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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- 2 replies
- 416 views
I have to choose my Ib subjects soon and i was wondering if any of you had information to help me choose the right math course for studying preferably at one of the top undergraduate business schools in the US. I heard that US schools prefer you having a higher IB score rather than taking harder math courses (SL or HL) which may bump your score down, if not would math studies be the better option? If you do take a harder level of math what type of score would the schools expect?
Last reply by IB_taking_over, -
- 3 replies
- 484 views
Hi, I recently started a blog (its about IB) and I was wondering if I should include it for my extracurriculars. I know a blog can be included, but I'm not sure if its a good idea to include mine as it might decrease my chances of getting in. Can you go through my blog and see of its good enough to tell the universities about it? Thanks!
Last reply by IB_taking_over, -
- 9 replies
- 759 views
Hi! I'm currently in Grade 10 in Canada and I am aiming for business programs in University's around Canada. Currently, the optimal undergrad program for me is Commerce at Queen's university. The courses I plan to take are: HL Economics HL Psychology HL Language and Literature SL Math SL French (Mandatory) SL Chemistry I don't know if this is a good choice for my choice of future. Should I be taking HL math? Is double HL humanities smart? Thank You !
Last reply by Gaby, -
- 16 replies
- 962 views
Is anyone here interested in attending McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada). If so, for what? And also, is anyone here attending or have you attended the school? I'm just curious because my goal is to go to McMaster for their Health Sciences program (my dream since gr. 6) so I was wondering if there were any students I could relate to (if still in high school) or any students I could ask personal experiences about (if you go there, doesn't matter which program). Thank you!
Last reply by Rosalina, -
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- 373 views
best uni.s in us to study economics/finance!
Last reply by Sandy, -
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- 527 views
Hi there! I want to go to waterloo and I had a few questions, you could say.. Firstly, is the campus as bad as they say? I've heard and read several things that aren't very good, just wanted to confirm. Also, how hard is it to get in? I mean I know its competitive (I've applied for computer science) but what ib score do you think i need to get in? The website says 29, but I'm pretty sure a candidate with 30 wouldn't get in. I know the cutoff is pretty high (94% last year if I'm not wrong), but I don't know what it is for IB..any idea? I'd really appreciate any help with this, I'm just so confused and I have no clue where I stand...
Last reply by GirliKnow, -
Do uni's consider ib year 11 first term grades? If yes, how important are they in comparison to the second term and year 12 grades?
by Guest Rohit Pawar- 7 replies
- 4.8k views
thanks guys
Last reply by Yugalarex, -
- 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, -
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- 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, -
- 2 replies
- 470 views
Hi! I plan on applying to a US college with my IB score, and I was wondering if anyone with experience knows what the college sees when you apply? Will they just see the IB score, or does your general grade/class transcript get sent in as well. My IB score is looking decent, but my actual class grades are pretty bad, so will the colleges see those grades? Thanks in advance for any help.
Last reply by kristinamontinola, -
- 7 replies
- 1.4k views
I have a predicted of 40 points and 1870 in my SATS HL: Maths: 5 Physics: 6 Economics: 6 SL: ITGS: 7 French: 7 Englihs LAL: 6 Tok+EE: 3 Reading: 650 Maths: 630 Writing: 590 I am applying to the CAS school at NYU for econ and was wondering what my chances of getting in were with what i have. I already sent off my application but was still wondering.
Last reply by veregudmen, -
- 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, -
- 1 reply
- 482 views
Hi people, I have an urgent concern about my term 1 grade... I have been predicted 7 in my mandarin A and a B in TOK. However, in the first term grade 12 I only got 6 in Mandarin and 5 in TOK (we use 1-7 grading scale for term mark). I found out afterwards from my mandarin teacher that had I got 1 more mark on any of my assignments, I would have got 7 for term 1. I am very worried about my chance of getting in top universities right now. Also, does TOK term grade affect my chance to get in? My TOK teacher is really strict and my writing can barely satisfy him... Anyone any suggestions for me?
