7 As for O-levels.</p>

<p>Right now I'm in one of the top pre-university institutions in the country, and will be sitting for the A Level exams at the end of this year. This is where the "I'm just an average student, what chance do I have" feeling comes in.</p>

<p>-Grades? Let's just say I'm not doing too well. The thing is, my school is quite competitive, and likes to give its students hell during exams. Just to show how bad it is: I've gotten no A's so far. <em>headdesk</em> What I'm really working for, though, is the year-end exams. Aiming for A's and B's. [This is Singapore A Levels, by the way, so syllabus and all is definitely much more challenging than normal high school stuff, and even AP or IB classes I'd say..] My school doesn't rank, doesn't give GPA, I would say I'm anywhere within top 25-50% of my cohort? I honestly have no idea.</p>

<p>-SAT I: 2150
CR: 690
Math: 700
Writing: 760</p>

<p>Was pretty disappointed with my CR because I've always considered myself stronger in English/Writing than Math. Might retake if I have to. Have yet to take SAT II [Chemistry, Math II, maybe Literature]</p>

<p>-ECs are not too shabby. Class rep/house affiliate [of my own little "homeroom" class, not my whole grade! and House systems like they have in Oxford/Harry Potter :)]. involved in school events like First Years' Orientation, school [music] performances, ad-hoc newsletter committee for an international science fair. Indian Dance: we won highest position for this national schools competition thingum, Floorball [it's something like hockey!]: nationals 3rd placing. Model UN. some volunteer work with the local YMCA, and 3-week work experience at the local film archive.</p>

<p>-Biggest factor for college decisions would be cost I guess. Family is very middle-income, and converted to US$ it would be really really small. I don't think my parents want to contribute any more than $1500/year. Ack. So I'm looking for lots of fin aid [full, if I can have it].</p>

<p>-Other things I'm looking for:
.LAC! but with good facilities/opportunities.
.size: well since I'm looking at LACs they'd definitely be small, but somewhere around 2000 sounds good. suburban/urban setting preferred, I'd like to have stuff to do as well outside school, meet a bunch of people here and there, but at the same time, not too harsh on personal expenses. climate: not used to cold weather at all, but I like to think that I can handle it :)
.I've got family in Delaware so I'm kind of looking for schools not too far away from there: Mid-atlantic [especially Pennsylvania], new england, maybe some of the midwestern or southern states. but I guess I'm also okay with anywhere else
.students: friendly, open, sociable, laidback and relaxed, but also a bit quirky and weird, not very into partying but can be up for it sometimes, non-competitive --> like me, basically. lol
.vibrant school life [with interesting orgs I can join, stuff like that]
.strong study abroad programs
.will definitely be taking up Spanish [maybe not as a major, though], so that's one factor. I'm also considering stuff along the lines of political science, international relations, linguistics/foreign languages, anthropology [and other social sciences], communications/media studies, english. But actually I'm open to anything, and the thought of being able to study whatever you're interested in gets me really really excited--you don't get that kind of freedom here.</p>

<p>Okay I'm about to end, very sorry for the painfully long post. I'm considering the following schools [and will be applying to about 6 to 8] and I need a lot of help in refining this list [no particular order]:</p>

<p>Wesleyan [for the Freeman Asian Scholarship]
Middlebury
Swarthmore
Gettysburg
Conn
Trinity
the Maine schools [Bowdoin Colby Bates]
Dickinson
Wheaton [MA]
Lafayette
Smith
Mt Holyoke
Simmons
Franklin & Marshall
Carleton
Macalester
Skidmore
Grinnell
Oberlin
Hamilton
Hampshire</p>

<p>So, any suggestions? Delete which, add which?</p>

<p>Apologies once again for the long post! I felt that it would be more helpful if I gave a pretty comprehensive background on myself.</p>

<p>Any [helpful] comments would be appreciated. And thank you so so much for taking the time to read this: a virtual cup of bubble tea to you! :)</p>

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<p>first off - I believe most of the schools on your list are not need-blind for international students (I know Swarthmore isn't), so you would have a hard time getting into some of these schools (simply because you are an international student and your family is relatively poor).</p>

<p>that said, if you can actually get accepted to one of these schools (especially the rich ones, like Swat), then you will probably get 100% need-based financial aid.</p>

<p>Middlebury has a very good foreign language program, and one of the best English programs in the country (just my opinion). However, it's very cold (the college owns its own mountain and runs ski programs there :)). Swarthmore has great programs in all of your potential majors except for linguistics (the department is tiny) and communications/media studies (not one of its strengths to be honest). It's also got great study abroad programs, and fits most of your other criteria. However, it's probably the most selective school in your list, and to be honest, you would have a hard time getting in.</p>

