Select a college that I fit

Parents Forum
1

<p>I am having diffculties to figure out what level of universities in US I should spply to because, as an international student in Canada, I am unfamiliar with the system there.</p>

<p>SAT I: (Taking in December) expect around 2100~2200
SAT II: 780 in Math II, 750 in Physics (first time taking it ahww ><)
TOEFL iBT: 110/ 120</p>

<p>GPA:
The average of ALL courses since grade 10 is 82% (B) in Canada
All sciences/ math have ~90</p>

<p>(with no APs)</p>

<p>School:
Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School in HongKong (G.7-G.8)
Cowichan Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada (G.10)
Burnaby North Secondary School in British Columbia (G.12)
University of Waterloo Pr-University Study Program (On my gap year)</p>

<p>intented majors: physics, mathematics
intented career: professor or researchers in theoretical science/ math
intented focus area: atomic physics, particle physics, quantum physics (no string theory)</p>

<p>Passion: Theoretical science/ math, poetry, drama (I used to live with a playwright that's why) and soccer</p>

<p>ECA:
- Go chess - representative of hongkong regional team while I was 14
- Ranked 22 in hongkong in open competition
- Member of Go-club at my high school in Canada
- Soccer team - just one of my passion
- Research at UBC for one year (August 2007 - June 2008); specialized in
Hydrogen production. My advisor is Dr. John R. Grace in the chemical engineering department.
- Design engineer of a non-profit company Youth Hydrogen which dedicates to promoting and demonstrating the technologies of Hydrogen. It is found by two high school students and we are about to raise 80,000 from government fundings. Next year, 2008, we will build the first hydrogen gas station in downtown of North Vancouver.
- Business club, a club that we are trained to be a "good" investor... not very good tho you know what I mean =P
- Every friday I have a private tutorial class (2 to ~4 hours) with a prof at UBC, we discussed about math which is totally irrelavant to my normal course work, most of them emphasisize highly on theoretical mathematics; for example, differential equation and the existence of solution, group theory
- Tutor (science and math), I spend about 12 ~ 15 hours every week on teaching because 1) to improve my communication skill in English, 2) I enjoy teaching student as I am also learning new ways to approach the same theory and 3) to make a living. </p>

<p>Three words to describe myself: independent (in term of learning =P), inquiring and creative (in science)</p>

<p>Teacher evaluation: top 5% OR one of the top stuednts encountered in my entire teaching career in all aspect on "common application"</p>

<p>Brief intro about myself: Since I was young I am curious about everything; I never tired of asking "why". (Of course, as I gain more and more maturity in science/ math, now I know how to ask a question wisely. - "What if...", "Is that possible that it could be this way instead of the other way...") This results in my passion in science. However, there is not many opportunity in science in my homw country (HongKong); I decided to move to Canada alone at age of 14 (2006January). Then I attented Cowichan Secondary School, which I considered as a very good school. Despite of its size and the lack of many resources, I find it inspiring as I learn the enthusiasm in science. One year later, due to my parents, I am forced to move to Great Vancouver. I attented a big public school there and I do not enjoy it as much as the school in Cowichan Valley. It has excellent resources, I have to admit, but the lack of reaction between teachers and students make me not very satisfy with it. Then, at age of 16, I decided to graduate due to a) the financial burden of my family, b) the disappiontment of this school. Shortly after my graduation, I involved into my job in Youth Hydrogen (mentioned above) as I feel obligate to "save the world". On the other hand, I am involving in research in UBC, which makes me very hard, almost impossible, to study for SAT. However, I am glad I am still able to take 5 to 6 hours everyday to study chemical kinetics as well as various of atomic theories. While I am working on the catalyst in the material and surface chemistry lab, I have chance to see the "reality" of atomic physics and they certainly intrigue me. The most important thing I learn in UBC is the technique and of research, also the attitute every researcher should have: scienific, be positive and logical. (it is NOT my essay, just a intro to let you get a sense of me, in order to make accurate judgement)</p>

<p>PS: Due to a burning passion in science, I would like to attent a college that providers undergraduate research</p>

<p>Dream School: Northwestern University (is that possible?)</p>

<p>Many Many BIGGG thanks!! =P</p>

2

<p>Kit - I'm going to go W-A-Y out on a limb here and suggest that you might be a good fit for large publics like UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, U Washington, U Illinois and possibly U Wisconsin. There are many fine technical private technical universities in the US. But the breadth of your background and your creative passion suggest that you might best fit at the most diverse environment possible --- and that would be a flagship public with reputation for strong science departments. JMHO.</p>