Last reply by Gk786, -
- 7 replies
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For most of my high school career so far ive heard that all of the full-ib students are absolutely insane and that getting thru the full dp is enough for a free ticket to 90% of the universities in canada, but i go on the internet and see people complaining about 5s and 6s when the world average is 4 and i wonder why people are so stressed out about such amazing grades. My teachers have actually told the students that 7s are near impossible and that a 5+ is fantastic. My chem sl teacher told us how one kid hes ever taught has gotten a 6 and that he knew more than the teacher himself. So i look at my own grades (predicted 5s mostly) and im wondering if i really have the ri…
Last reply by IB Examiner, -
- 5 replies
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Hi, I'm new to the forum and I've got a one very important question for you all. So basically I have just started the IB, so i'm in the first year of it. My school offers us, three years of IB, which is an extended course with the first year being rather preparatory. These are the subjects I took: ENGLISH A1 HL GERMAN B1 SL HISTORY HL BIOLOGY SL MATH SL GEOGRAPHY HL With all of these subjects I look forward to major in law in the future, preferably in Canada but first I need a BA in a course of my choice. I am considering Social Sciences, excluding Economics. I don't want to do anything connected with Math in the future as I am not good at it big time. I have taken the…
Last reply by alex27, -
- 11 replies
- 10.4k views
Hey guys, I was just wondering how much significance the IB grade has on the university applications to the US. For example, in my school, some of the teachers are really lazy (because the school does not want to cut them) and thus, it is really hard for the students to ask for help after school/questions about a summative assignment. Furthermore, the teacher that teaches the subject I want to major in the future, does not give a SH*T about his students, as he is long-term contracted with the school and will receive his pay anyways, no matter in what manner he teaches. In conclusion, the question I want to ask is this: Do US Universities care more about a applicant's SAT …
Last reply by Gaby, -
- 10 replies
- 1.8k views
Hello everyone, I have just received IB results, and am wondering whether it is worth applying to Harvard. I do not know the application process terribly well, and would therefore also appreciate if anyone could give me some guidance upon what is involved in it (i.e. interview, SATs, IB results if considered...). I obtained 43 + 7 in my extra subject, for a total of 50/52. I was 1% off a 7 in Maths SL and will request a remark, so I could possibly find myself only loosing one mark overall. Hence, I would strongly appreciate anyone's advice upon applying to Harvard or ANY OTHER IVY LEAGUE university given my situation, and whether I have a realistic chance of …
Last reply by avnish, -
- 2 replies
- 508 views
what if they ask me to illustrate an instance from my life that changed me/helped me realise my passion in the essay, can i make up something even though it never happened? can i write a realistic fiction story?
Last reply by crossroads1112, -
- 1 reply
- 387 views
I've been researching, choosing, re-researching and choosing again but I just can't decide on what to major in. I know you can switch later and some places have a general first year (although most make you choose since IB DP). For now, I'm 90% I want to try for med school, but there's always the chance that I fail, or also I might follow my other interest of doing research (which I may also fail), or even further, but more unlikely, business/management sort of thing. So right now I really can't decide my path, but I've narrowed it down and I'm wondering if any of these are unrealistic because I don't know much about job availability - Undergrad in business/management …
Last reply by _joseph, -
- 8 replies
- 507 views
Hey, This question is addressed mainly to those who live in the States or who know the us market well. Firstly,I have to admit that the truth is that my biggest dream is studying in the USA at northwestern, Vanderbilt,Chicago or any top university. But being more realistic, I guess that my parents won't be able to pay for so many years of studies. So I came up with an idea of doing the bachelor degree in the Uk or Canada and after that, to move to the United States. My first question is, if it is Is possible to do the bachelor in England and after that graduate from the us uni (master degree)? And the second question- is it reasonable to study in Canada, having in min…
Last reply by NiCKEL, -
- 10 replies
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Hello people! This is my first post so apologises if I break any forum rules. Today, I just want to see your opinion on my university chances. I am looking to apply to the US (I am an international student) and I am looking to apply to an economics course. However, I am very likely to recieve a predicted 5 for HL Maths and I was wondering how do you think this will affect my chances. Talked to a few of my teachers and this is what my predicted will probably looks like: Chinese B SL: 7 English Lang/Lit SL: 7 or 6 Physics SL: 7 Math HL: 5 Econ HL: 7 Chem HL : 7 Furthermore, our school always predict a 2 for TOK. Do you think high quality schools like Columbia is still a pos…
Last reply by Gaby, -
- 1 reply
- 649 views
I have taken Math SL,and recently got a 7 in my first year exams.But is taking a Math SL good enough for studying Computer Science in Universities in the US.Should I shift to a Math HL where the highest in the class was a 5?Is a Math SL good enough for Ivy leagues or Universities at that level?
