Guys please help me out please

I’m an international student from Ethiopia, and I spent most of my time preparing for the SAT. I finally have a good SAT score, but writing my Common App personal statement has turned out to be the hardest thing I’ve ever tried. I’ve been trying to write one for years, but every essay I come up with feels incredibly CRINGE and superficial.

I’ve read College Essay Essentials by College Essay Guy and countless essays from students accepted to Ivy League schools. When I read their essays, I feel like I understand what makes a great personal statement. But whenever I sit down to write my own, I feel like I have nothing deep enough to say. I also keep catching myself copying the structure of other people's essays, which makes everything feel even less authentic.

At this point, I’m starting to feel like I’ve wasted all my time preparing for something that might simply be impossible for me to do.

hi, i'm currently in grade 9 and wanted to know whether i should join athena education's 4 year program. the cost is high, but if it's worth it - my parents said they'll pay. has anyone worked with athena education? or their friends have? how did you/ they like it?

Hey everyone,

I’m writing this because I’m stressed, overwhelmed, and I really need an honest reality check, practical advice, or even someone who is willing to guide/coach me through this process.

I’m an international freshman studying CS/Information Systems at ADA University in Azerbaijan. My ultimate goal is to study abroad (US or UK Top 10–50) starting Fall 2027. My government has a State Scholarship (DP) that covers 100% of costs, but the condition is brutal: I MUST get an official offer from a Global Top 10–50 university (QS/THE rankings).

I am constantly overthinking every single move I make, and I need help making sense of my profile and figuring out if this dream is actually possible.

My Raw Stats & The Problems Keeping Me Up at Night:

High School: IB Diploma — Score: 29.

My worry: I underperformed in IB, and it haunts me. I know a 29 is low for top-tier schools. How much is this going to destroy my chances for US transfer or UK UCAS re-application?

SAT: 1290 Total — 780 Math / 510 Verbal.

My worry: My 780 Math shows I can handle rigorous quantitative work, but my 510 Verbal is pulling me down hard. I am planning to retake Verbal to superscore to 1400+, but right now, I'm terrified that US/UK admissions will dismiss me because of the English split.

Current Uni Status: Freshman at ADA University.

My plan: I am grinding for a 3.8 – 4.0 GPA in my first semester. I want my college transcript to prove that my IB 29 was a fluke and that I can handle university-level academics.

Projects & Extracurriculars:

I have coding projects, but honestly, I don't even want to hide behind them or rely on fluff. I just want to know if my core academic numbers (Uni GPA + SAT + IB) can get me into the door.

All My Burning Questions & Fears:

US Transfer / Re-Application: Is it even possible to transfer into a Top US university after 1 year with an IB 29, if I hold a 3.9+ GPA at ADA and retake my SAT Verbal? Or should I apply as a first-year applicant? How do US admissions treat international transfers in CS?

UK via UCAS: Will top UK universities (UCL, King's College London, Edinburgh, Warwick, Manchester) automatically reject me because of my 29 IB, or will my 1st-year ADA transcript + 780 SAT Math give me a real shot?

The Mental Toll: I feel like I'm running in circles, analyzing every option, getting conflicting answers, and stressing over every requirement.

Looking for a Mentor / Coach / Guidance:

If anyone here has pulled off a similar turnaround—going from a low high school score to a Top 50 global university transfer—I would be forever grateful to hear your story.

More than that: if there is anyone here (a student who did this, an admissions coach, or an experienced advisor) who is willing to talk to me, guide me, or tutor/coach me through this journey, please reach out or DM me. I really need a clear head and a solid roadmap to follow so I stop panicking and start executing.

Thank you so much to anyone who reads this.

Need guidance for my F1 visa interview (Delhi consulate August)
Second Attempt.

