polytechnic or college?

International Students
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<p>Hi, i've been looking through the forum pages and i was wondering if anyone could put in their two cents' worth on my dilemma:</p>

<p>I'm from Singapore and i'm currently in sec 3, which means I have to take O levels next year. I am studying in an all girls' school which is well known for our academic and CCA achievements. Many students do well to move on to prestigious institutions like RJ/HCI/ACSIB. </p>

<p>However, I do not want to go through the 'general education' route again, and would like to study psychology after Os. As mentioned above, i've been looking through the forum and found that I do not need to go to poly to receive education in the field of psychology- I can also go to colleges like Prudue and UMich using my Olevel cert. </p>

<p>In addition, I would like to complete my education in Stanford University, as Stanford has this programme where you stay for an additional year so you can get your Masters. So which route will better my chances of getting into Stanford? Going to Prudue/UMich for freshman year then transfer over to Stanford, or completing a Psychology Diploma in Singapore then applying for Stanford? </p>

<p>Furthermore, I have decent ECs, but it is very focused on choir (participated in two SYFs: Gold and Gold Hons+1 international competition w/good results) and I took Stanford's Writing Programme few years back.</p>

<p>Thank you in advance for your comments!</p>

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<p>Why don’t you want to do your undergrad in Stanford starting freshman year?</p>

<p>Also, it’s Purdue, not Prudue.</p>

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<p>oops sorry!
Because Stanford will definitely not accept students with just an O level certification! Purdue/ UMich will!</p>

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<p>Stanford accepts very few transfers. Your odds are worse than during regular admission.</p>

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<p>Even for an international who possibly needs FA? The normal route to go is A levels and only the cream of the crop get into the top colleges. However I am searching for an alternate route that will be more focused on the subject I am interested in: psychology!</p>

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<p>Requesting for FA will make your chances of admission even lower, especially since you’re an international. </p>

<p>I’m sure there are some other great psychology programs out there.</p>

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<p>Mhm, my other option is to aim for berkeley! I’m aiming for schools in the Cali area as I would have almost relatives nearby. However if i really can’t, then I’ll try other schools in other states.</p>

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<p>I think you didn’t know this.

</p>

<p>Also, what is your parents’ EFC?</p>

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<p>Yeah I kinda knew that alr. But Berkeley is slightly cheaper I think so yeah.</p>

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<p>^^ yes, as a full pay International student (over $54,000 per year) your odds are better at transferring into Berkeley.</p>

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<p>From poly or another college? Well I think I will be going to poly after Os after all, which was my original plan. Thanks!</p>

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<p>^^ from either one. Public universities LOVE full-pay International students.</p>

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<p>If you need FA i highly doubt the Os would make a cut . Unless you can afford a significant amount and require FA for the nitty picky stuff.</p>

<p>You sound like a rgs student:) correct me if i am wrong</p>

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<p>Haha nope not from rgs! Rgs girls do not take Os anymore! Well except for HCL that is.
So poly diploma would be better as compared to JUST an o level cert?</p>

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<p>hey finepixe, i will suggest that u dont not go poly. since u already have a clear aim of psychology. either u go straight to unis in the states. another way is to take SAT after ur O’s this will give the schools in US a better idea of where you stand.
Another suggestion is to finish up ur o level. then apply the SIM’s university at buffalo program. u can actually take the foundation units and do well. from there u can apply a transfer to better colleges in the states. this will help u save lots of $ too</p>

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<p>But still if her goal is stanford , this route is hardly desirable.</p>

<p>Umich and purdue are decent school and may suit you better. Rather then Stanford where everyone is a high achiever and will be mugging</p>

<p>Instead fine school such as mich and purdue would be a better fit for your intention</p>

<p>Also how much can you afford to pay? Because there are good school that wouldn’t break a bank like</p>

<p>Minnesota-twin city low tution fee</p>

<p>Indiana university- good sats eligible for scholarship and cheaper housing + can be ra for more cost cutting</p>

<p>University of richmond-a decent scholarship scheme</p>

<p>Brigham young university- low tution but its full of mormon some may dislike</p>

<p>Lac(doubt you might wanna go but still:) )
Columbia college-scholarship if u have</p>

<p>There is many more good schools offering comprehensive scheme , do google and search</p>

<p>Schools like minnesota , indiana , also have good psychology department and is highly viewed amongst us citizen.</p>

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<p>I see. Thanks for your in depth analysis! If i cannot get into Stanford, I will probably try for Berkeley. I want to go to a college in the Cali area as I will have a guardian nearby, instead of states away. Plus I don’t think i’ll be able to take the winters as well as the lack of good chinese food, which will be scarce in states other than Cali.
Well, there’s still a long way to go so yeah! Shall do what I can now!</p>

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<p>No problem do read on more and see other local based education forum for more information too.</p>

<p>UC are a decent university system , however if you require aid it may not be the best choice for you . On the flipside if you do not require aid UC would be more open to int student considering their budget cut and if Chinese food is your concern don’t be . like singapore every develop countries has Chinese immigrant at their doorstep.</p>

<p>do also expand your ec , but remember to do what you love instead of “wayanging” as when your write/describe smt you love as compared to you for the sake of it. The difference is significant</p>

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<p>Yes, UC Berkeley has a fantastic psychology program. I plan on doing well enough so that I can secure a scholarship so yeah. Hopefully things will go the way I want it to. :)The most important is being in Cali so i have parental guidance nearby, and the weather.</p>

<p>Of course, I really don’t understand those who do things that they don’t enjoy…-.-</p>

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<p>What kind of scholarship are you referring to?</p>