US Universities Application Tips

[rulb]

Hello..
i just finished my SPM few days ago. My mom told me to take SAT on 26th jan next year.
I have some questions. How hard is SAT compared to SPM?
And is there any tuition for SAT in Penang?


Incomparable. Just like nasi lemak and satay =)


ps : btw, i'm assuming you were referring to SAT 1.

Just had to ask what's so different between nasi lemak and satay?

Anyway, SAT is like what lxl ,said very different from SPM

[Moozy]

Well,

But I've finished my preU education... so is the final report equivalent to my actual Singapore-Cambridge GCE A- Level results?

Im letting my JC teacher fill out the forms. However, I was thinking to attach my JC exam results with the School Report (mainly because those show grade, marks and percentiles for each subject)

What's the difference between secondary school. final and midyear report?

So i will need to contact my secondary school Principle or Penolong Kanan to fill out one copy of the Secondary School Report? Meaning my checklist is something like this -

To be sent by JC
(counselor needs to sign across this flap as well)
- 2 teachers evaluations
- Mid year report
- Secondary school report
- Copies of exam results (final exams for 06 and 07) as attachment to mid year and secondary school report

To be sent by my Secondary School
- Secondary School Report
- SPM results and translations

Thanks for all the help.

eve88, yes, if you have your GCE A Level, then that would be your Final Year Report.

Final Year Report is the results that you get after you submit your applications and before you start university.

Mid Year Report is the latest results you have before you submit your applications.

Secondary School Report is the overall results you have for the past few years.

If you can get your high school teachers to fill up another Secondary School Report, that would be good!

So that means we need to submit the final year report after we are submitted?

is it a MUST to use the latest result for the Midyear report? I'm a student at inti and we do not have a counselor here in inti. Plus, when i ask the people in University Placement Office about it, they say that they do not fill in report like this and they will only only provide transcript for us.

thanks.

[lXl]

yes, you do need to submit the final year report after gaining admission (for most universities)

A recent academic transcript (which is basically a midyear report) is fine as long as you've pre-informed the adcom about it.

Hope that helps.

[hhhcce]

So that means we need to submit the final year report after we are submitted?

is it a MUST to use the latest result for the Midyear report? I'm a student at inti and we do not have a counselor here in inti. Plus, when i ask the people in University Placement Office about it, they say that they do not fill in report like this and they will only only provide transcript for us.

thanks.

I would say approach your professors directly. Don't go through unversity placement office.

[aquamarine7]

under adp,would my cgpa be transferred along with the credit hours?or my gpa count would start from 0 when i transfer to the states?

[Moozy]

So that means we need to submit the final year report after we are submitted?

is it a MUST to use the latest result for the Midyear report? I'm a student at inti and we do not have a counselor here in inti. Plus, when i ask the people in University Placement Office about it, they say that they do not fill in report like this and they will only only provide transcript for us.

thanks.

I would say approach your professors directly. Don't go through unversity placement office.

Does that means that i can just approach any of my professors and ash him or her to fill in the report for me? should i also attach a letter explaining that INTI doesnt has a counselor?

[hhhcce]

Yup. you may do that. But, I don't think it is necessary

[joop]

Hi, I am one of the INTEC student who will apply myself this year. However, now I am having problem with my midyear report.

As I am not applying through OSSP(somesort like placement office), I have to get the first semester transcript by myself. But when I phone them last time, they said we will only get the transcript when we are going to graduate(Is this true?).
So, that means I can't fill in the midyear report.

I would like to ask whether I can declare that I study in INTEC but did not pass up the midyear report(for the common application).Is it possible to explain that the result for the first semester haven't come out so I no need to fill it??or are there any other solution??

thanks!!

[DecentMerson]

under adp,would my cgpa be transferred along with the credit hours?or my gpa count would start from 0 when i transfer to the states?

Yes. Only credits will be transferred. GPA will start from scratch.

[chenchow]

Hi, I am one of the INTEC student who will apply myself this year. However, now I am having problem with my midyear report.

As I am not applying through OSSP(somesort like placement office), I have to get the first semester transcript by myself. But when I phone them last time, they said we will only get the transcript when we are going to graduate(Is this true?).
So, that means I can't fill in the midyear report.

I would like to ask whether I can declare that I study in INTEC but did not pass up the midyear report(for the common application).Is it possible to explain that the result for the first semester haven't come out so I no need to fill it??or are there any other solution??

Essentially, get the first semester results reports from INTEC. I believe they are able to provide you with the results for first semester to submit. I believe you all know the results already, right? Print that one, if it is online and submit it. That would be good enough.

thanks!!

[joop]

thanks....that does help a lot !!!! :lol:

[jus_3c]

Hi i'm using the common app and i just want to know whether the teacher's signature needs to be on the seal of the envelope for the recommendations. Cos i was studying in S'pore JC before this and i came back home for hols adee, and i just realised that my teachers just wrote on the form and returned to me just like that without an envelope. At the time i just figured i could put it into envelopes myself later. I stay in penang so to go back now would be extremely troublesome for me. Thx for any advice!

[jonnyl]

Hi i'm using the common app and i just want to know whether the teacher's signature needs to be on the seal of the envelope for the recommendations. Cos i was studying in S'pore JC before this and i came back home for hols adee, and i just realised that my teachers just wrote on the form and returned to me just like that without an envelope. At the time i just figured i could put it into envelopes myself later. I stay in penang so to go back now would be extremely troublesome for me. Thx for any advice!

Hi don't worry I am also from Singapore JC just came back to Malaysia and I didn't sign anything on the seal. Basically, it does not matter and in fact websites of the universities never mention this at all. They are unlikely to reject you because of such a small thing. In the first place, there is no need to do so. Chilling man!

[jus_3c]

Ok thanks man for the quick reply!

[Matt]

yea.. Haha. There's definitely no issue with whether you get your teachers to sign on the seal or not. Either way's fine. I didn't, and the universities didn't mind at all.

[chyen]

This may sound like a silly question to ask, but here goes - if I submit my common application to a university, will the online form then be locked?

The impression I get from the common app site is that once I click submit, I can no longer change what I entered in the form fields, and I will have to send the exact thing to all unis. Is that correct?

[jonnyl]

This may sound like a silly question to ask, but here goes - if I submit my common application to a university, will the online form then be locked?

The impression I get from the common app site is that once I click submit, I can no longer change what I entered in the form fields, and I will have to send the exact thing to all unis. Is that correct?

You can read the "Instructions" section in Common App, which contains instructions on how to start a new application using the form you have already submitted. Hence you can actually change the content of your form without starting over.

Quoted from commonapp.org:

Alternate application versions can be used in the event an applicant chooses to provide slightly different information to one institution from another institution. Below are the steps necessary to create an alternate version.

Step1: You must submit the Common Application to at least one institution first. You cannot create an alternate version until this has occurred.

Step 2: You must log out of the application then go to this special URL: http://app.commonapp.org/application/applicantlogin.aspx?allowcopy=true and login using your existing User Name and Password.

Step 3: You will be presented with a screen titled ?Application Versions?, where you will see information about the application you have already submitted. You should click on the ?Replicate? link to make an alternate version of your submitted application. When this is complete, a second version will be visible on your screen and a special drop down list that will appear in the upper right corner of your application. You can use this drop down to move between application versions.

All data from your original version of your Common Application will be transferred to your alternate version, with the exception of any documents that you uploaded. You may edit any of this information before you submit it to another institution.

You only need to go to the special URL the first time you create an alternative version. Thereafter, additional application versions can be made by going to the ?Application Versions? section within your original Common Application and using the ?Replicate? link. You may make up to 10 versions, including the original version. You only need your original User Name and Password to access all versions.

You will have a separate My Colleges page and My Checklist page for each application version. Each institution can only be on the My Colleges list of one application version. If you elect to have multiple versions of your Common Application, please be sure to submit your supplement using the Common App version with which you want it affiliated. If you have not yet identified which version of the Common App it should be connected to, then you should wait to submit until that time.

[chyen]

Thank you!

I don't know why I missed that part from the common app site.

Thanks again!

[lohjialong]

Hi there. I would like to ask does Cornell university offer financial aid for international students? Because it's stated in their website that they only offer financial aid to undergraduate students who are citizens of the US, Canada, and Mexico. Thanks in advance.

[jonnyl]

Sorry I double posted. Please refer to the next post.

[jonnyl]

Hi there. I would like to ask does Cornell university offer financial aid for international students? Because it's stated in their website that they only offer financial aid to undergraduate students who are citizens of the US, Canada, and Mexico. Thanks in advance.

Yes Cornell does offer need-based financial aid for internationals, albeit it is limited and competitive. It is one university which will offer you admission without financial aid even if you applied for financial aid. Otherwise, they would just give it to you with financial aid. Hence, for Cornell, asking for money would not (I presume) affect your admission chances. Worse come to worse, you are admitted without aid or worse still, rejected.

http://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/international/faid.cfm

Quoted from the Cornell Website:

Cornell University maintains only a very limited program of financial assistance for international students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Those who do receive funds have exceptional credentials and demonstrate financial need. This information is not intended to discourage you from applying, but to give you a realistic understanding of the nuances for receiving financial aid to attend Cornell.

[andrewlza]

Only 25-40? internationals are admitted to Cornell with aid annually.

Someone from Cornell back this up with facts?

[chenchow]

What jonnyl said about Cornell is true.

