International IB student for George Washington University

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I am an international student from Latvia and I am not sure what really counts in the admissions process for USA schools. I want to study international relations in George Washington University. Chance me, please! I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions about other schools to try, as well as what to improve during my senior year!</p>

<p>Academics</p>

<p>-School: the best in the country, highly selective (entrance examinations required)
-Special courses: IB (predicted 43), Russian SL exam score 7 (took early)
-SAT I: 2350 (Math 800, Writing 800, Critical reading (750)
-SAT II: Math II (800), Literature (790), Chemistry (750), French (750)
-GPA: not provided by the school, online calculators show 3.7ish</p>

<p>Most important ECs</p>

<ul>
<li>Volunteer in Red Cross Youth Organization (visiting children in hospitals etc.) (2010-present)</li>
<li>One-year experience in tutoring (taught English to an 8th grader) (2011-present)</li>
<li>European Youth Parliament activities (2012)</li>
<li>Work as a translator for a company (2011-2012)</li>
<li>Debate Club</li>
<li>Running</li>
<li>School newspaper</li>
</ul>

<p>Recent awards:
-2nd place in the school's public speaking competition (2012)
-Honorable Mention in a Math contest (2012)</p>

<p>Recs: 1) History teacher (3 years): should be above excellent
2) Counsellor: knows me well enough, should be really good
3) Additional: from Red Cross Youth organization manager in my country</p>

<p>Essays: My writing is my strongest asset.</p>

<p>What do you think? Should I aim lower? Higher? GWU seems like a great place and I'd love to hear your suggestions about possible improvements!</p>

2

<p>Hey, really guys, any input? I’m confused!</p>

3

<p>Your chances are excellent. </p>

<p>You could definitely, at least in my opinion, look at more selective schools which have good programs in IR. </p>

<p>Can you afford US tuition rates?</p>

4

<p>Thanks! I heard that GWU has a good international relations programme but what other schools would you suggest? </p>

<p>About the tuiton rates, I was hoping to get a loan. In the UK they sometimes give their students loans which they have to start repaying only after they start earning a set amount of money per year, maybe USA offers something similar?</p>

5

<p>US doesn’t give loans to foreign nationals and you have to start repaying immediately, not once you start earning a set amount. So, if you don’t have a job or aren’t earning much you still have to pay. You could look into private loans, but those have high interest rates and, once again, must be paid regardless of your income.
Your chance at GW are good though.</p>