<pre><code>I'm a high school senior from India and I'm applying to the US for undergrad in 2014. Right now, I'm really really worried. Here are my problems: Here in India, most(probably zero, where I come from) schools offer AP classes. And by the time I found out we could prepare and give exams at other schools, it was the beginning of this year. I had no time to prepare for AP and the AP prep classes were, well, expensive for my family. So, problem 1, I have no APs.(But our high school curriculum and is the same AP. The level of difficulty is the same and sometimes even higher.) Problem 2: Except in those big, expensive schools, clubs are very rare in schools here. I attend a modest pre-university college(which is equivalent to junior and senior years high school) and there are no clubs here. So I haven't held been President, VP, Secretary or held any such fancy titles I see on so many students' applications here. So here's my question: Am I at a huge disadvantage here? Will the admissions officers understand my situation?
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<p>Thanks a lot for any reply!(Though I'd prefer no jeering.)</p>
<p>International applicants are not expected to have AP courses, or to take AP exams. You will be evaluated in comparison to other students who have attended schools like yours in your country. Do not worry about that.</p>
<p>Likewise, the admissions officers know that most international students don’t have any ECs. The whole concept of ECs is pretty much a US phenomenon. Don’t worry about that either. Just present your own information about your own life and education. You will be fine.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, happymomof1 and arbalest007! That’s a relief. So that leads me to one question now. In the “Activities” section of common app, I’ve entered my extracurricular activities like programming, guitar, etc. Is this section only for clubs? Do I have to remove all these and put it all in the r</p>
<p>The extracurriculars section is for anything that you do with your time outside of school. I have seen students enter babysitting their siblings and cooking the family dinner every night; jobs; clubs; sports; I have seen kids put down video gaming – listing the highest levels they have reached in certain games (hey, I may not understand but its their app). Be creative and use the space to educate the college on what you do with your extra time.</p>
<p>If you have very good grades in your school, you do not have a disadvantage. Schools understand that international students have different opportunities. Also, I think it is awesome that you are coming to the US for school! I too am applying to international universities.</p>
As a matter of fact, even I’ve put video games one activity and contests I’ve won! :D</p>