Towards US Universities Admission Fall (Aug/Sep) 2010

[chenchow]

It's Mid June now, and it is another 203 days to application deadline of 2nd January 2010.

If you have set your dream to further studies to top US Universities in fall 2010 (Aug/Sep 2010), then you should definitely start your action already! Start preparing seriously, since time is not really on your side. 203 days will fly by very fast. By coming Tuesday, it would be countdown 200 days already!

For those of you who have just recently gotten prestigious scholarships to further studies to US, Congratulations! However, would say that getting the scholarship is just the first step. What you should do now, would be to really work very hard to get into the best university possible. And what's best university, would be the university that suits you the most. So, it might not be the most famous university.

Before I go further, will put the link of a few other ReCom threads earlier on US Applications. Do read through here (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4426), here (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6282) and here (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1143).

The reason I set this new thread is so that all of you can concentrate on using a common thread to prepare, and for future batches, they can see in full, how's the questions, preparation for a batch.

The timeline that you should know:-
Now - Dec 2009 - TOEFL Test
10th Oct 2009 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test
1st Nov 2009 - Early Decision/Action Deadline for Most Universities
7th Nov 2009 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test (Last Date for SAT test for Early Decision/Action applicants)
5th Dec 2009 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test (Ideal Last Date for SAT Test)
Mid Dec 2009 - Admission Decision for Early Decision/Action
2nd Jan 2010 - Regular Decision Deadline for Most Universities (Do check deadline for particular universities, as some deadlines do defer)
23rd Jan 2010 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test (Last Date for SAT Test)
Feb - Apr 2010 - Admission Decision for Regular Decision
1st Apr 2010 (5am Malaysia Time) - Admission Decision for Regular Decision of Ivy League Universities
1st May 2010 - Decided on your university by now.
June/July 2010 - Obtained your I-20 and applied for US Visa.
Aug/Sep 2010 - Start your studies in US Universities

I am sure above would create more questions than answers to you. You might be wondering on a number of those terms. My suggestion for you would be to google/wikipedia those. Try to take initiatives, rather than waiting for spoonfeeding.

Some clarification of the terms:-
1. Regular Decision - This is the normal application pool
2. Early Decision - You can use this option for your top dream university. You are allowed to apply for 1 university only under Early Decision. If you get into this university, you are legally binded to attend that university. Your chance of admission is significantly higher.
3. Early Action - You can use this option for your top dream university. You have higher chance of admission, but you are not binded for the decision.
4. SAT - check it here (www.collegeboard.com).
5. TOEFL - check it here (www.toefl.org).
6. On application forms for most universities, refer to Common Applications (www.commonapp.org).

Then, the next question some of you would ask would be what is required to apply for US Universities. I would say that the following would each play a part in it, and is not limited to the following:-
1. Application Essays
2. Standardized Tests (SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL)
3. Pre-U and High School Results
4. Resume/CV
5. Co-curricular activities (including external activities, charity, community service, business, conferences, research, competitions, performances etc)
6. Recommendation Letters
7. Interviews
8. Special talents

And to all of you who are still thinking of your long strings of A1s in SPM, do remember that this is a global competition to get admission. Your 15A1s or more A1s may not help much. It might be a tough reality to accept, but your long string of A1s is not too important. So, you need to prove yourself to the universities that you are really good.

So, you might be saying, so what I can prepare now?

My thought would be that you can start preparing on some of these stuff:-
1. SAT Reasoning Test - Grab a book(s) and start prepare. If your English is not very solid, you do need to put in a lot of efforts in this. Strengthen your vocabulary through programs like Free Rice (http://www.freerice.com). Try the comprehension. Are you ready to answer Maths questions in English? Is your grammar solid?

2. SAT Subject Tests - Do start choosing the 3 subjects or more that you would like to take for SAT Subject Tests.

--> Do note that you have to sit for SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests in different months. And there are tests only in Oct, Nov, Dec, and maybe you can take the Jan 2010 one too. And most students do need to resit again, so be prepared for one of your SAT test in October and another one in November.

3. Resumes/CVs - Start to prepare this early and get it ready.

4. Recommendation Letters - Start to get your teachers and others who can recommend you to start drafting it. It shouldn't be a repetition of what you have written in your CV/Resume. So, just pass your CV/Resume to your teacher to write would not make it. It would be useless. It should be about personal observation of the recommendor on you.

5. Application Essays - This is very important. Do start carrying a notepad and jotting down any part of your life that you think is unique. Essentially, this will really be helpful, when you start writing your essays.

---
This write up is quite long already. Hope that all of you can start preparing now, and really make full use of the resources. We have put up about 30+ resources at here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com), so those would be good place for you to start prepare.

And don't forget to sign up for the workshop on 1st, 2nd, 15th August 2009. About 25 incoming students/current students/alumni of various top US universities will be facilitating. You can get the info here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com) too.

Lets all of you work very hard, and hopefully, some of you will be able to get into your dream university! The hard work these 7 months would be worth it. You will learn a lot in the process, and this will be the busiest moment of your life (much more stress than your SPM time), but you will learn from it. Good Luck!

Do post your questions here and do share the resources with others who are applying too! You are fighting the global challenge to see how many Malaysians can make it to these universities!

[chikugunya]

did the workshop is open for those who will enter intec this 28 of june..????
so...tats mean the stdent can go out for tat program..???

[chenchow]

did the workshop is open for those who will enter intec this 28 of june..????
so...tats mean the stdent can go out for tat program..???

The workshop would be over the weekend, so yes, any of you can sign up and go.

For INTEC, basically you are free to go anywhere between 6am and 11pm. The hostel door is only closed between 11pm and 6am.

In the mean time, do start preparing. The workshop would be in August, and by then, you would have wasted another 50 days or so, so start preparing now!

[chikugunya]

The workshop would be over the weekend, so yes, any of you can sign up and go.

For INTEC, basically you are free to go anywhere between 6am and 11pm. The hostel door is only closed between 11pm and 6am.

In the mean time, do start preparing. The workshop would be in August, and by then, you would have wasted another 50 days or so, so start preparing now!
ab0ut the fees.....h0w should we pay..???
by hand or bank in..????
n when we must pay it..??

[chenchow]

ab0ut the fees.....h0w should we pay..???
by hand or bank in..????
n when we must pay it..??

It will be nominal fee of RM25 for the entire 3 days of workshop. Do just pay on that day. Do reserve your spot (following the instruction in the website).

About 50% of the seats have been reserved as of now.

[Keiko123]

What's the website to reserve?

[chenchow]

What's the website to reserve?

It's here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com).

Don't just reserve, but also do read through those resources there. Be prepared since early!

[Keiko123]

It's here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com).

Don't just reserve, but also do read through those resources there. Be prepared since early!

Alright, I see.. My mistake.

Just email the address mentioned to reserve right?

Okay, I'll read through them when I'm free. :)

[chenchow]

Alright, I see.. My mistake.

Just email the address mentioned to reserve right?

Okay, I'll read through them when I'm free. :)

Yes, with those details needed.

Do really start prepare from now. Every year, I hear of so many students cry on 1st April, because they regret they did not put in as much effort as they should have. They procrastinate.

So, would really advise you all to start from now, and really work very hard. Those resources that we put up is for your guidance. There are a lot more resources online and elsewhere. Do use those. If you come across any other useful resources, do post it here and I'll add into the site to share with others.

So, don't procrastinate. Can sense that this year's applicants are still on relaxing mode, although it is June already. Do start already. As of now, I only have 1 student sending me his/her application essay to take a look, and it is June already. :( Hope that you all have started drafting on it!

[breakmx]

Sure will be working hard for this.Got to.No point landing a scholarship if we just let it go to waste.TQ chen chow for all the tips & also the training.I'll be there.. :)

[chenchow]

Sure will be working hard for this.Got to.No point landing a scholarship if we just let it go to waste.TQ chen chow for all the tips & also the training.I'll be there.. :)

Have added more resources at here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com). Now, got 60+ resources already.

breakmx, do sign up via usapps2009 AT gmail DOT com , providing your name, email address, current preparatory program/high school, year of SPM , to reserve your spot.

