<p>I'm currently living and going to school in Germany, 12th class (You gotta go 13 years to school in Germany) and am 17 years old.
The reason for this topic is that I am very interested in studying in the United States, specially in / around Los Angeles, as that's where my family lives.
I have already done some researched and know basic stuff like very high fees.</p>
<p>I am best in Math Preference course, which consists of the best students of two schools (There are no AP or honor courses in Germany, but something called Preference or Performence course) and am best in Physics and English.
TOEFL Test won't be a problem and I guess I will get good scores in my SAT tests.</p>
<p>After some research I have decided to apply to UCLA, UCSB and Caltech, which seem to be very good Universities.
But do I stand a chance? What SAT scores should I have to be accepted to UCLA (which is my dream university)?
Can you recommend any other Universities to me?
And are there any tricks for the application to increase chances?</p>
<p>I was thinking about studying either Engineering or IT, but which major gives me better chances of employment and more salary? (Planning to stay in LA after University - bye Germany :) )
My main strengths are as mentioned above Math and Science.</p>
<p>I am very thankful for every bit of information.</p>
<p>Thanks for that link.
Can anyone answer any of the other questions?
According to WES, my German grades translated into American Graded would result into A's except for Philosophy and History with B+</p>
<p>If you're not adverse to going to school on the east coast, what about Worchester Polytechnic Institute or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for engineering? Another good option is Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.</p>
<p>The fact is, you can major in anything and go into almost any field of work. Study what you enjoy, because if you intend to pursue engineering or computer science, you'll probably end up with a master's or MBA, at least, and if you study what you like as an undergraduate, you'll have a better chance at grad school admissions (assuming that you're good at what you like).</p>
<p>Another recommendation is Rice University in Houston, TX. It's not what you'd expect of a Texas school based on stereotypes alone –*it's actually really awesome, and I'm speaking from the perspective of someone from the rather liberal northeast United States.</p>
<p>Are you going for an IB diploma? Also, have you talked to any other Germans who study in the US? Any abitur-related work (which seems a lot like a bunch of AP or IB exams, if I'm not mistaken) may look very good to many of the schools in the US.</p>
<p>Not to discourage you or anything, but come on, you're really choosing the US over Germany? I'd do anything to study/live in your country.. And your English seems really good which would probably be a plus if you stayed in Europe.</p>
<p>Have you been here before? I'd strongly recommend that you visit California before going to college there. See if you like it (the weather, the people) and then decide.</p>
<p>I am very sure about studying in the LA area as I have visited it more than 5 times for periods of around 4-6 weeks.
A part of my family lives there and weather n ppl are nice.</p>
<p>I won't have my Abitur by the time I apply, because I want to study directly after receiving it. But if my grades stay this way (And I am trying to improve it of course :) ) it will be an average of 1,4</p>
<p>And the best thing about Abitur is that you will get credits for your abitur courses! So after three years you would be finished with your undergraduate degree.</p>
<p>It depends on the school that you are going to apply for. Some schools require a evaluation by WES. I think it is okay if you ask your English teacher to translate it and get a stamp of your gymnasium on it. I was lucky since my tutor is also English teacher. Don't worry about the Abitur. Deadline for Fall 09 is probably 15th Jan, so schools won't consider the results in your application process, I guess.</p>
<p>Ah, k thx.
So if I am able to pay for the University, the SAT scores aren't of big importance?
And is it rather a plus or a minus that I come from Germany - seeing that a lot of Chinese / Koreans seem to be running around on UCLA (which is my dream college)</p>
<p>Private colleges have more freedom to craft their classes according to their needs; publics are more bound by law, but may still have some latitude.</p>
<p>But, no, SATs are still important, even if you can pay list price, public or private.</p>
<p>I currently am thinking about applying to UCLA, Caltech and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
I would rather have something in LA / around LA as my aunts live there - it's nice to have family around and, if the way isnt too long, even live in their house.</p>