Applying for aid would not impact admission decision, but it does not guarantee funding.

As of last year, Cornell only has 15 financial aids for international students, and often, it is given to 3rd world nations. It is going to be hard for Malaysians to get it. I think over the past 7 years, there is only 1 Malaysian who got it.

Cornell is on a fund raising initiative to raise money, and portion of it is for international students financial aid. Not sure how much more they will allocate. As of now, they have raised about USD1.8 Billion out of USD4 billiion needed.

Good Luck!

[chenchow]

An article shared by a fellow ReComer. Thanks a lot!

Wall Street Journal's Article on Harvard Reducing Family Contribution for Tuition (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119731017194819610.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news)

[lohjialong]

Hi there. I am currently filling up a financial aid form and they asked for "List of agencies/foundations/governments to which you are applying for financial aid." What to fill in this section? The name of the respective universities I am applying to financial aid for? Some advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[jonnyl]

Deferred from Stanford for Early Action =(((((

[chenchow]

Hi there. I am currently filling up a financial aid form and they asked for "List of agencies/foundations/governments to which you are applying for financial aid." What to fill in this section? The name of the respective universities I am applying to financial aid for? Some advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I would say that this refers to the aid that would apply if you get into this particular university.

Say, you apply to Cornell, you don't put in aid you apply for Penn, but say you plan to apply for from other foundation/government/agency, then include it. This means the aid that you would possibly be able to use if you get into that particular uni.

[chenchow]

Deferred from Stanford for Early Action =(((((

jonnyl, good luck for your deferment.

For all of you who have been deferred, do try your best to supplement with more information to your university. Essentially, it means that you are quite border line cases to get deferment. (I don't have stats to back this up though).

From what I heard as of now:-
1 Yale University Early Decision admitted from Malaysia (currently on UWC program)

2 UPenn Early Decision Deferment and jonnyl for Stanford Early Action Deferment.

Good Luck!

For those who are waiting for Cornell University Early Decision results, 6 people from Malaysia (4 Malaysians) would know on 19th December 5pm Eastern Time.

Good Luck!

[chenchow]

Heard of another deferment for Dartmouth as well for UWC.

[Matt]

Hmm. Haha I wasn't sure when Penn released early decision, but I guessed it was yesterday because part of its website was jammed. So looks like that was right.

Anyway, again, if any of you were deferred from Penn or are applying for Penn regular decision and have any last minute questions, just holler :)

[caramel_nut]

Any last minute questions about MIT, just holler as well but expect me to reply only after next Wednesday (finals end on Wed for me). :P

[forEVA]

hey y'all, dec 15 has come n gone n i still havent been notified regarding my ED app status. chenchow said that SLC might notify me slightly later if there is too many applicants. i'm afraid that they might have deferred my ED I to ED II (is it even possible?) withOUT telling me, n i'm doomed to not being able to apply to other colleges as i am bound to the ED Agreement. i thought of e-mailing SLC but they have a habit of not replying my e-mails, so i think imma just give them a call tomorrow. i've checked the log in site for the gazillionth time n all it says is "ur app is complete n is being reviewed". :(

[jonnyl]

Any idea what i should be doing given this deferment? (other than apply to more unis?) Like feed the university with more stuff?

Or perhaps just leave it alone instead and just accept whatever they give me in april =P

[strikingstar]

hey y'all, dec 15 has come n gone n i still havent been notified regarding my ED app status. chenchow said that SLC might notify me slightly later if there is too many applicants. i'm afraid that they might have deferred my ED I to ED II (is it even possible?) withOUT telling me, n i'm doomed to not being able to apply to other colleges as i am bound to the ED Agreement. i thought of e-mailing SLC but they have a habit of not replying my e-mails, so i think imma just give them a call tomorrow. i've checked the log in site for the gazillionth time n all it says is "ur app is complete n is being reviewed". :(

Who says you can't apply to other schools. You just cannot enroll in those places if you're accepted ED to SLC.

[andrewlza]

Any idea what i should be doing given this deferment? (other than apply to more unis?) Like feed the university with more stuff?

Or perhaps just leave it alone instead and just accept whatever they give me in april =P

FEED.

On Tinkosong: For the Kiamsap: How to save money in US college applications (http://tinkosong.com/2007/12/15/for-the-kiamsap-how-to-save-money-in-us-college-applications/)

[Junny0711]

Thanks Andrew for sharing with us on how to be kiamsiap!!

Did you send your requests for application fee waiver together with the other school docs by normal mail or separately fax/e-mail the requests to the colleges?


If I apply online, I think the college will ask me to make payment. How should I proceed then?

Many tks again.

[forEVA]

Did you send your requests for application fee waiver together with the other school docs by normal mail or separately fax/e-mail the requests to the colleges?
mine was sent by my counselor along with my school reports n stuff that needed her to complete for me.

If I apply online, I think the college will ask me to make payment. How should I proceed then?
it is perfectly fine to submit ur app without making any payments, or else u'll have to pay via credit card if a college rejects ur fee waiver request.

[Junny0711]

Tks forEVA. I will submit my waiver letter together with the sch docs then.

[appsong]

chenchow

I want to introduce you to our blog www.app2us.com/blog/

If you think our blog has good quality posts, relevant to Malaysian students/ all students, please post a thread under "US Universities Application Tips"

If you have questions, I will be happy to answer at my listed email ID.

Regards,
appsong

[forEVA]

i just wanna share this with all beloved future applicants to unis/colleges the states. to all would-be applicants to Sarah Lawrence, especially. this is what they wrote when i checked MySLC Page today:-
If you applied ED I, we understand that you are eager to know what decision we have made on your file. However, we still believe in good old fashioned postal mail. Your MySLC status will be updated later, after you've received a paper letter. We mailed on December 15, so you should hear any day now.
THIS, ladies n gentlemen, is what made me sweat to near death for the past 4/5 days. so to all future applicants, do NOT fret like i did. just wait. even when it's without news. even if u're waiting in vain. they'll most probably be using snail mail to get to u.

man, they do enjoy giving u a heart attack. they just... had to. :roll:

[Moozy]

Actually what should I fill in for my secondary school and current year courses in the common app? my highschool or INTI? I'm confused. Can anyone help me out on this? And if I didn't check any "graduate early/late from highschool" boxes, I'll have to fill in the first and second sem's courses. but i've only gone through one sem in inti. and if i fill current year courses with spm, how to separate into two sem? please help.

[caramel_nut]

i just wanna share this with all beloved future applicants to unis/colleges the states. to all would-be applicants to Sarah Lawrence, especially. this is what they wrote when i checked MySLC Page today:-
If you applied ED I, we understand that you are eager to know what decision we have made on your file. However, we still believe in good old fashioned postal mail. Your MySLC status will be updated later, after you've received a paper letter. We mailed on December 15, so you should hear any day now.
THIS, ladies n gentlemen, is what made me sweat to near death for the past 4/5 days. so to all future applicants, do NOT fret like i did. just wait. even when it's without news. even if u're waiting in vain. they'll most probably be using snail mail to get to u.

man, they do enjoy giving u a heart attack. they just... had to. :roll:Haha. Some colleges just enjoy sending decisions by mail. Anyway, good luck! :D

[Matt]

Actually what should I fill in for my secondary school and current year courses in the common app? my highschool or INTI? I'm confused. Can anyone help me out on this? And if I didn't check any "graduate early/late from highschool" boxes, I'll have to fill in the first and second sem's courses. but i've only gone through one sem in inti. and if i fill current year courses with spm, how to separate into two sem? please help.

For the current courses, fill in your INTI courses - for the second semester, enter the courses you'll be taking next year.

For secondary school courses, it refers to your high school and SPM stuff.

[chenchow]

2 fellow Malaysians have gotten into Cornell for Early Decision - Ken Hui and Sheng Hong.

There is still another fellow Malaysian who is still checking on the decision.

Good Luck~!

[Moozy]

Actually what should I fill in for my secondary school and current year courses in the common app? my highschool or INTI? I'm confused. Can anyone help me out on this? And if I didn't check any "graduate early/late from highschool" boxes, I'll have to fill in the first and second sem's courses. but i've only gone through one sem in inti. and if i fill current year courses with spm, how to separate into two sem? please help.

For the current courses, fill in your INTI courses - for the second semester, enter the courses you'll be taking next year.

For secondary school courses, it refers to your high school and SPM stuff.

thanks. But what should I fill in as my seconday school?

[caramel_nut]

Actually what should I fill in for my secondary school and current year courses in the common app? my highschool or INTI? I'm confused. Can anyone help me out on this? And if I didn't check any "graduate early/late from highschool" boxes, I'll have to fill in the first and second sem's courses. but i've only gone through one sem in inti. and if i fill current year courses with spm, how to separate into two sem? please help.

For the current courses, fill in your INTI courses - for the second semester, enter the courses you'll be taking next year.

For secondary school courses, it refers to your high school and SPM stuff.

thanks. But what should I fill in as my seconday school?High school = INTI
Secondary school = your secondary school, the SMK whatever whatever

[juliaroxxx]

if im applying thru common app, do i still need to log into the uni's website to get an ID? thanks!! ;)

[chenchow]

OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE AWARD
Helping You Take the Next Step Toward Study in the U.S.!

Opportunity Initiative grants are support for talented international students who may need financial help to take the next steps toward study in the United States at an accredited institution of higher learning.



