Do I still have a chance to get in a top university such as Harvard/Oxford?

Question

I am in 12th grade. I grew up in Canada with my mother and over there life was not very great and my school grades were quite bad because I had no motivation and made no efforts.

I just moved to Europe and I go in an American high school. Things are going quite well up to now. If my results dramastically improve and I get straight A's, will I be able to get in those "reach schools" or is it too late? This school is quite good and they many students get in this kind of universities, but the things I am worried about are my past mistakes which are following me.

I know they will have a look at my previous results first but isn't there a way to tell them to consider how my results have changed?

Thanks in advance.

I started getting good grades this year. My grades were mediocre in 10th and 11th

I'm fluent in French, English and Chinese if that can help =/

Answer 1

You don't say when you started getting good grades. If you just started in 12th grade, it is too late. If you started in 10th grade -- then there is no trouble -- just send your new grades. If you started getting good grades in 11th grade -- then your work is cut out for you.

You will have to address your improvement in your essay. For you, the quality of your admissions essay will be critical. It has to be perfect. Your topic can even be about what made your grades turn around.

You will still have to have everything else perfect -- high SAT scores are imperative if you want to get into a top US school.

With decent SAT scores and a good story about your grades, you will get into a decent university -- even if it isn't a top ten school.

Answer 2

If they need to fill an international student quota (I'm guessing you're a Canadian citizen), they might accept you on a probationary status.

To get into an Ivy League school, you not only have to have near perfect grades and test scores but excellent community and school involvement, not to mention a killer essay. Some schools even require three years of a foreign language.

There are a few instances that would get you in:
You or your family know someone there.
Someone in your family is an alumni.
Someone in your family is a donor.
You have a perfect SAT score.
You have outstanding athletic ability.

Answer 3

Make sure you have a good explanation for the mistakes and your sudden increase in motivation. In the essays, explain what motivated you, what you have learned from your life and things like that. That along with superb SAT scores should get you in a good place.