International Student Accepted Into Elite US Prep Schools

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>It has been my goal to study at an Ivy League university in America. I have been accepted into Phillips Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall and Hotchkiss School. I am currently in Grade 9, so I would go in Grade 11, mid-way next year (as Australia's school terms are different). </p>

<p>If I attend one of these schools or any boarding school in US for the matter, will it help me get into an American university? </p>

<p>**I got full financial aid. </p>

2

<p>Additionally, I also got into an International School in my city in Australia. This is the only school with AP classes in the whole of Australia. Should I go to prep school in America or school in Australia? </p>

3

<p>I first would like to congratulate you on your successful application, not many internationals first make it through the admissions in these schools and receive financial aid. </p>

<p>Alright to the topic, there are countless factors that can effect the decision and I don’t think anyone on the forum can give you a verdict, trust me no one can. What comes to my mind (purely subjective) is that

  1. Schools can accept a certain number of internationals since the school is meant for “Americans”, not for people who have citizenship, which implies that the door is tight for internationals,
  2. Being that there will probably not be any financial aid because of the competitiveness , this practically applies to anyone but specifically to internationals, thing is, you aren’t the only one trying to get that handful of scholarships, you aren’t the only international trying to get in.
  3. Don’t go to a BS (boarding school) just because you think it helps for college. Truth be told there will be thousands of other students like you in these schools, and the thing is, you need to compete against these people. If you are going to mediocre in these schools, you will drown and feel desperation, friends who attend these schools always tell me that they felt they were the best before they came. But if you are willing to go up against all odds, always do so, as you will be the best within the best.</p>

<p>Take my advice as a grain of salt, I’m also a high school student. </p>

<p>The question I leave you with is: What’s your edge? What makes you special from those who have the similar stats as you?</p>

<p>If you can answer this you probably already knew the answer to your question.</p>

<p>That being said never feel desperation since you have brilliant stats as I’ve looked through your posts. God doesn’t play dice and he knows that the person who puts his heart and soul into his dream deserves it, if you did all you can, and not one single thing was left behind to do, there is nothing to be ashamed or sad about because you were “perfect”.</p>

4

<p>Do you think I should just study AP in Australia? @balledtoohard - thanks for your imput!</p>

5

<p>Go to America. Get challenged.</p>

6

<p>But the negative is if I go to America and study to go to an American university - if I don’t get into one - (as I still will be an intl. student) then I can’t study in Australia because we have a system completely different!1 @makennacompton‌ @balledtoohard‌ </p>

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<p>Also, will I get leverage over other international applicants by attending one of these schools - I’m looking at Andover in particular. </p>

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<p>It will definitely help getting into an American University. But that’s not the only reason you should go there, you should do it for the experience in itself.</p>

9

<p>Also, have you checked with the schools to ensure it’s okay that you will be on a different schedule? It’s a bit off topic, but it’s important. Plus, if you aren’t placed into classes correctly at your schools, it will affect your college admissions.</p>

<p>On the topic of college admissions, it will help your admissions, particularly in the fact that the schools will know what kind of academics your high school taught. However, you will still have to fight through the competitive international applications, so it’s really a choice left up to you and your family on what you see fit.</p>

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<p>You can still study in Australia – what are you talking about? Australian universities (Monash, Sydney, etc.) are total cupcakes as far as competitive admissions are concerned. Really, don’t even concern yourself! All you need to worry about is that for about 6 months you won’t be synched up in terms of program timing, but just travel for a bit like the rest of the Aussies do (“gap year” right?)</p>

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<p>I am worried because if I apply for Australian universities, everything will be different! In Year 11 and 12 we do subjects which go towards our ATAR score. And when we sit our WACE (which goes towards the ATAR) it is much different from the ACT/SAT, it is a thousand times harder. </p>

<p>How would it help me in college admissions? I would still be considered an international student! And every year roughly 4-8 Australians get accepted into Harvard. </p>

<p>Thanks for your help everyone! </p>

12

<p>

The majority of whom are recruited for crew.</p>

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<p>Perhaps. But that’s besides the point. </p>

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<p>Not really…</p>

15

<p>Yes it is - I’m worried about ATAR. Harvard is an example. </p>

16

<p>Then use another example that’s not conducive to being picked upon.</p>

<p>Look, point is, do what you want to do. If you want to go to an American University, going to prep school is going to help more than staying in Australia. If you’re going to attend an Australian University, then stay in Australia.</p>

17

<p>Challenge yourself and go to the states, but you should always have a wider vision of options besides going to ivy league. There are plenty of other options for you to be successful, there is absolutely no easy way out of going to one of the world’s best colleges. I’ll be quoting a video from this thread: <a href=“"Pro-Tips" You wish you knew? I know I regret a lot of things - #36 by LAMuniv - High School Life - College Confidential Forums”>"Pro-Tips" You wish you knew? I know I regret a lot of things - #36 by LAMuniv - High School Life - College Confidential Forums. Here is the link: <a href=“Why Did I Say "Yes" to Speak Here? | Malcolm Gladwell | Google Zeitgeist - YouTube”>Why Did I Say "Yes" to Speak Here? | Malcolm Gladwell | Google Zeitgeist - YouTube, I hope you watch it and understand what I mean.</p>

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<p>Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it! @balledtoohard‌ </p>