UK Applicant to UNC, NYU and UChicago (sorry, I've been having trouble deleting my previous post)

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>I am a UK national in the process of applying to American universities. At the moment I have my mind set on NYU, UNC Chapel Hill and Chcago but mainly UNC or NYU. However, my situation is very unusual:</p>

<p>I am in a gap year and have therefore already obtained grades. I scored 38 points on the IB with 5, 6, 7 at HL, the 7 being in Physics, the subject I want to major in. I also took an A-level in Maths in which I got a B- I am retaking this to boost my grade to an A/A*. Additionally, I am a fluent speaker of four languages (if this is at all relevant). As for extra-curricular activities, I have been with the RAF (Air-force) Air Cadets for many years, volunteer at an observatory and have done other activities with my IB class (such as aid work in Swaziland).</p>

<p>My concern is regarding the SAT. I feel I may have missed quite a few marks on the Math section due to timing (I normally have extra time but I thought it would be too much hassle for this exam). However, I feel fairly confident that I did well on the rest.</p>

<p>Obviously, I'll make my own judgements when my scores come out but I'm just curious to hear what people think on the matter. If I were to score below 600 on my SAT Math, would the mentioned colleges be likely to take that grade with a pinch of salt given my other qualifications?</p>

<p>As for overall score on the SAT, I'm expecting it to be around 1800-2000. How important would this be given that I already have grades? I expect most applicants would only have their predicted scores.</p>

<p>Finally, I am debating whether to take SAT subject tests, in Physics, L2 Math and German. Do you guys think these are worth taking? Would they add much more to what I already have?</p>

<p>Haha, I'm probably not very anon anymore..</p>

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<p>Hi-- your IB score is very good. Does that include EE and TOK???</p>

<p>Did you take Math HL in combination with your Physics HL?? Rigor is one of the most important things. </p>

<p>Take the subject tests in the languages you are fluent in to prove to the colleges that your are fluent in them. I think you should take as many subject tests as you can considering that you are in a gap year. </p>

<p>There is sympathy for international students regarding SAT scores because you are at a disadvantage from American students who grew up with standardized tests. </p>

<p>Remember, acceptance rates for international students are very low. You will have a good chance at NYU I think. </p>

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<p>My sixth-form college (for 16-18 year olds) didn’t run IB Math HL so I had to take up A-level Math in addition to Math Studies SL. I think A-level Maths is roughly equivalent a combination of AP Calculus BC, Statistics, a bit of Physics (as I had to do mechanics) and any other math courses you have in AP. In terms of how advanced it is, it goes up to forming differential equations and advanced integration (by parts, by inspection etc.). I got a B in it which is a 4 I think for AP</p>

<p>Yeah my IB score includes EE and TOK in which I got 3 points. Also my IB Math Studies was a 7 although I’m not really sure that makes a difference.</p>

<p>Thanks for responding</p>