How to (Painlessly) Apply to US Universities
Discussion for those studying in the United States and Canada
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| Important: please read these guidelines before posting about exams on The Student Room | 28-04-2013 | |
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Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US Universities
Hi there,
I'm currently a year 13 student hoping to study medicine in a few years time, but I feel like I've had some kind of revelation due to some things that have (and haven't) happened. I'm willing to let medicine wait, because I know I want to do both the practical and academic side of it. So my favourite subjects are Biology and Chemistry, and I was wondering if it were possible to get a scholarship and do Biochemistry at Harvard. I know its an incredibly long shot, but I've already done some biochemical/biomedical research work which has been recognised and accreditted. I don't want to leave it all behind when I do medicine. Is there anyway that I can apply for a scholarship and enter by 2011? What sorts of things do I need to do?
Thanks guys -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesHey, just stumbled on this thread.(Original post by *Dreamer*)
Hi all,
I'm actually finding it quite difficult to fill in the Common App, it is really confusing. Could anyone willing to help please PM me
Thanks
I'm an American applying to UK as well as US universities, and I've been working on my Common App for almost four months now, so I'd certainly be willing to help! 
Let me know if you still want me to PM you! -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesYes yes yes please. I'm kinda panicky and the deadline is in a few days(Original post by Clementiney921)
Hey, just stumbled on this thread.
I'm an American applying to UK as well as US universities, and I've been working on my Common App for almost four months now, so I'd certainly be willing to help! 
Let me know if you still want me to PM you!
xxx
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Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US Universities
So I've just checked my mail and I've got a Harvard interview in January... is this standard, or am I to be happy
? I haven't taken my SAT tests or ACT yet but they are arranged for January and February, will that put me at a disadvantage?
Also, my school hasn't made a proper high school manuscript, will it be OK to bring it to the interview with me?
I'm happy and nervous and confused and everything right now LOL
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Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US Universities
Interviews for US schools are more informal than those for UK unis. You're given an interview if there is an available alumnus in your area. It doesn't have any bearing on how you're faring in admissions at the moment.
You may want to bring a list of any extracurricular activities. Here are some more tips for interviews (note: some of this applies to on-campus interviews): http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/...terviewer.html. Also, ask your interviewer questions about Harvard that can't be answered anywhere else, especially if he/she is a recent alumnus.
Harvard's test deadline policies are probably on their website. If they don't typically accept tests from those dates, e-mail them asking them about whether your should rush report (not sure if this is done internationally) or do a regular report for them. -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US Universities
I applied to Georgetown University in Washington DC. I gave them a call, spoke to a nice person who understood the British education system, she said seemed impressed with my GCSE's and A levels and sent me an application pack. I sent it with proof of my A levels and GCSE's and they waved the SAT requirement. Different uni's are going to ask for different things and the only way you will find out is by contacting them. Best of luck to those applying!
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Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesOK thanks! The tests ive scheduled are within the right time frame im just hoping somebody who already has great scores isnt placed above me :/(Original post by SaintSaens)
Interviews for US schools are more informal than those for UK unis. You're given an interview if there is an available alumnus in your area. It doesn't have any bearing on how you're faring in admissions at the moment.
You may want to bring a list of any extracurricular activities. Here are some more tips for interviews (note: some of this applies to on-campus interviews): http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/...terviewer.html. Also, ask your interviewer questions about Harvard that can't be answered anywhere else, especially if he/she is a recent alumnus.
Harvard's test deadline policies are probably on their website. If they don't typically accept tests from those dates, e-mail them asking them about whether your should rush report (not sure if this is done internationally) or do a regular report for them.
Ive left everything really late so hopefully it works out in the end! I know harvard are really brutal in terms of admission but its worth a shot, at least. -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesThat is pretty amazing :O...I have the grades I'm just worried about the admissions tests...and thanks for the encouragement, much appreciated(Original post by Singh1)
My friend got into Brown and it's funny because he didn't have the grades to get into UK schools and colleges but got into bloody BROWN!!!! I think they're desperate for international students so you should deff apply!
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Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesSeriously, I strongly advise you to apply, I mean he wanted to go to this prestigious comprehensive school for his A-Levels but his GCSE grades were not so good so he remained at our state school and i dont even think he got that good AS grades, which was another reason for him to apply to US universities as I think the grade boundaries were slightly lower. Anyway, as long as you can adapt to living in America, it'll all be fine! All the best mate!(Original post by *Dreamer*)
That is pretty amazing :O...I have the grades I'm just worried about the admissions tests...and thanks for the encouragement, much appreciated
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Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesI have to lol at the idea that Brown is desperate for international students.(Original post by Singh1)
My friend got into Brown and it's funny because he didn't have the grades to get into UK schools and colleges but got into bloody BROWN!!!! I think they're desperate for international students so you should deff apply! -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesWhat have you given on your application thus far (i.e. did you just provide grades, or did your school also give copies of your certificates)? This shall determine whether you need a transcript or not (they're usually meant for US students), as international students just need to provide copies of their GCSE/A-level/IB certificates etc.(Original post by *Dreamer*)
Also, my school hasn't made a proper high school manuscript, will it be OK to bring it to the interview with me?
Also, a note to those who may not have gotten an interview - the interview itself bears no relevance to the admissions process, as Harvard expressly states (as do all the other top schools) that your application WILL NOT be at a disadvantage if you are not invited for an interview (an interview is just a way to answer any questions you may have for the school etc). Whether you are or not invited, usually depends on the number of alumni in your area willing to help with interview etc.
I myself didn't have an interview for Yale last year, but did so with Harvard, and I received offers from both. My point being, don't stress and enjoy the New Year/Holidays with ease
Last edited by manchild007; 28-12-2010 at 12:51. -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US Universities(Original post by manchild007)
What have you given on your application thus far (i.e. did you just provide grades, or did your school also give copies of your certificates)? This shall determine whether you need a transcript or not (they're usually meant for US students), as international students just need to provide copies of their GCSE/A-level/IB certificates etc.
Also, a note to those who may not have gotten an interview - the interview itself bears no relevance to the admissions process, as Harvard expressly states (as do all the other top schools) that your application WILL NOT be at a disadvantage if you are not invited for an interview (an interview is just a way to answer any questions you may have for the school etc). Whether you are or not invited, usually depends on the number of alumni in your area willing to help with interview etc.
I myself didn't have an interview for Yale last year, but did so with Harvard, and I received offers from both. My point being, don't stress and enjoy the New Year/Holidays with ease
Hey! OK...I gave copies of my GCSE and AS certificates so that should be enough, I hope =S
Would you mind looking at my additional essay that I've written =)
Happy Holidays -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesNo probs, same here, I still need to write another essay!(Original post by *Dreamer*)
Yes yes yes please. I'm kinda panicky and the deadline is in a few days
xxx

Sending you a PM now! -
Re: How to (Painlessly) Apply to US UniversitiesFeel free to PM it to me and I'll have a look at it later today and send you my feedback.(Original post by *Dreamer*)
Hey! OK...I gave copies of my GCSE and AS certificates so that should be enough, I hope =S
Would you mind looking at my additional essay that I've written =)
Happy Holidays
Best Wishes
