Now that you’ve decided the schools and institutions you want to apply to, it’s time to begin the application process! As previously indicated, it can take roughly 2 years to complete, so make sure you follow a strict schedule, start early, and keep organized. Getting things done correctly and on time is critical. A late or incomplete application will not be considered and may result in denial. You are more likely to receive acceptance notifications if you produce a good overview and plan ahead of time.
TimeLine
Each college and university will have its own calendar with different deadlines, which can be difficult when applying to multiple places. To prevent missing deadlines, establish your own personalized timeline. Your schedule should include a list of all essential items as well as the deadline for each institution to which you plan to apply. Colleges and universities typically release updated applications, additional essay themes, and school-specific questions ahead of time. This allows you to set deadlines and plan for unexpected events. Allow as much time as possible for your early action, early decision, or standard admission applications. You cannot control every aspect of the application process, but you can make the most of your time.
Testing
Refer to your spreadsheet to see which universities require various tests and when each deadline is. The required tests may have limited availability in your location and require registration on specified dates. Make sure to register early so you can retake the test if necessary; you should strive to meet or exceed the minimal score required to get into your first choice school.
The best way to achieve the greatest possible score is to understand the exam’s rules and take as many practice exams as possible. The practice tests should be taken in the same settings as on the real testing day. Set a timer and experiment with different question-answering approaches until you obtain the desired practice score. Examine your score and see how many more questions you need to answer correctly to improve. Have you made a simple mistake? Why? Have you run out of time? Could you skip a specific sort of question in favor of answering more simple questions and getting a higher score? Evaluate your score after each test to determine how you can improve in the future.
Extracurriculars or ECs
What are you enthusiastic about? Rather than spreading yourself too thin by joining every organization, charity, or sport, try to focus on a few select extracurricular activities. Universities consider thousands of applications for a few choice positions. Your ECs will add depth and character to your grades and exam scores, potentially setting you apart from the pack.
Admissions officers understand that if you participate in regular activities with a common subject, you will find a way to incorporate that enthusiasm into your university experience. If your activities appear to be random and too recent, they may interpret them as an attempt to impress the admissions staff.
By creating a track record of serious and meaningful participation, you will not only gain a deep understanding of your passion or specific skill, but you will also have a pool of references to draw from. You might need solid recommendations for your admissions applications, scholarships, or internships. Throughout your life, developing a network of friends and colleagues who understand your passions, value your abilities or particular skills, and have personal experience working with or supervising you might provide you an advantage when others evaluate your qualifications.
Here’s an example of extracurricular activities that demonstrate a dedication to particular areas of interest:
- Piano 4 years
- Jazz Band: grades 9th-12th
- 1st place International Piano Competition: grades 10th-11th
- Musicians for Charity Event Organizer: grades 9th-12th
- Piano for Seniors: grades 9-12; Head Tutor: grades 11th-12th
- Swim Team 4 years
- Captain: grades 11th-12th
- 1st Place State Backstroke: grade 12th
- Town Lifeguard: grades 11th-12th
- Volunteer Youth Swim Instructor: grades 10th-12th
In the preceding example, the student demonstrates a solid track record of several years of honing a few abilities to their full potential. In addition to eventually becoming a champion, this student applies these skills in the local community and in charitable events. This tiny example should give you a decent indication of what this student is interested in, as well as his or her character and work ethic. You can also observe how this type of extracurricular activity is more manageable and fun for students.
Academics
During the application process, you may feel burdened by deadlines in addition to your academics and extracurricular activities. However, the college spreadsheet you prepared should help you stay on track and alleviate some of the strain. One item you should have included in your college spreadsheet for each school is the needed GPA; this should be your minimum aim. Colleges and universities will require your mid-year grades, so maintain your grades good and don’t plan on “catching up” at the conclusion of the academic year. You have worked hard for many years, so don’t fall behind now. You are almost there and will be glad you pushed yourself to sustain your accomplishments.
References
Ask teachers, professors, and volunteer or job bosses whether they would be willing to write a recommendation letter for you. Once they confirm, be sure to send them a résumé and cover letter so they may use it as a basis when writing your recommendation. This will provide them precise information like dates and titles. There is normally an online site where your references may submit their recommendations, so be sure to ask them for an email account that you can use during the application process. Your references should subsequently receive a message and reminder to submit their letters.
Once you’ve sent your letters of recommendation, check your application status to ensure they were received. It’s also a good idea to send a thank you message to your references–not only is it polite, but you might need their letter of recommendation again later.
Essays
Admission essays will provide the admissions team with extra information about your personality. Their role is to curate a group of students who will benefit the university, establish a varied yet collaborative student body, and identify individuals who are a good fit for the college’s overall culture. As a result, many top students do not get into every school to which they apply.
When selecting a topic for your essay, make sure to include information that is not already present in the other documents you are submitting. You can also write in depth about something on your application that requires explanation or would be really intriguing with more information. The most important reason for requiring essays is to inspire you to share your own story about who you are and what drives, intrigues, or bothers you. Be honest, give yourself ample time to write, rewrite, and rewrite. Ask a native English speaker to edit your writing.
Interviews
Alumni often conduct college interviews. If you’re planning a campus visit, ask if you can schedule an interview while you’re there. Check the college’s website for their interview rules and available dates. As with any interview, a little preparation goes a long way. You can practice general interview skills with an instructor, employer, or an experienced friend. However, you do not want to let poor behaviors unchanged, so choose your assistant carefully. The more you practice answering questions about yourself, the better you’ll get when it counts.
In addition, you should discover as much as possible about the college. It will be quite impressive to ask inquiries about the university’s history, culture, or reputation. If you know a little bit about the interviewer, you might be able to bring up something you share in common to make the conversation flow more naturally. Do your study ahead of time and practice the questions you want to ask, as well as those you expect to be asked. Knowing how to answer typical interview questions will boost your confidence.
Finally, always dress to succeed. It is a sign of respect to dress adequately for an interview. You don’t want to detract from the conversation with poor outfit choices. As soon as you know you’ll be interviewed, start planning your interview attire. Waiting until the day of the interview may leave you unprepared and cause extra tension if you are not confident in your appearance.
Applications
Whether you submit the application through the school’s website or a third-party site such as Common App, it must be completed completely, precisely, and on or before the deadline. Incomplete applications will be rejected, perhaps costing you a position at the university of choice. Be sure you:
- Review the entire application several times
- Carefully read each question
- Answer each question fully
Additional Help
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that seeking assistance can be lifesaving. If something doesn’t look right or you don’t comprehend the instructions, get assistance. If you have small questions, often asking a college advisor is a good idea. If you’re puzzled or concerned about the entire application process for studying in the United States as an international student, calling a college consulting company can help.
Keep in mind that getting admitted into a US university is not a straightforward process and will demand hard work on your part to succeed. However, if you followed the processes outlined in this guide to enrolling in a US college or university, you will be well on your way to being an international student.