<p>One school you don't mention is Kalamazoo College, in Michigan (so it's far away from the east coast). A huge majority of the students study abroad at some point, and thus it's good for foreign language majors and international relations majors.</p>

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<p>Hampshire College is an alternative school that I don't think is a good fit for you. I'd also eliminate Trinity (I assume you mean the one in CT) because I don't think it has the kind of atmosphere you want. Hamilton is generally agreed to have a lot of drinking, and one poster said that nondrinkers don't fit in well at Carleton. Same for the Maine schools.
It doesn't fit all of your criteria, but your obvious writing ability and subject interests lead me to recommend the University of Chicago.</p>

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<p>greennblue: What do you mean by Hampshire being an "alternative" school? Oh and Trinity [yup in CT], yeah I'm kind of setting that aside now, I've heard kids there tend to be.. preppy-ish.. wouldn't exactly be my type of place, I guess. In that case, how's Conn compared to Trinity?</p>

<p>About drinking, well the truth is I'm okay with it, just that I don't really want it to be such a huge part of college life, you know? Does it really get that bad sometimes?</p>

<p>Oh, Chicago.. I wish I could go there. Unfortunately, they're known to be stingy with internationals asking for lots of fin aid. Plus, I don't think my stats can get me in. But thanks, that kind of made me feel good about myself haha :)</p>

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<p>well the only schools that are need-blind to internationals are (I think) HYP and MIT, Williams and Middlebury. Not really interested in any of them except for Midd. I just talked to my counsellor today, however, and while he wasn't exactly averse to making Midd one of my choices, he told me "it's really very selective", and yeah I got the message. :) That said, it's still one of the schools on my wishlist though, if I end up going there I'm pretty sure I'll be able to stand the cold, and yes the English/foreign language programs are very attractive to me.</p>

<p>I think I'll be sort of crossing Swat out of my list, as I don't think I stand a very good chance of getting in. Plus I heard the environment is pretty competitive? Like students really study a lot and stuff. Not exactly my kind of place, I suppose.</p>

<p>Ive heard of Kalamazoo but I haven't really looked into it. Thanks for the suggestion! :)</p>

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<p>I really hope my original post helps you guys understand my situation better. Let me know if it does, yeah :) I'm a little worried that the length is putting people off, though [well, I guess I would be, if I had to read a post as long as that], so if you really do think it's too much, feel free to shout! I'll try my best to cut it down. <em>glances at the nice long gleaming scythe somewhere inside my room</em></p>

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<p>You keep a scythe in your room? ;)</p>

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<p>The first thing that you need to look for are colleges that provide financial aid to internationals. Realize that for all, the standards for internationals will be higher than for American students.</p>

<p>I believe that there's a post pinned to the top of the financial aid board that may provide you with some info about aid to internationals.</p>

<p>Also post on the financial aid board, and post shorter because you are right, the length of your post is off putting.</p>

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<p>tetrisfan: yeah, I do. Whenever I'm stressed out from studying and stuff I like to polish the blade until it practically emits light on its own.</p>

<p>Okay, just pulling your leg, actually. :)</p>

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<p>northstarmom: thanks for the feedback!</p>

<p><em>asks myself why i hadn't thought of going to the fin aid board</em></p>

<p>UPDATE: I just realized that I don't know how to edit the original post. I can do it with my newer posts, but no the first one. Pfff. Anyone wanna help me out with this?</p>

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<p>Read a description of Hampshire College in any decent guidebook and you'll see what I mean, or go to their website. The curriculum is individualized, with lots of independent studies and no grades.
And yes, drinking can be a big problem on some campuses for those who don't like vomit in the bathrooms/hallways and loud parties keeping them up all night.</p>

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<p>Hey limitedvocab!</p>

<p>So hopefully you don’t mind but I am going to recommend you a school that isn’t on your list yet because your scores and qualifications would make you perfect for the University of Richmond.</p>

