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<li>I already posted this in the science major section of the website but figured this was the right place for it. </li>
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<p>Hello Everyone,</p>
<p>Ever since I was young, I've had a passion for Technology and astrophysics. This passion is enormous and has extended thoroughly to theoretical Physics recently as I have read Anthony Hawking's books. I LOVE Physics.</p>
<p>Now, I've been living in Lebanon until this year " my senior year ". There were no opportunities for me or anything. I also fought the educational system there because it obstructed my passions and dreams. In that kind of revolution, I plummeeted from 1st to almost last in my class. " 1st 1-9 grades ".</p>
<p>I have a 28 on the ACT and retook it hoping to get somewhere.in the 30s. However, when they transferred my transcripts they calculated a 2.5 GPA which kills any chances I have to colleges. Ofcourse, the system in lebanon doesn't allow you to take high scores. As in, the most you can reach is 90% in any class and.to.reach it you have to do ridiculous amounts of totally uneducational work.</p>
<p>Where should I apply and what should I do? Im in Michigan currently and I know you'll tell me to forget it but im applyig to MIT anyways because it's my dream but unrealistic school.</p>
<p>I would like to major in physics and go on to a PHD in Astro or theoretical.</p>
<p>for instance, the above post has listed OOS publics. They will expect you to pay all costs. If your parents will pay for wherever you go, then you’ll have more choices.</p>
<p>Are you an international? Do you have a green card?</p>
<p>No, you can’t take that approach. You’ll never make up $200,000 in loans and you’ll spend the rest of your life trying to dig out of debt. You have great options in Michigan if you’re a legal resident.</p>
<p>I already got rejected at UoM Dearborn one day after I applied. " I don’t get why I’m well beyond their ACT average ".</p>
<p>btw, I will have 2 great recs from teachers this year. In addition, in such a short time frame, I became good friends with my counselor. Lastly, I’m trying to get some recs from the best Astronomy professors in Lebanon and possibly someone from JPL.</p>
<p>Edit: Oh and I’m ready to take the risks. This might sound too adventurous and reckless at least, but if I reach my goal in life, I’ll be able to easily knock these debts off.</p>
<p>Well, one source says astrophysicists don’t make much money ($40-50K starting). [Astrophysicist’s</a> Salary](<a href=“Imagine the Universe!”>Imagine the Universe!) You won’t be able to pay off those loans that quickly (I’m not even sure you could GET those loans being low income). You should start at a local community college and transfer after you prove yourself academically with good grades. That keeps the cost down to start.</p>
<p>How so? Stop for a minute with the fantasy and work with hard data, like a physicist. What kind of salary are you obtaining once you start work? What kind of compound interest are you incurring with your debt? If you are good at physics, you can easily find a calculator and run the numbers with best case scenario: what year after graduation will you be debt free? </p>
<p>This is not ‘raining on your dream’ but simply asking you to use a more mature, and realistic assessment to determine how best to end up with what you dream of 10 years from now. </p>
<p>There is <em>absolutely no need</em> to go to MIT or Caltech to pursue your dreams. There are many many other paths that will take you to the same goal. Look at some of the above suggestions. They are good ones.</p>
<p>However, No. I understand what all of you are saying. However, I’m not just a lousy teenager that’s taking rushed decisions in a world far from reality. I’m sick of being told I can’t and sick of being told I wont. My decision is now that I can and I will. </p>
<p>I’m not a person with no experience or that has no idea what he’s going to go through. I’m not the person you think will later find the hardships of life and realize his mistakes.</p>
<p>I’ve been through the hardships of life. I’ve lived through 3 wars in South Lebanon. I’m in a place in the world where noone cares about my people, their fate, their lives, or their hardships. But, We always come out on top when we believe in something. </p>
<p>I believe in this and in my abilities. Money comes and goes, but passion and education sticks with a person.</p>
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