Help! International Student/Admission

FB_lalaland
Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:57:05 +0000

GPA: this junior year I have 4.0 but i took easy classes because i didnt plan to go college in the US. I’ve changed my mind after visiting chicago. In germany I was a freshman so i literatelly skip a class. In germany i wasnt that good, because hs there was way harder than here. Im going to take Ap and honors classes next in my senior year.



Ask your counselor whether it’s too late for you to get the “most rigorous possible” check mark on your application form, and how you can achieve this.



ACT/ TOEFL what should i take? What is a good score for toefl? I know i have to take the tests already this year but can i take it later?



You must take either the ACT or the SAT Reasoning in order to be considered for admission. If you do well on the SAT Reasoning, you should not waste your time on TOEFL. A good score for TOEFL would be 110+/120. I did well on my TOEFL, so if you have any questions feel free to message me. Chicago does not consider SAT IIs. In addition, Chicago does not consider the writing portion of the SAT Reasoning.



Extracurriculars: in germany theres no sport ect. at school. So i have like nothing. But i did karate and swimming afters school. I also play piano since 7 years and make music. But thats all for myself and not for school band. I love photography and painting but again all for myself…



These activities are very important. You are not expected to be the president of the universe at your age. Convey your passion for one of the activities in your essay. The most important part of your application is the extended essay section on Chicago’s supplement. I have some tips for this section. Feel free to message me. I knew exactly what Chicago was looking for because I am in I.B. :D



I dont have any work experiences either. Teenagers in germany just dont work. But im looking for it in the summer.



I got accepted with minimal work experience (about three hours per week). It is really not necessary.

The most important part will come down to whether you are applying for aid. Chicago does not have a generous financial aid policy for internationals. If you choose to apply for aid, your chance of receiving aid will be dramatically reduced. Do not expect to be accepted if you apply for aid. All of my friends who applied for aid got rejected instantly (one got in Yale).

One last note, the acceptance rate for internationals was about 15~17% last year.