Shahdabul Faraz, better known as “Shad” is a high school senior in Canada who is now navigating the college admissions maze. He’s fortunate that he doesn’t need to apply for financial aid, which should boost his admission odds and help to expand his college options, but he’s also working hard to make sure that his tuition money is well spent. Shad, unlike many other prospective international students, isn’t only considering those colleges that are most renowned in his home country. Instead, he’s putting a lot of effort into researching schools that he feels will be the best matches for him. All of the colleges on his list would be considered “prestigious’ by those in the know, but they’re not necessarily household names in Canada … or even throughout the U.S.

Below, you’ll see Shad’s answers to an “Admissions Without Borders” questionnaire. It’s the first in a series of blogs featuring current international applicants. If you, too, are in the midst of applying to U.S. colleges as an international student and would like to respond to these questions, please let us know in the “Comments” section.

-NAME:

Shahdabul Faraz

-CURRENT COUNTRY:

Canada

-HAVE YOU LIVED IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY? IF YES, WHERE AND FOR HOW LONG?

I was born in Bangladesh and grew up there for most of my life. Around six years ago, I moved to Toronto, Canada where I am currently attending high school.

-WHAT WERE YOUR SAT (OR ACT) TEST RESULTS? TOEFL?

SAT: Verbal 700; Math 730; Writing 660; Total:2090

- WHY DO YOU WANT TO ATTEND COLLEGE IN THE UNITED STATES?

Although universities in Canada provide an overall good quality of education, I prefer the multidimensional aspect of American colleges. In the U.S., the college life is not only about academics, but also about getting involved through sports, volunteering, activism and other extracurricular activities. In other words, I am looking for a college experience that is not one-dimensional but is rather a mixture of different activities. I believe a college in the U.S. will provide the best of both worlds by allowing me to not only excel academically but also in my non-academic pursuits. I also do prefer smaller class sizes and extensive study abroad programs which are available at many U.S. colleges.

-PROSPECTIVE MAJOR:

Right now I am interested in biology, chemistry, and philosophy.

-PROSPECTIVE CAREER GOAL:

Medicine or law. (As you can tell, I have not fully decided yet.)

-TO WHAT COLLEGES DID YOU APPLY OR DO YOU PLAN TO APPLY?

Although this list is tentative, as of now, I plan to apply to Emory University, University of Chicago, Wake Forest University, Brandeis University, Tufts University, and University of Rochester. I am also applying to some liberal arts colleges such as Carleton College, Davidson College, Grinnell College, and Macalester College.

-WHY DID YOU SELECT THESE SCHOOLS?

I wanted a good mix of schools so I chose some research universities as well as some smaller liberal arts colleges. I, however, do prefer a smaller environment which is why even the research universities I have chosen are fairly small in size. I have dedicated hours of research to each of these schools which is how I narrowed down my search. I was looking for colleges where I could get the benefits of a research university as well as the advantages of a liberal arts college. For example: I wanted a school where there would be available not only research opportunities and study abroad programs but also a tight-knit community.

-HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT THE COLLEGES ON YOUR LIST (PARTICULARLY THE LESSER-KNOWN ONES, IF ANY)?

I heard about some schools from a family friend who had previously applied to U.S. colleges. He told me about certain colleges such as Grinnell and Macalester, among others. This started my interest in American colleges and I began researching on the Internet, where I stumbled upon some other schools.

- ARE YOU ASKING FOR FINANCIAL AID? IF YES, DO YOU NEED A LOT OF AID OR A LITTLE?

No, I am not asking for financial aid. I will be able to pay full tuition to the schools I am applying to.

-WHAT ASPECT OF THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE MOST CONFUSING OR FRUSTRATING?

The grading scale in Canada is different than the grading scale in the U.S. Recently, I learned that even within counties, grading scales are often not the same. This uncertainty about how my grades will be viewed has probably been the most frustrating aspect of the whole process. After calling some colleges, I learned that international students are often viewed in the context of their school and/or country. Therefore, the grading scale should not be a cause for concern for international students. Apart from this initial uncertainty, the college admissions process has so far been a positive, enlightening experience.

-HAS ANYONE IN PARTICULAR BEEN HELPING YOU WITH YOUR U.S. COLLEGE SELECTION AND APPLICATION PROCESS (e.g. SCHOOL OFFICIAL, PARENT, PRIVATE COUNSELOR, EVEN A WEB SITE, ETC.)?

My parents have been supportive during the process, offering encouraging suggestions along the way. As for the application process, I have found college forums on the Internet particularly helpful. These forums often have students (many of whom are international students) who are willing to help newcomers.

- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WHO IS CONSIDERING APPLYING TO COLLEGE IN THE U.S.?

Use the resources you have. If you can, go on the Internet and you will be able to find a significant amount of information. Whether you need to know about academic requirements, SATs, student visas or financial aid, you can be sure that there are people out there who can and are willing to help. Also, try not to focus on rankings. They do not tell you the whole story. Just because you are at a higher ranking institution does not mean you will be happier there. How do you know whether you will be happy at a college of not? It depends on the fit which is whether the college has what you are looking for and vise versa. To determine a fit, you need to move beyond rankings. Research thoroughly and you will find a school where you will truly be happy. Remember that happiness leads to motivation. Motivation leads to hard work. Hard work leads to success. Lastly, approach your applications with an open mind and have enough time to revise. Use your essays to tell a unique story and make it convincing. Make an offer that the colleges cannot refuse. Good luck!

- WHAT WERE YOUR ADMISSION RESULTS?

I don’t know yet!