Yes. Do work very hard. If any of you come across more good resources, do post it here, and I'll update into the page.

[breakmx]

Have added more resources at here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com). Now, got 60+ resources already.

breakmx, do sign up via usapps2009 AT gmail DOT com , providing your name, email address, current preparatory program/high school, year of SPM , to reserve your spot.

Yes. Do work very hard. If any of you come across more good resources, do post it here, and I'll update into the page.

Yeap.I already have emailed to reserve my spot.Payment can be done on that day right?

[chenchow]

Yeap.I already have emailed to reserve my spot.Payment can be done on that day right?

On the day 1. :)

[njkian]

It will be nominal fee of RM25 for the entire 3 days of workshop. Do just pay on that day. Do reserve your spot (following the instruction in the website).

About 50% of the seats have been reserved as of now.

huh? how to reserve ?
on which website ?

[gman]

huh? how to reserve ?
on which website ?

i believe that chenchow mentioned it just a few posts ago. refer to post no.11. you can also click on the link at chenchow's signature about the US application workshop to find out more.

[chenchow]

A quick way to start practice for your SAT Reasoning Test could be Free Rice (www.freerice.com). It would hopefully be able to improve a bit of your vocabulary. Do read the vocabulary from [url=www.freevocabulary.com] Free Vocabulary.com [url] too.

[Gabrielle90]

Here's a link of SAT vocabulary word list, you can try to take a look.

http://www.satvocab.com/vocabulary-lists/baron-kaplan-gre-wordlist/

[chenchow]

gabrielle90, thanks for the link. Have included into here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com).

In fact, I would recommend you all to go through the word lists in http://www.satvocab.com . The main page there has links to thousands of words. The ones gabrielle90 highlighted are the more popular words based on Kaplan's and Barron's list.

-----

A few things that I wish to convey to you all who are applying.

--> Don't look for short cut. I have gotten too many of this kind of questions from students that ask, "Can I take 2 subjects for SAT Subject Tests?", "any other short cut?" My response would be that don't look for short cut. Go through the process and work through it. It is not about finding the easiest way to get into your dream university, but work as hard as possible, and eventually impress the admission office.

--> The number of A1s in SPM means practically nothing. So, don't still stay in your glory of your string of As in SPM.

--> Your prefect role, president of clubs in school, essentially does not mean much in your applications. There will be Olympic Medalists and people who have done stuff at international level fighting against you for admission. So, do strive beyond your high school.

--> Do take proactive initiative. I have heard from quite a few. "Can you summarize for me what I should do? The documents are too long. I lazy to read." If you are not willing to put in the efforts, you won't make it.

--> Take responsibility for your preparation. No more such kind of mentality that "I haven't started my preparatory program. Teachers not yet teach. So, I will wait for them to teach. Will they finish the SAT syllabus?". Again, you need to study on your own and take responsibility for it. The preparatory program would try their best to help you, but you need to help yourself to work hard.

[Gabrielle90]

How much extra curriculum weigh in the application? I mean i am not olympic medalist, not even participate in international competition. So... ...

[chenchow]

How much extra curriculum weigh in the application? I mean i am not olympic medalist, not even participate in international competition. So... ...

It is on overall package that they evaluate you on. So, it really depends on what kind of strength you are trying to sell yourself on.

So, there is no specific weightage for any of the aspect. Essentially, of all applicants, they want to choose the suitable ones.

[luminodreamer89]

Erm, hi chenchow, maybe it's off-topic.

Just to ask, I have completed my A-levels this year. Am I able to apply to US universities for the Fall Admission (2010) as a freshman?

looking forward to your warm reply. thanks in advance. =)

[chenchow]

Erm, hi chenchow, maybe it's off-topic.

Just to ask, I have completed my A-levels this year. Am I able to apply to US universities for the Fall Admission (2010) as a freshman?

looking forward to your warm reply. thanks in advance. =)

Yes, you will be able to apply for Fall Admission as a freshman.

When is your A Level? June? December?

If it is June, then you would have 1 year of gap year, whereas for December, you would have half a year of gap year.

Do plan well your time, to make sure that you have time to take your SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests and TOEFL, besides finishing the applications!

Good Luck!

p/s: this is not off-topic! :)

[luminodreamer89]

Thanks, chenchow. =)

I have completed my A-levels in Jan 2009. And I took my SPM in 2006. Currently not bonded to any scholarships. Does that still make me eligible to apply to the Ivies as a freshman for the Fall 2010 Admission?

[gman]

Thanks, chenchow. =)

I have completed my A-levels in Jan 2009. And I took my SPM in 2006. Currently not bonded to any scholarships. Does that still make me eligible to apply to the Ivies as a freshman for the Fall 2010 Admission?

why not? you don't have to be a scholarship holder to apply to the ivies. even if you did take your spm a while back, it shouldn't matter as you spent that time pursuing your a levels.

[chenchow]

Thanks, chenchow. =)

I have completed my A-levels in Jan 2009. And I took my SPM in 2006. Currently not bonded to any scholarships. Does that still make me eligible to apply to the Ivies as a freshman for the Fall 2010 Admission?

What have you been doing since January 2009? if you have enrolled in a degree program, then you might not be able to apply as a freshman. So, it depends what are you doing.

[luminodreamer89]

Erm, I have not enrolled in any degree programmes. But, I have applied to some universities in Singapore and UK and managed to secure a seat.

Basically, what I have done are like taking up some sports training and involving myself in fundraising activities.

So, am I still able to apply as a freshman?

[chenchow]

Erm, I have not enrolled in any degree programmes. But, I have applied to some universities in Singapore and UK and managed to secure a seat.

Basically, what I have done are like taking up some sports training and involving myself in fundraising activities.

So, am I still able to apply as a freshman?

Guess, if you choose to go and study in Singapore in July when school starts or UK in September when school starts, then you have to apply as a transfer student.

But if you are not enrolling in any university by the time you apply, then yes, you can apply as a freshman.

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

It's Mid June now, and it is another 203 days to application deadline of 2nd January 2010.

If you have set your dream to further studies to top US Universities in fall 2010 (Aug/Sep 2010), then you should definitely start your action already! Start preparing seriously, since time is not really on your side. 203 days will fly by very fast. By coming Tuesday, it would be countdown 200 days already!

For those of you who have just recently gotten prestigious scholarships to further studies to US, Congratulations! However, would say that getting the scholarship is just the first step. What you should do now, would be to really work very hard to get into the best university possible. And what's best university, would be the university that suits you the most. So, it might not be the most famous university.

Before I go further, will put the link of a few other ReCom threads earlier on US Applications. Do read through here (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4426), here (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6282) and here (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1143).

The reason I set this new thread is so that all of you can concentrate on using a common thread to prepare, and for future batches, they can see in full, how's the questions, preparation for a batch.

The timeline that you should know:-
Now - Dec 2009 - TOEFL Test
10th Oct 2009 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test
1st Nov 2009 - Early Decision/Action Deadline for Most Universities
7th Nov 2009 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test (Last Date for SAT test for Early Decision/Action applicants)
5th Dec 2009 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test (Ideal Last Date for SAT Test)
Mid Dec 2009 - Admission Decision for Early Decision/Action
2nd Jan 2010 - Regular Decision Deadline for Most Universities (Do check deadline for particular universities, as some deadlines do defer)
23rd Jan 2010 - SAT Reasoning/Subject Test (Last Date for SAT Test)
Feb - Apr 2010 - Admission Decision for Regular Decision
1st Apr 2010 (5am Malaysia Time) - Admission Decision for Regular Decision of Ivy League Universities
1st May 2010 - Decided on your university by now.
June/July 2010 - Obtained your I-20 and applied for US Visa.
Aug/Sep 2010 - Start your studies in US Universities

I am sure above would create more questions than answers to you. You might be wondering on a number of those terms. My suggestion for you would be to google/wikipedia those. Try to take initiatives, rather than waiting for spoonfeeding.

