<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I'm kinda at a loss for what to do now because I'm not really sure if a situation like mine has been discussed before, so here goes.</p>
<p>I'm an international from Singapore. Back in high school, I was a typical failure student; refused to study, teachers hated me etc. My grades were consistently the lowest possible across the board, not just Bs and Cs but Es and Fs. It wasn't until the last two months before finals that I realized a liberal arts education existed and began studying my butt off to do well. Still, the most I managed were three Bs and a C for my main subjects, and an A for general paper. Thankfully, the males in my nation are required to serve the army for two years before going to university, and I used the time to take eight AP exams the next year, getting 7 5s and one 3. </p>
<p>I guess the point of this post is to find out how strong my application can possibly get? As it stands, how much academic clout do I have taking into consideration both my sub-par high school performance and my current grades? I'm not sure how fondly APs are looked upon in the admissions process, but I'm wondering if adcoms are willing to take into consideration the context under which I got those scores(while on active duty, fully self studied without classes in 5 months), as well as my shift in attitude that came at the last minute. </p>
<p>Also, my teacher recommendations are definitely not going to be glowing(and i don't blame them!), but I have a military superior who's enthusiastic to write me something much more flattering. Even if it's not under an educational context, it does reflect my work ethic/performance/change in attitude but i'm not sure how much it'll help? </p>
<p>In summary, how possible is it for adcoms to 'forgive' my high school performance and consider me based on my latest scores/reviews? Also, based on what I've got, what schools would be realistic for someone like me? I applied once last year but I never mentioned anything about my change in attitude or grades, and got pretty much rejected from everywhere so I'm considering a gap year before reapplying. But before I do I guess I want my situation assessed first?</p>
<p>I apologise if this post is a little incoherent; I had no idea where to start. But any advice/opinions I can get will be greatly appreciated! Thanks again everyone!</p>
<p>CHANGE! That’s your theme! Even Obama was a drug boy in his high school! You used to be “bad”, but you are not always degenerated! Be confident yourself, tell the AOs in your personal statement about your past, your present and your future! You have realized who you are and what your destined to do.
A men who are willing to change and are successful in changing is much better than those mediocre guys, even they may have higher GPAs than you! You sure will supersede them! Relax man! And be yourself!</p>
<p>Wow thanks for the quick reply! Yeah I guess that’s one thing I didn’t do in my initial app; account for my poor grades. I tried to apply like any other applicant and got burnt pretty badly ):. Still! I need to know how my AP grades will be regarded? I’ve no idea how much emphasis APs are given in the states and consequently if these grades are regarded as average/mediocre/good?</p>
<p>Two years of military service does help people mature quite a bit, but considering that you were a complete slacker for most of your years in secondary school, you will need some extraordinary help in your college search and application process. I suggest that you first read through everything at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/) so that you have a better understanding of this process. Then you should make an appointment with the counselors at the advising center in Singapore: [EducationUSA</a> - Center Profile - United States Education Information Center (USEIC)](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/USEIC]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/USEIC) The counselors there are expert at helping students from your country find places to study in the US. </p>
<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>
<p>Have you taken the SAT and ACT? What were your scores?</p>
<p>What is your Toefl?</p>
<p>What is your budget? How much can you spend each year?</p>
<p>What will your major be?</p>
<p>@happymom:</p>
<p>Thanks for the links! Based on your experiences though what would 7 5s be construed as? Good or bad? </p>
<p>@mom2collegekids:</p>
<p>I’ve taken only the SAT thus far with a score of 2230. I don’t have to take the TOEFL because I got an A for my language paper(General Paper) in the A levels already. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Would really really appreciate more community opinions though…i really don’t know how i to approach the next year right now ):</p>
<p>Sorry, update: my SAT scores are: </p>
<p>SAT1: 2230
SAT2(Physics/Chemistry/Math1): 800/790/760</p>