<p>Hi, i'm an international student wanting to apply at several U.S Colleges after graduation. I was just wondering if there were others who could identify with me. Perhaps we can all be of assistance to each in whatever way. All post are appreciated.</p>
<p>Hey, good luck. Are you hoping to come here in the Fall? I’m not a freshman btw . . .</p>
<p>Thanks :). Actually i was planning on applying within two years (2012), as i’m in year 10. Next year i’ll be attending Prince Alfred College or Pembroke College SA, where i’ll commence my IB Diploma in the subjects: Mathematics HL, chemistry HL, Biology HL, History SL, English A1 SL and Fran</p>
<p>You should take the time to read through all of the information at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.state.gov/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.state.gov/) and then you should contact the counselors at the advising center closest to you. There are several in Australia. These people truly are expert at helping students in your country sort out the best options for themselves in the US.</p>
<p>You also might want to take a look at the top institutions in Canada including (among others) U of BC, U of Toronto, McGill, and Waterloo. The Canadian consulate closest to where you live should be able to help you find out more about that application process.</p>
<p>OP: Keep in mind that even with a near perfect record, admission to most of the US schools you list is difficult. Being from Australia would be a hook that might help you stand out though. If you really want to study in the US, then you should look at a tier or two lower as a safety.</p>
<p>I agree with that.</p>
<p>It’s good that you’re starting out early. Just focus on being a “perfect” student - academic wise, and extracurricular activities too. Then, you could probably get into the top schools.</p>
<p>You an Australian or a current international student in Australia? </p>
<p>A lot of Australians apply overseas. There’d probably be about 2000+ of us each year…</p>
<p>I do alot of extracurriculars including those that are specific to my “passion”; internship for 8 weeks at a great hospital, regular volunteering which includes intense training, involvement in several activities which promotes causes such as cancer at a Univesity, participation in a neuroscience program at a University, I’ve often organized activities in school to increase awareness about particular medical issues which particularly affect teens or other times simpy to raise money, leadership in SRC.</p>
<p>Thanks: happymomof1 >the information was helpful and gave alot of insights.</p>
<p>Thanks, I will difinately focus even more on my grades and extracurriculars. I understand that apart from those i must demonstrate a passion in order to get admitted to these Colleges?</p>
<p>I am an Australian, and will be applying as an international student.</p>
<p>Passion might be useful, but measurable achievement is better :)</p>
<p>I totally agree thanks 
. As such, i’ve to managed to keep my “A” student status in high school and have signed up for IB classes. Furthermore I’ll be self studying the SAT1, SAT Subjects Tests and the ACT. I think if successfully completed, might demonstrate academic acomplishment?</p>
<p>I was actually thinking of extracurricular achievements, but academic accomplishments are important too.</p>
<p>Back to extracurriculars, you said earlier that you have have volunteered, that you participated in a neuroscience program and that you were involved in activities promoting health awareness. That all demonstrates commitment but your involvements sounds rather passive. What did you contribute to those activities? What impact did you make? Any noteworthy accomplishments? In your college applications, you might want to put more emphasis on the outcome than on the process (how many hours you spent on it).</p>
<p>^ I just realized that you only finished your sophomore year, so you still have plenty of time to work on your extracurriculars. I apologize if my previous post sounded overly harsh.</p>
<p>Absolutely i agree with you. However, on the note of passive participation; the neuroscience program helped me gain experience in the neuroscience field ( what they do etc…) and I was given a certificate (a handful of High school students were chosen based on potential). A group of people and I who share a similar passion, organized activities to promote awareness as well as build support for several illness such as cancer. We’re part of a club called “one for all”, which I co-established.</p>
<p>We, by which I mean the club “one for all”, organize community activities on the first saturday in every month, where lunch (mainly sandwiches) are provided) and we talk about causes. Although it still needs work. We’ve received a few awards from our mayor and from school as well. I’ve actually received several citizenship awards. overall I’ve completed 500+ hours in voluteering, 300+ in neuro program and 1000+ in “one for all” club, of which I’m the pres. Otherwise I haven’t won any national awards.</p>
<p>I just wanted to suggest that you give some thought to how you present yourself and your work. I did not mean to judge or criticize your work.</p>
<p>@IBAustralia, don’t focus on tailoring yourself to fit the college mould that many Americans adopt. IMO, as a fellow Australian, your extra curriculars certainly transcend the Australian norm. Focus on doing what you love; forget about the number of activities that American students do, because it’s a pretty different culture. Do your activities for yourself, and not for college applications. You sound like you’re pretty passionate about medical research, and that’s great - keep it up! Just remember that admission committees will know that you’re an Australian, and will be able to see whether you’re doing what’s normal for Australians or simply fitting the image of an ideal American candidate. That’s what I’ve been told, anyway…</p>
<p>i agree with above. Realise that most of the aussies in US colleges are there for sports. Most top tier schools will only have at most 2-3 australian students in each year. For the schools you are applying to, just do things you are good at and passionate about (often intertwined) and go abt highschool such that when ur done u wont have any regrets. Thats essentially the best you can do, and that is coincidentally also your best chance at said schools.</p>