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My grades are pretty bad (Maybe 3 GPA, but they don't calculate it), but all that seems to matter over here is test results.. I don't know how the US universities will view me. I'm US citizen, one american-born parent (UC Santa Cruz). I was suspended for a day in 8th grade, how will that affect it?

Thanks in advance

On to the numbers:
As in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology AS-Levels (English)
A in Modern Greek A-level (fluent greek speaker)

750 verbal, 800 maths SAT
SAT IIs:
Writing - 800
Maths IIC - 800
Physics - 800
No honors, none really I can get at my school

ECs:
Photography, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball

I'm applying to Caltech, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, and Carnagie Mellon..
I don't count as an international student

By Memememe (Memememe) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 11:16 am: Edit

You know, you have some really really good scores. However, sadly enough, U.S. colleges will not accept you solely based on those scores. A 3 GPA combined with 1550/800/800/800 sends the message of an underachiever. Explain why you have poor grades.

By Wester (Wester) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 11:41 am: Edit

Thanks for the advice..

I still don't know if those grades are gonna be on my transcripts... Basically, all that matters to my school is the O- and A- level results, and they make it obvious, so there's no incentive to do well in class.. In the subjects I enjoy, I get As.. in the ones I dont', I don't. At university I'll be doing what I like, and it'll matter, so I'll do better.. I'm going to talk about it on an extra sheet.. how blunt should I be?

Also, I moved from a california public school to a british-system private school in the middle of 8th grade - is that too long ago to bother mentioning?

By Amnestykid (Amnestykid) on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 06:26 am: Edit

hey wester,
just out of curiousity, where abouts are you situated?

I'm also an American citizen living abroad (have been for the past four years), and my entire high school education has take place over here from 8th grade onwards. By 'here' I mean Pattaya, Thailand. My immediate family moved here in 1999 when my Dad had to retire do to a illness he had developed. I also attend a british-system private school (The Regent's School) where I used to be in a California public school as well (Caroline Davis Intermediate School - San Jose).

Did you apply to Stanford EA? or Regular? I took the EA path, and got accepted, so it would be interesting to find out what's happening with you, and how you found the switch between the US and UK system.

Good luck with your applications.
AK.