US colleges are highly ranked, but the application process isn’t the same as it is in other countries. It’s also very competitive: here’s what you need to know to get accepted.
- How is the US college application process unique?
- What does a college application actually involve? Here’s a step-by-step guide
- All colleges aren’t equal. What does it take to get into a top school?
- We’ve been talking about US colleges – what about applying overseas?
Global rankings show that US colleges are world leaders – of the current top 20 schools worldwide for bachelor’s degrees, as ranked by Studyportals.com, an impressive 13 are based in the USA. As attractive as they are, however, the American college application process is very different from those of other countries. As a result, competition for admission is high, particularly at top-ranked institutions.
Part One: What’s different about applying to college in the USA?
US colleges are not just looking for good grades. They are looking for students who will not just survive but thrive, both in college and afterwards.
They pride themselves on their holistic review process, designed to assess:
- Academic strength.
- Character.
- Potential.
- The applicant’s ability to contribute to the college community.
Here’s what’s different:
Applying to college in the USA vs applying elsewhere | ||
Factor | In the USA | International alternatives |
Who pays | Students. | Students may pay, but often university attendance is stat- sponsored. |
Choosing a course | Students apply to the school and can choose which subject to study later. | Often students specifically apply to do a course of study. |
Priorities in the review process | Strong focus on the whole applicant.. | More emphasis on academics and how the applicant will fit in with the course and the school. |
Admissions testing | Standardised tests like the SAT and ACT may be required or optional. | Subject-specific tests. |
Role of extracurriculars | Emphasised as demonstrating qualities like leadership and initiative. | Academic performance is the priority. |
Competitiveness | Students can apply to multiple institutions, increasing competition. | Application limits (e.g. UK) can reduce overall competition per institution. |
Sports and athletics | Athletic ability can influence admissions and scholarships. | Colleges rarely factor sport into admissions decisions. |
Part Two: What are US colleges looking for?
US colleges assess two main things: academics and character.
A: Assessing academics:
A strong academic record is essential. However, Grade Point Average (GPA) alone is rarely sufficient for competitive institutions.
- AP classes: Advanced Placement (AP) classes, taken while you’re still in high school, demonstrate your college readiness and are available to international students. The Princeton review summarises their advantages, which can include tuition savings and credit in college courses.
- Admissions tests: While some schools are test-optional, strong standardised test scores can:
- Strengthen your application.
- Offset weaker areas.
- Increase scholarship opportunities.
The most common tests used are:
The test | What it assesses | Preparation |
Reading, writing and mathematics skills. | ||
English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. |
English proficiency tests: International students will need to complete these for academic success and possibly for visa. Most commonly used are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
B: Assessing character
US colleges want to know who you are as a person. They’ll ask for:
- A record of your extracurriculars: Where you have a chance to display qualities like commitment, leadership and social consciousness. Getting deeply involved in a few extracurriculars is better than doing a lot of things casually.
- Recommendation letters: A chance for people in authority to vouch for your abilities, potential and character. Examples of referees include teachers, a guidance counsellor, coaches or a boss. Here is a brief guide to what makes a good recommendation letter.
- Interviews: If offered, an interview should be accepted. It allows you to demonstrate maturity, communication skills and genuine interest. Beforehand, familiarise yourself with what the interview will look like and fine-tune your answers to the most common questions.
- Essays: College essays are often the most influential non-academic component, and admissions boards can tell when you are being authentic. Effective essays show specific experiences, reflection and growth rather than general claims about passion or ambition. Start early and revise multiple drafts. (You’ll also want to proof-read to make sure your spelling and grammar are right – this is a school, after all.)
- A resume: May or may not be required. You have to start filling your resume years in advance: before you can list impressive things you’ve done, you need to do them. Find the best opportunities you can to excel and push yourself to develop the qualities colleges look for, like leadership, initiative, and passion.
Part Three: What does the college application process look like?
The most important part of the process is starting it early – give yourself time to get your paperwork in order and refine your essays and interview skills.
Step one: Choosing schools
A good place to start your research is the bachelor degree portal on Studyportals.com. You can search by factors like degree type, location and cost. We guarantee you’ll find options and opportunities you haven’t considered before.
You can use it to compare:
- Degree options.
- Location.
- Tuition costs.
- Scholarship opportunities.
- Campus facilities.
Apply to a balanced list of “reach”, “match” and “safety” schools.
Consider visiting the college – if that’s not possible, a virtual tour may be available.
You can also talk to current students. The admissions office may be able to connect you with student ambassadors.
Step two: Find out the application deadlines
Find out the application deadlines first, so that you can start preparing your documents and information well in advance.
Typically deadlines can be classed as:
- Early Decision: Usually in November. However, “ED acceptances are binding,” warns Cole Claybourn of USNews.com. “An applicant must enrol if offered admission.”
- Early Action: Usually in November or December but can start earlier. These Action applications aren’t binding, but Restrictive Early Applications won’t let you apply to other schools at the same time.
- Regular Decision: How most students apply. The typical deadline is 1 January.
Step 3: Prepare required documents
Your chosen colleges should have admissions websites which will tell you exactly what you need for your application. Studyportals.com’s bachelor degree portal can help – just look at the school’s profile.
Common requirements include:
- Academic transcripts
- Test scores
- Personal essays
- Recommendation letters
- Application fees, usually from $50 to $100. In certain circumstances, you can get permission to apply for free.
Step four: Your financial options
The USA has the highest average college fees in the world, even before you start looking at more highly-ranked schools. Thankfully, there are options. The bachelor degree portal will give you details of the financial aid that a school itself offers, like scholarships and merit awards.
There is also federal financial aid – here is a comprehensive guide. Be aware that much of this is strictly needs-based and you may not qualify.
There’s also the option of federal student loans:
- Direct Subsidised Loans: Needs-based, but the government will pay your interest while you’re in school.
- Direct Unsubsidised Loans: Not needs-based, but you are responsible for repayment and for the interest.
- Parent PLUS Loans: Paid by the parents of dependent, underage undergraduate students.
You can apply for state aid at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Also remember to check out scholarships offered by independent organisations. Explore your options on Bachelorsportal scholarship search engine (similar on Mastersportal or Phdportal)
Important: NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship. Legitimate scholarships don’t charge application fees. |
Step Five: Submitting your application.
Applications are usually submitted through online platforms like the Common App, which is accepted by over 1 000 schools. Be aware that supplemental essays or additional material may be required.
Some schools do not use application platforms. In that case, check the school’s website for instructions.
Part Four: How do you get into a top school?
For top college like the “Ivy League” schools you will literally be competing against tens of thousands of applicants: for example, Harvard receives roughly 54 000 applications a year and accepts only 3.4% of these.
The most brilliant academic performance in high school will get your foot in the door, but only that. Here’s how you can get to the next step:
- Tip one: Align your application with institutional values
- Research each college’s mission and priorities. Existing students and alumni can be help you and can also advise you on what worked in their own applications.
- Tip two: Your application is an opportunity; you need to use it to the full. Everything we discussed in Part One – interviews, essays, your resume – is a chance to show you are exceptional so work on it as hard as you can. Build up your in-person interview skills so you can think on your feet. Show measurable achievement, leadership or initiative.
- Tip three: Get personal. Craft a compelling personal narrative. You can write to the admissions committee directly to introduce yourself and put yourself on the radar.
- Tip four: Apply as soon as applications open. Schools typically start accepting students before the applications close, so there’ll be fewer places available later.
Conclusion
Applying to college in the USA is a unique process. Your greatest tools are starting early and doing a lot of preparation. Good luck!
