Not sure what to "dream" for

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi there!</p>

<p>I'm am a (future) international student (at least I hope). I don't actually know what are my chances to a college. My (expected) GPA is about 7,78. The think that bothers me the most is that when I was a freshman a got almost only B's and C's and sometimes D's because of some problems I want to forget. I know I should write about them and that's what I will do, but if I am an international student, will it still help my chances?</p>

<p>SAT 1, TOEFL and SAT Subjects tests for Maths 2 and Physics are not a problem. I really am thinking about taking the Japanese and Chemestry Subject Test too if they will increase my chances, but the thing that matters now is my GPA.</p>

<p>I want to study computer science, I am learning right know C and C++, I know HTML and as soon as I finish C++ I will start programming in C#. I have a very algorithmic thinking.</p>

<p>Misc: I played basketball for 5 years and made it into my national team, now, because of my "strange" high school program, I only play basketball as leisure activity and play in my high school team. I play guitar in a rock band. I'm taking acting classes and I am in my first year. I done volunteer work for the Red Cross. I have and ECDL certificate.
Maybe there are other things I don't remember right now.</p>

<p>So, do I have any chances to make it to a good college?</p>

<p>EDIT: I forgot to say, I need financial aid.</p>

2

<p>It’s hard to say. Your essays are really important too. And it’s hard to predict without knowing your scores.</p>

3

<p>The only thing that I want to know is if my GPA will stop me from getting into college.</p>

<p>PS: In my first post I wanted to say “an ECDL certificate”.</p>

4

<p>Most GPAs are on a 4.0 and sometimes 5.0 scale, so it’s impossible for me tell what your average means. However, given what you’ve said about having C’s and D’s freshman year, I’d say your chances are reduced for getting into a “good college” (do you mean ivy-league?). Have your grades significantly improved? As in all A’s now?</p>

5

<p>Yes, I have an upword trend. My GPA as a freshman was about 3,32, now I have stright A’s. And no, I don’t mean the Ivy League.</p>

<p>And wait, that little “7,78” was actually “3,78”, Sorry.</p>

6

<p>Upward trend is a good sign. But it’s hard to gauge an international student’s chances at admissions, not really sure about those numbers. Some schools may want to diversify, so your chances at acceptance could be better…But if you need financial aid, the policies for internationals varies greatly between schools. Some are going to be more willing/able to help you out, others may not be able to provide anything. So research that as you look at potential schools</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

7

<p>Could you still maybe specify your idea of “good”? Do you mean like University of Michigan (you’d have a shot, depending on your SAT scores) or more like Berkeley (not such a good chance)?</p>

8

<p>Sure I do. I mean like University of Michigan.</p>