<p>Hey, I'm 18 y.o. and am from India. Just completed my schooling (passed 12th grade this year) and I am looking forward to taking the SATs.
I am aiming at joining the Ivy League colleges.
I would really appreciate some help from you people here cause I dont know much about all this stuff. And I have come here looking for help :)
So here are my questions :</p>
<p>1) I know its easier said than done, but could you people please share some tips with me on how to score a perfect 2400? Or somewhere near that.</p>
<p>2) I know SAT scores are not everything, so how can I possibly attend AP classes here in India? And what else would help strengthen my resume? </p>
<p>3) I want to study Economics or Engineering at an Ivy League, so what Subject Tests should I take up? Is it necessary to give subject tests too?</p>
<p>4) Apart from SAT, what other exams do I have to give? TOEFL, IELTS or what else?</p>
<p>5) My family are not really wealthy and they really wont be able to afford all the expenses, so is it possible that being an International Student, I could get a 100% or full ride scholarship to an Ivy League?</p>
<p>Much thanks to everyone in advance :)
Really appreciate a lot.
Thanks :)</p>
<p>P.S. Didnt know where this would go, so if I posted in the wrong forum categories, pardon me .</p>
<p>2) From my experience, you can’t actually enroll in AP classes unless you attend a high school that offers them. However, you can take the exams as a homeschool student. To do so, you must locate a school that offers AP exams to homeschool students (send an email to the CollegeBoard asking for a list of schools in your area). Then, you need to contact the AP coordinator and register for the exams. You should do this in January or February (depends on the school). The deadline set by CollegeBoard is in March, I think. To study for the tests, just buy a few revision books (Barron’s, Kaplan, etc.). You can find book recommendations in the AP forum.</p>
<p>3) You’ll need to take 2 SAT subject tests. Because you’re considering engineering, I suggest math level 2 and any science. Moreover, the combination I suggested fulfills Caltech’s and MIT’s requirements, in case you decide to apply to them. </p>
<p>4) You’ll probably need to take the TOEFL. However, at most schools, if you achieve a 700+ on the reading proportion of the SAT, you can waive the TOEFL requirement. Just type “TOEFL waiver (insert school’s name)” in Google and you’ll see just what scores you need in order to waive.</p>
<p>Now that I know what to do, Ill go forward and look for schools that offer AP programs. Thanks a ton !</p>
<p>Actually I want to do Economics from Harvard , but engineering is more of a “tradition” in my family. Sorry to bother, but what subject test would I need to give for Economics?</p>
<p>Okay, I just checked them out. I certainly didnt know that you could waive off the TOEFL.</p>
<p>Also, I remember I read somewhere that Harvard and other Ivies offer need based scholarships? Could I get them too? Considering I am an international student? Do they give financial aids to International Students too mate ?</p>
<p>Thank you for clearing out my doubts. Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Its not really the SAT that I am worried about cause I know I will be able to perform well enough. I am MOST worried about getting financial aid, because my family cant really pay all of it :|</p>
<p>Math level II along with any science is fine for econ. You can take any two subject tests for Harvard. You might want to throw in a humanity subject such as history or literature, but that might not be worth the trouble if you have never taken either of those subjects before. It’s your call. I suggest taking an SAT subject test that has a corresponding AP course that covers the same material—something like world history should work ( be warned that SAT world history is offered in December and June only).</p>
<p>Harvard and MIT are “full need” and “need blind” to all international students. That means admissions decisions are made without regard to whether you applied for financial assistance. In the case that you’re admitted, you should receive a financial aid package that should help you cover the costs of attendance. The amount you receive depends on how each respective school evaluates financial need. Colleges usually have online net-price calculators that will show you just how much you should receive and how much you’ll have to pay. Here’s Harvard’s calculator: [Net</a> Price Calculator](<a href=“http://npc.fas.harvard.edu/]Net”>http://npc.fas.harvard.edu/). </p>
<p>However, schools such as Upenn are not need-blind to international students. That means whether you applied for financial aid will be taken into consideration during admissions. This can potentially hurt your chances significantly. However, you can still possibly receive a generous financial-aid package. Looking into each school’s policy will give you a more comprehensive understanding of how each school will evaluate your financial need. </p>
<p>As for your question regarding how to score a perfect on the SAT, just study smartly. Buy review books, memorize vocab, master grammar, learn how to abuse your calculator, develop your own generic essay format and be consistent with your studying. After going through a lot of practice exams, solving the questions will become a habit. However, don’t obsess with getting a perfect mark. A balanced 2300+ (e.g. 800math, 760 writing and 750 reading) is a good stopping point. You can find a number of good guides in this forum.</p>
<p>Good luck; you’ll need a lot of it if you want to get into an Ivy as an international student who’s applying for financial aid.</p>
<p>Okayyy. I will think about it, I have the basic SATs to worry about right now. Hehe :P</p>
<p>Well, okay, I am sorry but I was living under the impression that all Ivies were need blind and provided financial support. My bad. There is still a lot for me to research on .
