<p>Hi, I am a senior in high school, and I have been thinking quite a bit on selecting a college/university for my undergraduate degree. The problem is, I am an international applicant and I'm a bit lost in the entire college admissions process, because I don't usually hear much about US universities in general apart from the Ivy League universities and other prestigious universities (e.g. UC Berkeley). Therefore, it would be great if I could get some help on some of the other universities in the US that I can look at. </p>
<p>I am interested in majoring in either Physics (preferably more theoretical), or Engineering (Electrical, Computer Engineering). I am looking for a smaller university with a lower student to faculty ratio, and preferably a college (or similar) where there is a great degree of focus on undergraduate education. Also, because I'm interested to go into grad school, I would like to get into a school with ample research opportunities. I also want a school culture that's more intellectually 'intense', but not too competitive. Off the top of my head, I think a school that matches this description would be Princeton, but I know it's extremely difficult to be admitted, so alternative suggestions would be appreciated. </p>
<p>In terms of my stats, I have nothing much to boasts of, unfortunately. I am not faring too well academically, but I think I might be able to push them up to nearly all As (my country uses the A-levels system) if I try hard enough. I have no significant leadership or volunteering stints to speak of, but I do have a little in the area of STEM (Intel ISEF 4th Place Grand Award Winner, participating in the International Summer School for Young Physicists, a couple of research attachments at some labs, and being a member of my school's robotics and science club). </p>
<p>I'm not sure if I have given enough information, but any suggestions would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>International students often focus on the elite schools for academic prestige and financial aid. Not many schools will give FA and scholarships to international students and it is always highly competitive. If your family can afford most of the undergraduate education cost of a private school, check the following schools for physics: Carleton, Grinnell, Harvey Mudd, Lawrence University (Appleton, WI), and Brandeis. For engineering: Harvey Mudd, Lafayette, Rose-Hulman, and Trinity College. To my knowledge, Carleton and Grinnell do give merit scholarships to internationals.</p>
<p>Hey, sorry this came in a little late.</p>
<p>Following the list on the thread cited by jkeil911, these are my responses:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Cost constraints: None, as I intend to obtain a local scholarship to fund my overseas studies. (If I do not manage to receive any I will be studying locally, where it is much cheaper). However, given the opportunity, I would also love to attend a school which offers large financial aid to international students. </p></li>
<li><p>Intended major: I hope to major in Engineering (Computer Science-related), or Physics. I also hope to go to grad school, so colleges which are known to send many students to grad schools would be preferred. </p></li>
<li><p>Non-Academic Preferences: After some research, I have decided on a smaller college, and preferably one where the faculty would be focused on teaching and not on research. I would also prefer a college located somewhere warmer (eg California). </p></li>
<li><p>My country uses the Alevels, so we don’t have GPA. That said though, my grades are quite bad (they are the weakest part of my application, i think). </p></li>
<li><p>Test scores:</p></li>
</ol>
<p>SAT 1:
2150 (first and only sitting)</p>
<p>CR 770/ MA 720/ WR 660</p>
<p>SAT 2: (first and only sitting)
Math 2 800/ Phy 800</p>
<p>I have researched a little, and I found Harvey Mudd College to be the best fit for me. It is very selective though, so may I know if there are any other schools that are similar to HMC (small sized college, strong undergraduate teaching focus, strong engineering department) ?</p>
<p>I will be happy to supplement any further information. </p>
<p>Also, thank you Bamboolong, the list you gave me was really helpful :)</p>