Last reply by King112, -
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- 410 views
Hi, I am currently taking Physics Sl as my seventh subject (I have Chem and Bio Hl in my diploma). Thing is that I regret not taking physics hl and including it in my diploma as it's the subject that I mostly enjoy (I have a 7 in it). I really want to study chemistry and physics in uni in the US. Is that possible with having studied physics sl?
Last reply by beth-, -
- 3 replies
- 385 views
I don't understand what the course code is on the page where it asks you to put any summer/night courses that will not show up on your transcript... I took calculus and physics in BC in the summer, and I can't find the report card piece of paper I got. Is it on there, or is a number system by McGill??
Last reply by kw0573, -
- 5 replies
- 686 views
My subjects are: Computer Science -HL Physics -HL Business and management -HL Math-SL English-SL Hindi - SL are these subjects rigorous enough.Is it enough to get into an Ivy league or any university at that level.
Last reply by bguloglu, -
Hello everyone So I am struggling right now, as the deadline for the early decision is approaching, to which schools I should apply to. My top three choices are Stanford, U Penn, NYU (including NYUAD) Should I apply ED* to Stanford as I have (statistically) the least chances of getting in, or should I instead focus on increasing my chances by applying to U Penn or even NYU? *Note that I am applying for financial aid to all so it would be even harder in some cases Cheers (:
Last reply by IB_taking_over, -
- 0 replies
- 287 views
Hey guys! I'm graduating next May so I might have to focus on choosing universities to go to soon, especially before the administration due date or something that involves application processes for universities. I'd like to be a vet and I'm eyeing on University of Calgary since my dad likes Canada very much, we might plan to move there someday (just planning haha). Well I'm hoping if there is anyone who might be a vet senior and would recommend me. It's awesome that I could get some tips on the application for universities. One last problem is that I'm not so confident with myself so there's that what if my grades are gonna be low during the exam problem. I just feel les…
Last reply by Littlelostattimes, -
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- 426 views
what do i write in my college essays for ivy league, if im going undecided and idk what im going to do yet...? I have no clue as to what I like...
Last reply by IB_taking_over, -
- 1 reply
- 524 views
Hello, I am an american student preparing for my first year of IB in september 2015. I will be in an international school in France. I'd like to apply to US Unis, preferably Ivy Leagues. If anybody can answer some of my questions that's been troubling me, that would be very kind. - Do US Unis only look at grades from the 2 IB Years? (I took grades 9th and 10th in the United States and I'd like to know if those years will count) I am aware that some american high schools that offer the IB program calculate a GPA over the course of 4 years. However, my french high school doesn't calculate a GPA. How will I be processed into admissions if my 2 years of American high school…
Last reply by IB_taking_over, -
- 1 reply
- 468 views
Hello- I am currently in IB2 and applying to business programs in Canada. I have a mid thirty to high thirty predicted (our school doesn't tell us) and I go to a very good international school in Singapore (I am a Canadian citizen). My HLs are (psych, econ, lang/lit) and SLs are (bio, math, ab spanish). I do 3 different types of service/volunteer work, I am on the business club and also do basketball team. The business programs I am interested in are: UBC, Western, Queens, University of Calgary and University of Ottawa What are my chances of getting in with what I have now? Also what school should be my top choice. UBC has a dual degree program should I apply to t…
Last reply by Ekingboss, -
- 0 replies
- 268 views
Is there a real big distinction in terms of application for early/regular app in Canada? Supposing it's not binding like early decision, I kind of want to just throw in an application for one of my top 2 schools, because from what I understand early app is just: - hand in an application early, using Grade 11 marks OR semester 1 interm marks - if not accepted, update marks with predicted grades or semester 2 interm marks later and catch up to the regular app crowd... Also, how does choosing programs with OUAC work? Is it a max of 3 programs per university, all in different faculties or is it 3 programs for that account that you make, then you need to pay extra? And…
Last reply by NiCKEL, -
- 0 replies
- 268 views
