U.S. High School Kid Going to an Irish University? This. Is. A. Nightmare.

Applying to College
1

<p>I am moving to Ireland after I graduate high school in 2011.
I will be 18 years old in July, and shortly after that I will be moving to Ireland.</p>

<p>I do plan on taking a year off to settle and allow all of my visas to go through.</p>

<p>The university I wish to attend is Trinity</a> University. It is located in Dublin.</p>

<p>I would like to get my undergraduate in Ancient/Medieval history.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, some events led to a rough couple of years during my high school career.
I'm a smart young woman, but some things happened and my GPA got a little screwy.</p>

<p>It's currently at a dangerously low 2.5.</p>

<p>However, I'm taking two AP courses and doing very well in all of my classes. I believe
by the end of my senior year I can have the required 3.3.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I'm not sure if I can raise my ACT from a 24 to the required 29.</p>

<p>I do plan on taking ACT prep courses and continually taking the test as much as my school offers until, if possible, I reach 29.</p>

<p>I am moving to Ireland permanently, as well.</p>

<p>My questions:</p>

<p>Am I able to go to something similar to a community college in Ireland?</p>

<p>If this is possible, can I then move on to get my undergraduate without my
ACT score and my GPA being a problem?</p>

<p>Under a student visa, am I allowed to work or will I also need a work permit?</p>

<p>Do any of the benefits of my student visa diminish if I go to college instead of a university first?</p>

<p>Am I able to receive loans as a non-EU student?</p>

<p>Are there any scholarships I can use from the United States in Ireland?</p>

2

<p>You need to contact the Education Officer at the Irish Consulate that is closest to where you live. That person can fill you in on your educational options.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>That was helpful. Thank you.</p>

<p>I contacted the Irish Consulate of Chicago (I’m in rural Michigan).
Hopefully they get back to me, but I still appreciate any input from anybody
else that knows anything about this.</p>

4

<p>No one in this Forum is likely to be able to help you. You could take a look through the threads at the International Student Forum. Click on “Discussion Home” in the upper-left of this screen, and then scroll down to find it.</p>