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March 29, 2024, 12:34:01 am

Author Topic: To get into an American University...?  (Read 14893 times)  Share 

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geminii

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To get into an American University...?
« on: November 20, 2014, 08:06:08 pm »
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Hey everyone,
So I was just wondering, are there any specific tests that we have to do if, after year 12, we want to go and study in a uni in America? Like here we have VCE which can get you into a uni, but they may have a different setup in America.
If anyone knows anything about this, the help is greatly appreciated!!
- Ace :)
2016-17 (VCE): Biology, HHD, English, Methods, Specialist, Chemistry

2018-22: Bachelor of Biomedical Science @ Monash Uni

IndefatigableLover

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2014, 08:14:29 pm »
+1
You have to do your SAT's in order to study in America after Year 12 (other way would be to do IB except it doesn't look like you are) :P
http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/international/sat

geminii

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2014, 09:08:40 pm »
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You have to do your SAT's in order to study in America after Year 12 (other way would be to do IB except it doesn't look like you are) :P
So after finishing year 12 you would have to go to America and do your SAT?
Thanks :)
2016-17 (VCE): Biology, HHD, English, Methods, Specialist, Chemistry

2018-22: Bachelor of Biomedical Science @ Monash Uni

MrsStark

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2014, 09:14:26 pm »
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So after finishing year 12 you would have to go to America and do your SAT?
Thanks :)

you don't have to go to America, you can do it in Australia, theres places its held in and multiple times during the year :)

MrsStark

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2014, 09:16:27 pm »
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Hey everyone,
So I was just wondering, are there any specific tests that we have to do if, after year 12, we want to go and study in a uni in America? Like here we have VCE which can get you into a uni, but they may have a different setup in America.
If anyone knows anything about this, the help is greatly appreciated!!
- Ace :)

"The SAT and SAT Subject Tests™ are offered overseas six times a year: in October, November, December, January, May, and June.

International test takers can choose from more than 1,000 international test centers listed online in the Student area of the website"
 http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/international/sat


brightsky

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2014, 10:28:57 pm »
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I'd just like to add that the SAT is nowhere near as intense as the VCE. The SAT Reasoning Test is done in a single sitting, and is made up entirely of multiple choice questions. Whereas no one would ever think of sitting a VCE exam without prior preparation, it is very possible to take the SAT and do well in it without much targeted study. From memory, the SAT Reasoning Test is divided into 10 sections; there are a couple of sections on critical reading, a couple on mathematics, and a couple on writing. The maths sections are really straightforward; most of the questions are at year 9-10 level. The critical reading and writing sections are substantially harder, although still manageable for those who have a large vocabulary. In many respects, the SAT Reasoning Test is like the GAT; it tests general skills, and is a test that you cannot really study for (although I've heard stories of some American children beginning their preparations for the SAT from year 7...:/).

On top of the SAT Reasoning Test, you will also have to complete 2 to 3 SAT Subject Tests, as MrsStark alluded to above. It is largely up to you what subject tests you want to take. If you are looking to study mathematical sciences in the US, then it might be wise to do subject tests in, say, maths and physics, or maths and chemistry. If you are looking study humanities, then it might be more rational to do subject tests in, say, literature and history. Again, these tests consist mainly of multiple choice questions. However, unlike the SAT Reasoning Test, you will need to do at least some preparation for the SAT Subject Tests, as they test really specific knowledge. That said, the SAT Subject Tests are nowhere near as hard as their VCE counterparts. The SAT Subject Test in Chemistry, for example, tests mainly Unit 1 & 2 stuff, and so studying for the corresponding VCE subject is more than enough preparation.

As you've probably figured out already, if you are looking to study overseas in the US, you'll have to complete a separate application. This application is called the Common Application, and the SAT forms but a part of it. In addition to the SAT, you will also have to obtain 2 recommendation letters from 2 different teachers. I've been told that more emphasis is placed on recommendation letters than SAT scores. It is possible for a student with perfect SAT scores to be rejected due to weak recommendation letters. The important thing to bear in mind is that US unis are not only looking for students who excel academically, but students who have taken the initiative to do something meaningful with their lives.

Best of luck, AceVCE777! It's great that you are thinking ahead! :D
« Last Edit: November 20, 2014, 10:31:12 pm by brightsky »
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geminii

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #6 on: November 21, 2014, 06:22:20 am »
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Thanks so much for all the help everyone, I'll definitely look in to everything suggested!! :D
2016-17 (VCE): Biology, HHD, English, Methods, Specialist, Chemistry

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MrsStark

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2014, 06:38:37 pm »
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Thanks so much for all the help everyone, I'll definitely look in to everything suggested!! :D

good luck!  :D I'm thinking of sitting the SATs too :)

mark_alec

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #8 on: November 21, 2014, 07:06:17 pm »
+3
You'll want to do all these things *before* finishing year 12. Applications for US colleges can close by the beginning of January, with offers out by May. If you finish year 12 and then start preparing for a US application, you'll be almost two years behind the ball.

geminii

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Re: To get into an American University...?
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2014, 09:37:19 pm »
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You'll want to do all these things *before* finishing year 12. Applications for US colleges can close by the beginning of January, with offers out by May. If you finish year 12 and then start preparing for a US application, you'll be almost two years behind the ball.
Woah, I never realised that, thanks! When should I start my SATs? And also where can I do them?
Thanks :)

good luck!  :D I'm thinking of sitting the SATs too :)
Thank you, it's awesome that you're thinking of doing SATs too! :D
2016-17 (VCE): Biology, HHD, English, Methods, Specialist, Chemistry

2018-22: Bachelor of Biomedical Science @ Monash Uni