<p>Greetings to all!
I'm new to CC and I landed up here looking at posts about 'Your chances for getting into xyz college"</p>
<p>I'm in grade 12 right now, ( India) and I plan to do Masters In Engineering from the USA from a good university.
I am preparing for Engineering Entrance Exams ( IIT's and other Engineering colleges) right now , studying Physics,Chemistry,Maths ( and English) in my senior High school.</p>
<p>I wanted to go for UG too, but after seeing the competition and the Extra curricular's required, along with the exceptional SAT scores, I dont think I have any chance at all :P</p>
<p>My grades are fairly good, ( 91% marks in High school ) but I lack a lot in EC's as there aren't many opportunities available in here [ I just saw what activities students of my age do in the schools of US ( so much of practical work), and I was all embarrassed at the quality of education we are receiving in India]
{ For Indian readers who may get offended by the above statement about non-availability of opportunities in bulk, I know its my fault also that I should have been more active, hunting down opportunities, but my bad I didn't, and that's why I'm a nobody right now, just an average kid, but I REALLY want to graduate from a good school, that sense of being 'highly educated' , that confidence!}</p>
<p>So what I have gathered till now, is that to really get into the top universities , you need to be :</p>
<pre><code>extra-fluent in your English (essays!)
should volunteer to help,etc ( community service/etc)
should be a member/creator of many clubs , clubs of your interest
should be an all rounder , co-curricular activities
Only good grades wont work- you got to be an all rounder
</code></pre>
<p>Right now, I cant tick mark on anything of the above.</p>
<p>Clubs/Community service are not an option available here. ( Yea after i get into college, we do have such opportunities ,but not in school)</p>
<p>English can be worked upon - Reading, building vocabulary, summary writings, comprehensions,etc</p>
<p>Basically what I think is that I can build the personality what they want (Good grades in college, various EC's of my interest, clubs, volunteer/community service/ good GRE/GMAT score) during my college time , that is, the next 4 years of my Under Graduate program.</p>
<p>So is this approach right towards getting into a good university? And also, What matters more - My grades in Class 12 , or the college from which I undergraduate in India?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot! Sorry for such a long post! :P</p>