These grants are available now to help cover the upfront costs of seeking higher education in the U.S., and are part of EducationUSA's broad range of assistance to international students.



We want to demonstrate that international students like you are welcome in the U.S., and increase access to U.S. institutions of higher learning for deserving students who have broad interests and ambitions but modest means. These grants make it possible for students who would be otherwise unable to afford the costly application process to take the next step toward an education in the United States.



WHAT CAN THE GRANTS PAY FOR ?


Testing fees, including additional score reports, for TOEFL, SAT, GRE and other specialized tests required by U.S. institutions.


Round-trip transportation and, if necessary, overnight accommodation and meals at testing sites located far from the student's home.


Application fees for U.S. institutions to which the student is applying.


International courier fees to ensure the student's application package reaches U.S. institutions.

Costs of translations and certifications of the sutdent's documents and records.

Cost of international telephone or internet communications with receiving institution for the purpose of an admissions interview or to finalize details.


Cost relating to applying for appropriate U.S. visa.


Round-trip transportation to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and, if necessary, overnight accommodation and meals.


Transportation to the U.S. to the institution where student will begin studies.


Advanced English lessons for specialized uses to enchance student's competitiveness in his/her academic field (i.e. technical English, scientific English, business English, etc.)


A one-time settling-in allowance.


Limited financial aid to supplement assistance offered by an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning when the offer falls short of meeting the student's needs.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE



There are no complicated forms or lengthy procedures. Students who wish to apply should simply contact an adviser at the nearest EducationUSA advising center abroad for details or log to www.educationusa.state.gov/centers/ for the full list of worldwide available advising centers.

Remember, Opportunity Initiative grants are here to help you take the next step toward an American higher education. You may apply early in the process of applying to go to the U.S., for help with testing fees, or may apply after acceptance at a school in the United States, for limited financial aid funds to help pay for your studies.

This program is only open to students who will not receive a Fulbright or other U.S. Government-sponsored grant.

Please submit your application online.

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This would be a good place for fellow ReComers to seek funding for standardized exams and also application fees.

Do obtain more information at MACEE's Website (http://www.macee.org.my/05_13_content.html)

[chenchow]

MACEE websites have also a bunch of scholarships opportunities, job search guides and guides for those who are returning to Malaysia.

Go to MACEE's website (http://www.macee.org.my/)

[hhhcce]

if im applying thru common app, do i still need to log into the uni's website to get an ID? thanks!! Wink

No. Of course not. Unless you want to apply to that university twice. Actually, I don't quite get you. Which ID were you talking about? You will be given an application ID via email right after the university receive your documents. Hope that will help.

[juliaroxxx]

if im applying thru common app, do i still need to log into the uni's website to get an ID? thanks!! Wink

No. Of course not. Unless you want to apply to that university twice. Actually, I don't quite get you. Which ID were you talking about? You will be given an application ID via email right after the university receive your documents. Hope that will help.

Thanks. But my friend had some ID code printed on the common app school forms after downloading the forms. Is that normal?

[Tasslehoff]

The deadlines for US applications are coming up soon... Good luck for all of you who are still working on your applications! ;)

p/s it'll be interesting to note that the US schools have now figured out that the government scholarship (JPA) from malaysia isnt that pretigious anymore (hearsay).... i wonder where this information come from.. does anyone know of it?

[eve88]

Are they any (other than me) still frantically working on last minute submissions?

The ID on the bottom of the common app form, i think, is on every copy of the common app school form u print out.

If you are planning on multiple versions of the form - make sure the school form's number tallies with the online one.

or something like that. - check commonapp's FAQ on multiple versions....

[forEVA]

was chatting with an american friend n he suddenly asked me this - if we screw ED I, can we apply ED II for another college?

my questions - [1] if we decided to not send in out SAT scores to SAT-optional colleges, will we be at a disadvantage? [2] how do we get to know about our TOEFL score? snail mail? n how do i send it in? i took my TOEFL on nov 10 n am extremely worried as deadlines r approaching n i'm not able to fill in my TOEFL scores in my commom app form.

thx. *i screwed my SLC ED btw.. ):

[Matt]

was chatting with an american friend n he suddenly asked me this - if we screw ED I, can we apply ED II for another college?

my questions - [1] if we decided to not send in out SAT scores to SAT-optional colleges, will we be at a disadvantage? [2] how do we get to know about our TOEFL score? snail mail? n how do i send it in? i took my TOEFL on nov 10 n am extremely worried as deadlines r approaching n i'm not able to fill in my TOEFL scores in my commom app form.

thx. *i screwed my SLC ED btw.. ):

err I'm not too sure about ED 2, so sorry can't really answer that question..

1) Umm I think you're not at a disadvantage, but especially if your SAT scores are good, because of the competitive nature of admissions, you'd want to send in anything that will boost your application. So you stand to gain if you send it in, but won't lose anything if you don't.

2) Check the TOEFL website. They publish results online.

Hope this helps.

[chenchow]

p/s it'll be interesting to note that the US schools have now figured out that the government scholarship (JPA) from malaysia isnt that pretigious anymore (hearsay).... i wonder where this information come from.. does anyone know of it?

Where do you hear about this? As far as I know, most top U.S. Universities have been continuing accepting quite a lot of JPA Scholars.

Cornell in its recent Early Decision accepted a JPA scholar too, although eventually he went to UMich.

So, I really don't see a problem with JPA scholars getting offers from top US schools.

[chenchow]

Found a few statistics on Early Action/Early Decision for various U.S. universities.

Admission rate:-
Stanford University - 738/4551 (16.22%)
Yale University - 885/4888 (18.11%)
Columbia College - 455/2162 (21.05%)
Brown University - (22.6%)
Columbia School of Engineering & Applied Science - 142/420 (33.81%)
Williams College - 223/600 (37.17%)
Duke University - 472/1247 (37.85%)

Haven't managed to find the admission rate for other universities. If anyone has any stat, do share here.

Other Stats:-
William College - average critical reading 711 and average math 706. 29 applicants with SAT1 critical reading full score and 14 with SAT1 math full score. 50 with SAT2 Math full score, whereas 19 with SAT2 Writing full score.

[chenchow]

Found the statistics of Cornell University Undergraduate Admission at here (http://dpb.cornell.edu/F_Undergraduate_Admissions.htm) . So, decided to tabulate the acceptance rate for the last 28 years for comparison.

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1980 - 5456/17007 (32.08%)
1981 - 5375/16992 (31.63%)
1982 - 5588/17923 (31.18%)
1983 - 5837/18207 (32.06%)
1984 - 5856/19486 (30.05%)
1985 - 6034/19848 (30.40%)
1986 - 6112/21025 (29.07%)
1987 - 6193/21075 (29.39%)
1988 - 6012/21765 (27.62%)
1989 - 6033/20088 (30.03%)
1990 - 5979/20210 (29.58%)
1991 - 6240/20328 (30.70%)
1992 - 6428/20324 (31.63%)
1993 - 7171/19227 (37.30%)
1994 - 6668/20076 (33.21%)
1995 - 7050/20603 (34.22%)
1996 - 6878/21004 (32.75%)
1997 - 6715/19854 (33.82%)
1998 - 6837/19860 (34.43%)
1999 - 6561/19949 (32.89%)
2000 - 6172/20199 (30.56%)
2001 - 5861/21519 (27.24%)
2002 - 6133/21502 (28.52%)
2003 - 6334/20441 (30.99%)
2004 - 6130/20822 (29.44%)
2005 - 6621/24452 (27.08%)
2006 - 6935/28098 (24.68%)
2007 - 6503/30383 (21.40%)
----

Acceptance Rate went down for the first time in 1986 (I don't have data before 1980 to calculate), when it hit 29.07%.

In 1988, acceptance rate dropped further till 27.62%. That's a new low.

Over the years, 1993 seems to be a good year for applicants, when Cornell aceptance rate went up to 37.30%.

This new low was only broken in 2001, a good 13 years later, with a new rate of 27.24%. That's the year I applied. :(

And then for the last 3 years, the acceptance rate has been going down significantly. For 2005, it was 27.08%, and then 24.68% for 2006 and 21.40% for 2007.

Would this year break the barrier of 20%?

So, it seems that getting admission to top universities in U.S., like Cornell is getting tougher and tougher.

You can calculate acceptance rate for each college as well in the link above. It does not have breakdown of Early Decision and Regular Decision though.

[chyen]

Hi!

Okay I've edited and re-edited my personal essay, but I'm worried because it's 750 words.

Is that too long? I know the average word length is 500, but I've seen a few essay samples that go above 700, so is 750 really pushing it?

[hhhcce]

Not quite. But, make sure that your essay really stands out because I don't think you want a five-hundred-word essay to be better than yours.

[appsong]

I want to introduce you to our forum at www.app2us.com

We have helped 300 students this year with personalized University selection guidance. It is a free service by grad students based in USA.

Also check out the blog at www.app2us.com/blog/

If you have questions, I will be happy to answer at my listed email ID.

Regards,
appsong

[jonnyl]

Hi!

Okay I've edited and re-edited my personal essay, but I'm worried because it's 750 words.

Is that too long? I know the average word length is 500, but I've seen a few essay samples that go above 700, so is 750 really pushing it?

well, if your essay is truly entertaining and puts the admission officers on the edges of their seats or sets them laughing and have a good time throughout the essay, then i don't think they would mind an essay beyond 500 or even beyond 1000. BUT if it is dead boring and does not really entertain or is just a dry ramble then they might hold it against you.

