<p>I am an international student seeking admission to a boarding school in September, 2010.
I study under the British system of education (O- and A- Levels) and have a GPA of 3.82 on a scale of 4.0. I am in the top 5% of my class, have won many awards and have also participated in numerous extra-curricular activities.</p>
<p>I am interested in completing some AP courses before entering a university/college in the U.S.</p>
<p>Please let me know if any of the American schools offer 100% financial aid to international students.</p>
<p>Is that why they have O and A levels in Harry Potter? I thought JK Rowling made it up! </p>
<p>Anyways, for need-based scholarships I believe that it does not make a difference if you are an international student or not. There are many schools that offer need-based scholarships, what kind of school are you looking for? A name-brand school? They normally all have great financial aid.</p>
<p>Pretty much anyone can get aid, but for internationals it is slightly less. But if they want you, then they will give you enough aid so you can go there!</p>
<p>Thanks a ton :D! Could you let me know how difficult it is to get into each of the above mentioned schools? What kind of candidates are they looking for?</p>
<p>Oh another question, I’m not sure which grade I should apply to. I shall have completed my GCE AS-level exams by May/June '10.
I intend to complete AP courses at the US boarding school.</p>
<p>I’m not american, I’m actually British, the same as you but it’s grade 12, yes. (: And AP-wise it depends on the school. Some schools have APs from 9th grade, others start in 11th. And it’s also possible to self-study APs and if you’d rather do that & stay in this country you could possibly try the american schools here in the UK and see if they’ll let you take the exams. APs are supposed to be comparable to A-Levels as well but I think A-Levels are supposed to be slightly more difficult. I’m not 100% on that though. So you could try some AP practice tests in the subjects you’re doing at A-Level to see what level you’re currently at. Don’t know if that’s any help. (:</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. It was really helpful ! Actually, I’m not British. I’m just studying under the British System of Education (outside the UK).</p>
<p>Do you think it’s possible to complete the AP courses in just a year? Should I apply for admission in grade 11 or 12? Which is less competitive?</p>
<p>I can’t answer the second question, but AP courses are typically done in a year, which is why they’re probably seen as easier, though they probably just work harder. But yes, in the US, AP courses are a year long then as you probably know a 3 is a pass, and a 5 is the highest score. </p>
<p>I couldn’t tell you which was more competitive though but I think for 12th, at least & possibly 11th you’ll have to take the SAT instead of the SSAT/ISEE. It depends on the school though. Some might not accept anyone into 12th too, so you should check the website of the schools you’re going to apply to. (:</p>
<p>You mentioned looking for schools which offer 100% financial aid. I want to warn you that it is nearly impossible to find this. There are students at US boarding schools who are on 100% aid, but they get some of the scholarship from the school, and some from another charitable organization of program. I used to work at one of them, so I know!</p>
<p>The other issue is that your parents income would have to be very low to qualify for this type of aid. Your parents income is the primary factor in determination of the financial aid. </p>
! Actually, I’m not British. I’m just studying under the British System of Education (outside the UK).</p>
But yes, in the US, AP courses are a year long then as you probably know a 3 is a pass, and a 5 is the highest score. </p>