What are my chances in the US?

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Hello All,</p>

<p>So I'm a US-born and, for the most part, raised kid currently finishing GCSE's and continuing on to A-levels next year.</p>

<p>I've already lined up a couple of Universities I'd like to apply to, so if anyone has had or knows anyone who has had luck applying to them internationally, and especially from the UK, please contact me: Wisconsin-Madison, Texas-Austin, Stanford, Arizona State, NYU. That list is likely to change, but it's what I'm at right now.</p>

<p>So I managed to finish 9th grade in the US. Then for 10th grade (or as they call it here, Year 10) through to Sixth Form I'll be here.</p>

<p>I'm an A average student.</p>

<p>I've had work experience at multiple international businesses such as airlines and hotel chains.</p>

<p>I do the necessary school sports of swimming and squash. I also do Mixed Martial Arts outside of school.</p>

<p>I also do Combined Cadet Force, which apparently counts as community service? I do some activities like debating, Model United Nations and some others too.</p>

<p>My current A-levels I want to take are Maths, Biz Studies/Economics, History and #4 is up in the air to be honest (I'll mention this later in the post).</p>

<p>So basically I have a few questions towards all of you:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Do you guys feel this is good enough to get into a top college, assuming I do relatively well on my SAT's (although I have no clue how that'll go)</p></li>
<li><p>I've noticed that many colleges have a requirement of 4 years of high school english. I'm taking both and English Literature and an English Language GCSE, will this be enough to let me apply? Or were my communications with UW-Madison correct, and I'll have to take it in for AS-level.</p></li>
<li><p>In regards to question 2, will having a mediocre grade in AS English hurt my chances bad (I'm no english pro, I wasn't planning on taking English next year, but I'd consider doing it for the sake of going to US uni)</p></li>
<li><p>This ones a pretty big one, and I'm not sure if it's achievable/makes sense to do:
Would it be possible for me to get in with just AS-levels under my belt next year? So to start Autumn 2014, despite not completing the second year of A-level courses? Would it potentially hurt my chances for future applications?</p></li>
<li><p>Is there anything I should be doing to boost my chances for getting into those schools?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>PS.Sorry that this is a huge block of text but I've just been hoping to find these answers out for a little while. </p>

<p>Thank you all,
Zoui21</p>

2

<p>if UW Madison directly told you that you need English AS Levels, then you should really do it. no question. </p>

<p>your ECs and grades generally look good, but I would contact each uni individually to ask about English requirements (and any other requirements while you’re at it- American students are supposed to have 3 years of MANY subjects, but all of them probably won’t apply to you, while some might). ask about starting school early as well. </p>

<p>other than that, it looks like you’re in good shape. it’s very hard for internationals to get in, but I’m not sure if you’ll be considered a home student. check how much the unis will cost as well</p>

3

<p>Whenever you hear a requirement like “4 years of high school English”, you must always ask “Does this apply to foreign students?”. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t. Because the average American with four years of high school English still wouldn’t be able to pass A level English. I am fairly certain that your GCSE English passes will be adequate.</p>

<p>Similarly, I am not sure that you need to take the SAT. Again “Does this apply to foreign students?”.</p>

<p>Applying now will not hurt your chances later. Nobody would ever say “Well, this guy is good enough now to be admitted, but we won’t because we didn’t admit him last year.” If it helps, I got into an American university without completing my sixth form and without taking A levels. But then I certainly did take both the SAT and the ACT, together with the GED.</p>

<p>KEVP</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the replies.</p>

<p>So which colleges did you manage to get into with just a GED and no A-levels? PS I’m fine with taking SAT’s and as I understand, I’ll have to take them for state unis.</p>

5

<p>I applied to and was admitted to a large “Big Ten” University.</p>

<p>Remember that there are always LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of options for different colleges and unis. They are each different, and have very different criteria for admission. Just like there are many colleges & unis in the UK that are easier to get into than Oxbridge (as we often tell people), there are also many colleges & unis in the USA that are easier to get in to than the Ivy League.</p>

<p>Really, I don’t think people should look at college as an end in itself. College is just a stepping stone to the life that you REALLY want. Think about where you want to be five or ten years after you have finished college, then apply to the college that will get you there.</p>

6

<p>I’m an applicant from the UK who was recently admitted to a top 5 college in the US (depending on which league table you look at). </p>

<p>I would definitely complete your A Levels, as I did. Going without your a levels would be like starting college without your high school diploma. It would put you at a disadvantage when you started college. </p>

<p>When I first applied I thought I wouldn’t get in anywhere, hence why I only applied to three colleges. When I look back on it I wish I had applied to so many more. </p>

<p>Your ECs look good as do your academics. During sixth form, I would really recommend getting involved in student politics or try and get a leadership position. I think it really enhanced my application. </p>

<p>All the best and don’t be afraid of applying to big colleges!</p>