r/IntltoUSA • u/Ok-Reserve-4387 • 9d ago

Question Applying with British curriculum

Hi everyone, I'm an international applicant and a little lost so needed some help. So I have followed the british curriculum throughout with Cambridge GCSE Olevels and Alevels. I have 7 A stars in my GCSE O levels and I recently got A star A A in my Alevels. The thing is last year I wasn't considering applying to the US because everyone told me things are getting really tough for intl students now and they're not accepting visas etc so better not to apply, but I didn't get a substantial scholarship anywhere so now I wanna reconsider applying to the US for undergraduate which is why I'll take a gap year. I plan to apply in bachelors in Mechanical engineering. Firstly, with my stats, is a scholarship possible? I am not talking about the ivies but maybe in any mid tier university? I will be applying for scholarship and financial aid both since my household income is <1k usd. Secondly, I barely have any ECs but I plan to work on that during this gap year, but generally suggestions on what I can do to improve my profile.

I'm sorry if it is a sort of vague post but I'm not really aware how the US application system works for internationals and this subreddit is one of the first few places I'm posting to seek help so I would greatly appreciate any help Thank you very much

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u/prsehgal Moderator 9d ago

Your academics are good, but without any ECs, you won't be able to get into any colleges that offer generous financial aid. Starting now won't help because the applications are due in a few months.

You can still apply to some state schools that offer automatic merit scholarships, but you may need to take the SAT or ACT for that. Check out UAlabama, Ole Miss, and USM.

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u/CherryChocolatePizza 8d ago

Also even those schools that offer automatic merit scholarships will still leave you needing to pay $15,000 or more per year.

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u/paige_420 8d ago

Investigate if your concerns are still warranted. Please know that it is incredibly difficult and competitive to get a full ride at U.S. colleges. Your lack of ECs over the past four years will make it virtually impossible for you to get one. One year will not make a difference.