3

<p>There are few guarantees in US college admissions, since most selective schools have far more qualified applicants than they can take, but you are definitely qualified for Northwestern.</p>

<p>I agree with some of the publics suggested above, especially UC Berkeley, but I'll toss in a few others (note that some of these are "reaches" for everyone):</p>

<p>MIT (tough to get into for anyone, especially an international, but I think you're strong enough to be competitive)
Caltech (same qualifier as for MIT)
U of Chicago (very strong in math and physics)
Princeton
Stanford
New York University
UCLA
University of Minnesota</p>

4

<p>OP - I think that there have been some excellent suggestions for schools given to you. Your passion for math and physics stands out as extraordinary as does your research endeavors during your gap year. My only concern would be your grades. An 82% average since grade 10 and an approximate average of 90% in math and science can be a hurdle to surmount in the admissions process. However, a strong SAT score and strong essays that focus on your passions might get you over this hurdle. If a language barrier influenced your grades when you first came to Canada, try to work that into your application somewhere. My suggesstion to you would to start doing alot of internet research on universities that have research programs that are in line with your current work. It can definitely give you a boost. Good luck to you.</p>

5

<p>First, many thanks to all of the suggestion above. </p>

<p>One thing I would like to ask. Does any of the "big" school mentioned above offer undergraduate research program? Also, how about the academic atmosphere as well as their professor-and-students reaction? Those are my only concerns about going to a "big" school.</p>

<p>To karp4170,</p>

<p>Honestly, I do not think there was any language barrier (as least it did not affect my grade). On the other hand, I believe it was because of 1) my age and the lack of maturity at that time, 2) the lack of interests on subjects that is not science or literature.</p>

6

<p>You are going to have to do your own research on schools to figure it out. Most applicants here will divide their applications among 'match' schools and 'reach' schools, and always have a safety or two. Collegeboard.com has a feature called Quickfinder where you can get some info on the school and the statistics for accepted students. This will help you figure out if you fall within the higher or lower range of accepted students on your GPA and your SATs.</p>

<p>Your overall GPA may not be as strong as some candidates, but some schools may overlook that based on your better performance and specific science focus and extra work. Some tech schools, like CalTech will likley accept a lopsided student, but still that is a very hard school to get into.</p>

<p>You might take a look at schools with a large undergraduate focus and less grad school focus for opportunities in undergrad research. My daughter attends Brown University where undergraduate research is extremely accessable. There are always professors looking for students to work with them as they have a small grad school. They have a program of undergraduate research summer grants, that many, including my daughter, applied for a got this year (hers in math/computer.) Brown is very strong across the board with an outstanding applied math dept and has a strong theater program among many other outstanding depts. Masi Oka is one interesting guy who attended and is enjoying some fame right now. He was a computer science major who ended up working for Lucas Films in special effects, but he minored in theater and is now one of the main characters on a popular US TV show called Heroes. </p>

<p>I think there are schools with strong science side that support undergrad research like Carnegie Mellon. Also, since you seem to enjoy small schools and the interaction with professors, keep that in mind. Brown, for instance is 5,000 students and there is excellent access to professors. There are a group of schools called Liberal Arts Colleges that are even only 1,000 or so that enjoy a very good reputation and some are focusing strongly on sciences now. Don't overlook those either. Reed College is reputed to be particularly intellectual and rigorous. You can email the admissions office and tell about your background in order to be put in touch with a professors who can tell you more about their science programs to see if they have what you are looking for.</p>

<p>US News magazine compiled a list of schools where they find a superior opportunity for undergrad research (and creative projects), as nominated by their peer schools. </p>

<p>look this list over as a starting point:
<a href="http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/acadprogs04_brief.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/acadprogs04_brief.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

7

<p>The University of Washington has a strong commitment to having undergraduates participate in reserach projects.</p>

<p>You also might want to ask Dr. Grace and any other science professionals you know to make recommendations about schools.</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
An 82% average since grade 10 and an approximate average of 90% in math and science can be a hurdle to surmount in the admissions process.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>People do need to realize that not every country grades on the same scale as the US. 90% in the US and 90% in Canada are not equivalent in terms of merit.</p>

9

<p>Can I ask a dumb question? Why are you looking at colleges in the US? Canada has some fine universities and if you have landed immigrant status, I assume they would be MUCH cheaper than the US.</p>

