When applying for an University, what Grades (1-12) report cards do I have to show them for admission?

Question

- I am thinking about applying to Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Princeton and Caltech for studying Advanced Mathematics and Physics in a Undergraduate Program.

- I live in Calgary, Canada.

- Please give me any advices to get admitted and please tell me if the fact that I am currently living in Canada will possibly give me difficulties to be admitted to a great University.

- I study in one of the best schools in Calgary that has the International Program (www.IBO.org) and my grades are great! I have only A's.

- I only have my report cards of Grade 10-11 and I am doing 12 now.

- Sorry for my English, I moved from Brazil to Canada a year ago and my English doesn't look really good.

- I will do my SATs in 3 months or less, where I will need great grades, I will try to be in the 95% or more, of course.

Thank you for helping me. Your answers will change my life and will hopefully guide me well...

And I would like to add something: ---> I do play lots of sports.

- Soccer
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Ping-Pong (Table Tennis)
- Swimming

I also play:
- Guitar
- Bass

Is that helpful to get admitted?

Answer 1

Some universities require grades from all your high-school career, but most focus on grades 11/12.
Being an international student usually does not hurt in terms of admission (I'm a Canadian studying at Princeton). However, some universities (i.e. Stanford) do not offer financial aid for international students, while others offer generous amounts. It is also true that MIT early admission only admits US students, I think.
If you are a Canadian, getting the student visa can be the least of your concerns. Usually the U.S. customs will just wave you through without much hassle (esp. if you are attending a well-known university).
At least from my experience, all I can tell you is that grades matter the most. International Baccalaureate is a great program to be in--especially if you are full diploma student.
Other things to keep in mind: a great SAT score will help, but great recommendation letters will help even more; colleges are often looking for depth rather than superficial breadth in extracurriculars; attend the interview if you are invited.

Answer 2

You just need to have your school send a transcript for the equivalent of high school- 9th through 12th grade. MIT really doesn't care about how you did in second grade. Getting into the best schools is somewhat of a crap shoot, especially nowadays. It looks like you have a strong record, and universities always like international students.

I would strongly suggest looking at schools that aren't necessarily the big name schools, but have excellent programs that you are interested in. The biggest name schools have thousands of students at least as good as you applying every year. That's not to say you won't get in, but competition is fierce. There are plenty of excellent smaller schools, plus many universities you wouldn't normally think of have some insanely good programs.

Your essays will be very important, so if your English is shaky (it does look pretty good, though), definitely have someone go through it for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Your international background will help you, but not if you can't convey it effectively in an essay.

Answer 3

you can buy a book on how to write good entry essays but living in canada shouldn't effect getting into the college. If anything it should help you because most colleges like people who stand out and are different. They usually ask for your grades from 9-12, but if you have a reason for only having 10-11 i think they won't care.

Answer 4

you do not need any report cards
you need you high school transcript
testing score from sat or act or whatever you take in Canada
recommendations from teachers
records of extra curricular activities and community service and life experience credits
an impressive and attention getting admission essay
good luck to you!!!!!
speak with your guidance councilor at school who can provide all the necessary requirements
you also have to be eligible to obtain a student visa for entrance to the U.S.

Answer 5

You usually need grades from grades 9-12.

Answer 6

From my understanding, you only need a transcript from high school.

Answer 7

if you send them your transcript it should have all that info on it.