How to get into a good university?

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hey everyone(: </p>

<p>I'm a student living in Southeast Asia and I was just wondering what my chances are of getting into a (good) university in the US or UK. I know that my chances are really low considering that I'm an international student :( I would appreciate it if you could look through what I've done below and give me a rough idea of what my chances are/what universities I should apply to. </p>

<p>I took the SAT and I scored 2310 (750 for reading, 770 for writing and 790 for math), and I'm in the top high school in my country. My GPA is 3.83 and I'm in the top 5% of my class of 1200. I will be taking the A levels at the end of next year (this year in JC 1 I obtained straight As). I will also be taking H3 Biology next year. I've been in debate competitions as well, winning 3rd place in a national competition held last year. </p>

<p>I'm in the executive committee of the Peer Support Board and am also a member of the Student's Council in my school. Basically we plan schoolwide events. I used to be in the Red Cross Society as well as the Angklung Ensemble, and now I'm in the Biology Society. I've also helped to organize and facilitate an international convention where youth leaders from around the world came together. </p>

<p>I have been on a trip to Vietnam where I planned English lessons for the students there to help them improve on their English proficiency. I also initiated a programme within my community where I was able to teach piano to less fortunate children (I'm a Grade 5 in piano).</p>

<p>I'm currently doing an internship at a medical institution in my country. I have also attended an internship at a clinic last year, as well as a short attachment at a research facility. </p>

<p>Yup that's about it, so yeah any advice would be great :)</p>

2

<p>I am afraid your question is not precise enough. You will get into many universities in the UK and in the USA with your statistics. But if you do not know what kind of place you are interested in, what major you want to study and how much of the fees you can pay nobody can give you clear advice.</p>

3

<p>You sound like a wonderful student.</p>

<p>Best advice I can give: Just remember (and tell your parents) that there are many many great schools in the US besides the Ivies and other names commonly recognized in Southeast Asia. :)</p>

4

<p>You would be an attractive candidate to a good U.S. university based on your admirable academic stats and extra-curricular activities. The possible deal-killer though is whether you need financial aid from the university. There is generally very little FA or U.S.-based scholarships for int’l students.</p>

<p>Can your parents afford the tuition, boarding & traveling costs? Does your country fund scholarships for its citizens to study abroad?</p>

5

<p>Hey :slight_smile: </p>

<p>I think my parents would be able to pay for college without financial assistance.</p>

<p>And as for what I would like to study, I would really love to study pharmacy/allied health/medicine.</p>

6

<p>Good universities are keen to assemble a diverse & interesting student body. Therefore, your nationality may be a “hook”, as countries in SE Asia are not nearly as well-represented as China/HK or S Korea. </p>

<p>Make sure to stay on top of the application timetable, as the U.S. academic year is not the same as some countries in Asia.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>