USA & Canada
Discuss the US or Canadian university systems. All discussion of the SAT and ACT go in here.
858 topics in this forum
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ACT or SAT? 1 2
by lvch95- 20 replies
- 7.9k views
Hello everyone, I'm in IB1 year and I want to start taking SAT or ACT as well, but I'm not sure which one to take. Since I'm an international student ACT seems easier in terms of vocab but we have a score choice in SAT and that's what confuses me. Any ideas? Or does it make a difference for universities?
Last reply by IB`NOT`ez, -
I regularly browse through forums and see other people STATS, therefore I think I am proficient at evaluating the chances you have at attending some of the top universities in the USA. So, if anyone wants me to chance them, please list your stats and also your university list below and I will reply ASAP. I am only able to chance the top universities, such as the ivies, stanford, caltech, mit, rice, georgetown, duke, etc. Please follow this format: (only an example, not mine lol) Background Status: Asian Male Country: Greenland School Type: Small Private Catholic Academics: Scores: SAT I: M800CR800W800 (M=maths, CR=critical reading, W=writing) SAT II: Physics800Chemistry80…
Last reply by dp123, -
- 32 replies
- 17.8k views
I've noticed a lot of people are asking about how many point they need to get into some Canadian universities or if their points are good enough. Many of us now people who have been accepted in with certain scores, so let's share? Below is a quick format you should use--just to keep posts easy to read. You can include how many people you know who received a certain score and got in--to add more credibility. You may also include what reps have told you--if specific. University: Program: IB points achieved Concordia University: Bsc. Science - Biochemistry 27 Points mimumum--unknown source McGill University: Biological, Biomedical, and Life Sciences: 42 points (2010) 43 poin…
Last reply by angelad, -
- 30 replies
- 10.7k views
Ok. So a today there was at least 2 people asking about American unis and GPAs. If you are an international student you usually don't have a GPA but there is a way to calculate it. The uni I am going to next year in the states has a calculator on their website, but it only good for their school... I think, but I have googled it for all of you. This is the page at my school explaining what a GPA is: http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/gpa.html this is a link from that same page to their calculator which might provide some help: https://www.ws.missouristate.edu/admissions/gpacalculator/ this is one is for you GPA by semester... to get your cumulative GPA, just take the a…
Last reply by Razaan, -
- 6 replies
- 809 views
Hey guys, So I was unconditionally accepted to my first choice university, and the university counselor told me that I don't have to worry if I fail the IB (there may be a slight decrease in my scholarship but still). But they told me that "Bombing" my high school grades after university acceptance could convince them to rescind my acceptance. When American universities say "bombing", generally speaking what is the so called "borderline"? For example I got accepted with a 3.0 GPA, but when I looked at my grades at the moment it was around a 2.7 (technically 2.67). Would this be a definite situation to worry about, or am I still on the "safe side"? Thanks.
Last reply by Taisei Yamada, -
- 6 replies
- 516 views
Hi, I have two questions regarding the department of Economics at Harvard College. 1. I will go to the army in Finland after I graduate from the IB to get a 12 months leadership education and after that apply to Harvard College Economics. Let´s say I don't get in and want to re-apply the following year, will that then lower my chances since I have not attended school for 24 months, I will of course work, do voluntary work, go back-packing, study basics in business and management and go back-packing in South East Asia so I won't just sleep and eat all day long at home. 2. I'm not sure if I want to settle down in the United States after attending Harvard, or return …
Last reply by Clockwork, -
- 15 replies
- 1.7k views
My grades are like this: Math SL: 7 French SL:5 Chemistry HL:4 English HL:4 Econ HL:5/6 Physics SL:5 I am applying for UBC commerce, Queen's Commerce, Waterloo Math, McGill Finance, Western Ivy. Do I have a chance at those universities with my grades? THANKS
Last reply by Amber, -
- 7 replies
- 719 views
Hi guys, I'm really panicking now. I'm scared I won't be accepted to any university due to by crappy math HL score. I have 6s in all my other subjects and a 5 in hl bio. I started with a 5 in hl math and dropped to a 4... and I can't get it back up since last year. I have been having frequent panic attacks and i'm just so stressed. I really did not want to post this up, but it really is my last resort. WHAT CAN I DO???? I am applying to both US and Canadian schools, but I'm afraid I'll be rejected to ALL of them due to my outstanding math HL score... I did the ACTs and scored pretty well (above 33), but I know that alone won't help if I have such a crappy math…
Last reply by Aninda Saha, -
- 3 replies
- 436 views
Hi guys! I have 7 subjects - 4 HL's and 3 SL's. It's a really great deal for me to manage all of it, believe me. I think about getting rid of History SL as I do not really need it and it just takes more time of me. I want to study in the USA, at one of Ivy League universities, so maybe they would appreciate the fact that I study more subjects than it is required? What do you think? Does it really matter?
