We don't need no education--but I do
December 7, 2009 6:14 PM Subscribe
How do I get into Maastricht University when I am marginally underqualified?
My GPA is 3.9. My ACT score is decent. I was an editor on my high school's newspaper for three years. I cleaned houses for the elderly and bagged frozen produce for the homeless. I was a semi-finalist for the QuestBridge scholarship.
Maastricht University probably doesn't give a shit about that. Their entrance requirements stipulate that in addition to a high school diploma, American applicants need 4 AP grades. While I took Honors courses and College In the High School courses, I have absolutely no AP grades. They were not a possibility this year because I'm spending my last year of high school in another country.
I proposed sending in my ACT scores and taking SAT subject tests and the response was:
"You can always send in your documents but there is, of course, a reason why we have these requirements. The APs live up to a certain quality of education and with other courses, such as SAT and ACT the quality is usually lower, or cannot be measured entirely. However, you are always free to send in your documents."
Is there any way to sweeten the deal (i.e. me)?
Dazzling letters of recommendation? A heart-wrenching personal statement? Indecent acts with the entire admissions committee?
My GPA is 3.9. My ACT score is decent. I was an editor on my high school's newspaper for three years. I cleaned houses for the elderly and bagged frozen produce for the homeless. I was a semi-finalist for the QuestBridge scholarship.
Maastricht University probably doesn't give a shit about that. Their entrance requirements stipulate that in addition to a high school diploma, American applicants need 4 AP grades. While I took Honors courses and College In the High School courses, I have absolutely no AP grades. They were not a possibility this year because I'm spending my last year of high school in another country.
I proposed sending in my ACT scores and taking SAT subject tests and the response was:
"You can always send in your documents but there is, of course, a reason why we have these requirements. The APs live up to a certain quality of education and with other courses, such as SAT and ACT the quality is usually lower, or cannot be measured entirely. However, you are always free to send in your documents."
Is there any way to sweeten the deal (i.e. me)?
Dazzling letters of recommendation? A heart-wrenching personal statement? Indecent acts with the entire admissions committee?
I'm pretty sure she's a senior now, making taking ap tests an impossibility as they're in spring.
posted by kylej at 6:28 PM on December 7, 2009
posted by kylej at 6:28 PM on December 7, 2009
AP tests are not necessarily an impossibility: in many European systems they grant conditional offers. If you get the AP/IB grades they stipulate, you get in. This might work for the poster, but it he or she might have to negotiate with the university.
I agree with eleanna that AP tests should be doable. Most countries have an international school; many of these will have Americans who want to take the AP and will provide tests accordingly. (Not all: some international schools are IB-only. But I'd think that in Europe, especially, the APs would be an option.)
posted by col_pogo at 6:49 PM on December 7, 2009
I agree with eleanna that AP tests should be doable. Most countries have an international school; many of these will have Americans who want to take the AP and will provide tests accordingly. (Not all: some international schools are IB-only. But I'd think that in Europe, especially, the APs would be an option.)
posted by col_pogo at 6:49 PM on December 7, 2009
Well, I don't have much advice, but that's a crap requirement. There are a lot of high schools that don't have the resources to offer AP classes.
Anyway, I would think year studying in a foreign high school would be worth much more than a few AP classes. I would still apply, emphasizing everything you've written here, which honestly sounds much more impressive the results of a bunch of essay exams.
posted by lunalaguna at 6:52 PM on December 7, 2009
Anyway, I would think year studying in a foreign high school would be worth much more than a few AP classes. I would still apply, emphasizing everything you've written here, which honestly sounds much more impressive the results of a bunch of essay exams.
posted by lunalaguna at 6:52 PM on December 7, 2009
I'm not 100% sure, but I'm pretty sure you can take the AP test without taking the course, and receive credit for it the same way. If you're good at teaching yourself or if you just take the AP test for a course you've already taken, that's one option.
Another idea is to get whichever teacher you had in the honors classes you did take, that are also offered as AP subjects, to write you a recommendation letter, and in it to compare the quality of those classes to AP classes (or see if the principal will do it).
posted by Ashley801 at 7:11 PM on December 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
Another idea is to get whichever teacher you had in the honors classes you did take, that are also offered as AP subjects, to write you a recommendation letter, and in it to compare the quality of those classes to AP classes (or see if the principal will do it).
posted by Ashley801 at 7:11 PM on December 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
Ah, here we go: Can I take the AP Examination if I haven't taken an AP Course? Answer: Yes.
posted by Ashley801 at 7:13 PM on December 7, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by Ashley801 at 7:13 PM on December 7, 2009 [2 favorites]
I took a whole mess of AP tests without having the classes due to attending a tiny boondock high school. I think there is an option to take them abroad if you can find a proctor...
posted by the christopher hundreds at 7:56 PM on December 7, 2009
posted by the christopher hundreds at 7:56 PM on December 7, 2009
I'll say this again,
She/he can't take the AP tests because they are only available in spring. See here.
