From a 67% in 10th to A* Ambitions in A Level: Can a Late Bloomer Still Crack Top U.S. Unis Like Cornell & Rice?

Applying to College
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Hey everyone,

I’m an international student with a bit of an unconventional journey and I’m owning it.

Back in 10th grade, I wasn’t focused. Scored around 67% (B- equivalent) in a completely diferent curriculum. College wasn’t even on my radar back then—it just wasn’t part of the culture I was in.

But fast-forward: I’m now in a solid school (it’s online though), laser-focused, and predicted A*/A in A Levels—Biology, Geography, and Economics. I’m gunning for top U.S. universities with sustainability/commerce-focused programs, and I’ve put in the work to completely shift my academic path.

I’ve been reaching out directly to admissions offices. Rice replied saying they consider IGCSE/O-Level and A-Level results, which is kind of scary because now I would have to submit my 10th marks from that curriculum too which could potentially picture me as a lazy bum?, but Cornell’s recommendations got me thinking—they mention 4 units of English, 4 of math (with calc recommended), and 4 of core science for environmental engineering and this is scary if I’m being honest

I haven’t taken Math or English A Levels. I’m planning to take IELTS/TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency, but Math isn’t something I’ll be able to fit in although I’m planning to substitute it with SAT.

So my question is:
Is there still room at the table for students like me at places like Cornell or Rice, who have had a late start but a strong finish? and are these subject “recommendations” deal-breakers?

Would love any advice, success stories, or other uni recs that value the whole applicant and not just a perfect checklist. :folded_hands:

Appreciate you all, and good luck to everyone grinding through apps this season!

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They will look at your iGCSEs or results from 9th and 10th, as well as A Levels.
What results did you get for each iGCSE you took (or any exam you took)?

Depending on this we’ll be able to suggest a lot of different universities.

There’s no way you can get into any sort of Engineering without at least precalculus and physics - and for the colleges you’re aiming for, calculus and more than just one Physics class.

You need to find a Math class ASAP and/or score 700+ for any sort of major where there’s math - Economics, Business, Environmental science…
You’d be more likely to get into a Geography/GIS program, perhaps, or an Environmental Science major.
(A good SAT score is necessary but since it doesn’t test Calculus and very little Precalculus, it’s not a replacement for taking these classes).
If you took Further Maths GCSE and scored 6 or higher there may be some leeway since that class covers some analysis/calculus.

But in addition to being among the top students in your country (for Cornell or Rice) or at least in your town/region (if aiming for universities that admit ~35-40% students and with appropriate major selection), American universities expect applicants to have done a lot out of school.
Finally, unless your parent have $240,000 stashed away in an account for your college - and, let’s face it very few parents do- or are able to cash flow this amount over 4 years, you’ll need scholarships.
That being said, if your goal is to study in the US and you do have money (and a solid SAT score), there are universities where you’d have a shot.

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OP- I’ll bet you’re a terrific person and you’re proving you’re a strong student as well.

I think you need to reframe things. You don’t want to “crack” anything. You want to identify the right environment for you to get an education- which includes something you and your family can afford, somewhere with a curriculum that excites you, and of course, a place that will admit you.

If you haven’t taken math since 10th grade, I think you’re going to be spinning your wheels trying to use an SAT as a substitute for actual math classes- algebra, geometry, and optimally calculus. A standardized test- even one you perform well on- is not a substitute for a thorough math sequence. Same for English- scoring well on the SAT and a language proficiency test is not the same as taking two to three years of HS literature and composition classes- which means reading and analyzing novels, poetry, essays, etc.

So what are you hoping to gain by studying in the US that you can’t get closer to home, what is your four year college budget, and what “college prep” type courses can you take next year to bridge the gap between what US colleges expect in a curriculum and what you’ve already taken?

We can make suggestions. They may not have the pizzazz of Rice and Cornell but they may meet your needs better than these two places. Scoring well on standardized tests is terrific but they are not a substitute for actual grades in a rigorous college prep class, where a teacher has actually taught you, helped you edit, make you a stronger problem-solver, etc.