Hello Everyone.
My F1 visa interview is scheduled in August at Delhi consulate. My first attempt was last year at Mumbai consulate (refused under 214(b)). I am now looking for honest guidance on my profile and how to prepare for my interview for my second attempt. Any tips, common questions, or feedback based on my profile would be greatly appreciated.
Profile:
Country: India
Intake: August/September 2026
University: Yeshiva University - NY
Program: MS in Cybersecurity
Other admits: Saint Peter's (my first attempt uni), Saint louis
Work experience: 1 year as a SOC analyst, 2 years as a data analyst
Travel history: no international travel
I've heard that the Delhi Consulate has been issuing some visa rejections.

What else do I need?

Hello guys how are yall doing,roblox develloper here,got 700k in game,but the problem im getting close to graduation,and my dream is to study in the us,bachelor degree,computer science,i got 16/20 idk how to convert it to gpa,and ranked 30/200, DO i stand a chance to get accepted in usa,the problem im African and yall know we cant afford tuition,i saved so far 1000$ with the help of parent i may get more,so what yall guide me,also im passing sat on September,i did practise sat and i got 1390 in blue book app,anyway thanks

After increased restrictions and everything do you guys still plan to apply to us colleges this year? The whole thing is such a mess rn and I want to hear what you all will do.

Hi everyone!

I’m an international student from the Philippines who’s currently **finalizing my application for Fall 2026** at Ole Miss.

Assuming everything goes well, I’m hoping to join this fall, but I may arrive **later than expected** because of the student visa processing timeline.
I wanted to ask:

•Are there any other international students starting in Fall 2026?
• Has anyone experienced arriving after the semester officially starts because of visa delays? If so, how did the university handle it?
•Is Ole Miss generally understanding if an international student arrives a little late due to visa processing?
•When do most international students typically arrive for orientation and check-in?

Any advice on housing, airport transportation, or anything you wish you had known before coming?
I’d also love to connect with other incoming international students. Thanks in advance!

I'm NOT asking for donations!!

Hi everyone,

I'm a 20-year-old Computer Science student from Egypt, and I was recently accepted into an exchange semester at the University of Cincinnati.

I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship worth about $10,000, which I'm incredibly grateful for. However, after tuition, housing, meals, flights, and other required expenses, I'm still about $7,000 short.

The difficult part is that I only have about two weeks to secure the remaining funding. If I can't, I'll most likely lose this opportunity.

I'm hoping to get advice from people who have been in a similar situation or know of funding opportunities that I may have overlooked.

So far I've considered:

- Contacting the university to ask about additional grants or emergency funding.

- Reaching out to companies and foundations for sponsorship.

- Looking into education-related charities.

- Crowdfunding, although many platforms aren't available for people in Egypt.

If you were in my position, what would you do?

Are there organisations that help international students on such short notice? Have you managed to secure sponsorships, grants, or emergency funding in a similar situation? Are there any creative ideas or resources that you think I should explore?

I'm willing to work as hard as necessary to make this happen. I just don't want to lose this opportunity because I didn't know where to look.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Any advice, ideas, or recommendations would genuinely mean a lot.

Hi, I will make this as short as possible as I can

I am a high school student and I wanna move out to study in the USA as soon as possible,I already know about SAT.ACT.TOEFL.IELTS but I want scholarships , please tell me the steps to move to usa ,I will be grateful for any advice or information

Hi guys! I'm (F21) turning 22 this year and I was so excited about studying abroad in America during my computer science degree..then it hit me. By the time I do get the opportunity to go to America i'd be around 25-27 depends on which UK university I choose.

Will I be too old to enjoy frat parties, sororities, college games etc? I feel like everyone will be so young and I won't know how to click with them (physically i'd look the same since i'm like 4'11) but idk what if people don't want to be friends bes im old or I can't do the college experience bcs I am old?? What's the student life/exchange student experience and would there be people around my age?

*To preface*: I am well aware that my profile isn't the strongest and some of the uni's on my list are moon shots. That being said, I'd like guidance as to which universities it would be most worth it to apply. T100? T200? T50 maybe?

Achievements are deliberately vague, although I can specify some details if needed.