Last reply by IBidiot, -
- 4 replies
- 520 views
Although I am totally obsessed with animals, and I'd love nothing more than to be a vet, there;s a few other choices I'd love to THINK about, but not sure what they really are, and Google isn't giving much I didn't know before: 1.) Journalism: I always have this idea that I can write amazing articles or columns for Time or other big companies (which has a slim chance of happening). However, what IS journalism, really? Do you take English in university? How do you find jobs? I love writing essays (this is Pre-IB experience btw, so far). 2.) I like going to places. I love traveling, whether it is to another city or continent. I see a lot of people working for Discovery Trav…
Last reply by Dr. Polaris, -
- 2 replies
- 454 views
Can anyone post an official acceptance letter from any top canadian university? I just want to see how an admission offer looks like. Thanks
Last reply by Sapnil Mohanty, -
- 3 replies
- 927 views
What are the repercussions of accepting an offer of admission to a university in Ontario while waiting for a letter from a different province? Is that like...illegal or something lol. I really can't decide; still waiting on another, more difficult school but I don't want to pass this one's deadline on April 1st.
Last reply by NiCKEL, -
- 3 replies
- 535 views
I am in holiday and want to study my subject because i just enroll in ib. How can i access subjects for example biology physics ... I cant get it from library!
Last reply by IBidiot, -
- 2 replies
- 425 views
Much to my disappointment, my second ACT Composite score was one point lower than my first. However, my second ACT writing score went up. When I apply at University will the ACT Composite Score and the ACT Writing Score be viewed independently? I got 30 Comp. and 8 Writing the first time, and 29 Comp. 9 Writing the second time. So in short, when I apply to University, will I be able to use the highest from both tests (30 Comp. 9 Writing)? I am concerned with this mostly because I don't want to keep paying for the Writing test (on future tests) if I don't have to. I'd like to raise my Composite a few more points, but I'm fine with the writing. Also, what are my chances of…
Last reply by ryansparx, -
- 0 replies
- 717 views
Anyone have tips for the ACT exam, in general. As well... - anyone know what math formulas you are required to know for the math section -and helpful tips for the reading sections (I did a practice one and wasn’t able to finish all 5 passages due to time) What section should I focus on the most, I don’t really know how to study for this other then practice tests?
Last reply by Ava123, -
- 2 replies
- 432 views
I'm going to be taking the ACT later this year and I really want to do well. I tested myself using princeton review books and my composite is a 25. Math is about a 25-26. English is 25-27. Reading is a 21-24. Science is an 18-23. I want to raise my composite to at least a 30. Do any of you guys have any suggestions on what I should do or what books i should read?
Last reply by zexing, -
- 0 replies
- 441 views
Hey there, I'd like to ask veteran ACT test-takers for any helpful tips you guys might have for us. Stuff like section-specific strategies etc. maybe? Also, what about section 4, the Science Reasoning test? Cheers!