Other than bio-- have you taken Chem and Physics with labs? Those will also be expected by many US universities, regardless of what you plan to study (except for music conservatories or fine arts programs where there is wiggle room on the curriculum).

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Thank you so much,

Really appreciate your response—it’s honest and grounded, and that’s exactly what I needed to hear

You’re right, I probably do need to shift how I’m thinking about this. It’s not about “cracking” the system, it’s about finding a school that fits me, what I want to study, what I can afford, and where I’ll actually grow.

As for math and English—yeah, that’s definitely a gap in my academic record. I was hoping that strong SAT/IELTS scores could help make up for it a bit, but I get it: they’re not a true substitute for actual coursework. I’ve learned a lot on my own, but I haven’t had that structured classroom experience with lit analysis or problem sets lately, and that probably shows.

To answer your questions:

  • I’m looking at the U.S. mainly because of the flexible, interdisciplinary programs. I’m into sustainability and commerce, and U.S. schools really let you blend subjects in a way that isn’t really possible where I am.
  • Budget’s still being figured out, but we’re realistic. Open to public schools with scholarships, and even community colleges if that’s the best path forward.
  • I’m currently doing A Levels in Bio, Geo, and Econ. I’m also planning to add AP Environmental Science and AP English through online courses next year. I haven’t taken chem or physics with labs yet, but I could try dual enrollment at few online CCs or even rearrange my A Level subjects if that helps my chances because I still have this option available to me, I’m open to adapting

I get that places like Cornell and Rice are reaches, and I’m okay with that. I’m just hoping there’s still room for someone like me—late bloomer, but all in now. And if you or anyone else has suggestions for schools that care about growth and potential, I’m all ears.

Thanks again—it honestly means a lot.

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Thanks for laying it out like that,

For my 10th exams, I didn’t do great—scored around 67% overall, which would be a B- equivalent in the curriculum I was in.
Here’s my marksheet-
ENGLISH 75
SCIENCE 72
PSYCHOLOGY 67
BUSINESS STUDIES 62
SOCIAL SCIENCE 52

This was in 10th grade, during a time when I wasn’t focused and honestly didn’t even have college on my radar plus my mental health was all over the floor. The system was different, and I wasn’t taking it seriously. No Maths back then, so I’m aware that’s going to be a weak spot on my app. Physics, Biology and Chemistry where included in Science.

Since then, I’ve made a full shift—I’m predicting A or at least B in A Levels (Bio, Geo, Econ), studying full-time, and actually enjoying what I’m learning. I’m also planning to take AP Environmental Science and AP English next year through online platforms, and I’m looking at dual enrollment options at unis nearby. If it helps, I’m even open to rearranging my A Level subjects to include something like Maths or Chem, if that’s what’ll strengthen my chances.

I know engineering’s off the table without physics and calc—totally fair. I’m leaning more toward sustainability-focused programs, environmental policy, commerce, or GIS now. I’ll still prep for the SAT and try to aim for 750+ in Math, but I get that a score alone won’t carry me through. This is more about showing upward trajectory and grit.

And yeah, scholarships are a must. We’re not sitting on $240k, so I’m keeping my list broad and realistic while still going after some reaches like Rice or Cornell.

Would love any recs for schools that are strong in environmental studies, sustainability, or even geospatial science—and open to students with unconventional academic paths. Appreciate your time and advice :folded_hands:

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I think you need to figure this out. International students face an uphill try at getting need based and merit aid. Many public schools don’t fund international students at all. Their first mission is to support their in state residents who pay taxes there. Community college likely won’t be cheap either. Factor in you living expenses as well.

If you get accepted to college here, you will be attending in a student visa. When you graduate, there will be an expectation that you return to your home country, unless you are able to OPT here…but there is a lot of uncertainty about that now. Plus the time is limited, and some employers won’t hire you knowing you can’t stay beyond a certain number of years.

