<p>Basically, I am a second year undergraduate at the University of Sheffield in the UK on a MSc Zoology degree program. However, I'm a NY resident and achieved my HS diploma and all in the states, just decided England would be better for my education. Unfortunately, now heading into my second semester, I have found myself completely unable to continue financing my degree here, as my sponsorship fell through.
I've done some research and considering the courses I have taken, Duke University, Cornell, Brown, UC Davis, and Columbia seem to have the best options. The thing is that since I didn't take a liberal arts year, I have already taken the majority of biology degrees basic courses offered at cheaper, easier to get into schools for my major (SUNY Env Sci, U Vermont, Colorado State, etc.). Columbia seems to have interesting, stimulating courses and study abroad courses so I won't feel like I'm basically redoing what I already have at Sheffield.</p>
<p>Just a bit of a background for you to better assess my chances:
In high school I was in the top 10 of my graduating class. My school didn't offer many APs, but I did take AP US History (4), AP Biology (4), AP English (3), I took AP Calculus but not the exam. Overall average was around 97 percent, graduated in the top ten of my year. SAT score - 1690. I scored well on most of the NY Regents (99 on English, 100 on American H, can look up scores if they're important, but are they?). First year of university I achieved a an upper 2.2. degree (around 59 percent/ 80 percent). I don't know what the equivalent of this is. This year I am really trying hard to achieve a first and so far I am (72/80 percent). In terms of courses, I've taken all of the basics. Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology, World Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Comparative Physiology, IT and lab skills, etc. etc.
Aside from this I have a considerable amount of research experience. I have spent three years at the American Museum of Natural History in a variety of capacities. I participated in the High School Science Research Program assessing dung beetles for the IUCN (the authority on providing conservation statuses such as endangered or vulnerable, etc.). I also assisted with species richness mapping for Vietnam primates. Last summer, I was a tour guide for the Hall of Ocean Life.
This year at my university I am helping out with the Global Cactus Assessment and compiling information again for the IUCN, inputting information directly onto the SIS database.</p>
<p>I know my research record is much better than my academics and I intend to emphasize this in my application.</p>