Last reply by George Ampatzis, -
- 6 replies
- 630 views
Hey, I wan and ask you a question about some activities you did/ do during your IB. I mean what kind of activities do universities see as the best, that may help me in my application? Especially in the U.S.? I just don't know what to do apart from the IB and having some fun with friends 😂 And btw I am interested in economics and politics
Last reply by Flow4421, -
- 5 replies
- 693 views
Hey guys so I'm a little bit confused here and would love your opinion. My subjects are : (HL) English Biology Economics (SL) Psychology Hindi Math EE - Psychology I scored a total of 33 in my junior year (maintained my score both semesters) and scored a 1740 in my SATs I am giving my SATs in october again and i hope to jump to atleast a 2000 + if not a 2100 I have a number of questions : 1) Do early decision applications accept the october SAT scores ? 2) What are my chances of getting into my dream college ? (University of Southern California) 3) I want to pursue computer science as a major, Is it possible to do so with the subject choices tha…
Last reply by by.andrew, -
- 2 replies
- 515 views
I wish to pursue Comp engineering or mechanical engineering from one of the top engineering colleges in the US, like Stanford, Berkeley, MIT, and the like. If I have Phy and Chem HL but Math SL, does that totally ruin my chance of getting into any of these colleges? If yes, will it be better to take up Math HL and Chem SL instead and work harder with Math (which though I like but not as much as Chem)? My proife: I am IB School President (Grade 11), active Drums player, running and supporting animal care NGO since 2010. Your expert views will be of great help for me as by tonight I have to decide on the subjects and tell the school about the same. Regards to all. Yat…
Last reply by Y-Heritan, -
- 1 reply
- 365 views
Resolved
Last reply by by.andrew, -
- 4 replies
- 872 views
My IGCSE grades are not good but not too shabby : Math B Chemistry B Physics B ( three main subjects that universities might look at) I am doing pretty decent in IB and aim to get 40+ in my diploma, will top aeronautical engineering institutes consider me with these IGCSE grades. HELP ME OUT I AM WORRIED
Last reply by Djsporting, -
- 3 replies
- 615 views
Hi guys, I am quite unfamiliar with university choices, so I just wanted to ask for some advice. I currently have a PG of 40/42 and a SAT score of 2160. I would most probably apply for a liberal arts degree in the US. I would like to aim for universities instead of colleges, and probably those that most people have heard of (sorry if i sound too snobbish). I have no particular preference for a "city" or "countryside" university, nor about how "traditional" or "non-traditional" the atmosphere is. From my superficial understanding, the universities all seem the same/ similar, so what universities would you suggest I look deeper into?
Last reply by Miccol, -
- 3 replies
- 563 views
Hi(: Yeah as title suggests, since I am doing the Nov 2011 exams, most American university applications actually close before the release of the official IB results. Please correct me if I got this wrong. Otherwise, would my IB mock exam grades be the most important indicator for academics as my high school results apart from SAT? Any ideas and helps are appreciated, thank you!
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- 15 replies
- 870 views
How many of you are taking the PSAT tomorrow? I am currently spending the rest of the day sort of cramming for it by doing practice tests and various problems (well that and being on IB Survival ) Any of you guys trying to get National Merit Scholar? That is one reason I want to do so well on it, but I am not sure if it will help me in the long run.
Last reply by adletaY, -
- 1 reply
- 827 views
Hi everyone, So Uni applications are due soon and I'm a bit confused over the IB scores. Mac's Health Sci program (very popular) needs an anticipated IB score of 36 points and average above 90%. Would I still be eligible for admission if I was able to keep my average well over the 90s, but not reach the anticipated score (getting 35 or 34 instead)? If the IB is going to hinder my chances of getting in, is it mandatory to include anticipated IB scores? Just a bit flustered with the system. Thanks.
Last reply by kw0573, -
- 2 replies
- 297 views
I'm only in my first term of Y11. I'm aiming for chemistry in University of Washington. Any chance I can get into it with this score Eng A Lit SL - 5 Chi B HL - 5 (probably going to raise a level in term two, was close to getting a 6, the orals affected me) Math HL - 5 Chem HL - 6 Biology SL -5 Economics SL - 7 = 33 Haven't taken SAT, but I should get around 1800. Let's say I get 34 with that one point out of three points. Is this a really bad grade in IB? Is there a good chance I can get into this University?
Last reply by marcelkittel, -
- 1 reply
- 487 views
Hey! I got 34 in the IB last november and USA is one of my options for university study. My question is, does any college gives at least half scolarship with an IB of 34 points? Or are there any other aspects that american unis consider? thanks! By the way, I´m not aiming for Ivys at all.
Last reply by JoeG, -
- 3 replies
- 893 views
Hi, I currently finished my year 1 of IB. I'm trying to apply to a university in the US. Are there any suggestions for colleges that is well-known for agriculture, agricultural science, or agricultural engineering?
