Want to transfer to a U.S. University (in a bad fix.)

<p>Hey everyone. I'm currently in a bad fix. But let me tell you my story first. I am a guy from sweden. I am fluent in Swedish, English, Arabic and I know some french.</p>

<p>I graduated from high school with a 3.25 GPA with the most advanced and rigorous courses possible (or almost). My GPA was pretty bad at first but I got pretty good grades in my last years. (Especially in advanced math/physics.)</p>

<p>So I graduated with 3.25 GPA (Unweighted). </p>

<p>My SAT scores : 610 Math, 560 Critical reading, 510 Writing. ( I am planning to redo the SATs because I never prepared for them. I am also planning to do SAT subject tests in math level II physics and chemistry. </p>

<p>I have a recommendation letter from my high school physics teacher and a recommendation letter from my soccer coach about my leadership abilities. </p>

<p>Here is the problem, one and a half years ago, my father got leukemia (blood cancer) so I decided to stay at home and take care of my younger sister (3 years old at the time). In the meanwhile I was simply curious about chemistry, so I called the local university and asked them if I could enroll and simply try it out. They said that it was ok because they never have a full class anyways. (Anyone can get in.) So I enrolled in pharmaceutical chemistry (BA) to have something to do. However I only went when I had time and only finished a couple of credits (4 credits with C in grade. I didnt think it was a big deal since the system here in sweden is not the same as in the United States. (I did not need the same commmitment). But I was eventually time consumed and decided not to attend anymore. </p>

<p>Again, I must stress that I went because I was curious about the university and because the dean told me that they had spots open( they are never full) if I wanted to try it out. So I went. </p>

<p>After a while I decided to enroll at a college preporatory semester at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. However I could not find anyplace to stay. It was really hard because colleges dont offer housing here in Sweden. So I ended up staying the central station. I slept at a bench and I locked my stuff in a locker. ( I showered at several high school gym halls) :/ In stockholm its almost impossible to find somewhere to live.(5-6 years of waiting time for normal apartments and about 2 years waiting time for student apartments.) I got a fever and I missed 3 exams last month. ( Gonna take the exams in march/april and Im pretty sure ill get a top grade on all 3 of them. Studied like horse at pizzahut and mcdonalds :D</p>

<p>They've got free wi-fi you know :D. Now I got a room and I also got a research -assistant position with one of our professors. I am gonna help him out with his research :D </p>

<p>Anyways, My dream has always been to get a PhD in Physics, I love quantum physics and math. But I didnt know that I would be counted as a transfer student. I thought I would be able to apply as a freshman. Had I known, I would never have gone to the local University. :)</p>

<p>So my question to you is this, at what colleges can I get admitted to in the U.S. ? Considering all I have said :</p>

<p>3.25 GPA. Unweighted of course ( not as bad as it sounds, only 2 people in my class got higher GPAs. Nobody got close to a 4.0 GPA.</p>

<p>SATs : 610 Math, 560 Critical reading, 510 Writing. </p>

<p>2 letters of recommendation. (from a physics teacher and soccer coach).</p>

<p>and hopefully in 4-6 months im gonna get letters of recommendation from a professor and maybe even have my name published. ( We'll see I guess).</p>

<p>Most likely A's on 12 credits of college prep math and physics. and a B on 4 credits of math. Though its one semester (Fall '11) and im finishing some courses in march/april '12</p>

<p>I am also fluent in 3 languages : Swedish, Arabic and English.</p>

<p>Negatives :</p>

<ul>
<li><pre><code>The pharmaceutical bacherlor attendance . I had no idea it had to be counted. I only finished one course and I want nothing to do with it. A Try out (very common in Sweden).
</code></pre>

<ul>
<li> My grades from the college preparory courses will be available in june. </li>
</ul></li>
</ul>

<p>At what Universities can I get admitted to? And how should I explain my situation. My dream is to get a bachelors in physics or applied physics and then go on to a PhD program. I do not need financial aid. Should I apply to a community college? Can I get in to a community college honors program? I want no credit for the courses here in Sweden. And I want to apply for a 4 years program.</p>

<p>and also, What are my chances at an ivy league graduate school? If I manage to finish my bacherlors degree in the U.S. with high grades and good research experience?</p>

<p>Thank you. Please give me recommendations for universities/colleges.</p>

<p>How much can you pay?</p>

<p>If you can pay the full cost of your studies, there are lots of places that will admit you.</p>

<p>You should start by reading through the information at educationusa.state.gov. Then follow the links to find the advising center closest to where you live. The counselors at that center are expert at helping applicants from your country find good places to study in the US. They will have useful ideas for you.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>