=)

[hhhcce]

Hi there. For those who are still preparing for Jan 2008 SAT or planning to take SAT later in this year. Please go to FreeRice (http://www.freerice.com/index.php) This website was created by the United Nation and its aim is to donate bags of rice to the third-world country. You may wonder what is this has to do with SAT. I know for most of you the most gruesome section is the Vocab section. In that website, there are thousands and millions of Vocab questions for you to practice on and better still, for every question you answer correctly, you are actually donating 20 grains of rice to the third countries. Cool huh?

This is not an advertisement.

[chenchow]

Thanks to a sharing of a fellow ReComer.

Do go to New York Times (http://questions.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/04/edlife_qanda/?8dpc) to ask questions on U.S. universities applications, or at least read about it.

3 veteran counselors are sharing there.

Just to capture the questions, in case the URL no longer works. Please read the following. It is quoted fully from the link above.


Families today agonize over a bewildering array of deadlines and policies. How does early decision differ from early action, or single-choice early action? Does an honors course carry the same weight as A.P.? What?s the best tack for an essay?

Guidance counselors are enlisted to help students navigate the shoals of high school, educationally and vocationally. Three veteran counselors ? Bob Sweeney of Mamaroneck High School in Westchester County, N.Y., and Frank Casso and Linda Lauerman of the Upper Academy at Elizabeth High School in New Jersey ? will answer questions on the college admissions process this week.

To ask a question, post a comment below. Questions will be accepted until Jan. 9.

----

Getting In: A Mixed Bag

Q. I am an academic tutor and parent of a senior who is going through the college process right now. Here are some of the questions I just can?t get answered:
1. Do colleges really consider the complete SAT or just the critical reading and writing sections?
2. Why do some colleges accept the ACT as an alternative to the SAT plus two subject tests? Doing well on the SAT plus two subject tests seems a much greater achievement than just doing well on the ACT.
3. With all the jockeying for position as the most socially involved, many high school students are taking one- or two-week ?community service? trips to exotic (read: poor) countries in Central America or Africa and using this experience (no doubt honestly moving for that student) in their applications. Aren?t colleges getting less and less impressed with this ?instant community service??
4. How strict are colleges generally about application deadlines? I mean, if they are inundated with, as one admissions secretary said when I called to check on my son?s application, ?buckets and buckets? of applications on Jan. 1, do they really refuse to consider the application of someone who files a week late? ?Karen

BOB SWEENEY: 1. My sense is that many colleges, as they wait for validity studies, are not paying much attention to the writing section.
2. ACT subtests are more subject driven and in line with SAT subject tests.
3. The community service trips seem to have become part of the conventional wisdom as a ?must? for college admissions. My advice is to do what comes naturally, not what you think is expected. The ?designer kid? often comes through in an application. I always wonder how all those kids doing community service during the summer after junior year spend their summer after senior year? Club Med maybe.
4. Every piece of paper does not have to be in the admissions office by the deadline. Much trickles in, often through no fault of the applicant. But at the least get the application itself there close to deadline.

Q. My daughter is a junior in Orange County, Calif., and plans to go to the best university she can. Is it a good idea to hire a counselor to help her get into the best possible university? ? Mark

BOB SWEENEY: I am not quite sure what you mean by the ?best university she can.? Those of us in counseling offices tend to want to help find the ?best match.? It may be a highly selective and prestigious school but my advice is to focus on the fit given who your daughter is, her ability, interests and goals. A paid counselor can help her find that fit but is not always necessary. I would hope you can trust and use your guidance counselor. There are some good private consultants out there, if that is not the case. But I do think what many are charging is excessive. This is not brain surgery.

Q. My son is a junior. His PSAT scores could be projected to a 650 in verbal and 550 in math on the SAT. Writing was 610. His cumulative index is 3.2. He is taking A.P. biology, honors physics and A.P. economics and U.S. government. He would like to major in biology and is leaning toward veterinary medicine or premed. What level of college do you think would accept him? We are hoping either one of the more competitive state universities or a higher level private college such as Wake Forest. A good Catholic college would be fine. ? Patrice

LINDA LAUDERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Based on the PSAT info, your son should be tutored or take an SAT prep course to raise his math score, especially if premed is in his future. His academic body of work is a plus for a competitive state university but his G.P.A. needs to be elevated by the end of junior year. And he should put biology as his major rather than premed to increase his chances of being accepted.
Some good Catholic colleges are Boston College, Villanova, Fordham, St. Joseph?s in Philadelphia and Seton Hall University, to name a few.

Q. My daughter is a junior in a good public school in the San Francisco Bay area. She is keen on doing international business. She is open to out-of-state colleges as well. What are some of the best schools for this? What do you recommend she do to position herself well to get into one of these programs with a scholarship? She is part of a business leaders club and already won a national competition in international business. ? Ram

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Some of the finest business schools are at the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown, Yale, U.C.L.A., N.Y.U., Boston University and Northeastern, providing her G.P.A. and SAT?s (which can earn merit money from colleges) are within the institution?s acceptance range. Keep extracurricular activities and business interests active to enhance your r?sum?.

Q. What is the true hierarchy in what fine colleges look for vis-?-vis SAT?s, G.P.A., essay, recommendations? Also, does it help to apply early decision and does doing so cut down on your chance for financial aid? ? Luisa

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: All that you mention are important but larger schools tend to count G.P.A. and SAT more, where smaller colleges also value recommendations and essays. Before applying early decision, check with each college to see how financial aid/merit money will be handled. We have not encountered a reduction in financial assistance for our students.

Q. My daughter, a junior at a specialized high school, has a 93 percent average with SAT?s in the 2200 range. Do you think this is enough to get her into a university like Brown? She?s interested in English and law, and wants a midsize school in or near an artsy city, within four hours of New York City. ? Centa

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Your G.P.A. and SAT do meet the requirement for Brown, but keep in mind its eclectic nature and tailor your application to that through your essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations and community involvement. Since you are interested in English and law near New York, you may want to apply also to N.Y.U., Boston University, Boston College, Columbia, Barnard, Penn, Fordham, Georgetown, Yale, George Washington, American University or M.I.T.

Q. I will be applying to two or three of the University of California campuses. As a backup, I will be applying to two or three of the California State universities. I am not familiar with the strengths and reputations of the C.S.U. schools. I would like to get an outside perspective on which are known to be a cut above, other than referencing U.S. News and World Report and Kaplan. Are there any sources you can refer me to? I?m curious if any California State colleges are on the radar of East Coast counselors. ? Jesse

BOB SWEENEY: I am afraid I am one of those East Coast counselors not so familiar with California?s public colleges. I am jealous of all the choices you have there but it can be daunting. My one advice is to think about what is important to you, not so much where each college ranks. How far do you want to travel from home, do you want a bigger or smaller campus, what kind of location are you looking for? Are you leaning in a direction for a major that may influence your choice? Your school guidance counselor should be a good reference. Where have other students from your school attended and where are they happy?

Q. I?m a good student (in top 12 percent of my class) and have played varsity basketball and volleyball for three years. My coaches have all told me I am good enough to play at a Division II or III school. However, I do not do well on standardized tests. Do I stand any chance at an Ivy with just fair SAT scores? ? Deborah

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Good athletics alone will not likely get you into the Ivies (Division I), which do not give athletic scholarships. Try to raise your standardized tests to Ivy standards. It is our opinion that you also look at other colleges in which to participate as a student athlete. Just remember that Division II schools give scholarships, and Division III do not.

Q. My son is a junior in a private high school in Austin, Tex., and is in the process of choosing colleges he would like to attend. Do you have any tips on organizing and writing his personal statement? What information will he need to consider when he writes his statement? ? Richard

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: All the info you need can be found in ?The College Application Essay,? revised edition, by Sarah Myers McGinty; it?s available at www.collegeboard.com for $15.95.
Applying Early

Q. Do the admissions staff at nearby colleges compare applicants? There is a five-college consortium in Northhampton, Mass. If your child applies early action to one school, does that hurt her chances for getting into another regular admissions? ? Lynn

BOB SWEENEY: To the best of my knowledge, colleges do not compare lists of applicants, even in such a consortium, and chances are not hurt by an early application to one of them. Applying early action, which is not binding, makes sense; knowing at least one college wants you, you will sleep better between now and March. I don?t think the others will be jealous and hold it against you. But when applying to the others, it is important to state that you are aware of the differences of each and how you fit in and what you bring to each.

Q. I applied early decision to Columbia and was deferred in December. I sent all my other applications last week but was wondering what I can do to make Columbia among my choices come April.
I have already called the admissions office and spoke to the lady who read my application. I told her that though I was disappointed with my deferral, Columbia is still my first choice. She seemed pleased with my initiative and made a note of it in my application (I followed up with a thank you e-mail that night). My guidance counselor and school principal have sent further letters of recommendation.
I plan on submitting an addendum closer to March to update Columbia on my accomplishments since December. Is there anything else that could maximize my chances? ? Rohi

BOB SWEENEY: You have done all the right things, and I can?t think of anything else to do at this point. I am glad the admissions person you spoke to was receptive. They are usually inundated with calls after the letters go out. No matter how big the college, it is amazing how well they get to know applicants; believe me, the decisions are not made haphazardly or lightly.
All that is left is to get good midyear grades. Send them directly to the person you spoke to, in addition to having your counselor send them. Add a note confirming your desire to attend Columbia. Just as important, you now need to generate enthusiasm for the other colleges on your list. You can?t count on Columbia. I am a firm believer that students can be happy at more than one place. I like your spirit and initiative. Hopefully, a few admissions officers will feel the same way.

