<p>Stats:
sat1-1980(cr+m-1350)
sat2-taking in october(expecting 700+ on math2 and chem)
im an international student,
academics-
school doesnt have a gpa system
9th grade- 73%
10th grade-95.2%(national exam)
11th grade-69%
the reason for my bad grades is that my school gives out horrible grades to everyone. that 95.2 wasnt checked by the school but was evaluated by the national council since we have to give a board exam in the 10th and 12th
all 4 yrs of high school ive been in the top 5% of my school</p>
<p>ec’s:-
4 yrs soccer(captain senior yr)
4 yrs tennis
3 yrs volleyball
a couple of MUN’s
gold medal in national science olympiad for coming 1st in school
creative writing competition
regional debate competition</p>
<p>Reccommendations-havent recieved them yet but expecting amazing one’s
essays- will be good hopefully
so can i get in for mechE???( i was told not to apply because my chnaces are slim to none)</p>
<p>First of all, never say never. Don’t simply refuse to apply because you think you won’t get in. You never know! </p>
<p>That said, I think you might be a competitive applicant. UIUC doesn’t look at SAT 2 scores. Maybe you could improve upon your SAT Reasoning to improve your chances. Your 11th grades might pull you back. Being Indian, I understand completely that schools give you bad grades to ‘prepare you for boards’, but the adcoms may not necessarily understand. Ask your counsellor if (s)he could mention it in the letter of recommendation. The fact that you’ve always been in the top 5% of your class will likely speak for itself, though.</p>
<p>i can get a letter from the principal of my school saying that ive been in the top 5%, if that helps?
i am going to retake the sat in november so i wont be applying early action, if i do it’ll be with my current sat score.
but will the university consider my 95.2% as a real understanding of my caliber as a student since its graded by the board, beacuse that 69% is really killing me
overall do you think ill get in?</p>
<p>You don’t say where you are from. UIUC is aware of different grading systems from many countries. For example, Khione above mentions India and from there, UIUC would usually consider any grade above 60 from India to be in the A range in the US. That you are top 5% indicates you might be from somewhere where those grades would not be considered low by UIUC. </p>
<p>Noting that you are top 5% in your application or essay and possibly getting a letter submitted by counselor or principal explaining grading system and that yours put you in top 5% may help. Otherwise, be aware that UIUC does not consider recommendation letters or SAT subject tests for admission. Your SAT may be a little low and you might consider a retake particularly if the math section is not in the 700s.</p>
<p>i got a 700 in math and i am retaking it in november.
yes, i am from india and im not sure how the university looks at indian application so im not sure if they’ll look down upon that 69%.
im also aware that uiuc doesnt look at subject tests but im taking the anyway as uiuc isnt the only school im applying to
considering all this is uiuc a reach for me?? or is it a match??</p>
<p>Just note in relation to your mentioning that there are those who have been saying your grades are not good enough to apply. I assume they are also saying that about some other colleges. Don’t listen to them for other colleges either because it is apparently coming from those who do not know that 69% from India is considered in the A range by US colleges.</p>