Some clarification of the terms:-
1. Regular Decision - This is the normal application pool
2. Early Decision - You can use this option for your top dream university. You are allowed to apply for 1 university only under Early Decision. If you get into this university, you are legally binded to attend that university. Your chance of admission is significantly higher.
3. Early Action - You can use this option for your top dream university. You have higher chance of admission, but you are not binded for the decision.
4. SAT - check it here (www.collegeboard.com).
5. TOEFL - check it here (www.toefl.org).
6. On application forms for most universities, refer to Common Applications (www.commonapp.org).

Then, the next question some of you would ask would be what is required to apply for US Universities. I would say that the following would each play a part in it, and is not limited to the following:-
1. Application Essays
2. Standardized Tests (SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL)
3. Pre-U and High School Results
4. Resume/CV
5. Co-curricular activities (including external activities, charity, community service, business, conferences, research, competitions, performances etc)
6. Recommendation Letters
7. Interviews
8. Special talents

And to all of you who are still thinking of your long strings of A1s in SPM, do remember that this is a global competition to get admission. Your 15A1s or more A1s may not help much. It might be a tough reality to accept, but your long string of A1s is not too important. So, you need to prove yourself to the universities that you are really good.

So, you might be saying, so what I can prepare now?

My thought would be that you can start preparing on some of these stuff:-
1. SAT Reasoning Test - Grab a book(s) and start prepare. If your English is not very solid, you do need to put in a lot of efforts in this. Strengthen your vocabulary through programs like Free Rice (http://www.freerice.com). Try the comprehension. Are you ready to answer Maths questions in English? Is your grammar solid?

2. SAT Subject Tests - Do start choosing the 3 subjects or more that you would like to take for SAT Subject Tests.

--> Do note that you have to sit for SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests in different months. And there are tests only in Oct, Nov, Dec, and maybe you can take the Jan 2010 one too. And most students do need to resit again, so be prepared for one of your SAT test in October and another one in November.

3. Resumes/CVs - Start to prepare this early and get it ready.

4. Recommendation Letters - Start to get your teachers and others who can recommend you to start drafting it. It shouldn't be a repetition of what you have written in your CV/Resume. So, just pass your CV/Resume to your teacher to write would not make it. It would be useless. It should be about personal observation of the recommendor on you.

5. Application Essays - This is very important. Do start carrying a notepad and jotting down any part of your life that you think is unique. Essentially, this will really be helpful, when you start writing your essays.

---
This write up is quite long already. Hope that all of you can start preparing now, and really make full use of the resources. We have put up about 30+ resources at here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com), so those would be good place for you to start prepare.

And don't forget to sign up for the workshop on 1st, 2nd, 15th August 2009. About 25 incoming students/current students/alumni of various top US universities will be facilitating. You can get the info here (http://usapps2009.blogspot.com) too.

Lets all of you work very hard, and hopefully, some of you will be able to get into your dream university! The hard work these 7 months would be worth it. You will learn a lot in the process, and this will be the busiest moment of your life (much more stress than your SPM time), but you will learn from it. Good Luck!

Do post your questions here and do share the resources with others who are applying too! You are fighting the global challenge to see how many Malaysians can make it to these universities!

CHEN CHOW VERY GOOD YOU VERY HARDWORKING LAAA.
people, go buy a copy of time out KL [15 june 2009] also. give the man his overdue credit. http://chenchow.blogspot.com/2009/06/time-out-kuala-lumpur.html

[carolyong]

guys, there's a wealth of information out there. RECOM alone has tons of threads about applying to the US. A simple "search" would help. And people like pinkpau @<hidden> www.quaintly.net have written comprehensive walk-throughs, andrew @<hidden> www.andrewlza.blogdrive.com, as well as a brief and funny post @<hidden> www.sweatlee.com

just search... don't ask the same questions over and over again. if you truly want to apply to the US... the spoonfeeding mentaility is one that you have to get rid of.

no offense meant, just honesty.

[chenchow]

Agree with Carol Yong. You guys should shed the spoonfeeding mentality and really strive to look for information yourself. There are a lot of resources around, and you just need a few minutes of your time to find.

Do put in the effort, and if you get stuck anywhere in the process, do bring out your questions, there will be a number of people who would be willing to help!

[soonee]

hmm...i would like to ask the difference between ACT and SAT.
If we take ACT, do we need to take SAT as well?? and vice versa..

[eugenetoh91]

hi, chenchow, i met you in the MIT undergrad talk in the royal selangor golf club. I registered the coming application workshop through email, and i have received an email saying that thanks for signing up the workshop, is it mean that I have really secured a seat in the workshop? Will it suddenly be occupied by someone else or my name won't be in the list?? thanks for answering.

[gman]

hmm...i would like to ask the difference between ACT and SAT.
If we take ACT, do we need to take SAT as well?? and vice versa..

for more info on the ACT, i believe you can take a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACT_(test)

one of the main differences is the science reasoning section in the ACT. as i have not taken it before, i can't really say that much.

you do not need to take the ACT if you have taken the SAT and vice versa. but if you want to take both, then there should be no problem in that either.

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

hmm...i would like to ask the difference between ACT and SAT.
If we take ACT, do we need to take SAT as well?? and vice versa..

this is college-specific. some colleges do not accept the ACT as a replacement test and insist on receiving your SAT results. most colleges are open to that, and if they say no, you can always email and request it nicely.

the SAT is more... standardized, not in the sense that it tests better, but it's almost a 100% prerequisite. it's more adopted la. the ACT tests a wider spectrum of knowledge, and can sometimes be a substitute for both the SAT Reasoning Tests and the SAT Subject Tests but again this is college-specific. go read up on the specific colleges to know more.

[mehul91]

hey i have yet to receive a reply for my workshop reservation. does it always take long. first of all is there a reply??

[Speeddemon]

hey i have yet to receive a reply for my workshop reservation. does it always take long. first of all is there a reply??

I received a reply the next day after i registered, and i receive another yesterday confirming the venue of the workshop. If you're not sure whether you have registered successfully, do ask Chen Chow about it as he's the organiser. Don't worry, since 60% of the seats have been reserved, i believe there are still seats for you. :amuse

[nicodemus]

Erm, hi chenchow... I have a similar question to luminodreamer89...

I finished my SPM in 2005, STPM in 2007 and currently studying medicine at USMKK, going to enter my third year this July...

Well actually, I'm not too keen to keep on studying here.. If I were to apply to US, can I apply as freshman?

Thanks!

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

Erm, hi chenchow... I have a similar question to luminodreamer89...

I finished my SPM in 2005, STPM in 2007 and currently studying medicine at USMKK, going to enter my third year this July...

Well actually, I'm not too keen to keep on studying here.. If I were to apply to US, can I apply as freshman?

Thanks!

http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6282&page=74
do check out the archives for information

[chenchow]

hi, chenchow, i met you in the MIT undergrad talk in the royal selangor golf club. I registered the coming application workshop through email, and i have received an email saying that thanks for signing up the workshop, is it mean that I have really secured a seat in the workshop? Will it suddenly be occupied by someone else or my name won't be in the list?? thanks for answering.

Yes. Thanks for signing up for the workshop, means you have secured a seat.

hey i have yet to receive a reply for my workshop reservation. does it always take long. first of all is there a reply??

mehul91, sorry that we took 1 day to reply your email. All of us are doing this voluntarily, so we are not checking on the email and respond immediately as you send. We try to respond within 1-2 days. Hope you understand.

Have confirmed your place already.

[nicodemus]

http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6282&page=74
do check out the archives for information


OK, I have browse through the archives... Tiring job, more than 60 pages, but I finally found my answer.. :-)

Well, it's stated that those enrolled as full-time students in Malaysian universities would not be able to apply as freshman but as transfer applicants.