Yes, there are colleges that will accept you! But the key is…can you pay the prices to attend?

I would strongly urge you to look at colleges in your home country, and places other than the U.S.

@MYOS1634 and @blossom are correct. Please read their responses again.

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To be accurate: every foreign student is eligible to get OPT. That does not itself require sponsorship. However, having OPT does not guarantee a job of course, especially in fields that have no shortage of qualified U.S. citizens and PRs.

That is correct. @aconfusedashellguy you should consider how your choice of major may impact your employment opportunities in your home country.

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Thank you for your response :.D,

You’re right: I do need to get clearer on the financial side, and I’m working on that with my family. I’m not under the illusion that aid is easy to come by for international students. I know public schools in the U.S. often prioritize in-state funding and that most merit-based aid is super competitive. I’ve been reading up on all this—and yeah, it’s kind of overwhelming, but I’d rather be realistic now than get hit with surprises later.

Same with community college—it seemed like a possible pathway, but I hear you about factoring in living expenses and the limited aid available there too. I’m going to dig deeper into total costs and what options actually exist for international students at each tier

On the visa/OPT side, thanks for flagging that too. I know there’s no guarantee of staying in the U.S. long-term, but for me, it’s more about the kind of education and mindset I’d get there. If I need to return home afterward or explore options in other countries, I’m okay with that—I just want those four years to be meaningful and aligned with what I want to study

I live in Saudi Arabia, and honestly, there’s a massive boom in environmental issues and sustainability efforts happening here. That’s a big part of why I’m passionate about studying this field—it’s not just theoretical for me. There are real-world opportunities back home, and I’d love to return with the knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully.

That said, I’m also keeping my options open beyond the U.S. I’m looking into unis in Canada, Netherlands, and UK too. The U.S. just stood out for the flexibility and the ability to merge sustainability with business, which is something I haven’t seen done as well elsewhere and to be super honest, I was in awe of the US education environment before the current administration, no I don’t mean the protests in colleges (I would quite agree that as students we are there to study), I meant the general environment and I have heard from so many people that America is Land of Dreams!, so this really motivated me for US

Thanks again for keeping it real. I am taking everything said here seriously. And I’m grateful for everyone being honest and constructive—it’s helping me move forward smarter.

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Not just “often”, but “always”, as public schools are funded by the state’s tax payers.

I also want you to be aware that Cornell is need-aware for international students. That means your level of financial need will be a factor in their admission decision.
Additionally, they provide no merit aid.

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Thanks for the clarification—really helpful.

I’ll be upfront: I am hoping to stay in the U.S. after college if possible. It’s not just about the degree for me—it’s the environment, the work culture, and the innovation in sustainability and business that really draw me in but it’s fine if I don’t get to

I know OPT isn’t a guaranteed path, and that employers can be hesitant—but to be honest, I haven’t fully figured out how to navigate that part yet. I’m still exploring my options, and right now I’m more focused on finding programs that align with my interests. Long-term planning is definitely something I need to dig into more.

I’m based in Saudi, and while there’s a growing need for sustainability expertise here, ideally, I’d love to gain experience in the U.S. first and then decide my long-term path.

Appreciate the perspective—it’s something I’m seriously considering as I build my list.

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Thanks so much for explaining that. I didn’t fully realize how strict the aid situation is with public schools and places like Cornell. That’s really helpful to know.

I know my path’s been a bit unconventional, but I’m hopeful. I’ve worked hard to turn things around, and I’m aiming high while staying realistic.

Do you happen to know of any schools that could still be considered a reach—but a possible one—for someone like me? I’m interested in sustainability and commerce, and just trying to find programs that value potential and growth, not just perfect transcripts.

Would really appreciate any suggestions you might have!

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Many public colleges don’t give much funding for out of state/international students (although they range the gamut from a lot in places like Alabama to nothing in California), as they are funded by state taxpayers and mainky intended to educate state residents. Similar for community college which may be cheaper but not cheap in absolute terms, especially on an international comparison basis (I think our local CC runs around $10k a year for tuition for out of state (plus accommodation etc, which they estimate at $22k a year). Meet-need privates are likely your best bet for funding, but those are super competitive to get into of course.

