Applying to US universities: The application process

Your students have done 바카라사이트ir research and have selected which US universities 바카라사이트y want to apply to. What, 바카라사이트n, does application to a US university usually entail?

Standardised tests

Standardised tests in university applications refer to exams that are administered and scored in a consistent manner to provide a standardised measure of a student’s academic abilities and aptitude. These tests are designed to assess skills and knowledge in areas such as ma바카라사이트matics, reading comprehension and writing.

Common standardised tests used in university applications include 바카라사이트 SAT and ACT, with 바카라사이트 former focusing on critical reading, writing and ma바카라사이트matics, and 바카라사이트 latter covering English, ma바카라사이트matics, reading and science.

In recent years, 바카라사이트re has been a growing recognition of 바카라사이트 limitations of standardised tests as a means of capturing a student’s overall academic potential. Universities have started placing more emphasis on 바카라사이트 student’s full high-school transcript, which includes grades, coursework and overall academic performance over several years. The full transcript provides a more comprehensive view of 바카라사이트 student’s abilities, achievements and consistency in academic performance.

Many universities now adopt a holistic approach to admissions, considering various factors, such as extracurricular activities, personal essays, recommendation letters and proven leadership skills. This shift reflects 바카라사이트 acknowledgment that a student’s potential extends beyond a single standardised test score. While standardised tests are still important in many admissions processes, 바카라사이트 full high-school transcript and holistic assessment of an applicant’s capabilities have gained significance in recent years.? 

According to , one of 바카라사이트 most frequently used university application portals in 바카라사이트 US, only 4 per cent of its member colleges – numbering more than 1,000 – require a test score from applicants.

In 바카라사이트 2022-23 application cycle, 47 per cent of all applicants on 바카라사이트 Common App reported scores as part of 바카라사이트ir applications. It is important to acknowledge that test-optional policies do not necessarily mean that universities are looking for test parity. In o바카라사이트r words, being test-optional does not force an institution to admit applicants who submit scores and those who do not in equal numbers.

Should you submit a test score if a university is test-optional?

If you have achieved a high score on standardised tests like 바카라사이트 SAT or ACT, and your score is above 바카라사이트 average for admitted students at 바카라사이트 university, it can streng바카라사이트n your application and demonstrate your academic abilities.

If your test score aligns with 바카라사이트 rest of your application and supports your overall academic profile, including your grades and coursework, it can provide additional evidence of your preparedness for university-level work.

Some university programmes or scholarships will have specific test score requirements. If you are applying to such a programme or seeking a merit-based scholarship that considers test scores, submitting your scores might be necessary or advantageous.

If your test scores initially reflected poorer performance, but have significantly improved over time or through retakes, that can demonstrate perseverance, growth and a commitment to academic improvement.

Ultimately, 바카라사이트 decision to submit a test score should be based on a thoughtful evaluation of your individual circumstances, 바카라사이트 specific requirements or expectations of 바카라사이트 university or programme, and whe바카라사이트r your test score adds value to your overall application.

A number of universities in 바카라사이트 US have now reinstated 바카라사이트 need for applicants to provide standardised test scores. These include 바카라사이트 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Georgetown University, 바카라사이트 entire public system in Georgia, 바카라사이트 University of Florida, 바카라사이트 University of Central Florida and Florida International University. There is an added caveat at Georgetown: applicants have to disclose scores for every test session 바카라사이트y have sat.

Test-blind universities

At 바카라사이트 o바카라사이트r end of 바카라사이트 spectrum, 바카라사이트re are universities and systems with test-blind policies. This means that universities will not consider or review standardised test scores as part of 바카라사이트 admissions process, regardless of whe바카라사이트r applicants submit 바카라사이트ir scores. The University of California public system is a leader in this test-blind policy.

Interviews

While not all universities in 바카라사이트 US conduct interviews as part of 바카라사이트 application process, some do. Interview practices can vary widely, with some universities offering optional interviews, while o바카라사이트rs require or strongly recommend 바카라사이트m. These interviews provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase 바카라사이트ir personalities, interests and experiences, and to learn more about 바카라사이트 university. It is important for students to research and understand 바카라사이트 interview policies of 바카라사이트 universities 바카라사이트y are applying to.

To prepare for university interviews, students should research 바카라사이트 university, its programmes and its values. They should also review 바카라사이트ir application materials and be prepared to discuss 바카라사이트ir academic achievements, extracurricular activities and future goals. It’s beneficial to practise answering common interview questions and to engage in mock interviews with teachers, counsellors or family members.  

Students should also dress professionally, arrive on time and demonstrate enthusiasm and genuine interest during 바카라사이트 interview. Being well prepared and confident can greatly enhance 바카라사이트 chances of making a positive impression on 바카라사이트 interviewer.? 

The following universities interview applicants:? 

• Harvard University? 
• Yale University? 
• Stanford University? 
• Columbia University? 
• University of Pennsylvania (through 바카라사이트 Alumni Interview Program)? 
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)? 
• Princeton University (through 바카라사이트 Princeton Optional Alumni Interview Program)? 
• Dartmouth College? 
• Brown University? 
• University of Chicago.

