International transfer w FA?

Student Lounge International Students
1

Hi all! This is going to be a lengthy post but please read on and give me some advices.

My initial plan was to apply to US unis (preferably Cornell) after my preliminary exams (before A level as actual A level results were not out before commonapps deadline) with my predicted scores but since Singapore’s prelims are known for being a lot tougher than A levels, I did not do really well so I did not try to apply for this year’s fall intake.

Unfortunately, I did not score straight As for my A levels but I did secure a place for this year’s intake at National University of Singapore, I’ll be reading Chemistry. I could easily get into a well-known UK uni but I don’t really like their education system + no financial aid given to international students. I still wish to do my undergrad in the states so I was thinking about transfer after my first/second year (with good results of course) in NUS. The thing is, I will require substantial financial aid.

Also, many of my seniors in NUS shared with me that it is notoriously hard to do very well i.e. getting near perfect/perfect GPA, though I’ve seen NUS students successfully transferring to Ivies/internationally-known schools with slightly better than average GPA (without FA). Will GPAs be standardized in this case? NUS follows the /5.0 system.

I’m looking at UPenn, Dartmouth and Cornell. I totally understand that these schools are super competitive (even worse for transfer students seeking financial aid) and I most likely will be disappointed, but I feel that there is no harm in trying. I have a pretty good personal story to share though it’s not like I grew up in a dysfunctional family.

I’m not sure if I should apply to the schools with or without FA. Since applying without FA greatly increases my chances, maybe I should look at mid-term scholarships though competition is really tough.

I got 2300 for my SAT, if it helps. 780 for Math II, 780 for Chemistry and 750 for Biology. No APs as I didn’t know that AP existed until I did my SATs. ECs include a lot of community service hours, planned 2 camps from scratch as the IC (incl overseas expedition camp), many leader awards for recognition, involved in a budding start-up as a founder, involved in LGBT campaigns/support groups, owner of my small online fashion business… Can’t reveal more but yeah, all the usual competitions… I did not attend any Olympiads though.

I just wanted to ask if any international (transfer) students got into similar schools with/without substantial financial aid. Also, what are you stats? Thanks in advance!

2

There is very little FA for any transfer students, especially international ones. If you’re serious about studying in the US and require FA, you’re better off taking a year off, doing some interesting ECs, and applying next year.

3

I think i should try applying without FA for UPenn since they are need-aware. And if i get admitted, maybe it will strengthen my application for mid-term scholarships. If I’m not wrong, Dartmouth is need-blind and will meet 100% of need while Cornell is need-blind but will not meet 100% of need. So for Dartmouth and Cornell, it’s safe to say that me needing FA will not affect my transfer right?

4

What I’m worried is that if i defer my education by 1 year in NUS, and end up not getting into any of my ideal schools in the states, i would be devastated.

5

If I were you, I wouldn’t defer my education by 1 year just to get into a top US university as a transfer with aid. Apply if you want to. You can also look at these college as a option for your Masters (if you plan to pursue).

6

@ohgnod‌
If you need money to study in the US but doens’t apply to FA just to increase your chance, it makes no sense at all. How are you going to attend a school you can’t afford?

If you are serious about studying in the US, as @katliamom‌ suggested already,take a gap year, do something meaningful, then re-apply to wide range of schools.

Thankfully, your SAT score is very good. You have to apply for schools that give good merit scholarships, like
Howard U and U of alabama. Also, if your ranking is very high, say at least 5%, it may be worth to apply to Fordham, Kenyon, Macalester, and Mount Holyoke(if you are a female)

7

Nus is a very good school anything wrong with staying there finish your UG and apply grad school in the USA ?

8

The “Meet 100% need” etc ONLY APPLIES TO FRESHMEN.
Most transfers to these schools are lateral transfers and would NOT cover financial need for international transfers.
If you’re serious about trying to attend these colleges, defer at NUS, take a gap year, continue doing your interesting ECs, and apply as a freshman.