Did I understand correctly you haven’t taken the SAT yet so are projecting a high schore - is this based on practice tests ?

Going to be frank here - selective US schools are generally not kind to late bloomers as they evaluate the full high school record, and you may have more success in a country where more emphasis is placed on final exam scores for A levels or other school-leaving exams.

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You should target elite Canadian institutions - UBC, McGill, UToronto - because they only consider your last 2 years. Add Concordia, Mount Allison, or another university at that level and you’re good to go.
Be aware that for anything involving commerce, business, etc, Canada will require math. If you can take AP Precalculus online it’d help your application to have the course listed on a transcript or some proof of registration.

For sustainability look into Liberal Arts Honours Colleges in the Netherlands, especially Groningen which is the go-to place for sustainability etc. ATLAS may be up your alley (if it’s still offered). They too would only look at the last 2 years of schooling.

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So a couple high level thoughts to start.

I think it can sometimes be tough for Internationals to truly grasp the sheer number of good colleges and universities that exist in the United States. This has happened in part because of the massive scale of the US undergraduate population (including now more and more Internationals), but also for a variety of reasons we have dispersed good undergraduate programs among many, many different types of institutions.

So, we have a public system, which is broadly what most countries have, but it is state-based. So that means there are actually 50+ public systems, each trying to do a good job serving the residents of their state.

And then we have a very robust private system, which is much more unusual, particularly for the private colleges and universities to be so prominent.

And then we also like a form of college that is very undergraduate focused, usually called a Liberal Arts and Science College (LAC), although we actually have other undergraduate focused colleges that specialize in engineering, or STEM generally.

So, there are just so, so many different good colleges in the US, and you definitely do not need to go to one of the most selective in order to go to a good college.

OK, second big picture thought–this massive system is actually facing a bit of a problem, in that the US domestic college population seems to have peaked back in 2010 or so, and is due for further declines in the next period of years. This has impacted different colleges more or less, but many US colleges have been reacting by intentionally increasing their International student counts, with plans to do even more of that in the future.

But that said, the International demand for US colleges has increased faster than the slots available. And that means US colleges can be pretty choosey about their International admissions. And among other things, that means they can choose only, or mostly, Internationals able to actually pay whatever they typically call “full pay”, and sometimes they even add a bit more for Internationals.

OK, so this is why knowing what you can actually pay is so critical, because it will play a very large role in determining which US colleges would be more likely to actually want you as one of their Internationals students. As a rough idea, if you can pay like $30-40K a year (this is including everything, tuition, housing, dining, travel, insurance, and so on), there will be options, but it may be a relatively short list. Much below that, and you are getting into very competitive situations where there may end up being no options. And then the more you can go above that, your options will rapidly increase.

So that’s the basic situation. I do think if you can put together at least $30-40K a year, your academic track will not stop you from being able to go to one of the many good colleges in the US–but you might need to be open-minded about exactly which you can consider. Much below that, we can help you take your best shots, but it might not work out. And then above that–we will be happy to help you figure out more and more options that could work for you, with more ability to be choosey the more you can pay.

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This is exactly what I was thinking also.

I think that there are at least two reasons to consider universities in Canada. One reason is that they admit based on the most recent two years. Another reason is that admissions is more predictable compared to in the US, and for the top schools is often easier compared to the US. The top universities in Canada generally have enough spots for as many students as are fully qualified to do well there.

By the way when I was in high school (in Canada) most of us got accepted to universities in Canada based on our sophomore and junior years of high school, which can imply getting acceptances early in the process. A few people who I sort of barely knew got acceptances based on strong junior and senior years of high school, which means that they got acceptances quite late. This was okay for them because we were all Canadians and they did not need to think about visas (they just needed to find a dorm room on campus or an apartment nearby). I do not know whether an international student getting a late acceptance based on junior and senior years will have time to get a visa approved. The admissions staff at universities in Canada will however know this, and I expect that you could defer for long enough to get the visa sorted out.