My question is if I'm applying to transfer to a course different from mine, is it allowed? I mean I'm studying medicine now, but I want to take up Science (Chemistry) if I can switch to another university... And also what if my subjects here are not recognised by the US universities?

Thanks!

[gman]

OK, I have browse through the archives... Tiring job, more than 60 pages, but I finally found my answer.. :-)

Well, it's stated that those enrolled as full-time students in Malaysian universities would not be able to apply as freshman but as transfer applicants.

My question is if I'm applying to transfer to a course different from mine, is it allowed? I mean I'm studying medicine now, but I want to take up Science (Chemistry) if I can switch to another university... And also what if my subjects here are not recognised by the US universities?

Thanks!

well, this is just my personal opinion, but you could try to contact some of the universities that you intend to transfer to in the US and ask them whether they will recognize the work that you have done so far here.

[chenchow]

nicodemus, in terms of recognition, it will be case-by-case basis. On whether you can transfer there for a different course, I would say that the number of credits that they would provide you maybe very little. So, you might be able to get a bit of those credits transferred, and save a year or so.

So, you would still apply as a transfer student.

[inter060708]

Hi Chenchow, I am Edwin from Indonesia, currently studying A levels in Malaysia. I would like to ask you a few questions.

Is it true that we can apply for US universities with only our O levels results(without A levels) ?

I did sit for O levels last year but unfortunately I didn't manage to pass my first language english(I got grade E for that). Is there any solution for this?

Thanks.

[chenchow]

While US universities do take in students after O Level, most of the top universities do expect students with A Level. So, if you are hoping to get into competitive universities, A Level might be expected.

On your O Level, my thought would be for you to focus on your A Level and do well in it, as well as SAT and TOEFL.

Good Luck!

[chongkeat]

Hi, I've got a question too. When filling in the forms, how do we translate "Upper Six"? I mean, since F5 is 11th grade, and Lower Six is considered the 12th and final grade, should I continue to put Upper Six as 12th grade? Just technicalities....

Oh, and I wanted to ask you guys for your opinions about teacher recommendations. I'm planning to send 3 recommendations, with one of my teachers acting as my counselor (hence the counselor's recommendation), plus one or two peer recommendations. Overkill? Or still not enough?

Thanks.

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

Hi, I've got a question too. When filling in the forms, how do we translate "Upper Six"? I mean, since F5 is 11th grade, and Lower Six is considered the 12th and final grade, should I continue to put Upper Six as 12th grade? Just technicalities....

Oh, and I wanted to ask you guys for your opinions about teacher recommendations. I'm planning to send 3 recommendations, with one of my teachers acting as my counselor (hence the counselor's recommendation), plus one or two peer recommendations. Overkill? Or still not enough?

Thanks.

yes.

you shouldn't be asking for opinions about this matter, because opinions don't count. the school that you apply will let you know the number of teacher recommendations to send. and they will let you know whether or not peer recommendations are wanted, and if yes, how many. as far as i know, a vast majority of schools don't want peer recommendations, and you'd be wise to not send in extra things that they explicitly state they don't want.

[miko]

i m now doing my a lvl,i wil complete it in january 2011..
in tat case,i hav to settle all my application by august 2010 rite?using my forecast results..then can i sit for my SAT in after my application?
as i wish to sit for it after finishing all my syllabus..it's easier to score high marks?
n TOEFL as well?

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

i m now doing my a lvl,i wil complete it in january 2011..
in tat case,i hav to settle all my application by august 2010 rite?using my forecast results..then can i sit for my SAT in after my application?
as i wish to sit for it after finishing all my syllabus..it's easier to score high marks?
n TOEFL as well?

what kind of a question is this.
what non-existent sat/toefl results are you gonna send to the colleges you're applying to then?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niagCN8nsmA&feature=channel_page

[dkpt8]

Hi =) Just wondering, is there any way to confirm a place in the US applications workshop in August at TC? I've already submitted an online form and emailed to the given address, and just need to know if there are enough places. Thanks!

[caramel_nut]

There are still 70 more seats before we close the registration and put those who register after that on waiting list. If you have submitted your information via the online form, you are fine.

[angel_tnp29]

For TE, can I ask my school teacher that knows me well (PKHEM), but isn't my subject teacher to write my recommendation letter? Because in the form downloaded from commapps, there was a column to fill in what subject did my teacher teach me in high sch..I couldn't ask my counselor to do it for me as she will be doing my SR..

[yeejietang]

For TE, can I ask my school teacher that knows me well (PKHEM), but isn't my subject teacher to write my recommendation letter? Because in the form downloaded from commapps, there was a column to fill in what subject did my teacher teach me in high sch..I couldn't ask my counselor to do it for me as she will be doing my SR..

Your TE will have to come from a teacher who have taught you before. If you still think that teacher's evaluation is useful, you could send it in as an extra recommendation letter.

[eugenetoh91]

Hi guys!
I'm not a scholarship holder actually. So, money is one of my main concern. Besides macee, is there any way that I can get fund for my US study? Actually I'm not so understand about FAFSA and the financial aid of those colleges. Is there any difference?

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

Hi guys!
I'm not a scholarship holder actually. So, money is one of my main concern. Besides macee, is there any way that I can get fund for my US study? Actually I'm not so understand about FAFSA and the financial aid of those colleges. Is there any difference?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fafsa question, are you american. [past experience with recom has advised me to state explicitly that this is a rhetorical question]
financial aid for international students will differ among colleges. for money, get scholarships, get relatives, get financial aid.

[GuanTyng]

Hi guys!
I'm not a scholarship holder actually. So, money is one of my main concern. Besides macee, is there any way that I can get fund for my US study? Actually I'm not so understand about FAFSA and the financial aid of those colleges. Is there any difference?

Schools with Financial Aid for International Undergraduate Students

Some US schools are more likely than others to offer financial aid for international undergraduate students. The lists below indicate which schools offer aid (including grants, loans, and jobs) to the largest numbers of international students. The lists are based on a list originally compiled by Douglas C. Thompson.

To be included in the following lists, the schools must have an average award that is greater than 1/5 of the cost of attendance. The financial aid may include grants, loans, and jobs, and often includes both merit and need-based awards. Within each group, schools are listed in alphabetical order.

(Remember that a much greater number of schools provide financial aid for international graduate students in the form of teaching and research assistantships. For information about financial aid for graduate study in the US, you should contact the schools that interest you even if they aren't included in the lists below.)

It a school is not listed here, it probably does not have much financial aid for international students. However, it is worth noting that some schools may have athletic scholarships that are open to both international students and US students. The lists below do not count the number of athletic scholarships awarded to international students.

Schools with Awards to More than 150 Students

Arizona State University (AZ)
Barry University (FL)
Clark Univ. (MA)
Eastern Michigan Univ. (MI)
Grinnell College (IA)
Harding Univ. (AR)
Harvard (MA)
Illinois Inst. of Tech. (IL)
Liberty Univ. (VA)
Louisiana State Univ. (LA)
Macalester College (MN)
Marquette Univ. (WI)
MIT (MA)
Mount Holyoke College (MA)
Ohio Wesleyan Univ. (OH)
Princeton (NJ)
SUNY Plattsburgh (NY)
Univ. of Bridgeport (CT)
Univ. of Houston (TX)
Univ. of Pennsylvania (PA)
Univ. of South Florida (FL)

Schools with Awards to 100-149 Students

Brown Univ. (RI)
Calvin College (MI)
College of Wooster (OH)
Dartmouth (NH)
Dordt College (IA)
Eckerd College (FL)
Florida Inst. of Tech. (FL)
Georgia Southern Univ. (GA)
Graceland College (IA)
Luther College (IA)
Middlebury College (VT)
Northeast Louisiana (LA)
Oberlin (OH)
Savannah Coll. of Art (GA)
Slippery Rock Univ. (PA)
Smith College (MA)
Stanford (CA)
Texas Christian Univ. (TX)
Tri-State Univ. (IN)
Univ. of Miami (FL)
Univ. of Rochester (NY)
Yale (CT)