That's not a possibility for this student, let's try and focus on other available options.
posted by kylej at 8:18 PM on December 7, 2009
She/he can't take the AP tests because they are only available in spring. See here.
That's not a possibility for this student, let's try and focus on other available options.
posted by kylej at 8:18 PM on December 7, 2009
Maastricht U.'s deadline to have your admission complete is September 1, four months after the AP exams. OP can ask admissions if it would be possible to hold his/her application or make a provisional decision until he/she comes through with those scores.
posted by Ashley801 at 8:28 PM on December 7, 2009
posted by Ashley801 at 8:28 PM on December 7, 2009
Oh also, OP- I don't know if the phenomenon of private college counselors has spread over to Europe yet, but if you read/write Dutch, it might be worth it to do a bit of googling to see if it has. Such a person might have a much better idea of exactly what alternatives you have that would help.
posted by Ashley801 at 8:44 PM on December 7, 2009
posted by Ashley801 at 8:44 PM on December 7, 2009
Hello from NL -- what program are you applying for? Most dutch universities, and many faculties within those, have a special exam that you can take if you don't fulfill official admission criteria. The technical term is colloquium doctum. Not sure if this is open for foreign students; rules and regulations vary. MeMail me if you need translations of some info.
And yeah, it's a crap requirement. As if they're going to figure out the relative value of every other test for every other country. Too much trouble to look at GPA and resume and hear you out?
posted by gijsvs at 1:37 AM on December 8, 2009
And yeah, it's a crap requirement. As if they're going to figure out the relative value of every other test for every other country. Too much trouble to look at GPA and resume and hear you out?
posted by gijsvs at 1:37 AM on December 8, 2009
I am a student at maastricht university. i had a 3.4 in highschool. full IB diploma but overall pretty average grades, just barely got the IB diploma (equivalent of IB). i had a 3.4 as well in my one semester at an american university, then i took a couple years off before coming to study here. I had no problems getting in (IB diploma probably helped a bit). i worried too much.
main point: do not think you will have problems getting in. I turned in my application in june and was studying in september. if you want to do one of the numerus clausus programs you need to apply earlier. they like international students.
check http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students --- resources for studying in holland or dutch going abroad
http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/how-to-prepare/checklist
http://www.ib-groep.nl/particulieren/default.asp --- resources about dutch grants/studie financiering
http://info.studielink.nl/en/studenten/Pages/Default.aspx --- to apply for numerus clausus
few comments:
-I love maastricht, the city is incredible, but keep in mind it is not a huge city. plenty of partying because it is a student city, but the party scene could get boring depending on your tastes. brussels and amsterdam are not far away.
-they like to call it international, but pretty much its 45-45-10 dutch/german/other. depending on the faculty this can vary a lot. if you get a chance talk to some students from the faculty you are interested so you arent surprised. at the economics faculty german students make up more than 50%.
-its expensive to live here, especially if you are coming from the US. figure minimum rents 300 euros/month if you are lucky, probably more like ~400 on average unless you live further away (like 5km in belgium where 250 rents or lower are not unheard of (you will have to bike 10-15 minutes). if you are coming as a full time student you will most likely have to find your own room/appartment. room sharing like in american dorms is non existant, and otherwise living scenes are split into two categories, the first where multiple students have their own room in a big house, either sharing the bathroom and kitchen or having their own kitchinette (students stick to themselves and its typically unsocial). the second where a group of friends get a house together. This is less common, so if you want a friendlier more social student living atmosphere you will have to either get lucky and find a room in a bigger existing house, or rent a house together with other students from the beginning or chance once you are here.
-try facebook or studievz to find a room with other students. Facebook is used less for this purpose than the popular german studievz. give it a shot
-learn dutch!
-dont miss the welcome week of INKOM! sometime in the end of august
-the study track for bachelor is 3 year, this doesnt necessarily mean its a 4 year american curriculum compressed, but it is a touch harder. at least you need to be a bit more independant. you can get your master in one extra year if you work hard
-at the economics faculty you are obligated to do a semester abroad, either 5th or 6th semester.
what study are you interested in?
resources for finding rooms:
http://info.studielink.nl/en/studenten/Pages/Default.aspx
http://www.kamernet.nl/
dont hesitate to email me if you have any other questions, I cant think of any other advice at the moment.
"Students with a foreign diploma who want to change their study, please contact the Call Centre, phone +31 (0) 43 388 5388. Or visit our electronic database: http://esc-ssc.unimaas.nl. This website will allow you to find answers to your questions."
