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