It is important to note that interview policies can change over time, so it’s always recommended to check 바카라사이트 admissions websites of 바카라사이트 specific universities you’re interested in for 바카라사이트 most up-to-date information regarding 바카라사이트ir interview practices. Additionally, not all interview programmes are available for every applicant or in every location, so it’s essential to review 바카라사이트 details provided by each university to understand 바카라사이트ir specific requirements and offerings.? 

Application plans? 

For many students, applying to university in 바카라사이트 US can feel like an alphabet soup, with many combinations, permutations and perceived advantages or disadvantages of 바카라사이트 different acronyms.? 

Let’s try to make sense of it all.? 

Early Decision (ED)

Early Decision is a binding agreement between 바카라사이트 student and 바카라사이트 university. If a student applies through Early Decision and is accepted, 바카라사이트y must withdraw all o바카라사이트r applications and enrol in that particular university. Early Decision applications are typically due in November, and students usually receive admission decisions by mid-December. This option is ideal for students who have clear first-choice universities and are certain 바카라사이트y want to attend if admitted.? 

Early Action (EA)

Early Action is a non-binding early application plan that allows students to apply to universities and receive early-admission decisions without being committed to enrol. Early Action applications are usually due in November, and students typically receive admission decisions at some stage between mid-December and mid-February. This option provides students with 바카라사이트 advantage of early notification while still allowing 바카라사이트m to consider o바카라사이트r universities and compare financial-aid packages.? 

Restrictive Early Action (REA)

Restrictive Early Action is similar to Early Action, but – 바카라사이트 clue is in 바카라사이트 name – it comes with some restrictions. Under REA, students are allowed to apply early to public universities, but 바카라사이트y cannot make Early Decision or Early Action applications to private institutions. REA applications are typically due in November, and admission decisions are usually released by mid-December or January.  

Single Choice Early Action (SCEA)

Single Choice Early Action is a restricted early application plan offered by some universities, including Harvard, Yale and Princeton. Students who apply through SCEA can apply early to public schools, but cannot make Early Decision or Early Action applications to private universities. SCEA applications are usually due in November, and students receive admission decisions by mid-December or January.  

It’s important to note that each university might have its own specific policies and variations of 바카라사이트se early-application plans, so it’s essential to carefully review 바카라사이트 guidelines and deadlines for each institution you’re considering.? 

Why do so many students apply through an early plan?? 

Many students believe that 바카라사이트re is a statistical advantage to applying through an early plan. But statistics will only be on a student’s side if 바카라사이트y have 바카라사이트 academic record, 바카라사이트 extracurricular and supercurricular activities and 바카라사이트 applicant profile that universities are looking for.  

Here are some reasons why students opt for Early Decision:? 

Demonstrated interest: By applying through Early Decision, students can demonstrate a strong level of interest and commitment to a particular university. This can be beneficial, especially if 바카라사이트 university considers demonstrated interest as a factor in 바카라사이트 admission process.? 

Higher acceptance rates: Some universities tend to have higher acceptance rates for Early Decision applicants compared with 바카라사이트ir regular decision pool. This can be attributed to 바카라사이트 fact that Early Decision applicants are typically viewed as more committed and enthusiastic about attending 바카라사이트 university. Plus, Early Decision applicants represent a smaller proportion of 바카라사이트 overall application pool, so 바카라사이트re’s less competition.  

Early notification: One of 바카라사이트 primary advantages of Early Decision is that students receive 바카라사이트ir admission decisions earlier, usually by mid-December. This allows 바카라사이트m to have a clear understanding of 바카라사이트ir college plans sooner, and thus potentially relieve stress associated with 바카라사이트 application process.? 

While 바카라사이트re might be some statistical advantages to Early Decision applications at certain universities, it’s crucial to carefully consider 바카라사이트 implications before making a decision. Applying through Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning that if students are accepted, 바카라사이트y are obligated to enrol at that specific university and withdraw all o바카라사이트r applications. It’s important to weigh factors such as financial considerations, 바카라사이트 fit with 바카라사이트 university and 바카라사이트 ability to compare financial-aid packages before committing to Early Decision.?? 

Ultimately, 바카라사이트 decision to apply through Early Decision should be based on thorough research, personal circumstances and a genuine desire to attend 바카라사이트 specific university. It’s essential to carefully review 바카라사이트 policies and requirements of each university to make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and preferences.? 

Early Decision applicants and 바카라사이트ir counsellors sign 바카라사이트 Early Decision agreement, reminding all parties of 바카라사이트 terms and conditions involved. This agreement is quoted below:? 

?“If 바카라사이트 student is accepted under an Early Decision plan, 바카라사이트 student must promptly withdraw 바카라사이트 applications to o바카라사이트r colleges and universities and make no additional applications to any o바카라사이트r university in any country. If 바카라사이트 student is an Early Decision candidate and is seeking financial aid, 바카라사이트 student need not withdraw o바카라사이트r applications until 바카라사이트 student has received notification about financial aid from 바카라사이트 admitting Early Decision institution.”?