Applying to uni [Undergrad] - How?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter dreamLord
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application process for undergraduate universities in the United States, specifically for a high school student from India with a strong interest in Physics. The student expresses concerns about their lack of extracurricular achievements and outgoing personality, fearing these may hinder their chances at Ivy League schools. Key points include the necessity of taking the SAT and the importance of researching specific university application procedures, which can vary significantly. Participants emphasize the value of checking individual university websites for detailed application guidelines and financial aid options.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the SAT exam format and requirements for international students.
  • Familiarity with the application procedures for Ivy League universities.
  • Basic knowledge of financial aid and scholarship opportunities for international students.
  • Awareness of the importance of showcasing personal interests and academic strengths in applications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the SAT preparation resources and practice tests available online.
  • Explore the specific application requirements for Ivy League universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Caltech.
  • Investigate financial aid options and scholarship programs for international students.
  • Read introductory books on Quantum Mechanics, such as Feynman's "QED," to enhance subject knowledge.
USEFUL FOR

High school students planning to apply to universities in the United States, particularly those interested in Physics and aiming for Ivy League institutions. This discussion is also beneficial for parents and educators guiding students through the application process.

dreamLord
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Hi.

So I'm in my final year of high school in India. In a couple of months i'll be applying to universities in the US. I have a strong interest in Physics.

However, I'm worried that I wasn't outgoing enough in my school and didn't win a lot of 'awards'. Also, I don't have a talent apart from my Physics (i'd say I'm the best out of my batch /modesty). I'm pretty sure all the top unis require you to have a complete personality for them to take you seriously and not consider you a typical geek (which I assure you I'm not).

I'll be taking my SAT in a month,which is compulsory for all abroad students. What I wanted to know was the application process - what am I supposed to tell them in my application? Is there something I can say/do currently that will increase my chances?

Merci beacoup.
 
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Considering the amount of typical geeks (myself included) in my engineering classes, I'd say you don't have much to worry about.

Where are you applying? What you say and do is different from one university to the next.
 
Well i'll be applying to most of the Ivy League unis, though again I know it's bit of a downhill task since I'm not an outstanding student at school(apart from Physics again).

As for what course I want to do, I see myself ultimately as a Theoretical Physicist. Also, Quantum Mechanics interests me(ofcourse I haven't had much exposure yet, planning on ordering some generic books like Feynman's QED to get introduced to the idea)
 
Bump.
 
Surely someone here knows the application procedure =/ ?
 
Check the websites of those universities. I am in my senior high school year, from Pakistan. I checked MIT,Caltech Harvard etc websites and they have clear application procedure for international students, which is similar to that for Americans. Although I never seriously thought about going abroad for bachelors. High cost. No scholarships. Although they do have financial aid. Anyway check the websites of specific universities for information.
 

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