Schools with Awards to 50-99 Students

Abilene Christian Univ. (TX)
Allegheny College (PA)
Augsburg College (MN)
Beloit College (WI)
Bethany College (WV)
Brandeis Univ. (MA)
Bryn Mawr College (PA)
California Lutheran (CA)
Cleveland Inst. of Music (OH)
Colby College (ME)
Columbia Univ. (NY)
Concordia Coll. (MN)
Cornell Univ. (NY)
Denison Univ. (OH)
Franklin & Marshall (PA)
George Wash. Univ. (DC)
Goshen College (IN)
Houghton College (NY)
Ithaca College (NY)
Julliard School (NY)
Knox College (IL)
Lake Forest College (IL)
Lawrence Univ. (WI)
Lewis & Clark (OR)
Lynn Univ. (FL)
Maharishi Intl. Univ. (IA)
Monmouth College (IL)
North Park Univ. (IL)
Principia College (IL)
Rochester Inst. of Tech. (NY)
Salem College (NC)
St. Augustine's College (NC)
St. Johns College (MD)
St. Lawrence Univ. (NY)
St. Olaf College (MN)
Trinity College (CT)
Tulane Univ. (LA)
Univ. of Maine (ME)
Univ. of Wisc./Eau Clair (WI)
US International Univ. (CA)
Washington College (MD)
Washington Univ. (MO)
Wesleyan Univ. (CT)
Western Maryland Coll. (MD)
Wittenberg Univ. (OH)

Schools with Awards to 15-49 Students

Albright College (PA)
Amherst College (MA)
Augustana College (IL)
Bard College (NY)
Bates College (ME)
Bennington College (VT)
Bowdoin College (ME)
CalTech (CA)
Central College (IA)
Coe College (IA)
Colgate Univ. (NY)
Davidson College (NC)
Dickinson College (PA)
Earlham College (IN)
Eastern Nazarene (MA)
Elizabethtown College (PA)
Elmira College (NY)
Gettysburg College (PA)
Gustavas Adolphus Coll. (MN)
Hamilton College (NY)
Hampshire College (MA)
Hood College (MD)
Johns Hopkins (MD)
Kalamazoo College (MI)
Kenyon College (OH)
Lafayette College (PA)
Messiah College (PA)
Michigan State Univ. (MI)
Mount Union College (OH)
Occidental College (CA)
Southwestern College (KS)
Spalding Univ. (KY)
Swarthmore College (PA)
Taylor Univ. (IN)
Thomas Aquinas Coll. (CA)
Troy State Univ. (AL)
Univ. of Chicago (IL)
Univ. of Colorado/Bldr (CO)
Univ. of Oregon (OR)
Univ. of St. Thomas (MN)
Univ. of the South (TN)
Vassar College (NY)
Wabash College (IN)
Wellesley College (MA)
West Virginia Wesleyan (WV)
William Smith College (NY)
Williams College (MA)

Link to this information:
http://www.edupass.org/finaid/undergraduate.phtml

[njkian]

I'm currently applying as a freshman to ivy league and ivy league standard universities...
I visited CMU website and the deadline for international applicant is Nov 30
However the deadline on commonapp is 1st of Jan regardless international applicant or US student.
I sent an email to CMU to ask, but they replied me something irrelevant...so i'm wondering whether i should apply on commonapp or CMU website?...stick to commonapp deadline or CMU international applicant deadline?

There is another question ? How do i waive the application fees?
As i know Berkeley only offers fee waiver to US citizen n permanent resident.
Is that true? and it does not require high school transcript...i m a little bit unsure..as the website states send only after u get admitted. so wat abt during application?

How do i waive app fees for other schools? juz send in an official letter from counselor or use the NACAC form or use form of collegeboard?
I search collegeboard for the form, there is no specific form for fee waiver.
However, I've got NACAC form.
So which one should i use ?

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

I'm currently applying as a freshman to ivy league and ivy league standard universities...
I visited CMU website and the deadline for international applicant is Nov 30
However the deadline on commonapp is 1st of Jan regardless international applicant or US student.
I sent an email to CMU to ask, but they replied me something irrelevant...so i'm wondering whether i should apply on commonapp or CMU website?...stick to commonapp deadline or CMU international applicant deadline?

There is another question ? How do i waive the application fees?
As i know Berkeley only offers fee waiver to US citizen n permanent resident.
Is that true? and it does not require high school transcript...i m a little bit unsure..as the website states send only after u get admitted. so wat abt during application?

How do i waive app fees for other schools? juz send in an official letter from counselor or use the NACAC form or use form of collegeboard?
I search collegeboard for the form, there is no specific form for fee waiver.
However, I've got NACAC form.
So which one should i use ?

People who ask questions on ReCom should learn from you. :) Substantial questions, and there is evidence of homework done. Bravo.

http://my.cmu.edu/portal/site/admission/international
https://acis.as.cmu.edu/international/
http://my.cmu.edu/portal/site/admission/dates
CMU's website says that the deadline for the PRELIMINARY APPLICATION is NOVEMBER 1ST. This means that ON TOP of the regular application procedure, CMU requires international students to submit a pre-application. Take note. I don't know about the possibility of a deadline extension, but be careful as we are approaching November 1st soon.

For fee waivers, you need to submit a counselor-approved letter stating that your college application fees will be an extremely difficult burden on your family's finances. How much information that letter should contain is completely up to your discretion. Refer: http://andrewlza.blogdrive.com/archive/325.html.

If you have not completed high school [read: 12 years of education], then you should submit your final transcript after being accepted. If you have, then you should submit your final transcript together to boost your admissions chances. Remember that the American kids applying to college are still halfway through grade 12, and they are the ones who don't have final transcripts.

[yeejietang]

I'm currently applying as a freshman to ivy league and ivy league standard universities...
I visited CMU website and the deadline for international applicant is Nov 30
However the deadline on commonapp is 1st of Jan regardless international applicant or US student.
I sent an email to CMU to ask, but they replied me something irrelevant...so i'm wondering whether i should apply on commonapp or CMU website?...stick to commonapp deadline or CMU international applicant deadline?

There is another question ? How do i waive the application fees?
As i know Berkeley only offers fee waiver to US citizen n permanent resident.
Is that true? and it does not require high school transcript...i m a little bit unsure..as the website states send only after u get admitted. so wat abt during application?

How do i waive app fees for other schools? juz send in an official letter from counselor or use the NACAC form or use form of collegeboard?
I search collegeboard for the form, there is no specific form for fee waiver.
However, I've got NACAC form.
So which one should i use ?

from what i saw on the CMU website, the form that's due on november the 1st (not 30th) is the PRELIMINARY application, which is not the real application itself. so you have to complete this form by november 1st, then also complete the common app application for CMU by jan 1st.

as for berkeley, the transcripts are not required. actually, you don't have to mail in anything at all to apply to berkeley. everything is completed online. that means all you have to do is to list out your results in the online form. and if you get accepted, only then do you send in your transcripts. and no, they don't accept waiver from non-US citizens. so, you must pay the application fee if you're applying to berkeley. there are a few schools that don't accept application fee waivers from international students so please do make sure before you send in those fee waivers. anyway, berkeley also has one of the easiest applications so do apply :)

and i don't think it's advisable to use the NANAC or college board forms. what i did was just send in the counselor approved form by andrew (refer to previous post, and thanks andrew!) send that letter together in an envelope along with your SSR, MYR etc. then when on the common app website they ask you for the payment, just click on the 'paper waiver form' button.

lastly, please don't post the same post asking the same questions on two different threads. rest assured that your question will be answered if you just ask once :)

[njkian]

Ok...then i think i got it wrongly, should be 1st of Nov...
I hv submitted the preliminary application abt a week ago.. and i m still waiting for the reply..how long does it usually take?
while waiting i am completing my commonapp forms...
thanks...