Geographic Diversity

Q. How much of a factor is geographical diversity at the top schools? ? Laura

BOB SWEENEY: Diversity in every aspect, including geographical, is important to a director of admissions charged with bringing in an interesting freshman class. In some ways, selective schools are ?engineering? their perfect society, and the balance may change year to year. There are certain factors that can influence your admissions decision that are just not in your control. That may not be good news but take solace in knowing it is not always your fault that you were not accepted.

Q. We are from Louisiana and my son has high SAT?s (2230 with an 800 in math) and grades (>4.1 weighted). He wants to look at top math-oriented schools like M.I.T., Carnegie Melon and Stanford. How might we use geographic diversity to my son?s benefit? ? Guy

BOB SWEENEY: Better to be from Louisiana than Westchester County or other Northeast suburbs. Try to work in somewhere in your application what life is like in the bayou or the flavor of your town.

The Transfer Shuffle

Q. If I complete my associate degree at a county college, what would be the minimum grade point average for transferring to a university like Rutgers or N.Y.U., for example? And if I participate in College Assembly and volunteer, would that be counted when I transfer? ? Ruchik

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: It is recommended that a 3.0 or better be established at your county college before applying to colleges. Participating in your college assembly and doing volunteer work would be important to N.Y.U. but only to Rutgers if you are applying for a specialized program; otherwise they require only a strong G.P.A. and SAT or ACT scores.

Q. Do students have a better chance of getting into prestigious schools by transferring after their freshman year? ? Lia

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: It depends on the school, and how popular the major. The college will still look at your high school records but also want to see your progress during freshman year.
What I Did for Summer Vacation

Q. My first two children (one at Cornell, one at Michigan business school) attended serious summer programs. Now that it is child No. 3?s turn, I am wondering, how important is it for their college admissions? Can we just let our kids do what they want even if it means that their summer r?sum? won?t be that impressive? ? Joanne

Q. How important is it to a university that a student spend their summer participating in organized academic or service programs vs. working, or traveling with family? ? Cindy

BOB SWEENEY: You may hear different opinions on this, but my view is, you should do what you want to. If you have the opportunity to travel with your family, do it. If you need to work, then work. Some of the best essays have been written by students who spent their summer at the checkout counter of their local supermarket. There is no formula or expectation and sometimes college folks see through the voluntary service. Just don?t spend the summer in front of the TV.

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Any activities that are out of the ordinary will be looked on with favor by colleges and universities, especially by the higher profile academic schools that want a well-rounded r?sum? with additional academic enrichment programs.
What?s Your Major?

Q. Is it still best to apply ?undecided? when completing an application to a highly selective school? ? Abby

Q. What role does the choice of major play in admissions? My friend?s son got admission to a University of California college with international relations as major and changed it after two years. ? Mahesh

BOB SWEENEY: Most of my students don?t know what they want to major in. They often know what they don?t want to major in. It will not be held against you if you are undecided. Even if you indicate a major, there is usually plenty of time to change your mind ? one of the reasons you go to college is to discover what you want to study. Don?t make a major up because you think that is what they want to hear. The undecided group is often the majority in a freshman class.

Don?t Mind the Gap

Q. We are expatriots living in the United Kingdom. Our son is thinking about going to the United States for college. It is common here to take a gap year to travel and work after finishing high school. Would this be frowned on by U.S. universities? Should he apply during his last year of high school and defer entry once he has been accepted, or should be apply during his gap year?

BOB SWEENEY: Colleges welcome students willing to try something new and will defer an acceptance for a year. Better to try to secure acceptance first during senior year.

Advanced Placement

Q. Is it a waste of money to send official A.P. test reports to all the colleges you?re applying to or is self-reporting the scores on the application enough? Nowhere do I see that the (expensive) reports are required or recommended to complete an application. ? Marcela

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Correct. A.P. score reports are not necessary. You get one free score report sent when you fill out your answer sheet. If your test score is good and could get you academic credit, send an official copy rather than having the counselor type it on transcripts.

Q. My high school freshman has straight A?s except for his A.P. English class, where he has a B. Will his college application be stronger with a B in A.P. English, or should he drop back to a regular English class, where he can probably earn an A? ? Lillian

Q. A.P., A.P., A.P. Freshmen now take multiple A.P. courses, and juniors take five or six. The guidance counselors say, ?It?s the strength of the schedule that is so important,? so families feel pressured to sign the kids up for more A.P. classes than they should. The kids are stressed. So can you clarify? Will kids who are making C?s and B?s in A.P. fare worse in the application process than kids making A?s and B?s in honors and regular classes? ? Pat

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: The rigor of courses and your willingness to challenge yourself is always important to colleges. When speaking of an A or a B, stay with the A.P. class. You?ll be better prepared to handle college academics.
As for Pat?s question, it all depends on how selective the college is you are applying to. Consider mixing two or three A.P. classes in your strongest subjects and honors in the rest if you are getting C?s.

Q. My daughter is a junior and has taken A.P. chemistry, physics and economics this year. During spring and early summer, she will take the SAT and two subject SAT?s, probably in chemistry and math. Given that she is already taking these three tests, how important is it to take the three A.P. exams? ? Marion

Q. Does a 3 on an A.P. exam earn any sort of recognition in a college application (besides college credit)? ? Sajni

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: One benefit of taking an A.P. test is that you?ll experience a college-level exam while in high school. You can also be granted credit or placement into upper-level classes in your field of interest and earn an A.P. Scholar award, which is a plus on your r?sum?.

Q. Why is it that most colleges refuse to tell prospective students their formula for determining the G.P.A.? That is, how do they weight A.P. and honors classes, do they count nonacademic courses toward the G.P.A.? I have been on dozens of college visits and not once has an admissions officer given me a straight numeric answer to this question so that we could look at the G.P.A. numbers colleges post on their Web sites and determine whether my student is a reasonable candidate for this school. ? Karen

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Your high school determines the formula for G.P.A., not colleges. The colleges will look at your classes and determine the quality of your course work through A.P. and honors classes. Most colleges set a minimum G.P.A. for entrance and will use it to evaluate you for admission.

Q. My kid?s large urban high school does not weight grades, but they do rank kids. This seems wrong to me. I have been told that it is not a problem to graduate from a school that has unweighted grades as the colleges reweight them with their own system anyway. Is this true? I doubt our school will start to weight grades anytime soon. But they should give up on ranking the kids. It potentially puts a kid with lots of A.P. courses at a lower rank than a kid who took a very light load. ? Kristen

BOB SWEENEY: I am not in favor of weighting grades. It is correct that many colleges unweight grades so applicants are on a level playing field. A student with a light load but higher G.P.A. and rank is not at an advantage over a student with a more demanding program and lower G.P.A. I am not a fan of overloading kids, but if they hope to be competitive at very selective colleges, A.P.?s or honors classes are standard.
Ranking creates an unhealthy competitive atmosphere in a school. My high school provides an unweighted G.P.A. and a distribution chart showing G.P.A.?s for the class. The chart allows colleges to determine rank in percentage (top 10 percent, for instance) if they want to know that. I previously worked in a school where seniors were told their exact rank in class. Once they were announced, for weeks, students and parents were asking, ?What number are you??

Going Abroad; Coming From Abroad

Q. My daughter will graduate early to spend her senior year as a foreign exchange student. Should she complete applications prior to leaving in August and will most colleges hold an application a year knowing the student is abroad? ? Jeanie

BOB SWEENEY: Your daughter is eligible to apply in the year she expects to graduate as long as she is actually getting her diploma at the end of the year. It is a little confusing to call her year as a foreign exchange student her senior year if she has already graduated. If she does apply in her junior year (the year she plans to graduate) and is accepted, colleges generally allow a year?s deferral before attending. However, the student does need to make a binding commitment to the college she plans to attend if she wants it to hold a place for her.

Q. My daughter, a junior, is spending a year in Peru in a student exchange. This basically takes a year from her U.S. high school transcripts. Does the international experience offset that in the eyes of college admissions professionals? How can we maximize the impact of the international experience? ? Ben

BOB SWEENEY: In my view, the experience in Peru will only enhance a college application, not diminish it. I assume she is taking an academic program comparable to what she would at her own school. I don?t think there is anything to do to maximize the impact ? just let her enjoy it and learn. The experience may give her something to write about in an essay, which should not be a travel log but more about what she learned about herself from the experience. Having spent a year in Peru, she will likely be much more ready to leave home and go off to college when the time comes.

Q. I have been thinking about the possibility of moving to another country, but I am hesitant because of my young daughter. How difficult is it to enter into an American university after having lived as an ex-patriot for most of your life? I studied at Ivy League institutions. Does legacy still count? ? Jacqueline

BOB SWEENEY: My sense is that students are not at a disadvantage. Before moving, you do need to check what international schools are available, their programs and track record for placing students in American colleges. Many international schools have top-notch college advising, with counselors well versed and familiar with our schools. I think it is safe to say legacy helps, but when it comes to an Ivy League school, students need the credentials. These days the competition is incredible, far different from when you attended. I am glad I am not applying to college now.

