Here is the situation: I had a low gpa (3.4) in high school due to family issues in high school so I made sure that I self-studied plenty of AP's, SAT 2's, and got a 2350 on the SAT in my junior year. Since Oxford/LSE doesn't ask for an American's transcript, I was luckily accepted into the universities for next year.
* I am perfectly fine staying a Oxford to get my degree in PPE or at LSE studying International Relations and asking the U.K investment banks to transfer me back to the U.S. But I would much rather transfer back to an American school after my second year to access U.S investment banking/politics jobs and simply return home.
* From what I have seen, the equivalents of Oxford in America that can be transferred into (Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Wharton) have 1-3% transfer acceptance rates. And the equivalents of LSE is Dartmouth, Columbia, and Penn with far better chances of getting in.
* From what I have read there are four main ways of gaining acceptance to these four universities. The first is to be a recruited athlete, the second is to come from an equally prestigious university and excel there, and the third is having an excellent 'rags to riches' story. The fourth and biggest one is when you have run out of options at your current institution and have a compelling reason besides prestige to attend.
1. Academically: Since most rankings put Oxford at the same level as (H/Y/S), and LSE at a little lower. I think that factor is taken care of if I receive a first class honors prediction (Qualification Exams are at the end of the first year and Real Exams are at the end of the third year for Oxford).
2. Athletics: I highly doubt I can become a world class rower, but I was competitive in my state for two varsity sports and I will work my hardest to be at the top of a chosen varsity sport. Although I can't guarantee being good enough to be recruited, I will be trying hard.
3. Don't have a rags to riches story just a reason why my GPA is low, I don't believe that HS gpa matters as much when applying for junior year.
4. This is where it gets weird.... At Oxford I would not have any compelling reason to NEED to go to Harvard/Stanford (Or I haven't thought of it yet) due to being able to study both Poli and Econ. However at LSE, I would have an excellent argument because UK schools are rigid and since I was accepted only to study IR courses. Talking about wanting to study econ at other schools would be a great reason to transfer. However, Oxford is more safe if I don't get into these schools because it is still prestigious internationally (LSE is limited to academia, political organizations, and banks).
So I my question is that should I attend LSE/Oxford? And do I have a decent chance chance to get into Harvard/Stanford/Yale (I know that this hypothetical) if I get a first class honors from these one of these great institutions, become a competitive varsity sport player, and possess compelling argument to return to the U.S and talk about bringing international experience to the table.
At the end of day, I am going to live my life and enjoy my college experience but I would be irresponsible to not explore my options! THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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