How can I improve?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi guys. I'm currently completing year 12 in Australia and I've been contemplating applying to some American universities for architecture. I know I've only got half a year before I finish year 12, and my profile definately looks inadequate when a comparison is made with those of some American students on here. Therefore, I just wanted some of your advice on how I can improve my application in the short amount of time so I can have a humble chance at getting into Cornell architecture.</p>

<p>Student:</p>

<p>Gender: M
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
College Class Year: 2012
High School: Private
High School Type: sends many grads to top schools</p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>GPA - Unweighted: 3.72
Class Rank: top 35%
Class Size: 240
Subjects: Art, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Maths B, English</p>

<p>Scores:</p>

<p>Have not done the SAT yet.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Extension Art Photography Classes
Australian Stock Exchange Sharemarket Game
MLTAQ Japanese Speech Contest
Hungry Jacks Summer Work
School Rugby (4 years)
School Cricket (2 years)
Weightlifting (2 years)</p>

<p>Volunteer/Service Work:
School Arts Exhibition Day and Open Day Volunteer</p>

<p>Honors and Awards:
2003
Certificate of Merit</p>

<p>2004
Certificate of Merit
Australian Schools Science Competition High Distinction</p>

<p>2005
Certificate of Merit
Australian Geography Competition High Distinction</p>

<p>2006
Certificate of Merit
RACI Australian National Chemistry Quiz High Distinction</p>

<p>2007
Cricket Sports Award
Rugby Sports Award</p>

<p>I'm working on my SAT preparation right now and it is similar enough to our own QCS exams so I guess it should carry over. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.</p>

<p>P.S. What are Honours and AP?</p>

2

<p>take english for example.
you can take regents english, honors english or AP english. </p>

<p>regents is kind of the average level
honors is more intense
AP is most in depth and rigorous being that it is supposed to be a college level course. Some schools over more APs than others. At the end of the year, you take the AP test, which college freshman over the country are taking as well.</p>

3

<p>offer* not over</p>

4

<p>Low GPA, international student. Nothing special.</p>

<p>REJECT at Cornell.</p>

5

<p>Hmmm I see. Our school doesn't offer that kind of stuff. We just choose six senior subjects and stick with it for two years. Or is it done outside of school?</p>

<p>@ Gaffe: Thanks man. I guess I'll just have to make up for it in my portfolio then.</p>

<p>Oh and 3.72 is low? Ah lame. Should have taken Geography instead of Economics. At least that's a guaranteed A. :-/</p>

6

<p>APs and Honors classes are done in school...they are part of the curriculum at many good American high schools (i.e. Students can choose regular/honors/AP)</p>

<p>About your chances of getting into cornell...hmmm...I'll give you my honest opinion by saying that it's not going to be easy, especially considering that you are an international student. Your GPA would be considered pretty acceptable if you were a resident of the U.S., but you are a foreigner so it probably won't boost your portfolio much. Try to work on doing well on your SATs...if you get a high score (>2250), then you may have a shot...you'll never know until you try :)</p>

7

<p>Oh I see. Kinda like the British A-Levels. Is there any way I can check if it's offered internationally?</p>

<p>Yes I know it's a long shot but I've got guaranteed entry to the University of Queensland so might as well shoot for the stars. :)</p>

8

<p>Nope, they dont seem to offer APs internationally. There are IBs though but they take 2 years to complete. :-/</p>

<p>So bumpage for other suggestions?</p>