Q. I am an American living in Switzerland and my son attends the local schools. My son is now a junior, having started school here in the fourth grade. First, in the Jan. 6 article on guidance counselors, Jeffrey Brenzel, dean of admissions at Yale, is quoted as saying that one of the counselor?s main tasks is ?helping students understand the range of colleges to which they are reasonably likely to win acceptance.? Any suggestions for good resources for answering this question for those of us who don?t have access to a guidance counselor? Second, what are the advantages that an ex-pat kid might have that could be emphasized in an application? And what are the possible obstacles that he should be aware of? ? Andrew

BOB SWEENEY: Being in Switzerland without access to a well-informed counselor is a problem, not only in determining how ?reasonably likely? they are to get in but also in understanding from a distance where your son may be best suited. College Web sites provide an academic profile of their freshman class to give you some idea of their selectivity and how your son?s academic record compares.
While American schools nearby may not make their counseling services available, they may be able to recommend a consultant who can help you, at a reasonable fee.
An ex-pat living in Switzerland since fourth grade certainly adds to the diversity factor and has likely had a rich cultural experience to write about and bring to an American campus.
The possible obstacle is that your son?s academic program and transcript needs to be fully explained and understood by those evaluating him. Another one is having to pick a college sight unseen.

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: You may want to seek a private counselor to compile your son?s application materials. ?Barron?s Profiles of American Colleges? lists the degree of admissions competitiveness at institutions and will tell a prospective student the G.P.A. and SAT or ACT scores required. There are many other resources, including ?The College Handbook? and ?The Fiske Guide to Colleges.? Google for a list of resources since it seems you will have to do much on your own.

Dealing With Learning Disabilities

Q. Seems all counseling is for gifted achievers. What about those with learning differences, who are intelligent but test differently, need vocational as well as academic guidance? Where can I get counseling for a graduating high school student in special education. ? Lisa

BOB SWEENEY: My advice is to start with the school, first with the counselor and then the special education department. If the student is a classified student, schools by law must assist with a ?transition? plan for after high school. You need to ask about that plan. If you are in a community where emphasis is on college planning, the student with special needs or vocational training can be overlooked. You need to speak up. Also keep in mind, there are an increasing number of specialized colleges, as well as two- and four-year colleges that do not require standardized tests.

Q. Are you aware of colleges where students with A.D.D./A.D.H.D. have been consistently successful? Are there specific schools where these kids will get the academic support they need and still have the independence they need to grow? ? Roger

BOB SWEENEY: I am hard pressed to name specific colleges where students with learning disabilities are consistently successful because so many factors come into play. There are many colleges with programs and extensive services. In New York, Marist, Adelphi, the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University and St. Thomas Aquinas come to mind. The University of Denver and University of Arizona are also worth looking at.
The question about support for A.D.D./A.D.H.D. students should come up in determining if the college is right for your child. Don?t hide it.

Q. How do you suggest students with learning disabilities and other special needs identify themselves during the admissions process. Many of these kids are no longer (or never were) classified under special education so they do not have formal school plans or evaluations. ? Cynthia

BOB SWEENEY: My advice is to tell the college about the disability, whether classified or not, or give your counselor permission to mention it in a letter. Colleges need to see your application in the context that you may be dealing with a disability. Better they know more about you so they can provide the services you may require once there.

Seeking a Special Program

Q. How does one go about choosing the best college or conservatory for acting, singing, dancing? Our counselor is not well informed about career preparation for the performing arts. ? Kathy

BOB SWEENEY: One resource I use is ?Rugg?s Recommendations on the Colleges.? The guru Fred Rugg looks at colleges by departments. In the current edition, there is a listing of recommended colleges for dance and theater, for music and for musical theater. Some colleges may be on all three lists. There should be a copy in your guidance office or local library. A similar book is ?The Gourman Report: Undergraduate Programs and Professional Programs in American and International Universities.?
If a college is not listed, though, it doesn?t mean it is not worth looking at. But these guidebooks are a good place to start. Your counselor may not be familiar with arts programs but may be able to tell you where other students from your school have attended. Then try to get in touch with them.

The Cost of College

Q. If my income is too high ($150,000) for financial aid, should I bother to apply? I do not want loans but maybe work on campus. ? Dan

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Everyone should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the Fafsa, to find out about any available aid. Some private scholarships may require a Fafsa on file, and you might become interested in a Stafford, a low-interest federal loan. But you will likely not qualify for need-based aid, which work-study programs are.

Q. What is the best approach for financial aid for a foreign student in the United States as an exchange student in high school? ? Tam

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Questions regarding financial aid should be directed to www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling 800-433-3243. You don?t have to wait forever for a knowledgeable operator to assist.

Q. My wife is in the advanced stages of breast cancer. She is receiving palliative care, and it is uncertain how long she will survive. We have a 16-year-old daughter who is an excellent student, with accomplishments in music performance, musical theater and model U.N. Our income is modest (I?m a public school teacher). My daughter would fit in well at a top-notch school, but that would cost much more than we can afford.
Are there specific scholarships that my daughter would qualify for on the basis of her mother?s illness, disability status or (eventually) death from cancer that might allow her to try for more expensive private colleges? ? James

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: First fill out the Fafsa to see if you qualify for need-based aid. Also, based on your daughter?s academic achievement and SAT scores, many colleges offer academic awards. Some of the most elite colleges (Amherst, Princeton, Harvard) have the resources to replace loans with grants or reduce expected family contribution, significantly lowering the sticker price.
You can also explore private scholarships at finaid.org, which has a page containing information about scholarships for cancer patients, cancer survivors, children of a cancer patient or survivor, and students who lost a parent to cancer. Other sources are fastweb.com or collegeboard.com.

Q. Are most college admissions truly financial aid blind? I suspect that candidates able to pay full tuition have better success in securing admissions than candidates with financial aid needs. ? Sam

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Colleges are interested in attracting the best candidates they can, financially able or not.

Q. My daughter has decided she would like to become a pharmacist. We live in New Jersey and are looking into Rutgers. Both my wife and I struggle to make the bills for her (and her sister) in Catholic high school, and worry about how we?re going to pay for college. Are there any alternatives out there? ? Bruce

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: A good alternative would be the New Jersey Stars Program, which provides free tuition at community colleges. Enroll in an associate program at your local college or any county college, then with two-year degree in hand transfer to a four-year university. You must be in the top 20 percent of your class, and tuition and fees will be covered up to five semesters.

Inside the Guidance Office

Q. Do you limit the number of colleges your seniors apply to? I have students who are applying to 10, 12 and in one case 16 schools. It seems prudent to cut the number to somewhere around eight. ? Hugh

BOB SWEENEY: I can urge students to limit how many schools they apply to, but I don?t insist. With the uncertainty these days, 10 applications are not unusual. More than that and the student has not done homework about colleges, is getting bad advice or is looking for notches on his or her belt. I try for reason and common sense, but when it comes to the admissions game these days, that is often hard to achieve.

Q. How does a counselor guide students from the same high school who want to apply to the same top-10 colleges. Not all of the 30 to 40 qualified students will get in. How do you guide them to be successful collectively? ? Laura

BOB SWEENEY: I think that issue, when 30 to 40 students apply to the same few colleges, is more prevalent in private schools than publics. I really don?t know if anything specific can be done other than to encourage students to expand their horizons, and drum home what it says about the experience when a college accepts only 10 percent of its applicants. In our school, we will not in any way try to manipulate the spread or discourage someone from applying because there are too many candidates from our class.

Q. Colleges say that taking rigorous courses, such as A.P.?s and honors courses, is the most important criteria in their evaluation. When you fill out your Common Application School Recommendation, how do you determine whether a student has taken the ?most demanding? curriculum or just a ?very demanding? one, and what percentage of your students, on average, earn the higher designation? ? Jane

BOB SWEENEY: I take it you are a school counselor. I often hesitate over the same question. Generally, if a student is taking mostly honors courses, Advanced Placement or the highest level courses we have, I check ?most demanding,? and if the program has a couple of hours of A.P., I check ?very demanding.? I really worry about students who feel the need to be in the ?most demanding? category. As the teacher and author Walt Gardner reminded us: ?High school is the only place in life we are expected to be good at everything.? Of the 40 or so seniors I have every year, only two or three are in an honors or A.P. course in every core academic area.

Q. Congratulations on 9 of 10 of your early decision applicants getting accepted. How do you deflect students (and parents) who are determined to apply early to places where they are unlikely to be admitted? Looking at cold hard SAT scores doesn?t seem to deter some from believing they?ll be the exception, especially since colleges encourage everyone to apply. But we know rejection hurts. ? Betsey

BOB SWEENEY: I was very fortunate with my group this year. They were strong but sensible. Each looked carefully at themselves and what they wanted and made choices based on what was a good place for them, not entirely on where the college fit in the pecking order. I do think students from my area (Westchester County) are taking a more realistic look at just how competitive each college is and where they stand compared to others from our high school who have been accepted or rejected at a given school. I am finding more of my students using early admissions programs wisely to apply where they have a reasonable shot. I explain to them that passing up on the early option at the more reasonable place may hurt them later with regular decision. It is a fine line we walk with that advice, and we sometimes risk the relationship, but I need to be honest with my students.