[bert]

dude why does no one ask about joining the fraternity/sorority system? It's like so pervasive in so many schools in the U.S.

Is no one worried about big American football dudes crushing your ass?

A serious questions to ponder about when you're choosing universities no?

[yeejietang]

big football dudes will not crush your ass unless you come asking for it. and anyway that's just a stereotype that isn't always true. there are lots of different types of frats/sororities. and it's not a must to join one anyway.

and i don't think you need to worry about the preliminary application. what really counts is the main app (common app), so work on that now.

[bert]

big football dudes will not crush your ass unless you come asking for it. and anyway that's just a stereotype that isn't always true. there are lots of different types of frats/sororities. and it's not a must to join one anyway.

and i don't think you need to worry about the preliminary application. what really counts is the main app (common app), so work on that now.

so why do these things exist and why do people want to be in them?

Everyone talks about the application nitty gritty, but how different is the culture there and how do I find a school that fits me to apply to?

[gman]

fraternities and sororities exist for a variety of purposes. some of them are actually dedicated to community service while some are actually academic. of course, you will have those that are created for mainly enjoyment...

well, i don't know whether this is good advice, but i believe that if you want to find a school that fits you, you would have to do a lot of research about that school. things that you could look out for include the general atmosphere of the university, the way the university conducts academic matters, the size and the location of the university and certain things that are unique to the university. some of this information can be obtained through google searches. you may also ask current and former students of that university to get their points of view as well.

[bert]

Yeah I agree about the information part. I have read Fiske Guides, Princeton Reviews, Loren Pope's books, michelle hernandez's books, but it is often hard to comprehend what they are saying right? Like if I told you that classes are taught by TAs vs classes are taught by professors, what does that mean to regular malaysians? or that this school is liberal vs conservative? what the heck does that mean to a malaysian student?

I feel that often times people are too focused on whether the major is ranked the best or whatever or the ranking of the school, without actually considering whether they would be happy there, or will they fit in, or whether they are okay about not fitting in. I think these are some very pertinent questions to ask, and should be considered by ppl seeking admission this year.

[yeejietang]

i agree that it's not always easy to comprehend what they say in the books, but don't you think certain obvious questions can be answered by yourself with a little bit of initiative? after all, you are applying to study there. we did our fair share of research too.

correct me if i'm wrong but you're asking about how being in a class taught by a TA would be different from a class taught by a professor right? i think it's best to email those of us who're here your specific questions so that we can give you more detailed answers. if you still can't find answers to the basic questions, maybe you're looking at the wrong places. anyway, there are also a lot of online sources that are very generous, informative and personal. books can only tell you so much but personal feedback from students are sometimes better if you want to know the kind of student life to expect.

very good point about choosing universities you made there. glad to know you're doing your research. but do ask personally from those currently studying/alumni about student life because i believe you can't get an accurate picture if you only read from the books.

[emily_5120]

Do I need to attach my CV when I email the admission office the application fee waiver letter? Which documents should I attach?

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

Yeah I agree about the information part. I have read Fiske Guides, Princeton Reviews, Loren Pope's books, michelle hernandez's books, but it is often hard to comprehend what they are saying right? Like if I told you that classes are taught by TAs vs classes are taught by professors, what does that mean to regular malaysians? or that this school is liberal vs conservative? what the heck does that mean to a malaysian student?

I feel that often times people are too focused on whether the major is ranked the best or whatever or the ranking of the school, without actually considering whether they would be happy there, or will they fit in, or whether they are okay about not fitting in. I think these are some very pertinent questions to ask, and should be considered by ppl seeking admission this year.

if you have a question, ask here.
if you have a comment about how people ask questions and what questions people ask [i refrain from using the word 'advice', for i know not your background and position], i wonder if this thread is the place for it - especially since you're not the one answering people's questions.

Do I need to attach my CV when I email the admission office the application fee waiver letter? Which documents should I attach?

N.E.V.E.R...E.M.A.I.L.
N-E-V-E-R, NOT WHEN IT'S SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT AS COLLEGE APPLICATION FORMS.

YOUR FEE WAIVER REQUIRES SIGNATURES. MAYBE ONLY YOUR COUNSELOR'S SIGNATURE. BUT SIGNED FORMS ARE LEGALLY VOID IF YOU SCAN/FAX/EMAIL THEM. MAIL THE HARD COPY, PERIOD.

and thing is, if you mail in your fee waiver with everything else, then definitely you'll need to attach everything.
if you're mailing in your fee waiver as a separate document, it is possible that you can just send it on its own. make sure that the college knows who the fee waiver is for, why you need a fee waiver, and the extent of which you need it. in other words, write the letter properly, and you're mostly fine. some colleges require the college board international financial aid supplement in order to grant fee waivers, and you would be wise to comply if that were needed.

*author does not claim extensive knowledge and cannot defend his claims on the legal process

[emily_5120]

One more question. When should I mail the application fee waiver letter? Is it as soon as possible? Or need to attach with the other documents needed for the admission purpose?

[yeejietang]

One more question. When should I mail the application fee waiver letter? Is it as soon as possible? Or need to attach with the other documents needed for the admission purpose?

placed in an envelope along with your other forms that needs to be mailed. then select the right option for payment when submitting the online part of common app.

[Gabrielle90]

How to include our MUET? As additional info or include in MYR?

[gman]

How to include our MUET? As additional info or include in MYR?

since MUET is more of an academic result that is a part of STPM, i think it would be better for you to include it in your MYR.

[bert]

if you have a question, ask here.
if you have a comment about how people ask questions and what questions people ask [i refrain from using the word 'advice', for i know not your background and position], i wonder if this thread is the place for it - especially since you're not the one answering people's questions.

don't be a dbag man. wait so just because I don't answer questions means that I can't give comments about what I think applicants should focus on? let's take it outside man. we can vegetable-off.

I thought it was important to know because I hear you could marginally increase your chances of admission by applying to a school that fits you. How do you feel about that?

Also, I hear some people are not so happy after enrolling in their so called 'top choice' schools? How do these 'top choice' schools become unhappiness and depression pits after you start?

[clep]

@<hidden> second question: Over-expectations/ unrealistic expectations. Not doing proper in-depth research on the universities. beyond their websites. Relying too much on rankings. Expecting people to adapt to you and not you to them. Expecting to get everything you wanted from the uni handed to you on a silver platter. Not going beyond your comfort zone. And so on.

It's life - things never work out 100% the way you expect them to, and if you can't look beyond that then you'll be unhappy.

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

don't be a dbag man. wait so just because I don't answer questions means that I can't give comments about what I think applicants should focus on? let's take it outside man. we can vegetable-off.

I thought it was important to know because I hear you could marginally increase your chances of admission by applying to a school that fits you. How do you feel about that?

Also, I hear some people are not so happy after enrolling in their so called 'top choice' schools? How do these 'top choice' schools become unhappiness and depression pits after you start?

allow me to be frank. your tone and attitude - or that that i perceive - reflects very poorly of you. it sounds offensive, arrogant, and crude. when you spoke of other applicants, i felt that you were putting them down, and mocking them. this is with regards to the previous few posts that you've posted here. of course you can comment on fellow applicants' mindsets, but you were being dismissive and cocky, which is especially unacceptable.

the bottom line is that it's all about the fit. if one gets admitted, one gets admitted by a college that thinks that one would be a fit in. by that logic, if you think that you are a fit for a certain college, certainly apply - but be sure that you are really a fit and you're not just thinking it.

following that train of thought, it could very well be that those people thought they were fits when they really were not, and the admissions offices thought they were fits but it turns out they are not, because the applicants had incomplete information about the college and her ethos, and misrepresented their fitting. or it could also be that they liked a certain part of the college, but disliked a certain part, and it so turns out that the dislike grows over the like as time goes by. one could always speculate, but there will be no end. these are but common generalizations.

i for one love where i'm at.

