<p>is it actually easier for international students to get into US universities? because they have a "quota" to fill or something like that? or have i heard lies haha</p>
<p>If you're from an underrepresented country, it can be a boost. Think small remote village in the Himalayas. If you're from Asia, Western Europe or anywhere else well represented at US colleges, you've heard lies.</p>
<p>How about Canada?</p>
<p>You've been lied to. Canadians are treated pretty much like Americans at most colleges, so you have it better than many internationals, especially where aid is concerned. You'll have a better chance from than Yukon or another remote area than from a city though.</p>
<p>What about Australia?</p>
<p>^Same thing</p>
<p>I disagree about the comment about Western Europe. American Universities get far fewer application requests from Europeans then they do from Asia. Just look at the statistics for entering classes. Europeans are far more likely to pursue an undergraduate education at cheaper yet still prestigious European institution such as Oxford, LSE, Sorbonne, St. Gallen etc... So as a European you do get a boost</p>
<p>The Asian pool is no doubt the most competitive, but there are plenty of applicants at top colleges from European countries and they want at most a couple from each. No boost.</p>
<p>Can someone verify that the Oceania (australia, new zealand) region is well represented in US colleges, because Oceania makes up 1-2% of the student population at top schools. Thanks.</p>
<p>Being from Canada is a hook. At colleges that are looking for a more diverse student body, it will help you be admitted. This would be particularly true at private colleges where 50% or more of the students are from the same state the school is in.</p>
<p>I doubt the Oceanic population would be well-represented. I saw some stats that said like there's been less than 15 Harvard admits from here in the last 5 years.</p>
<p>I really doubt we are well represented. Our population is so small, and plus our Uni system basically scares students to go to Uni is Aus.</p>
<p>Also, our grade-marking is not understood in America; a B here might qualify for an A there; but doesn't factor in to any decisions whatsoever.</p>
<p>would there be any specific schools that applying as a Canadian would give you a hook more so than others?</p>
<p>While I have tremendous doubts that being from Canada would be a hook anywhere, the schools midwestmom refers to would be regional private schools, you can look on US News for them. You probably will not have heard of most.</p>
<p>one more question:
when I am applying to the States for schools, will they translate my grades into a GPA or leave them as percentages? All I have right now are percent averages and I haven't got a clue how to figure out GPA.</p>
<p>hmom 5,</p>
<p>I'm applying to Harvard UNiversity....
I'm from Turkmenistan ( you have probably never heard of) :)
And as you said you've got some chances from the underrepresented minorities...
Do you know if I have a bit of advantage, because I know I'm going to be the first applicant ever from Turkmenistan to apply to Harvard, Princeton, and Yale ^ ^</p>
<p>Thank yoU!</p>
<p>Do you think I'm a hick? Hey, you guys have considerable oil and gas, and it's my job to know about such countries while I have to admit I've never visited your lovely, resource rich country!</p>
<p>While I believe you are technically part of Asia, I do think you would get a boost. They could add one more country to their list which most people haven't heard of--sounds right up Harvard's alley!</p>
<p>Didn't Alexander the Great conquer you guys? I could see a really interesting essay about all the cultures that come together in your part of the world and how it's impacted your life. And wondering on which side of you the next war will erupt.</p>
<p>Here's some essays that got kids into Dartmouth last year, note the kids from countries we've heard of in your part of the world:</p>
<p>hmom5 ,
I did not mean to say you are a hick. Neither am I.
But I've have heard numerous times that to get into HYP you have to have some international award or outstanding project...
While i have volunteered at the international organizations for several years, I have
several perfect Sat scores (SAT MATH 1,2 -800 SAT Physics 800, SAT Chemistry - 800 SAT World, US history - 800, SAT - Biology -800 and and nearly perfect ACT scores (35) and 3.9 GPA unweighted... </p>
<p>I mean the only thing is that my school was not very outstanding until I transferred to a private school in US.
what suggestion would you give me as a junior to accomplish, in order to increase my chances connected with my background??
PS You have a strong historical background.</p>