So basically I am freaking out right now because my grades are something like this:
–9th (ICSE) 85%
–10th (ICSE) 95%
–11th(CBSE) 74% aggregate (85% in first term then 70% and 72% respectively)
The second half of 11th was a pretty tough for due, mostly due to one (what I consider valid) reason.
And I realised that grades matter a lot (esp 11th) and my chances are probably gone for ever. And as I am looking for full or near full financial aid (anything else would be totally unaffordable), my college options are extremely limited. And my parents are super hopeful (because initially I was prepping for JEE…and then I convinced them to let me apply to US universities et all), read, HYPSM (and I thought I had a tiny, tiny, tiny chance, honest. But now I am not so sure) On top of that I spoke with an online counsellor who recommended colleges to me, like, Drexel etc, which left me freaked out and disappointed.
Should I just drop the idea of applying to US Univs and just prepare for the JEE, seeing as likely won’t get into any affordable college anyway?
I am confident of getting good enough grades in the first 2 terms of 12th though, if that helps. And will be taking the SAT this weekend.
There are something like 3,000 colleges and universities in the US.
So there’s no reason to think Ivy or nothing.
Your grades do not make an Ivy education look likely. There’s no reason to feel “freaked out and disappointed”-- simply start to look for other options.
Problem is, 99% of those 3000 colleges would be unaffordable.
Also, by how far are my grades off? Considering the fact that only like 5-10 students get >=85% at all. Also, can high test scores and good extracurriculars (think award from Google in a coding contest and a bunch of other CS stuff…) offset the effect of the grades?
If only “5-10 students get >=85% at all” that means your grades aren’t THAT bad. It means you’re still in the upper percentiles in your country. That’s important: American colleges are usually familiar with different countries’ school systems and will judge you in that context. Yes, important EC accomplishments can help offset a year of lower grades. Very, very good SAT scores also matter. But what bjkmom in #1 is telling you – applying to the Ivies is like playing the lottery. The odds are stacked AGAINST you. So if you’re serious about studying in the USA, you will have to research many schools, and apply to many schools - not just the Ivies, which reject more than 95% of international applicants.
@happy1 yeah I am preparing, just not so well, so if I do end up having to take the necessary exams, I’ll probably do pretty bad. (I am from India, and competition here is ridiculous and preparing for said exams requires a lot of time and commitment). And can someone please take a look at this thread for more relevant info - http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/2066524-chance-me-please.html#latest - (yeah, chance me, stupid idea) and provide some opinions/suggestions in regard to colleges?
Every student should apply to safeties (schools they’re sure to get accepted to, that are affordable, and that they’d be happy to attend). Generally, a safety is a school close to home. You need a full ride, so that’s especially true for you. If you want to attend college, I suggest you start preparing for the exams that will help you gain admission to schools in your country. Those are your safeties.
Again…I would put a great deal of time and effort into studying for th exams in India as that is probably your best chance at an affordable college education. Competition for US colleges for international students needing significant financial aid is intense.
Ok - reality check. Chances for HYPSM are really really low for anyone. For kids coming from a country where only a few spots will be allocated - even lower. For kids coming from a country where everyone applying abroad wants to go to HYPSM - even lower.
You need to have a REALISTIC plan.
Start researching US colleges. If you have to have aid - you only need to find the list of schools that are need blind for Internationals and meet 100% of need (a VERY small list of top schools.)
If you want to apply to those - go ahead but you will need a back up plan - either in India or elsewhere (I suggest looking at Canada, the UK, etc.)
WHY?
Don’t you think the US has more than enough capable students to fill those seats?
I don’t know why every student from India assumes that its the HYPSM, or nothing, and that there are hundreds of thousands of seats, free of charge, and available at these colleges for international students.
@CValle is spot-on about the chances for someone from India.^
You need a safety that you can afford and would be happy to attend.