<p>If you still want to look in the US and have that status, check individual colleges. At some, you will go into the domestic pile. At others, into the international. You will have MUCH better odds of getting into the former. </p>

<p>I think but am not positive--CHECK--that Cornell is a school which treats those with landed immigrant status--that may not be the exact phrase, but I'm sure you know what I mean--as domestic applicants. If so, and you have that status, I would suggest applying there.</p>

<p>If you do have that status, how students in that category are treated for admissions purposes would be the FIRST thing I would check if I were you. </p>

<p>If you don't have that status, remember that most American universities are NOT need-blind for international applicants.</p>

<p>PS: Just checked. From the Cornell admissions office website:</p>

<p>Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions
Q: Are Canadian and Mexican applicants eligible for financial aid though the Cornell financial aid office?</p>

<p>A: Yes. Canadian citizens and permanent residents and Mexican citizens can apply though the Cornell financial aid office, and are considered for financial aid in the same way as U.S. citizens and permanent residents.</p>

<p>If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you should check to see how each school you are interested in treats you. You're odds of admission and getting good financial aid will vary a great deal depending upon whether you are classified as an international or not.</p>

10

<p>My time to edit has expired. I just want to make sure it's clear that the last paragraph in my previous post is my commentary and is not from the Cornell website.</p>

<p>Also, as a general rule...if you are NOT a landed immigrant and thus are applying to American schools as an international, the WORST financial aid for you will be found at large public universities. U of Michigan, for example, gives NONE. </p>

<p>Northwestern does give aid to internationals, but it is NOT need blind for them. Again, if you are not a permanent resident of Canada, you will NOT be eligible for fianancial aid on the same basis as an American. </p>

<p>You MUST figure out the financial part of this before you ger your heart set on any particular college.</p>

11

<p>First, thanks. </p>

<p>About the financial part, unfortunately, since my brother did not get into any university this year, my parents gave me all the money which was planned to support my brother; and there is enough for my tuition, even as an internation student. Because I am not a landed immigrant, I have to pay roughly ~30,000 to 50,000 at at school. I am looking for school in US because I want the best education.</p>

<p>Also, Brown sounds like a good university. Do people graduated from there usually get in the the top grad school in the country?</p>

12

<p>"Brown sounds like a good university. Do people graduated from there usually get in the the top grad school in the country?"</p>

<p>Brown is a very good university, one of many in the US. Still, your ability to get into top graduate schools is based on your performance at the undergraduate level plus your scores on the graduate admissions exam.<br>
Attending an excellent university alone won't guarantee acceptance to an excellent graduate program.</p>

13

<p>In order to make any kind of reasonable assessment you would have to know where the 82 overall and 90s in math and science compare with your peers in high school. Do you know your approximate class rank?</p>

14

<p>I agree you'd be a good fit for MIT or CalTech. Both have good undergrad research programs, but I'm going to suggest you look at two very small colleges that specialize in undergraduate research in the sciences:
Reed College
Haverford College</p>

<p>I have no idea if either would meet your needs/interests/personality... but I think you should check out their web sites and see if they appeal at all.</p>

15

<p>To: EMM1</p>

<p>Thanks. My class rank was top 5%. (I don't know the exact number, since it is what my teachers said on the teacher evaluation form.)</p>

<p>To dmd77:</p>

<p>Many thanks! Actually Reed and Haverford are already on my list. Do you think I stnad any chance in any one of those?</p>

<p>PS: Caltech is of course the best school in term of theoretical science, but the point is I won't get in because they really really care about high school grades.</p>

16

<p>How about Grinnell and Carleton? I don't know about Macalester and science research, but I think it is very open to international students.</p>

17

<p>It seems to me you match Reed and Haverford's standards pretty well. They both pride themselves on looking at the whole person. (My daughter went to Reed. Theater/lit major.)</p>

18

<p>What is the impression you or your daughter have about science in Reed?</p>

19

<p>Because all students do a thesis at Reed, and because in the sciences that thesis is expected to be original research, the support for students doing original research of publishable quality is huge. My D's friends who were science majors were doing fascinating work. For example, one of them became, quite inadvertently, "the world's authority on the embryology of a certain spider"--simply because no one else had looked at the embryology before. And it turned out to be rather unusual.</p>

20

<p>Excellent!! I am very very impressed by Reed.</p>

<p>How about funding for undergraduate research? For example, do they pay for the chemical if I run an experiment?</p>

<p>Also, is there any social boundary between "science kid" and "art kid"? I know it is very personal but I want to know if there is anything remarkable I should know.</p>