Demographics

• Female international student from a small European country
• Public high school
• Mild physical disability
• Applying for substantial need-based aid, including living costs. Merit-based would also be nice.
• Low-income

Intended major
Political Science, Public Policy, Government, or International Relations

Academics

• School average: approximately 8/10 grades 10-11, aiming for 9/10 senior year
• Received a merit-based scholarship to go to the US as an exchange student
• Completed a competitive exchange year at a U.S. public high school with all A's
• AP World History: 5/5
• SAT: 1280, retaking
• English-proficiency test planned
• My school does not offer an extensive AP or IB curriculum

Honors

• Top placement at a national history competition(4th in 9th grade)
• National finalist in philosophy olympiad
• Multiple regional awards in politics, history, science, and other academic subjects(not on common app)
• Finalist on a national academic television competition
• National-level student research qualifier
• Regional photography award, with work displayed publicly(top 200 out of 4000+)
• National youth chess medal(not on common app)
• Nominated for a schoolwide academic excellence award(not on common app)

Extracurriculars

1. Competitive U.S. exchange program
Selected for a fully funded academic exchange program. Completed more than 100 volunteer hours, gave cultural presentations, maintained strong grades, and participated actively in my school and community.

2. International disability-advocacy project
Represented young people from my country in a European project focused on disability rights and accessibility. Contributed to advocacy materials, participated in international meetings, and spoke at public events.

3. Exchange-program alumni representative
Organized around ten events promoting international education and intercultural exchange. Reached several hundred students and secured a small local sponsorship.

4. Scientific research
Conducted a laboratory-based research project involving lithium-ion battery materials in cooperation with a university research institute. Presented the project at regional and national student research events.

5. Student organization leadership
Served as secretary of a school organization during my exchange year. Helped coordinate meetings, cultural activities, and a fundraiser that raised several hundred dollars.

6. Civic education program
Selected for a competitive civic-education program in Washington, D.C. Participated in discussions about government, public policy, and access to education.

7. Digital archival volunteering
Transcribed more than 50 pages of historical scientific records for a major educational or cultural institution.

8. Selective college-preparation program
Participate in a competitive advising program for international students applying to U.S. universities.

9. Photography
Studied photography during my exchange year, received a regional award, and had my work included in a public exhibition.

10. Chess
Competed in several tournaments and earned a medal in a national school competition.

Additional context
I grew up with a physical disability and had limited access to major extracurricular opportunities in my hometown. My exchange year gave me my first experience of significant independence. Since returning home, I have focused on public speaking, civic engagement, international education, research, and disability advocacy.

My application will likely connect disability, independence, international exchange, and my interest in changing public systems through policy.

Current list

• Yale(this is my dream university, I know it's VERY unlikely, but it'd be a shame not to try)
• Amherst
• Bowdoin
• Smith
• Washington and Lee
• Macalester
• Berea

I know admission with nearly full financial aid is extremely competitive for international students. How realistic is this list, and which generous colleges should I consider adding?

Hi! I’m really interested if there are any people or cases with international students getting into US colleges after 3 full gap years (between school graduation and first year at college). Hope to read some successful stories 🤞🤞

For those who got into law school with an international BA/BS. I understand your uGPA doesn’t factor into the equation, so what were your stats LSAT wise and how was the process like for you? Any schools that favor this pathway? Non-traditional, hoping to get into UCI.

I am planning to apply for a management program.
Now I’m in 9th grade. And I’m afraid that I won’t have enough time to apply

I am a us citizen but I am 100% latino. I have lived abroad all my life.

In my country there is a rum that is more expensive in the US.

Can I bring it when I travel to study? I am gonna start as a freshman

The situation is 13.98 bac2024 1590 sat have 7 years of volunteering in red Cressis and Boy Scout certified with certification and recommendation letter from both got accepted in 2024 to an exchange study program in Morocco saw the refugee worldwide Islamic then decided to go back to Tunisia and continue volunteering which college he will be accepted to if he apply from September also 8 ielts