Is there a real big distinction in terms of application for early/regular app in Canada? Supposing it's not binding like early decision, I kind of want to just throw in an application for one of my top 2 schools, because from what I understand early app is just: - hand in an application early, using Grade 11 marks OR semester 1 interm marks - if not accepted, update marks with predicted grades or semester 2 interm marks later and catch up to the regular app crowd... Also, how does choosing programs with OUAC work? Is it a max of 3 programs per university, all in different faculties or is it 3 programs for that account that you make, then you need to pay extra? And…
Last reply by NiCKEL, -
- 0 replies
- 501 views
Me and my best friend are applying to the same university: Columbia. We are very similar: we had top grades (which are exactly the same in total) for the MYP and now we are in the DP. We take three of the same subjects: Math SL, English A LangLit HL, and Psychology (SL for her, HL for me), two of which we are in the same class. We have great CVs and SAT scores, and we complement each other very well. Also, what I lack in one thing I make up for it in another, and vice versa. We work very closely in terms of extracurriculars as well. What I wanted to know was, is there a huge likelihood that only one of us will be admitted to Columbia (ignoring the fact that none of us…
Last reply by watsonswaltz, -
- 6 replies
- 808 views
Hello, I am currently undergoing the IB Diploma (2nd year) in Bangkok, Thailand. My subjects are: Business and Management (HL) English Language and Literature (HL) Geography (HL) Ab Initio French Biology (SL) Maths Studies From what i have heard and read, to get into a good business school in Canada you need at least SL Math. It is too late for me to switch to SL Math now. My question is; is it still possible to get into a top 10 business school in Canada with Maths Studies? Will they allow me to do a foundation year in which i take the required math courses? Thanks to anyone who takes their time to reply
Last reply by ShootingStar16, -
- 2 replies
- 538 views
Hi everyone, I am currently doing the IBDP program. I will be writing my exams in May 2016. I was looking at the requirements for Management Engineering at University of Waterloo and other Canadian universities and had a question. My subjects are :Geography (HL)Maths (HL)Physics (HL)Business and Management (HL)English (SL)French ab initio (SL) One of the requirements for Management Engineering is Chemistry, but I have not taken chemistry (as my school doesn't provide it). Does that mean that I’m not applicable for this program? Thanks to anyone who replies!
Last reply by Akash Mokashi, -
- 4 replies
- 622 views
The university of Toronto website says that I can't get in if I do Math studies, even though I want to apply to do a bachelor in Arts. Is there any way they might overlook it, particularly because I have no interest in a math related major and my actual predicted score is decent. My predicted scores are: English A HL: 6 History HL: 6 Economics HL: 7 French B SL: 5 Physics SL: 6 Math SL Studies: 7 EE: B ToK: A Total: 39
Last reply by BanglaBoy690, -
- 0 replies
- 384 views
To tell you a brief background, I am a Canadian who very recently decided she wants to become a graphic designer. I considered dropping IB but I decided to keep doing it in case I don't get into an art school. I've done my fair share of research and I realized I don't need SAT's to go into certain universities in the States, and out of the ones I researched, I really liked SAIC and CalARTS as well as Parsons, but their fees are crazy expensive. I want to go to the States for university because of the job market in California for graphic designers. Also, SAIC has great co-op and internship opportunities. Do you guys have any advice for things like scholarships, or do you k…
Last reply by rahbit, -
- 2 replies
- 631 views
Hi everybody! I am preparing to embark upon a particular rite of passage known as the SAT General Reasoning test, AKA that one thing that colleges (at least in America) consider just as important as the entirety of your high school grades. I've been taking a practice course online, which offers me personally-tailored information on how to improve on reading and math, but doesn't give me any feedback at all on my essay and requires me to self-score it. I feel like if I score my own essay, I'll be biased and will either be too hard on myself or too generous. I also have no idea which particular things in my writing I need to improve upon. This is my essay, in response to a …
Last reply by UncleChopChop, -
- 6 replies
- 6.2k views
Hey guys Just checked MIT's site, but I couldn't find anything about IB. I only found an international applicants section. So the question is, does MIT accept IB results/students?