[bert]

I think it was interesting what you said about people not estimating correctly their fit for a certain college. What do you think are some of the more important overarching fit questions that Malaysians should consider, say in thinking about the type of social spaces & social activities that exist in American colleges, that go beyond thinking about rankings and prestige in a certain academic field.

Also, I've heard that perceptions do change from Year 1 all the way to Year 4. There is that typical euphoria of wow, it's all Party in the USA aka Miley Cyrus in the first couple of months after touching down. Then cycles of going through homesickness, depression, euphoria again, and other periods of volatility, which might or might not be what you guys might go through in Olin and UC Berkeley. I guess my concern was more of trying to make applicants understand that academic excellence and rankings are not the be all and end all to feeling happy and partying it up in the USA. Let me quote some relevant sections of Miley Cyrus' song that I feel represent the startings of college life in the USA.

"I hopped off the plane at LAX
with a dream and my cardigan
welcome to the land of fame excess,
am I gonna fit in?

Jumped in the cab,
Here I am for the first time
Look to the right and I see the Hollywood sign
This is all so crazy
Everybody seems so famous"

"So hard with my girls not around me
Its definitely not a Nashville party
Cause? all I see are stilletos
I guess I never got the memo

My tummys turnin and I'm feelin kinda home sick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous"

oh and philip. you never accepted my invitation to vegetable-off. =)

[isha02]

hi, i was planning to do my whole apps on9...
my pre-u counselor is x willing 2 do the school forms on9 while my 2ndry skool counselor is willing 2 do so...bt he is willing 2 forward my transcripts, his evaluation n recomendation to my skool counselor so tat she cn upload tem...cn i use my skool counselor as my guidance counselor 4 commonapp? i wil attach a letter frm my current counselor saying tat he forwarded my transcripts to her.is tis ok?

[gman]

hi, i was planning to do my whole apps on9...
my pre-u counselor is x willing 2 do the school forms on9 while my 2ndry skool counselor is willing 2 do so...bt he is willing 2 forward my transcripts, his evaluation n recomendation to my skool counselor so tat she cn upload tem...cn i use my skool counselor as my guidance counselor 4 commonapp? i wil attach a letter frm my current counselor saying tat he forwarded my transcripts to her.is tis ok?

if you look back at previous posts or in the posts of other threads, you will realize that you can actually let one of your teachers do his/her evaluation online while the other can do it manually. somehow i think that it may seem strange for your pre-u counselor to forward his/her evaluation and transcripts to your other counselor, as this process is supposed to be done confidentially. if you want to, you can even ask both teachers to do it manually and you can collect their evaluations in different envelopes and send them together. and yes, you may use your secondary school counselor as your guidance counselor.

[emily_5120]

Hi. I have a question here. For some universities, we have to use their own online application. At the final page, we are required to tell them whether we want to pay the application fee either by Visa card or pay online with electronic check. I wish to apply for fee waiver, and what should I do in order to proceed the application?

[yeejietang]

Hi. I have a question here. For some universities, we have to use their own online application. At the final page, we are required to tell them whether we want to pay the application fee either by Visa card or pay online with electronic check. I wish to apply for fee waiver, and what should I do in order to proceed the application?

you need to check with the university if they accept your fee waiver. some universities don't accept waivers from internationals so you will have to pay. the ones i know that don't accept fee waivers from internationals are stanford, berkeley, northwestern and a few others.

but i think for common app the procedure for fee waivers is pretty simple.

[isha02]

hi, just wanted to ask if international applicants can request for application fee waiver for stanford?

[chongkeat]

hi, just wanted to ask if international applicants can request for application fee waiver for stanford?

I think yeejietang answered your question a week ago.

[yeejietang]

hi, just wanted to ask if international applicants can request for application fee waiver for stanford?

you know, you just have to read the post above yours to find the answer. really, is that too hard?

[isha02]

you know, you just have to read the post above yours to find the answer. really, is that too hard?

i did read that.it wasn't too hard.i was asking for confirmation coz a senior who's currently in stanford told me that internationals can apply for fee waiver.thanks anyway.

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

i did read that.it wasn't too hard.i was asking for confirmation coz a senior who's currently in stanford told me that internationals can apply for fee waiver.thanks anyway.

i applied to stanford with a fee waiver.
tl;dr: email stanford.

[isha02]

i applied to stanford with a fee waiver.
tl;dr: email stanford.

tnx a lot!:)

[SLiD]

Originally Posted by isha02 http://www.recom.org/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.recom.org/forum/showthread.php?p=287172#post287172)
hi, i was planning to do my whole apps on9...
my pre-u counselor is x willing 2 do the school forms on9 while my 2ndry skool counselor is willing 2 do so...bt he is willing 2 forward my transcripts, his evaluation n recomendation to my skool counselor so tat she cn upload tem...cn i use my skool counselor as my guidance counselor 4 commonapp? i wil attach a letter frm my current counselor saying tat he forwarded my transcripts to her.is tis ok?
if you look back at previous posts or in the posts of other threads, you will realize that you can actually let one of your teachers do his/her evaluation online while the other can do it manually. somehow i think that it may seem strange for your pre-u counselor to forward his/her evaluation and transcripts to your other counselor, as this process is supposed to be done confidentially. if you want to, you can even ask both teachers to do it manually and you can collect their evaluations in different envelopes and send them together. and yes, you may use your secondary school counselor as your guidance counselor.

On Common Application, it does not state explicitly which school counselor you have to list as your "school counselor". Also, it is perfectly fine to have someone act as your school counselor.

Attaching a letter explaining would be fine though.

[angel_tnp29]

Hi I would like to ask a question here before I email AdCom for final solution. Currently I am toward the end of my first semester in Taylor's ADP and intended to apply as freshman to Columbia University. May I know what should I fill in as my present school? Taylor's or my former secondary school? I can get the best recommendation letters from my secondary school instead of my pre-U college, so I prefer to use my secondary school for that column.

[pureint91]

Hi I would like to ask a question here before I email AdCom for final solution. Currently I am toward the end of my first semester in Taylor's ADP and intended to apply as freshman to Columbia University. May I know what should I fill in as my present school? Taylor's or my former secondary school? I can get the best recommendation letters from my secondary school instead of my pre-U college, so I prefer to use my secondary school for that column.
U mean secondary school report or mid year report?

If mid year report u must use taylors, secondary school report u must use ur sceondary sch. Btw, mind telling me ur sat 1 score? *out of curiosity*

I am one of the jpa's us bound student in uniten

[angel_tnp29]

U mean secondary school report or mid year report?

If mid year report u must use taylors, secondary school report u must use ur sceondary sch. Btw, mind telling me ur sat 1 score? *out of curiosity*

I am one of the jpa's us bound student in uniten

yeah i understand this. this is for commonapps but not for Columbia. as for Columbia uni they will printed ur school name on all the report, so i couldnt differentiate which one should i use. i sent adcom an email and waiting for the reply.

aah ic. so u know karen? she is from JB, in UNITEN as well. as for my sat, i screwed it up badly. not even 1800. i hope it would be a lot better for sat 2. plan to retake it again next jan.

[gman]

i think you can put taylors as your current school, since it is in fact, your present school. you can include a letter of explanation in your application to clarify certain things such as your current educational situation( taylors now, previously secondary school...).

[pureint91]

yeah i understand this. this is for commonapps but not for Columbia. as for Columbia uni they will printed ur school name on all the report, so i couldnt differentiate which one should i use. i sent adcom an email and waiting for the reply.

aah ic. so u know karen? she is from JB, in UNITEN as well. as for my sat, i screwed it up badly. not even 1800. i hope it would be a lot better for sat 2. plan to retake it again next jan.
Oic. Yea, I know her. But will the university accept january score?

[WiNGLeSs_anGeL31]

oic. Yea, i know her. But will the university accept january score?

a s k t h e m.