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/ServiceCentres/SSC/InformationForProspectiveStudents1/AboutApplicationAndRegistration1.htm
the SSC is pretty hard to get info from, try contacting a study advisor
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/ServiceCentres/SSC/InformationForProspectiveStudents1/StudentGuidanceAndAdvice/FacultyStudySupport.htm
posted by w33bo at 8:06 AM on December 8, 2009
main point: do not think you will have problems getting in. I turned in my application in june and was studying in september. if you want to do one of the numerus clausus programs you need to apply earlier. they like international students.
check http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students --- resources for studying in holland or dutch going abroad
http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/how-to-prepare/checklist
http://www.ib-groep.nl/particulieren/default.asp --- resources about dutch grants/studie financiering
http://info.studielink.nl/en/studenten/Pages/Default.aspx --- to apply for numerus clausus
few comments:
-I love maastricht, the city is incredible, but keep in mind it is not a huge city. plenty of partying because it is a student city, but the party scene could get boring depending on your tastes. brussels and amsterdam are not far away.
-they like to call it international, but pretty much its 45-45-10 dutch/german/other. depending on the faculty this can vary a lot. if you get a chance talk to some students from the faculty you are interested so you arent surprised. at the economics faculty german students make up more than 50%.
-its expensive to live here, especially if you are coming from the US. figure minimum rents 300 euros/month if you are lucky, probably more like ~400 on average unless you live further away (like 5km in belgium where 250 rents or lower are not unheard of (you will have to bike 10-15 minutes). if you are coming as a full time student you will most likely have to find your own room/appartment. room sharing like in american dorms is non existant, and otherwise living scenes are split into two categories, the first where multiple students have their own room in a big house, either sharing the bathroom and kitchen or having their own kitchinette (students stick to themselves and its typically unsocial). the second where a group of friends get a house together. This is less common, so if you want a friendlier more social student living atmosphere you will have to either get lucky and find a room in a bigger existing house, or rent a house together with other students from the beginning or chance once you are here.
-try facebook or studievz to find a room with other students. Facebook is used less for this purpose than the popular german studievz. give it a shot
-learn dutch!
-dont miss the welcome week of INKOM! sometime in the end of august
-the study track for bachelor is 3 year, this doesnt necessarily mean its a 4 year american curriculum compressed, but it is a touch harder. at least you need to be a bit more independant. you can get your master in one extra year if you work hard
-at the economics faculty you are obligated to do a semester abroad, either 5th or 6th semester.
what study are you interested in?
resources for finding rooms:
http://info.studielink.nl/en/studenten/Pages/Default.aspx
http://www.kamernet.nl/
dont hesitate to email me if you have any other questions, I cant think of any other advice at the moment.
"Students with a foreign diploma who want to change their study, please contact the Call Centre, phone +31 (0) 43 388 5388. Or visit our electronic database: http://esc-ssc.unimaas.nl. This website will allow you to find answers to your questions."
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/ServiceCentres/SSC/InformationForProspectiveStudents1/AboutApplicationAndRegistration1.htm
the SSC is pretty hard to get info from, try contacting a study advisor
http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/ServiceCentres/SSC/InformationForProspectiveStudents1/StudentGuidanceAndAdvice/FacultyStudySupport.htm
posted by w33bo at 8:06 AM on December 8, 2009
Could you please post a follow-up with the following message:
"Though I would consider taking AP examination, would I be out of luck without them?"
I do think the european system values IB/AP, I think it will make you look better to take them, but consider that Maastricht University wants international students so if they actually reject you based on this I find very doubtful.
Also, as a personal question to you , are there any other Americans at Maastricht?
I knew one girl last year who was full time american student, but did not stay for 2nd year. Otherwise most americans I meet are exchange students for 6 months or 1 year, or masters students. Your best bet is to make many German friends. Joining a dutch student association is difficult if you dont speak dutch, and making longer friendships will be hard with exchange students. People speak english in class but ie the students having a smoke outside often revert to dutch or german.
posted by w33bo at 12:13 PM on December 8, 2009
"Though I would consider taking AP examination, would I be out of luck without them?"
I do think the european system values IB/AP, I think it will make you look better to take them, but consider that Maastricht University wants international students so if they actually reject you based on this I find very doubtful.
Also, as a personal question to you , are there any other Americans at Maastricht?
I knew one girl last year who was full time american student, but did not stay for 2nd year. Otherwise most americans I meet are exchange students for 6 months or 1 year, or masters students. Your best bet is to make many German friends. Joining a dutch student association is difficult if you dont speak dutch, and making longer friendships will be hard with exchange students. People speak english in class but ie the students having a smoke outside often revert to dutch or german.
posted by w33bo at 12:13 PM on December 8, 2009
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Beyond that...consider whether you can get syllabi of your current and high school honors courses. At the university level, syllabi are the standard way to prove quality of coursework. That, a research paper type sample to prove you're capable of high level coursework, and really good recommendations (make sure they're all academic) may help.
posted by eleanna at 6:26 PM on December 7, 2009