The cost for international students can vary quite a bit from one university to the next. The Canadian university system is generally very good and quite consistent in quality. Somewhere like Dalhousie or Concordia or Carleton or U.Victoria or Memorial or Mount Allison or Acadia might not be as famous as McGill or Toronto or UBC, but all of these are very good universities and you will get a great education at any of them, or at perhaps 30 other universities in Canada. Generally the most famous schools can charge more just because they are famous, but that does not mean that you need to attend one of them.

If you tell them this when you apply for a student visa, your visa is likely to be declined (even assuming that you get accepted and can afford to attend). International students are expected to return to their home country after graduating from university in the US.

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Be aware that student visas are currently being cancelled in the US and students are having to leave programs without finishing them. I’d avoid the US and stick with Canada or the UK if at all possible.

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Hey everyone,

First off, huge thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart who took the time to reply here—especially MYOS1634, blossom, and the rest of you who gave such thoughtful advice. Sorry I didn’t respond earlier, I’ve just been caught up with school and exam prep and now that I’m a bit free, I’ll respond to your replies :D.

That’s super helpful to know—I didn’t realize just how little aid public schools give to international students. Definitely made me rethink how I approach this.

Yes, I haven’t but I got around a solid 1350 at first time so that’s good :D.

Yeah, that part stung a bit, but you’re right. I know I’ve got an uphill climb because of my earlier grades, and I’m grateful for the honest heads-up.

Appreciate this! I’ve started looking into Canada, and the idea of them focusing on just the last two years is actually really promising. But for now, I’ve shifted most of my focus toward the UK. Your post made me realise that I could shift my focus from US to other places too so thank you so much :D.

Yes, but they require math too which I haven’t chosen for my A-Levels, I chose - Biology, Geography and I’m stuck on third subject but I think I’ll take Economics

Absolutely, the toxic mindset learned from A2C subreddit has definitely poisoned many minds including mine :/. Thank you from addressing this :D. I appreiciate your kind offer of finding universities but I think it’s better that I pursue this elsewhere especially considering in mind the current administration, once again THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! :DDD.

That’s amazing to hear, would they accept British A-Levels? and if, would they ask 10th marks or just the A-Levels? and answering the latter part, I think I would need scholarships so is Canada gracious in scholarships, thank you :D.

I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.

Yes, I have seen the news and the situation is quite sad, I’m looking deeply at British Universities and I even found the most perfect match for my course at King’s College London (Geography and Environmental Science BSc), it is literally a match made-in-heaven for me, I loved the campus when I looked it up, I loved how the skyline of London merges beautifully with the landscape of KCL’s Strand campus :heart_eyes:.

Only issue? Scholarships for international students in the UK seem pretty limited, and that’s the one thing I’m still trying to figure out. If anyone’s got advice on how to make UK unis more affordable, or places where I could find scholarships or even just save smartly, I’d love to hear it.

Thanks again to all of you for helping me look at this with more clarity and hope. Appreciate it tons :sparkles: .

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Regardless of what you do, you need to find an AP Precalc class online and have it on your transcript or be able to indicate on application that you’re enrolled in it.
Unless you plan to study policy, anything with science will require math results. The UK will require a C at GCSE level in Math and English regardless of “course” (program of study).

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Thanks for pointing that out — I appreciate it.

Just to confirm, if I didn’t take Math at GCSE or A-Level, but I enroll in AP Precalculus now and either list it on my UCAS application or submit the exam score later, that should generally cover the math requirement for UK universities, right?

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It wouldn’t cover the requirement of A level Math requirement for English universities but it’d cover the minimum math requirement for Canada and Scotland Higher Math (not Advanced Higher Math) and the GCSE math requirement for the UK.
It’d be listed as a Qualification on UCAS and your adviser would have to predict a 4 or 5.