Hi! I am new around here and quite confused of several things. I though I could ask you guys and maybe your answers could come in handy. I am currently in my second year of university studies in my home country, Romania. However, I would like to apply for an undergraduate programme in the US (no transfer) and I would be curious about my opportunities in doing so.
Considering I am already studying at an university level back home, what grades will be taken into account for my GPA, the ones from high school or university? Supposing that of relevance is only my high school GPA, I'd like to say that my unweighted high school GPA, according to the American criteria, is of 3.75. What kind of universities can I realistically target with this GPA (considering solely GPA as a criteria)? I was thinking of going for a BA history degree. At the same time I am considering to also apply for University of Pennsylvania's, The College. Is it a realistic option?
I know that my grades from my country's SAT equivalent exam can't be used for admission, however I was wandering if these grades are taken into account for the calculation of my GPA.
In terms of recommendation letters, should I take them from my teachers from high school or university?
Also in terms of ECs, am I bound in any way to include in my application only the ones from high school or can I include the ones from uni as well? In high school I was involved in several ECs such as debate team, student representative forums, put the basis of a new club. During uni, I was part of several uni NGOs. Does this represent a good ECs resume for US universities?
Thank you for reading and please answer if you have any advice/information you can share with me!
If you are in the second year at university, you will have to apply as a transfer candidate. You are not eligible to apply for freshman admission. Transfer students can change majors, or repeat prior coursework when necessary, but may face limited opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.
Your application as a transfer student would focus on your university academic and extra-curricular record. Some universities will ask you for high school transcripts and standardized test results in addition. Check the application instructions for transfer applicants at the universities you’re interested in.
FWIW, it would be very unusual for a foreign student to transfer into an American Bachelor’s program after 2 years. American undergraduate degrees are expensive and will take much longer than completing your current degree. The more common route would be to finish your degree where you are currently at, and then apply to American universities for graduate school (Master or PhD). There’s much more funding for foreign graduate students than foreign undergraduate students. In fact, many American graduate degree programs enroll more foreign students than American students.
If you may be interested in graduate school in the US, now would be a good time to start preparing. Graduate admission cares a lot about (1) letters of recommendation from professors who have worked with you and can speak to your potential to excel in a research career (“did well in class” letters should be a last resort), (2) a scholarly writing sample (for history specifically), and (3) any undergraduate research experience. Since it’s uncommon for undergraduates to interact with professors at many European universities, making a targeted effort to get that sort of experience will set you apart from other foreign applicants.