Last reply by Rory Peel, -
- 4 replies
- 613 views
I've been looking at my university options and read some reviews online (I already visited each one but I didn't know what to look for while I was there, and the tours often vary in what they show you) and I've come across a few cons for each school that make me really not want to go. If anyone actually went to one of these places and can tell me if you agree or disagree with the stereotype or claim that'd be great. McGill - Everybody drinks, and a lot. If you don't like drinking, there's not that much to do in terms of party/entertainment Health is incredibly inconvenient, its better to go to an off campus clininc the classes are massive and everybody's a number (in …
Last reply by GirliKnow, -
Anyone going to SFU Burnaby Canada?
by Guest- 2 replies
- 612 views
Hi guys, So like, I got accepted to SFU Bachelor of Arts (major in Linguistics) starting September 2016 and now, I'm super nervous about university and just thought, hey, it would be nice if there are other IB students in SFU that I can get to know before uni starts ^^ Comment if any of you guys are going to SFU! It would be great to know you!
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- 2 replies
- 354 views
just thought I would ask?
Last reply by familyjewels, -
- 1 reply
- 368 views
Hey, I was just looking for some recommendations for courses I took SL Chem and I enjoy chemistry. I was wondering if you recommend I take CHM138H1 and 139H1 or CHM151Y1? Thanks
Last reply by Summer Glau, -
- 24 replies
- 2.9k views
How many points did you/your friend receive, for what program, what campus and what year (how many years ago)! Thanks
Last reply by Amber, -
- 4 replies
- 408 views
Hey guys, I'm in a bit of a situation here. I'm doing Maths HL with series and differential equations as the option, and I 'm confused whether I should take AP calculus 'BC' or not ? I mean, would it help me significantly with admissions in USA if I say get a 5 in it, even though I'm doing math HL and have a predicted 7 ?? :/ Thanks in advance.
Last reply by Abhi Sreekanth, -
- 0 replies
- 772 views
Hello I'm planning to take AP macro & microeconomics next year. Taking into account that I took IGCSE Economics, receiving an A* and top grade in my country, and is currently taking ib Econ HL, would the tests be difficult for me? I'm willing to put in some hours of practice and studying if necessary... Thank you in advance!
Last reply by ebu, -
- 2 replies
- 456 views
For the person going to US universities, which do you think is better IB or AP? And IB students in US universities, do you think IB actually helps a lot surviving in US universities more than AP?
Last reply by Luka Petrovic, -
AP vs IB / University
by Guest dylaanz- 1 reply
- 409 views
I don't know if this is posted already, but I was wondering about the difference of AP and IB. Does it affect your university application and do universities have different standards for the two?
Last reply by Peanut Butter Jelly, -
- 1 reply
- 393 views
Hi guys, I have a question regarding an application to the university, my counselor is currently out of town and he isn't reading emails (he's not being harsh, he is currently in a remote town where there is no internet access) so I hope you guys can answer this. When we list the IB courses we are taking in the application, do we have to include TOK and EE (or even CAS) as courses as well? Currently I am listing those but I am not sure whether I should proceed with this. Thanks.
Last reply by kw0573, -
- 3 replies
- 583 views
Do you apply with your predicted marks/ib exam marks or regular course marks? Because for ONT, the regular system is you select top 6 and within your ib course, you must also complete 'an ontario' portion of the curriculum so in the end, you have both and ont mark and an ib mark. Which one do you apply with?
Last reply by Proletariat, -
- 2 replies
- 1.1k views
Hey, I am a 16 year old (turning 17). I skipped 9th and 10th grade. I've just graduated and got 40/45 on the IB. I'm taking a gap year now and will be taking SATs (so far I have an 800 on Math 2) and applying throughout the gap year. As a result, I will be applying to US universities with my IB score in hand, as opposed to with a predicted score. I want to get in to universities such as Harvard or MIT. How do universities value actual IB scores in comparison with predicted scores? Also, how much, if at all, will the fact that I did the IB at a younger age contribute to my applications? Do you think I have a good chance getting into such universities?