Last reply by UncleChopChop, -
- 1 reply
- 474 views
I'm looking into applying at McGill university but am not sure when the application opens. I have gone online and found the application procedures but it seems as if they're already open. Has anyone applied already or in previous years and could explain how it works? Also, what are my chances of getting into Science (Biomed or biological sciences) with a predicted grade of 36 subject points (6 in each class) and a 94% average? Thanks for the help!
Last reply by Purple Joystick, -
- 1 reply
- 554 views
Hi all! This fall I'll be applying to many universities in the U.S and was wondering if I need to take the TOEFL. My mother tongue is Persian, and I speak Arabic and English too. However, I have a Canadian nationality and consider English as my first language. When universities say that international students have to take the TOEFL, am I considered part of that group as well? Does it depend on where I apply from? Or does it depend on my nationality? I honestly wouldn't mind taking the TOEFL, but I see no need in taking it if universities won't require it. Would appreciate any past experiences or advice. Thank you in advance
Last reply by kevG, -
- 1 reply
- 670 views
Hey, I'd really appreciate it if someone could tell me whether the New York University Abu Dhabi super-scores the SAT, and if yes, whether you still have to send all of them if you decide to send them (I know it's optional)? (2016 applications) Thanks
Last reply by SohailB, -
- 4 replies
- 768 views
Can someone explain the ACT tests in detail because i might take them.
Last reply by kevG, -
- 2 replies
- 476 views
Hi If anyone has experience of taking Toefl, can he/she tell me how difficult it is? I am fluent in english but I don't know anything about the question type or the level of english of the questions. Do ludicrous vocabularies come up? Thank you
Last reply by Fiona, -
- 11 replies
- 1.1k views
I want to specialise in engineering probably chemical engineering since my physics isnt extradionary but my maths is splendid. Which combinations as most ideal for chem. Engineering. Math hl, chem hl, bio sl, econ sl Eng B hl, Swahili A sl Math hl, chem hl, phy sl, econ sl Eng B hl, swa A sl...... ..... By the way, can i take something like mechanical engineering with phy sl, chem hl, math hl ?
Last reply by Emmi, -
- 3 replies
- 670 views
Hey guys. I dont know how to start this off except by saying that I got a 17 in the IB. This was in 2014, last year. I didnt give a **** and pushed towards getting into a university. I wont lie and say that I didnt have suicidal thoughts, and that I came so close to jumping of off the roof one time, but thankfully I got over that crap. My problem here is that it still haunts me, I got into a community college (Keep in mind that i'm not a U.S. citizen, but I do study here) and i'm pretty much struggling, I cant manage to study hard enough and I slack all the damn time. My highschool was horse **** and they didnt offer an actual 12th grade diploma aside from the IB, meaning…
Last reply by Emilia1320, -
- 2 replies
- 474 views
Hi everyone, I will be entering my first year of IB this year. I just wanted to know, especially from international students that have such experience, what do I have to submit in my application to american and canadian universities? Should it include report from other school years or just IB diploma is enough? I've been looking through several websites recently and from what I have seen they all require high school transcript, that is 3 years if I am not mistaken, so should I include the report from my junior year? If so, will this affect my GPA? I did great in my junior by getting 96% but managed somehow to get C+ on economics, largely because of language problems since…
Last reply by Pink97, -
- 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
- 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, -
- 4 replies
- 709 views
I got 35 points in total in the IB program. Here are the classes I took and my grade in it: Math HL - 5 Physics HL - 5 Computer Science HL - 7 English Lang and Lit SL - 5 Language AB Initio - 7 Economics SL - 6 I'm set on studying Computer Science at a fairly good university in the US. My cumulative high school GPA is around 3.7 Given my GPA and IB scores, what would be a fairly reputable university to study Computer Science (United States only please) Thanks!
Last reply by jaimep,