That dreaded yet most anticipated moment in your academic journey is finally here. You need to start with your undergraduate US college applications and submissions. To be fair, you’ve been preparing for a while, and now is the culmination of all that effort, apply to US universities.
You’ve done your research, made a strategic college list, and decided that an undergraduate degree from the US is most suited to your career path. Now, all you need to do is start applying to universities. The college admissions process can be daunting, which is why we’ve broken it down for you.
When to Begin
You should begin your college admissions process more than a year before classes start. Although exact deadlines vary with each university, application submissions usually begin ten months before the program is due to start. However, there is a lot you need to do before you can submit your application. Getting each university’s submission material organized and readied can take weeks, if not months, to prepare to apply to US universities.
Standardized Tests
Many US college admission counselors, including Ivy League universities, look for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Some colleges have made test-score submissions optional. However, taking the tests and submitting your scores is a good idea as it presents you as a more solid student. Moreover, as an international applicant, you may also be required to take English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
Application Portal
The next step in your US college admissions process is contacting the universities you are applying to and getting their admission details and application forms. You can apply directly through university websites. Alternatively, you can apply through a standardized application platform like the Common or Coalition Application. Most US universities are on the Common App, where you can apply to multiple universities simultaneously. To begin, you need to create an account on the portal and proceed from there to apply to US universities.
The Essay
All US universities require you to write an essay or personal statement. This is the single most important part of your application. The essay has a maximum word limit of 650 words and gives an insight into who you are by showcasing your values and interests. You need to show a side of yourself that is not apparent through your grades, courses, extracurricular activities, or any other part of your application.
Give yourself ample time to write the essay because spending just one day on it will not be enough. You will probably need to go through several drafts until you develop a version that you are happy with.
Recommendation Letters
Letters of recommendation are also an important part of your undergraduate US college admissions process, and selecting the right person to write them is critical. This person must have authority over the subject matter and should also be intimately familiar with your contributions and achievements. That’s why recommendation letters are usually written by teachers, school counselors, or a superior from one of your internships or job placements. The recommendation letter aims to present a more holistic view of who you are and how you interact with peers, faculty, and in a formal setting like the classroom or the workplace. It also makes sense to get a recommendation letter from a teacher whose subject aligns with your intended major in college. Ideally, they should know you and your academic and personal strengths. Again, timing is everything. Ask for these recommendations well before the deadline so that they have ample time to write one. Chances are you’re not the only student a counselor is writing a recommendation letter for, so it is better to give them enough time to write a well-thought-out piece.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are also integral to your application, especially if you’re applying to the US. American universities want to know your interests outside the classroom. This is where you can list all your activities in and outside of school. These can be activities like being part of a sports team or club, employment, research work, or even caring for a sibling or relative. Universities pay a lot of attention to these, so do not overlook this section.
The bottom line is to give yourself plenty of time to apply to US universities. The process can be daunting, which is why Eye on Ivy is here to help. If you’re looking for admissions counseling and help in applying to US universities, get in touch with one of our experts.
Fatima Burki
Fatima Burki is a graduate of the University of Sussex in the UK. Former editor of The Daily Times, Lahore, Pakistan, she's also worked as a research editor at Imagination Publishing in Chicago, USA. With more than 20 plus years of writing and editing experience, Fatima is Eye on Ivy's resident lexicon and ace proofreader.