Last reply by by.andrew, -
- 6 replies
- 758 views
Hey people! This is my first post at the forums, so please bare with me! I'm about to start pre-ib next term, and I'm curious as of what extracurricular activities I should engage in to maximize the chances of being admitted at Yale? I've already done quite a few projects wich I think will look good on the app, but I'm unsure of what activities I should proceed with. Also, is ther anyone here who've got any offers from Yale and could perhaps give me a hint of what scores they graduated with? Thanks in advance! Lux et veritas! Ps. The forum is kind of broken on the iPad using Safari, just a heads up.
Last reply by JoeG, -
- 2 replies
- 682 views
I was wondering if you wanted to apply for early acceptance in Ontario universities for example U of T, when do you apply. Since I am in grade 11 right now and we have SL French and Math in the coming May, is it possible to apply immediately those marks come out. I went on the website and there is not too many information. And for Early acceptance, when do you usually get the results and if you applied for Early and was rejected, is it possible to apply for the regular?
Last reply by __inthemaking, -
- 2 replies
- 703 views
Hey guys, So, I have no idea how to apply for Early Decision in Universities in the States. I know that IB students require their predicted grades for admittance, and for me, being a May exam candidate, I don't get my predicted grades until some time in March (I believe, don't quote me on that, but the point is, it's way after the Early Decision application process). A kid from my school applied to ED for Cornell and got accepted, who is in IB, now I don't understand. Is there something I'm missing...? Thanks in advance.
Last reply by JustAnotherAsian, -
- 6 replies
- 651 views
Good morning, I am a peruvian student of the IB. I'm planning to study computer science in the USA, but I don't have an economic status as high as for paying for a university, that's why I am looking for full scholarships. Do you know about organizations that give full scholarships? What should I have for applying for those scholarships? Should I apply for SAT exams too?, or is it enough with IB scores? Thank you in advance for your answers.
Last reply by ShootingStars, -
- 5 replies
- 712 views
So I have my mock exams during these next two weeks, and according to my IB coordinator these mocks will 100% be our predicted grades that we send off to universities. (whatever I get in these exams are my predicted) I am NOT prepared whatsoever, pre-mocks I was predicted 32 (including 2 bonus points) and i'm afraid mocks will only lower this... Another issue is that I'm applying for engineering in places like U of T, Mcmasters, UOIT and York So, I was wondering if I could somehow apply using my FINAL grades to a Canadian university (even though deadlines are in feb/march) without taking a gap year? I've read about taking a semester off but I'm not sure how that works. …
Last reply by Sandy, -
- 1 reply
- 827 views
So I'm about to enter my final year of the program, and I'm just wondering when do we get our predicteds for our hl's, which courses is sl math equivalent too, if our hl/sl's count as 3/2 courses when applying with your top 6, and if applying with your ib marks is a requirement? I'm quite certain my ib points are only going to be at a 32 or so before bonus points, so I'd rather apply using my top 6. Tanks for your help.
Last reply by Summer Glau, -
- 5 replies
- 2.9k views
Hey guys, I am currently in my final year of the IB program, I have predicted 39/42 points and I plan on applying to three Canadian universities: University of Toronto, Ryerson University and McGill University. I want to major in International Relations or Political Science depending on what the universities offer. I am applying to Ontario universities through OUAC, does anyone know how the transcripts are supposed to be sent and how that works overall? Also do I include predicted grades in the application? Thank you for your help!
Last reply by Park Seohin, -
- 7 replies
- 1.1k views
Hi I'm a European IB student who is thinking of applying to the states and I was wondering what sort of SAT, ACT and IB scores Ivy league universities expect on average to be able to apply? Also just wondering how IB students are seen by American universities and what they look for in IB students? Thank you! -ncarmont
Last reply by IB_taking_over, -
- 0 replies
- 588 views
Hi, I have started the first year of the IB Diploma Programme. I am taking Language A at SL, Language B at HL, philosophy at SL (I have no other choice, but so far all my grades were around 7), Turkey in the Twentieth Century (this is an SL only course only for Turkish students), Physics HL and Maths HL. I think physics HL and maths HL are quite a lot when taken together (It's not like I am bad at them, my score is generally better than most of my classmates, but I do not know how I would fare in an actual, IB style exam, since ,n my school we try to learn both the IB curriculum and the national curriculum.), but they seem to be unnecessary for someone who wants to g…
Last reply by NotAProcrastinator,