Expert: Bruce - 12/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: Sir
I have secured a 590 in critical reading(percentile-77%), a 650 in maths(percentile-86%) and a 600 in writing section (percentile-82%). Being an international student are these scores seen with a different perspective from that of an american student or are they given the same weightage? What will be the colleges where i can be sure to get admission with a need based aid. I would able to pay about 5000 dollars per annum. So which colleges should i apply for? Will Richmond university be a good option considering my sat scores and a decent high school record. I also have a 780-800 in chemistry sat subject test.

ANSWER: Jubaraj,

Hi from New York State.

Your test scores are very respectable - a 1240 on the main parts of the SAT is 200 points above the US National average. The fact that you have a 700+ on your Chem sub test is very impressive. Can I assume that you want to be a chem major? That would help, as good chem majors aren't that easy to find here.

Your written English is pretty good.

Have you also takent he TOEFL? You may want to do so, even though your SAT verbal scores are good. Some colleges may want a TOEFL score.

Also, if your high school transcript is not in English, you'll want to have that translated by a translation service or agency.

You may also want to consider taking the ACT. If you have an SAT and ACT, many colleges will take the higher score, for your benefit.

University of Richmond is an excellent school, certainly worth looking into. The fact that you can pay something for college will help you, but you'll need to find a school that has generous financial aid. Consider doing some Web searches on these places:

Carlton College
Hamilton College
Berea College
College of the Ozarks
Rice University
Union University
Rider College
Elmira College
St. Bonaventure University
Clarkson
New Jersey Inst of Technologu (NJIT)

Another idea - attend a two year college here in the US and excell in your studies (as you certainly will) and then use those impressive grades along with your existing test scores to secure significant scholarships for the last two years of your bachelors degree. Genesee Community College in NY has a large international population, Jamestown Community College is recruiting internationals. The other benefit to the 2 year school is that your test scores will earn you possibly higher scholarships there than at 4 year schools, and the two years will cost less.

I hope this info is helpful. I'm glad to answer more questions as they arise.

Bruce

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sir
 My best friend Rohan also gave the SAT along with me and he wants to know about his chances of getting into US colleges. He has a score of 1640 with a critical reading score of 520, maths score of 680 and a writing score of 540. He is keen to apply to Florida institute of technology. Should I advise him to apply?
         Regards
         Jubaraj

Answer
I am not an admission person at FIT, but his reading score is OK and his math score is solid enough, so I would apply.

Rohan should take the TOEFL, FIT might require that.

Rohan can contact FIT and go to the school Web site for more specific admission info.

Bruce