<p>We have a great international program and since cost is a factor it also helps a lot that we are need blind and we make every opportunity for everyone to come to University of Richmond. Don’t let the price keep you from looking here. Our financial aid is absolutely incredible.
Here is the specific website for prospective international students:
<a href="http://admissions.richmond.edu/international/index.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://admissions.richmond.edu/international/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>That’s great you are in such a competitive school and I can tell you wish you got A’s but University of Richmond won’t hold that against you. When looking at your transcript they also look at your school’s profile so they see if you have taken the most challenging curriculum possible and also what the normal grade average is. From what you say it is very unusual to get A’s so University of Richmond will understand that. Also that’s great that you are so involved in your school. A break down of the first year class is located here:
<a href="http://admissions.richmond.edu/profile/index.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://admissions.richmond.edu/profile/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>University of Richmond is a liberal arts college as you looking for it and is constantly updating the facilities. We are located right in Richmond, Virginia so not too far of a drive from Delaware. For size we have a little less than 3000 undergraduate students. We are located in a suburban setting but are about 10-15 minute car ride away from the city of Richmond. We get all four seasons here so the winter are not too bad and we do get 1-2 snowfalls a year. There are so many opportunities here we have over 280 organizations and just in case we don’t have something that you would like you can start your own very easily. The University is constantly planning events on campus so technically you never have to leave. As for the party scene it is here, but there are also plenty of events that are not like that either so you have the best of both worlds in that you get to choose which you would prefer. </p>

<p>If you want to leave campus and explore the area we have restaurants, malls, all typical events like movies, mini golf, etc but also we have the downtown area with clubs, cute little street called Carytown and also lots of history everywhere. The James River is about 5 minutes away from campus for the warm days. If you want to explore even more during the year Richmond is less than 2 hours away from DC, Virginia Beach and the mountains. During breaks if you don’t want to travel all the way home, plenty of international students go home with their roommates or takes trips exploring new areas like New York as well.</p>

<p>Our study abroad programs are amazing in that last year’s graduating class over 70% studied abroad at some time. We have an Office of International Education who does a great job at helping with scholarships and funds and finding programs for where you want to study. If you don’t like the places we have listed you just have to say where you would like to go and they will work with you to find a program. This year we have students studying abroad in India and Egypt for the first time. Also your financial aid will still apply when you do study abroad.
<a href="http://studyabroad.richmond.edu/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://studyabroad.richmond.edu/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>We have all those majors you are interested in. For a complete list:
<a href="http://admissions.richmond.edu/majors/index.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://admissions.richmond.edu/majors/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Good luck and I hope you do consider University of Richmond!</p>

<p>Ps- I think my post might be some competition in length…</p>

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<p>Given what you're searching for, your best fit would probably lie in the Midwest. Despite the distance from Delaware, Carleton and Macalester are very near to the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport which is a hub for NWA and quite accessible.<br>
Carleton may be a bit of a reach, but would still be well worth an application (probably a best fit in your search for friendly, open, quirky, non-competitive students - sounds like their self-description). Grinnell and Oberlin are both excellent choices as well, the former a bit less accessible air travel-wise.</p>

<p>Most East Coast schools you've listed will not be quite as "laid back" and may be less quirky, more traditionally preppy. I’m guessing at about 1,100 students, Haverford’s small size nixed its inclusion in your list but otherwise would seem to meet your requirements well. Bryn Mawr – just down the road – with equally strong academics but a less selective applicant pool should be considered as well, especially given your preference for a PA or nearby location. Wesleyan and Bates seem good New England choices. Unfortunately, I’d have to suggest you apply pretty broadly with your need for aid as an international. Never know where money will appear.</p>

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<p>greennblue: Thanks, and I'll keep that in mind. :)</p>

<p>spiderlove09: Thanks for your suggestion! Don't worry, I'm always open to other options. Actually, let me just clarify something. It's not entirely unusual to get A's in my school.. let's just say it doesn't come easily [Late nights, lots of homework/studying over the weekend, nil social life especially when exams are just lurking around the corner.. I mean I guess you might be able to say the same for other schools around the world.. but I think I can safely say we get it pretty bad over here :)]. Even worse for me, I'm not entirely interested in/passionate about half the subjects I'm taking. I really can't wait to go to college and study what I want.</p>

<p>University of Richmond sounds appealing, thanks for the links! I'm not too sure about the internationals aid thing but I guess I'll go ask my counsellor about it. Oh and hakuna matata [no worries] about the length, I pretty much breezed through it 'cause it was a pretty interesting/informative read. :)</p>

<p>1190: I've always kind of had an inkling about the whole east coast=preppy thing, but I guess what attracts me most to that area is that there are so many good schools to choose from. But thanks for reminding me, I'm gonna consider that once I have to really settle down and make definite choices.</p>

<p>Haverford seems a bit small.. Oh and thanks for bringing up Bryn Mawr, yeah I totally forgot, it's actually one of my choices as well. Would you have any idea how Bates is compared to Colby? I mean not just ranking or anything.. but other stuff like.. the general vibe, academics, you know. And which has a better location?</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely try to look beyond the East Coast area.</p>

<p>***I think I've done an excessive amount of thanking in this post, but I really do mean it.</p>