[angel_tnp29]

Oic. Yea, I know her. But will the university accept january score?

If i am not mistaken they will receive allow u to update ur SAT score. But ur first SAT score need to be submitted before due date.

[SLiD]

a s k t h e m.

Agree with WiNGLeSs_anGeL31. ASKKKK THEMMMM! :amuse

[camy]

Okay, so I know that a number of you are applying to Ivies and top tier schools. I'm just wondering if anyone is applying to the University of Texas at Austin? We are terribly underpopulated (not that i approve of kampung Malaysia) but then again, the population here is dwindling.

[bert]

Okay, so I know that a number of you are applying to Ivies and top tier schools. I'm just wondering if anyone is applying to the University of Texas at Austin? We are terribly underpopulated (not that i approve of kampung Malaysia) but then again, the population here is dwindling.

yea seriously, why would anyone not consider a school where you can watch one of the top football teams in the nation consistently get to bowl games and national championships? ivy football teams suck ass.... stanford tho has a pretty good team for a school of ivy-like status.

Go Longhorns!

[chenchow]

Quite a few CEOs in Malaysia came from U of Texas, Austin. Mark Chang, CEO of JobStreet.com came from there, so do Wing K. Lee, CEO of YTL Communications as well.

[camy]

yea seriously, why would anyone not consider a school where you can watch one of the top football teams in the nation consistently get to bowl games and national championships? ivy football teams suck ass.... stanford tho has a pretty good team for a school of ivy-like status.

Go Longhorns!

Home games are the best!!!! The sea of burnt orange and crazy yelling. hahaha... I just went on this night time tour of my campus and the football history here goes way back to 1889. The tour guide told us that in 1926 about 20000. 20K. read... twenty thousand people watch the game between UT and A&M. That's a huge turnout, relative to the population back then. But of course lah.. anyone who is in their own school will root for their own school. I personally thing UT is a tad bit geeky and not so much of the party scene label that everyone puts on it. People here are so smart and diverse!

[caramel_nut]

Did anyone get into MIT for Class of 2014? Anyone, anyone???

[markwongsk]

Wow you are nervous :P

[sherenesheep]

yea seriously, why would anyone not consider a school where you can watch one of the top football teams in the nation consistently get to bowl games and national championships? ivy football teams suck ass.... stanford tho has a pretty good team for a school of ivy-like status.

Go Longhorns!

argh i was soooo lookin forward to watch the football team... but sobs i got rejected by UT :cry

anyone applied to colorado school of mines and got in?

[budakkerek]

apparently, UT has a good school of ed too but i *think* im gonna be going to Uni of South Carolina for postgrad. But who knows, that might change in the future!

[camy]

argh i was soooo lookin forward to watch the football team... but sobs i got rejected by UT :cry

anyone applied to colorado school of mines and got in?


Awwwhhh... well, UT is fairly hard to get in, but nothing as compared to the picky elite colleges and ivies. all the best at CSM, Sherene.

[GuanTyng]

Hey, guys.. Long time no see..
May I know anyone applied to St. John's College like me?

[alsk2010]

Hey there, anyone familiar with the whole credit transfer process from AU universities to US universities, ie. WAM/ GPA req, credit hours eligibility, etc? If it helps, in the commerce field atm. Thanks :)

[frozenkeylfc]

hi,i am a spm leaver who is interested in the application of admission in US universities. I have a few questions here. I am going to study A level in July, probably will finish my a level in Jan of 2012.I am notified that i need to sit for TOEFL, SAT Reasoning/Subject test To secure a place in US universities. Do i need to sit for TOEFL and SAT in Nov , Dec of 2011? can i use my forecast results of A level in the application of universities in 2011?
Your reply is appreciated...THX A LOt....

[Xon]

hi,i am a spm leaver who is interested in the application of admission in US universities. I have a few questions here. I am going to study A level in July, probably will finish my a level in Jan of 2012.I am notified that i need to sit for TOEFL, SAT Reasoning/Subject test To secure a place in US universities. Do i need to sit for TOEFL and SAT in Nov , Dec of 2011? can i use my forecast results of A level in the application of universities in 2011?
Your reply is appreciated...THX A LOt....

Please check out www.usapps2010.wordpress.com ;)

TOEFL is a must for all Malaysian.

[edit] okay, toefl is not a must.

[ParadiseLost]

Please check out www.usapps2010.wordpress.com (http://www.usapps2010.wordpress.com) ;)

TOEFL is a must for all Malaysian.



Is IELTS accepted as a viable alternative?

[capablanca]

TOEFL is actually not a must, though most people will sit for one. andrewlza (search other thread) didn't, as far as I remember. I must stressed that it's a case by case basis. Same goes for IELTS.

[CCY_to_the_top]

TOEFL is not a must. email your university to ask about it. if u got high SAT critical reading score (around 680+), u can request for an exception for TOEFL.

btw, TOEFL test is not cheap. compare to SAT.

[kylietee]

hello there, i'd like to ask few questions regarding ADP (american degree programme). is it true that ADP closes doors to ivy leagues or even top ranked universities in the US? and since ADP is a credit transfer programme, are the students in said programme supposed to take SAT? so even if you achieve great scores in SAT, you're denied from ivy leagues because of ADP? i hope someone can clear my doubts here. thank you!

[clep]

Great scores in the SAT do NOT in any way determine your acceptance to top universities. Just wanted to clear that up just in case some people were thinking along those lines.

[capablanca]

hello there, i'd like to ask few questions regarding ADP (american degree programme). is it true that ADP closes doors to ivy leagues or even top ranked universities in the US? and since ADP is a credit transfer programme, are the students in said programme supposed to take SAT? so even if you achieve great scores in SAT, you're denied from ivy leagues because of ADP? i hope someone can clear my doubts here. thank you!

In a sense, yes. ADP do close the door to ivy league. However, this is just because most ivy league schools do not accept ADP transfer credits. So, if you got in, you'll probably have to restart again or transfer less credit than you would like. The only inconvenience to this is usually the time and money factor. The schools does not discriminate because you took ADP.

To apply, you usually need SAT or ACT because that's one of the standardized method for comparison among the applicants.

[cherryh92]

Will I be able to use a retired teacher's recommendations?

[GuanTyng]

Anyone is interested to buy second-hand SAT I books?

I have one copy each from Princeton Review (2009 Ed.), Kaplan (2009 Ed.), McGraw Hill (2nd Edition) and College Board.

For SAT II Subject Test copy(Total Clean Copy..~!!!)

Physics: Kaplan (2008-09 Ed.)
Math Level 2: Barron's (8th Ed.)
Chemistry: Barron's (9th Ed.)

I am selling these for a third of the book's original price. (It's still negotiable according to the condition of the book!) The purpose is to recycle them instead of selling them to the paper recycling centre, it would be such a waste. These books are still very useful as soon as the test's format doesn't change.
Remember, practice makes perfect!

Anyone who is interested, please contact me as soon as possible at guantyng89@<hidden>

Since I am departing on AUG 17, please act fast if you want cheap second-handed books.

[ChewKO]

Quick Question :- Any feedbacks, agreement or disagreement below write up ???

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/features/article/book-says-many-us-universities-a-waste-of-money/

thanks

[jimi7]

Quick Question :- Any feedbacks, agreement or disagreement below write up ???

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/features/article/book-says-many-us-universities-a-waste-of-money/

thanks

I think you can't simply generalize all American universities to be like that. It is as if US is so small and has only a few universities that you can judge it only by that. I say research for some universities that are good in some particular areas of study you wanted to pursue and you will know better.

Is IELTS accepted as a viable alternative?

Yes, I applied to UIUC and they accepted ielts. Try to look at the university's website properly and see their requirement.

Will I be able to use a retired teacher's recommendations?

as long as the person knows you very well and can gives you very good recommendation(see good teacher's recommendation) it would be fine

[henry_yew]

Mod note: Please refrain from posting the same post in multiple threads.

Redundant post removed.