I just checked out the calculator and I think that my parents will be able to pay for it
Thanks a lot by the way.
You have proven to be a real lifesaver.</p>
<p>Okay I see.
Everyone actually seems to stress on the point that its not just the marks but everything matters on building up a solid resume. Thanks for pointing that out, I shall keep that in mind. But first Ill give the SATs and then the AP tests.
Yes I have made a time table to study, just need to bring it into effect
Thank you so much Cardgames, you have really helped me a lot. Like really. I shall never forget your aid :)</p>
<p>Yes I believe. But we are the ones that make things possible, by persevering and hardwork
Thankyou :)</p>
<p>To answer your question about getting a 2400, it depends on your score range that you get now. If your score range is above 2300 you might have a 5% chance to raise it to 2400
anything less than a 2300 basically precludes the possibility of getting a 2400. Remember a 2400 basically means you get zero questions wrong on both the writing and the math and that you can only miss one or two questions on the critical reading.
Oversight and second-guessing yourself complicate the matter further.
The math and the writing are extremely coachable.</p>
<p>It takes a ton of practice
an ability to generalize rules from problems so they can be reapplied
and then to ensure they are memorized so well that devising plans to solve even the hardest math problems becomes easier.</p>
<p>That is misleading–it is quite possible to score 2400 without starting at 2300. I had three students last year who went from 1900’s in August to 2400 in January.</p>
<p>Hey guys thanks for your replies to my query. Sorry couldnt get back to you, I got sick :|</p>
<p>Actually its the first time I am giving the SATs a shot, and I dont really know how the paper is like. I am practising for it, and I hope I just might make it.
Can you guys suggest some good books to prepare for it, like all the three parts of the exam? Ive heard Princeton Review is pretty good for preparing for SAT. Infact one of my friends said she completed the book and managed to score 2100+ on her first try thanks to the book.</p>
<p>I am willing to practice for the SAT. And some people have told me that some sections of the SATs are predictable and one can score well easily on them. Is it true ?</p>
<p>Sorry Ive got just so many questions Hope it isnt a problem for you guys. :)</p>
<p>It’s possible to get a perfect score if you started under a 2000. I went to a SAT prep class before and some girl went from a 1750 to 2400!!! True story.</p>
<p>Oh myoliewufan1995 that is one huge leap, 650 points oh my god Lucky girl i swear.
does any of you know someone who got a perfect score on their first try ?</p>
<p>Perfect score on standardized tests? You need a method of answering the sections, that is all. Studying is for subject tests like bio or chem, where eventually you will only get a question wrong if you miss read it.</p>
<p>bearlolx, That seems true. I seem to be able to do the questions that I am practicising , from a SAT prep book fairly easily, and only seem to falter at my weak spot, GEOMETRY.
But for me, CR poses as tough a challenge as Math does. I’m from India and let’s just say that people’s English vocab skills are not the best here :P</p>
<p>What subject tests does one need to give if he wishes to study Economics at HYP ? Or for Engineering at MIT ?</p>
<p>Having been in your shoes, I would compare scoring a 2400 to getting perfect 10’s in Olympic diving. Drilling yourself to the capability of scoring perfect on each section is completely possible and within reason, but achieving it under strenuous circumstances such as pressure and anxiety is another story; it is a matter of mental stamina more than pure ingenuity or intelligence. Colleges, especially the Ivies, consider this difficulty when evaluating applicants; there comes a certain point when a 2300 carries virtually the same “weight” as a 2400.</p>
<p>Oh finally someone who understands what Im going through ! I really think youre right, it can be really strenous. I know what Im going through right now. How much did you finally score? If you dont mind me asking ?
And would getting a 2400 make me look like a nerd who only concentrates on his marks and doesnt have a life ? And would that get me rejected ?</p>
Hope it isnt a problem for you guys. :)</p>