NYU Shanghai Questions + How to begin College Search.

College Search & Selection
1

<p>If anyone is currently attending NYU, please answer these questions. I will be forever thankful. </p>

<ol>
<li>Did NYU Shanghai provide any scholarship of any sort? If so, which were the ones you and/or others received? </li>
<li>Why and how did you pick NYU Shanghai?</li>
<li>How was the application process like? Does the school look for particular traits in it's applicants?</li>
<li>Compared to other classmates in the United States, how would your education in China would be different? </li>
<li>How have the first few months in Shanghai been like?</li>
<li>Would you recommend others to attend this University, and why?</li>
</ol>

<p>I am a 15 year old girl living in Vancouver, Canada. I'm of Chinese origin. If it helps in any way, I'm in the top 5% of my public school. I have a 94% average. I'm in French Immersion. I don't know where or how to begin my college search. </p>

<p>This might seem early to be thinking about this at my age, but I've recently started thinking about this because this summer, my family is planning to have a road trip around the US. They're asking me to compile a list of Universities I might want to visit. I'd like to visit schools other than the Ivy League schools and other schools that are prestigious. I have nothing against those schools; it's just that based on the applicants that are accepted, I don't think I'll have much chance to get into the schools. ): </p>

<p>Also, I would like to know how to prepare for University applications. I really hate to say this, but because I don't have many ECs, do I need to start joining as many as I can? </p>

<p>If anyone has read up to this point, thank you for bearing with me. Also, if anyone ever EVER answers this, I will be forever thankful. </p>

<p>Happy Holidays!</p>

2

<p>Sorry, I can’t help with NYU Shanghai.</p>

<p>Don’t worry, you’re right where you should be in the college search. It’s a complicated topic, but there’s plenty of time. Once you plunge in, things will fall into place.</p>

<p>First, talk to your parents about money. This is absolutely essential before you start making any list. Private colleges in the US can cost $50,000 to 60,000 a year. Financial aid is available but it’s challenging for Internationals to secure. If you will require financial aid, you should understand how it works, especially the difference between need based aid and merit aid. Ask your parents to use a few on-line calculators to get an idea of how much need based aid you might be eligible for. Don’t put this off.</p>

<p>Second, work on developing one or two MEANINGFUL ECs. Two is enough, don’t try to join a whole bunch of clubs. You want quality (depth of involvement), not quantity.</p>

<p>Think about what you like to do and how you can expand your interests into an activity that says something about who you are. Could be sports, could be arts, could be community service. Whatever you like to do when you’re not in class or studying can be developed into a compelling ECs, but it should be sincerely interesting to you.</p>

<p>I agree, visiting the ivies or other highly selective schools isn’t the best place to start on your road trip. Not because you don’t have a chance of admission (you do) but because you already know you’ll like them. It’s better to use the time and energy to learn about your options. Visit large, medium and small. Urban, suburban and rural. All women’s. Good matches and less selectives. Once you find one or two that appeal to you, you can build a list of schools that are similar in personality.</p>

<p>Unless you’re happy using a Canadian school as your safety, you should try to visit a few less selectives. Safeties are hard to find. They’re out there, but it’s a process of elimination, so devote a fair amount of your travel time to finding one that you can live with.</p>

<p>But, for sure, clarify the finances first. This will save you a lot of aggravation later.</p>