Q. What effort are counselors making to persuade all institutions to accept a Common Application packet, not merely a preliminary Common Application with custom designed supplements for each institution, to ease the burden on students? ? Brijen

BOB SWEENEY: Counselors do voice their concerns about the many supplements now required with the Common Application. I do find the application helpful, especially now with online technology. However, I am not so sure colleges could come to an agreement about a form that fits all. Each college will tell you they have institutional needs and unique requirements for evaluating applicants. I can?t argue with that, especially if I wish they would forego their reliance on standardized tests, which I believe is a greater disservice to students than asking for supplemental information, which may say more about the student.

Q. How important is it in an average-size high school (if financing permits) to have a staff member who specializes in ?college counseling? opposed to more generalized ?guidance counseling?? ? Caroline

BOB SWEENEY: As a public school counselor, I prefer the model we use. Each counselor has responsibility for a caseload for grades 9 through 12 and we stay with the same students for the four years. It gives us time to build a relationship and know them well by senior year. Besides, I like the variety of the work. Most public schools in our area (Westchester County) follow this model. There are advantages to both. My guess is much would depend on the makeup of your staff and what they like to do and how they see their roles. Some would prefer to leave college admissions to a specialist.

Q. Our public high school?s policy is for all seniors to submit completed applications to the guidance office, and then the office adds the transcript and mails the package to the colleges. I am uncomfortable with this. I am nervous that the department is more likely to miss something when they are responsible for so many applications, whereas my son and I would be more thorough because of our obvious motivation to get things done perfectly. Is the policy of my high school typical? Do you recommend I follow their rules, or should I insist we send the applications ourselves and ask them to provide only the transcript to the colleges? ? Boomer

BOB SWEENEY: Personally, I prefer the way you suggest. I don?t want the responsibility for the application. I prefer to mail just my recommendation and transcript. Teachers also send recommendations on their own. We do not collect it.
It doesn?t hurt to ask, but your school has probably been doing it this way for years, and it?s a fairly typical policy. One advantage of their method is everything arrives in the admissions office in one envelope. Colleges love that. Sometimes it can take weeks for all the paper to meet up.
I wonder how your school deals with online applications? Most students apply online these days, bypassing the need to give completed applications or paper to the guidance office. Danger with that is students forget to tell us they applied and wonder why the college doesn?t have their transcript and recommendation.
By the way, most schools set up an e-mail or online account with each applicant so you would know quickly if the application did not get there. Besides, if you handed the material into the high school, the college might be understanding if you missed a deadline through no fault of your own.

Q. I have been writing recommendation letters for seniors in my 12 years of teaching. Nobody ever taught me how to write such letters. How do I know if I?m doing it well enough? I?ve asked a few colleagues for samples of their own writing and was put off by some, as they seemed either too intimate (e.g., ?Kendra was my little treasure this year?) or too flattering. ? Robert

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: Recommendation letters vary in style, but if you are getting no help from colleagues, we found a good source in ?Letters of Recommendation: All the Hints, Tips and Tricks You?ll Ever Need to Write Lively Letters That Make a Difference!? by David Craig (Paperbacks for Educators; 800-227-2591).

Q. Can we call colleges to make sure information is reported accurately? We?ve had a number of errors/issues with our counselor, but we cannot see the final result. Also, we are worried about repercussions, as we still need the person for midyear reports and scholarships. ? Asayys

LINDA LAUERMAN/FRANK CASSO: It is your right as a parent or student to check the status of your application online or by phone. A professional should not be insulted, especially a novice, if you check with colleges for information regarding your child.

Q. Has the counselor?s job changed since U.S. News started ranking colleges? Do you have any opinions on its rankings, good or bad? ? Joe

BOB SWEENEY: I hate the rankings, and most counselors I know share that feeling. I applaud the small group of college presidents, many from the Midwest, who are not participating in the U.S. News survey and urging their colleagues to do the same. I think the rankings distort what is really important and are a distraction from what students should be looking at when deciding what college is best for them.
I am fighting the perception that if the college they attend is not in the U.S. News top 25 it is not worth attending, and that lives are ruined if they don?t get accepted to one of them. That is absurd.
Another good question, this one for directors of admissions: how has their job changed since U.S. News started ranking colleges? Not for the better, in my opinion.

----

[chenchow]

Helping Christine from UPenn to post this. Do email me and I'll link you to Christine.

-----
Dear all,
The Alumni Secondary School Committee is running admissions interviews for freshmen applicants to the University of Pennsylvania and I would appreciate if you could forward this email to anyone you know who applied this year from Malaysia and cc me. We have not received the final list from Penn and want to be sure no one is left out.

The interviews will be held at the following dates and times:

Dates: Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, February 10
Time: 2pm or 3.30pm
Venue: Business Centre, Equatorial Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Dress code: Smart casual

Information required:
First Name, Last Name as per Penn application:
Birthdate:
Current school (or as per Penn aplication):
Cellphone no:
Available dates and times (indicate preference):

The format will be similar to last year's:

1. You will be scheduled for a time slot at either 2pm or 3.30pm depending on available slots and your availability.
2. We will begin interviewing people in each time slot in the order of sign-in at the business centre and we'll try to match applicants to alumni by school so that we can be more helpful.
3. Each interview should take about 20-30 minutes so the longest you should have to wait is an hour.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Christine Lim
CAS/WH'97
-----

[chenchow]

Thanks to Christine from UPenn for this great idea. Would do the same for Cornell.

-----

Would like all applicants from Malaysia for Regular Decision for Cornell University, to kindly contact me via email (chenchow@<hidden>). Would like to arrange for Contact Meetings for Cornell University.

This is part of Cornell Alumni Admission Ambassador Network. This would provide Cornell Admission Office with greater understanding of you as an applicant, as well as for you to know more about Cornell University.

The Contact Meetings would be held on 26th and 27th January 2008 at 3rd Floor Starbucks KLCC. (Time to be fixed after I get email from you)

As of now, Cornell University is still processing your application forms, and hence, it might take another week or two before all applications show up in our system. And in view of Chinese New Year holiday, we would hope to be able to conduct Contact Meetings for almost all applicants on 26th and 27th January 2008.

Please kindly forward this to all applicants of Cornell University.

Please include the following details when you email me at chenchow@<hidden> :-
Name (As per your university application):
College/Major Applied:
High School Attended (As per your university application):
Phone Number:
Email Address:
(If you have any time within 26th and 27th January that you can't make it, please kindly let me know. Would try to arrange, but no guarantee.)

Thanks.

Regards,
Chen Chow
Chairman of Cornell Alumni Admission Ambassador Network Committee 852 (Malaysia)

[Appolo]

Hai, I have a question about the filling of my course grades online for UC transfer.At the end of my form, I'm given a column(some sort like a personal statement column with only 250 characters available) requiring me to answer whether I believe that I will get a better grades compared to last year and the circumstances that lead me towards the change.The question is optional but I think that it might a good way of presenting myself apart from the two personal statements that I typed for them.Can anyone help me on that?I believe that I should seize the opportunity but I really need a second opinion about it.Also, what kind of things should I write on considering the limited characters.

Secondly, there is a page for me to fill the courses that I'm planning on taking for the coming summer semester.Since the schedule is subject to change and there might be insertion of new courses for me to take.Is it advisable for me to put in the courses that I'm planning on taking(such as CaL 3, Organic Chemistry and Introduction to Sociology) as some of these courses might be removed from my plan of study depending on the current situation.If I really did put in these courses and I eventually ended up taking only one of it, would it be regarded as a form of cheating as the university expect me to know already my courses of study when I re-enrolled in my college.With the deadline 31st approaches, I really hope that someone could just shed some light into the matter that is troubling me.

Thank you for your kind attention.

[bert]

Dartmouth College, one of the 8 Ivy League colleges, has just gone need-blind for international students as of today!!!

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~news/releases/2008/01/22.html

One of the factors in the decision could be that there was a taskforce that pushed strongly for need-blind admissions for intl students last year. The head of the taskforce also happened to be a Malaysian here at Dartmouth, so kudos to him!

To the best of my knowledge, there are now 7 colleges that are need-blind to international students.

edit cos of lyzzy(Dartmouth will still be on top =p):
1. Dartmouth
2. Yale
3. Middlebury
4. Williams
5. MIT
6. Princeton
7. Harvard

[andrewlza]

no shit!
nice.

[lyzzy]

man why was dartmouth not needblind earlier wan?! *sad*

and yale's and harvard's financial aid reform takes place ... the year i leave :(

edit: eh, yale should be like no 1 on your list lah!

[chenchow]

Thanks to Christine from UPenn for this great idea. Would do the same for Cornell.

-----

Would like all applicants from Malaysia for Regular Decision for Cornell University, to kindly contact me via email (chenchow@<hidden>). Would like to arrange for Contact Meetings for Cornell University.

This is part of Cornell Alumni Admission Ambassador Network. This would provide Cornell Admission Office with greater understanding of you as an applicant, as well as for you to know more about Cornell University.

The Contact Meetings would be held on 26th and 27th January 2008 at 3rd Floor Starbucks KLCC. (Time to be fixed after I get email from you)

As of now, Cornell University is still processing your application forms, and hence, it might take another week or two before all applications show up in our system. And in view of Chinese New Year holiday, we would hope to be able to conduct Contact Meetings for almost all applicants on 26th and 27th January 2008.

Please kindly forward this to all applicants of Cornell University.

