Apply to US Universities

Types of Institutions

1. Public/State Universities

   • Funded by state governments

   • Lower tuition for state residents

   • Examples: University of Michigan, UC Berkeley, University of Texas

   • Usually larger with more research opportunities

2. Private Universities

   • Independent funding from tuition, donations, endowments

   • Same tuition for all students

   • Examples: Harvard, Stanford, MIT

   • Often more financial aid available

3. Liberal Arts Colleges

   • Undergraduate-focused education

   • Emphasis on critical thinking across disciplines

   • Small class sizes, close faculty interaction

   • Examples: Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore

4. Community Colleges

   • 2-year Associate degrees

   • Affordable pathway to 4-year universities

   • Can transfer credits to complete bachelor's degree

Academic Structure

• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years typically

• Flexible system: Declare major after 1-2 years

• General Education: Required courses across disciplines

• Credit system: Courses earn credits toward graduation

II. Key Application Components

1. Academic Records

• High School Transcript: All 4 years of grades

• GPA (Grade Point Average): 4.0 scale is standard

• Class Rank: Your standing compared to classmates

• Course Rigor: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors classes

2. Standardized Tests

• SAT or ACT: Most universities now test-optional

• SAT Subject Tests: Discontinued as of 2021

• English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers

• AP Exams: Can earn college credit if scores are high enough

3. Personal Essay

• Common App Personal Statement: 650-word essay on one of 7 prompts

• Supplementary Essays: School-specific questions

• Purpose: Show your personality, values, and writing ability

• Tips: Be authentic, specific, and tell a meaningful story

4. Letters of Recommendation

• Typically 2-3 letters

• Teachers who know you well academically

• Counselor recommendation from your school

• Optional: Additional letters from coaches, employers, mentors

5. Extracurricular Activities

• Quality over quantity: Depth of involvement matters

• Leadership roles are valued

• Community service shows engagement

• Consistency: Long-term commitment preferred

6. Interviews

• Optional at most schools

• Alumni interviews for some selective universities

• Purpose: Learn more about you beyond the application

• Prepare: Research the school, practice talking about yourself

III. Application Platforms

Common Application

• Used by 900+ colleges

• One application for multiple schools

• Includes personal statement, activities list

• School-specific supplements

Coalition Application

• Used by 150+ schools

• Emphasizes access for underrepresented students

• "Locker" feature to store materials over time

School-Specific Applications

• Some universities have their own systems

• Examples: MIT, Georgetown, UC system

University of California (UC) Application

• Separate application for all UC campuses

• No letters of recommendation (except for some scholarships)

• 4 personal insight questions instead of one essay

IV. Application Timeline

Junior Year (Grade 11)

• Fall-Winter: Research universities

• Spring: Take SAT/ACT if required

• Spring-Summer: Visit campuses (virtual or in-person)

• Summer: Start personal essay, resume activities

Senior Year (Grade 12)

August-October

• Create application accounts

• Request teacher recommendations

• Finalize college list

• Early Decision/Early Action applicants: Complete applications

November

• November 1: Most Early Decision/Early Action deadlines

• November 30: UC application deadline

December-January

• January 1: Most Regular Decision deadlines

• Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile for financial aid

March-April

• Admissions decisions released

• Compare financial aid offers

May 1

• National Decision Day: Commit to one university

• Submit enrollment deposit

V. Application Strategies

Building Your College List

• Reach Schools: 20-30% chance of admission

• Match Schools: 40-60% chance of admission

• Safety Schools: 80%+ chance of admission

• Aim for 8-12 schools total

Early Application Options

• Early Decision (ED): Binding agreement, higher acceptance rates

• Early Action (EA): Non-binding early notification

• Restrictive Early Action (REA): Limits other early applications

• Regular Decision (RD): Standard deadline, spring notification

Demonstrated Interest

• Some schools track your engagement

• Campus visits, interviews, emailing admissions officers

• Attending virtual information sessions

VI. Financial Aid & Scholarships

Types of Aid

1. Need-Based Aid

   • Based on family financial situation

   • Determined by FAFSA and CSS Profile

   • Can include grants, loans, work-study

2. Merit Scholarships

   • Based on academic, artistic, or athletic talent

   • Awarded regardless of financial need

   • Sometimes automatic based on GPA/test scores

3. External Scholarships

   • From private organizations, companies, community groups

   • Apply separately from university applications