which schools to apply to? (physics)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am currently studying in an international high school overseas, and will be applying to college pretty soon. </p>

<p>Currently, I am predicted 36 points in the IB (excluding TOK/EE), and I could probably raise it up to a 37/38 before the predicted grades are finalized. I have 9 I/GCSE qualifications which are on average around A/A*. </p>

<p>So far, my SAT score is pretty bad though...1730 (V: 530, M: 650, W: 550)</p>

<p>I have some okay EC's, though nothing spectacular. My best achievements are probably breaking several of my school's Track and Field records. I've also played for the school basketball team, and competed in Interschools Track and Field. I also have some music qualifications (violin - grade 7, music theory - grade 5, piano - grade 2). Those are probably my most notable EC's...</p>

<p>Well, I'm interested in majoring in physics, and right now I'm thinking about Cornell, UCLA, UCSD, Washington University in St Louis, Rice....</p>

<p>I am also considering UK schools, such as Imperial, UCL, Bath, Southampton...I know this forum is mainly for American schools, but if anyone here are knowledgeable on UK schools, I'd really appreciate any help.</p>

<p>Well, do u guys think these schools are good for physics at the undergraduate level, and would I make a suitable candidate? What other schools should I be considering?</p>

<p>Any advice would be much appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>I have 9 IGCSEs like you do, and I did IB and was predicted rougly as you were (also have accelerated A level in Mathematics). However your SAT 1 scores are significantly lower than mine, and I am sure that you woulnt be able to beat me in the SAT 2 scores either (you hav to take SAT 2 for Cornell). Unless you have incredible awards or EC, I am sorry that I am going to have to be realistic but all of the universities in the US are all reaches. I intially applied to the US as you did, and got rejected from all my top choices, and ended up at University of Melbourne in Australia.</p>

<p>Although I did not apply to colleges in the UK, about 95% of the people in my school did, as we are a british curriculum school. I believe you are set for Bath and Southampton, but Imperial and UCL are probably matches, meaning that you may or may not get in depending on luck. I am basing my conclusion on the information that you have provided, but obviously this is not accurate since I do not know the quality of
your admissions essay or recommendations.</p>

<p>Do not feel sad that you have a low chance for the US universities that you list above. This is not because you are not good enough, it is purely because the difference in admissions type, and curriculum. The British and Australians would tend to credit IB more than the Americans, so applying to college in the US would be a loss on your part (unless if you have state residency there, and can get in state tuition, etc...).</p>

<p>Edit: If you want to know the list of schools that I got accepted/rejected to just PM me. Glad to help!</p>

3

<p>yllihp:</p>

<p>UCLA: Super Reach (out of state)
UCSD: Reach (out of state)</p>

4

<p>Is my chance at US universities low mainly because of my SAT result? What if I retake it? I could probably improve it to around 1900~2000 (would this be realistic btw?) And what if I do well in my SAT II's? Let's say maybe 700 and 700...</p>

<p>Would I be a good candidate for the schools I listed above then?</p>

5

<p>yllihp:</p>

<p>Assuming you get 1950 on your SAT I and 700/700 on your SAT IIs,
UCLA: Reach (out of state)
UCSD: Slight Reach (out of state)</p>

6

<p>I'm very similar status as you, though I'm in US.
Consider Mcgill, Case Western, U Texas Austin, U Illinois, UCSB-very very strong physics department(2 novel physics prize since 1998), U Maryland, U Michigan, UBC, U Toronto, U Wisconsin, Carnegie Mellon, Brandeis, ....</p>

7

<p>UC Irvine, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz
U Colorado
U Colorado (Colorado Springs)
U Denver
U Evansville
Lewis and Clark
Ohio State
Beloit
Ohio U
St John's (MN)
SUNY Stony Brook
U Vermont
U Texas Austin
Ursinus
U Wisconsin
Rollins
Worcester Polytechnic
St Olaf
Lawrence
SUNY Binghamton
Kalamazoo
Occidental</p>

8

<p>You might want to check into University of Redlands in So CA. It is a small liberal arts but I have read they have a nice Physics dept. You would have to see for yourself. They do give lots & lots of attention to their Physics students. They are also generous with merit aid.</p>