Please include the following details when you email me at chenchow@<hidden> :-
Name (As per your university application):
College/Major Applied:
High School Attended (As per your university application):
Phone Number:
Email Address:
(If you have any time within 26th and 27th January that you can't make it, please kindly let me know. Would try to arrange, but no guarantee.)

Thanks.

Regards,
Chen Chow
Chairman of Cornell Alumni Admission Ambassador Network Committee 852 (Malaysia)

All contact meetings slots for 26th and 27th January have been snapped up. Remaining slots are for 2nd February. (Even if you couldn't make it for 2nd February, please kindly contact me. Would try to work something out).

Please kindly help spread the words to any Cornell applicants in Malaysia who haven't gotten in touch with me.

As of now, total applicants for Malaysia this year has exceeded total applicants last year, and I believe there are still some applicants who haven't gotten in touch with me.

[chenchow]

This year, total applicants (Early Decision + Regular Decision) to top US Universities have been increasing by quite a lot!

Harvard University increases by 19% to 27,278.
University of Chicago increases by 18%. (International applicants grew 23% to 1,826)
Amherst College increases by 17%.
Northwestern University increases by 14% to more than 25,000.
Dartmouth College increases by 10%.
Cornell University increases by 7.5% to 32,655.
Princeton University increases by 6% to 20,118.
University of Virginia increases by 4% to 18,776.

For Early Decision, Cornell University has 3,095 students (up 3%). Cornell has accepted 1,142 of them, representing 37 percent of the Class of 2012. The acceptance rate for Early Decision is 36.8%, matching thwe rate from last year.

For total applicants from Malaysia to Cornell University, as of now, there have been at least 55 people and am expecting this number to increase further, as not all applicants have contacted me. Last year was 45 applicants, so it is up by at least 22%.

[bookworm]

Hi, I wish to ask for an opinion. Did any of you ever face a similar thing like me?

When I logged into my application status tracking system for my application to Carnegie Mellon University, I found a lot of document "posted" by me to the university. For example, the tracking system states that my files include "Overnight Personal Statement, Overnight Transcript and Overnight Recommendation letter". As a matter of fact, I did not join in the overnight program in the university at all. :(

So, I am wondering whether they misplace others' document into my files. Is this case normal? I learnt that this kind of situation did happen to seniors/previous applicants such as the ACT score "pops up" even though the applicant did not take ACT.

I am wondering whether I should contact the admission officers and asked them about it.
:D

[andrewlza]

Hi, I wish to ask for an opinion. Did any of you ever face a similar thing like me?

When I logged into my application status tracking system for my application to Carnegie Mellon University, I found a lot of document "posted" by me to the university. For example, the tracking system states that my files include "Overnight Personal Statement, Overnight Transcript and Overnight Recommendation letter". As a matter of fact, I did not join in the overnight program in the university at all. :(

So, I am wondering whether they misplace others' document into my files. Is this case normal? I learnt that this kind of situation did happen to seniors/previous applicants such as the ACT score "pops up" even though the applicant did not take ACT.

I am wondering whether I should contact the admission officers and asked them about it.
:D

Yes.

[bookworm]

Thank you. I did find out that my friend also had this "alien" document in their application tracking account. It seems quite funny though.

[ngai]

Hey people! Just want to find out if anyone has been shortlisted and notified of the Harvard interview for the intake of fall 2008? Or is it over already? Thanks.

[chenchow]

Would like to convey my congrats to a fellow ReComer who has just been notified of her admission to Harvard University, MIT and Stanford University for PhD studies!

Congratulations!!!

I would let her share it herself, when she is ready to share with fellow ReComers this good news.

[appsong]

We at www.app2us.com offer personalized help - totally free.

Also check out our blog at www.app2us.com/blog
to read our recent interesting posts for students headed to USA:

Carry your License to USA - Save Hundreds of Dollars
Letters of Recommendation: Waive the right to review
Third round MBA applications
Working off campus on student visa
Transferring to a better University

[chess_the_world]

http://www.acccim.org.my/htmlgb/modules/news/article.php?storyid=194

商联会活动预告 : ?在美国的机会?讲座会
发表者 acccim 于 2008-02-26 14:08:00 (90 次阅读)

本会将与美国驻马大使馆于以下日期、时间及地点联合主办

?在美国的机会?讲座会

日期： 2008年3月12日 (星期三)

时间：
1.30 p.m. 参加者抵步并报到
2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. 讲座会

地点：吉隆坡暨雪兰莪中华工商总会
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (KLSCCCI)
Wisma Chinese Chamber,
258, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4253 2135

协办单位：
1。 马来西亚中华大会堂总会
2。 马来西亚－中国经济贸易总商会
3。 吉隆坡暨雪兰莪中华工商总会

主讲人：
1。美国驻马领事部参赞 Mr. Andrew T. Miller
2。对外商业服务参赞 Mr. Joe Kaesshaefer
3。副经济参赞 Mr. John Finkbeiner

美国驻马大使馆高级官员将利用此讲座会与参加者讲解：
1。在美国的商务/ 旅游
2。马来西亚－美国自由贸易协议的谈判
3。在美国的升学机会以及澄清有关对申请美国签证程序的问题

报名费：免费

语言：英文

欢迎与美国有商务往来的会员商家以及计划赴美国深造的大专生踊跃报名参加。

点击此处 - 下载报名表格。

点击此处 - 网上报名。

有兴趣参加的会员商家请于2008年3月7日前将填具的报名表格传真/ 寄交本会秘书处。

任何询问，请联络本会秘书处：
1。黄秀华女士 或
2。林丽姗小姐
电话：03-2145 2503， 2145 2653 或
传真：03-2145 2562 或
电邮：sucs@<hidden>

[chenchow]

I have received the total number of applicants to Cornell University this year. It is a hefty 33,006 students. Looks like admission rate is going to dip to around 18% or so.

Good Luck to all of you who applied to US Universities!

[Xon]

Chenchow,mind intro what's IVY league???

[chenchow]

Chenchow,mind intro what's IVY league???

Read up about Ivy League here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivy_League)

[appsong]

I wrote a short intro to Ivy League here:
http://app2us.com/blog/?p=6
Thanks,
www.app2us.com

[caramel_nut]

Good luck to all MIT applicants this coming Saturday!! :P

[caramel_nut]

Anyone got MIT? Anyone anyone???

[Matt]

haha yea I've been searching the MIT blogs to find anyone from malaysia who's gotten in! but so far to no avail

[caramel_nut]

haha yea I've been searching the MIT blogs to find anyone from malaysia who's gotten in! but so far to no availYea.. I did the same thing but so far no news at all. The MIT Club of Malaysia is still in the process of trying to get hold of the list of admits. So far, I only know a Malaysian expat kid staying in Argentina who got admitted but not a single one applying directly from Malaysia.

P/s: Matt, I'll see you next next week!

[caramel_nut]

Well, I've just got hold of the admission results for MIT.... but I guess I can't reveal it here yet. Suffice to say, admissions rate for Malaysian students this year drops a lot, and by a lot, it's really a lot...

[capablanca]

Oh, why keep the suspense. I would like to "ke poh" a bit.

[elizabeth]

then where can i see a copy? all my friends failed... I am getting worried about my chances (for other universities- i know i am not MIT standard- i don't suit their paradigm, they don't suit mine)

but i wanna know anyway

[chenchow]

caramel_nut, why the suspense? Do share with other ReComers!

To all those who just got rejected by MIT, please do not feel despair. Sometimes, it could be just due to luck. A lot of candidates would have missed it by a whisker.

Good Luck to everyone on other applications!

An update: Cornell total applicants from Malaysia - 83 (up from 45). And this year, there will be 30 financial aid for international students.

[caramel_nut]

Well, the thing is... even MIT is very reluctant to divulge any information to the current students. They just changed the policy this year. Previously, current students can just drop by the Admissions Office and get all the details they need. This year, however, a visit to the office by me, and another by a friend of mine, turned out to be futile (ok lah.. I manage to get the contact details after pestering them for a long time with very detailed explanations). So, considering that MIT wants to protect the privacy of the applicants this year, we have no choice but to respect that.

Oh well, fine... I'll reveal some. One got admitted out of 70+ (might be more, 70+ are the number of people who requested for an interview) who applied from Malaysia. Last year, 5 got admitted out of around err.... half of the people who applied this year (sorry, failing memory, not sure if this is right). This person isn't from anywhere KL or Selangor and not doing a pre-u program that most US bound students do. I also complained to one of the people in the Admissions Office about the low admissions rate but they told me MIT only has that much of space, so I can't help lah..

Good luck for next year.. (and the rest of the universities that will be releasing their results soon).

[sithan]

Only one! At least I don't feel that bad now. haha, Just kidding

[capablanca]

Sigh, that means I can minus out everyone from my college now.

[wawa]

Keep your spirits up~! There are many other schools to go....

[caramel_nut]

For details about MIT admissions rate for this year:

http://www-tech.mit.edu/V128/N13/admissions.html

A huge number of students are waitlisted this year - 700, up from 100 last year but Malaysia does not even have one single student waitlisted. I wonder what went wrong..

[lXl]

aiyo...you guys have taken all the places last year already......

[Matt]

Hmm. Let's hope the other universities will be kinder to Malaysia!

[Leen]

This thread is too big already.

Post your further questions, tips, suggestions, ..... etc on this new thread.
*locks*

http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6282