What is included in the study abroad application?
For prospective students, each university will have its own set of requirements. However, there are four essential elements for a comprehensive set of applications.
Let’s go through those requirements with Everest Education one by one in this article, and create a “checklist” of things to accomplish while you prepare your Study Abroad Application!
Admission officers require test scores from standardized tests to measure candidates’ abilities from all around the world in a common set of standards.
SAT/ACT scores and other test results are typically included in the standardized tests, depending on the university’s requirements. Some universities allow students to have test scores in their study abroad applications without submitting official scores until they are accepted. The College Board (SAT) or the ACT must send official scores directly to the university. When registering for the standardized test, you can optionally select to submit your test results to your “targeted” university.
At a glance, the two tests aren’t that different. Both the ACT and SAT are nationally recognized standardized tests and common admission requirements for US schools. Catering primarily to high school juniors and seniors, each test measures students’ proficiency in various critical skill areas – such as problem-solving and reading comprehension – necessary for college success.
>> Key differences between the SAT and ACT: which test is right for you?
Transcripts from high school, containing grades and credits (if applicable). Transcripts are often provided by your high school’s academic counselor or by yourself. Don’t forget to notify your academic counselor about the universities you’d like to apply to as well as any critical deadlines.
You should also save your papers as soft files so that you may upload them and submit the application online. Some universities even require that prospective students deliver copies of their transcripts. Before submitting your papers, make sure you read the university’s requirements thoroughly.
Universities will be able to see what you’ve done during your high school years based on teacher recommendation letters.
Depending on the university to which you’re applying, you’ll usually require 1-3 letters. Your high school academic counselor, language/social studies teacher, and science/math teacher are typically the people that write the letters.
Letters of recommendation should be written ahead of time. So, early in your senior year, contact teachers you trust and ask them to write a letter of recommendation for you so you may have it as soon as possible, especially if you apply during the EA/ED season.
A personal statement is required by almost every university. This is the primary essay, which is usually 650 words long, in which you tell a remarkable story about yourself to showcase your thoughts, values, and path into an adult to the admissions board.
 “How many lives does everything else have if cats have nine lives, Pac-man has three, and radioisotopes only have twelve?”
What kind of story would you come up with if you were given this bizarre topic? The trick to passing top schools like Harvard and Princeton, according to College Compass, is in the essay. Find out how here. |
Moreover, many universities require supplemental essays. These essays are generally between 200 and 300 words long. The themes are frequently particular, such as why you want to apply to this university, why you choose this degree, what significant meaning you can bring to the university campus/community, and so on.
Luckily, most schools accept the Common Application, which means you can write a single essay and submit it to most schools. However, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, and others will ask you to fill out various supplemental (or secondary) essays. Some universities will ask you to complete one additional essay; other schools will complete multiple essays. In addition, the essay lengths will vary from school to school and from prompt to prompt.
To make sure you have plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and edit your essays, we recommend starting as early as possible. As Nguyễn Hải Nam – our College Compass alumni – used to share: “Many friends of mine become discouraged with the college essays, as they wait until the second semester to start writing them – but it’s also when you have so many other things on your plate: extracurriculars, researches, theory of knowledge for the International Baccalaureate… I was so lucky as the College Compass team helped me to craft the essays in the summer already; therefore, I have more time to refine them without feeling overwhelmed.”
>> 4 Common Types Of College Essays And How To Write Them
Mỹ Hiền is also a successful case of College Compass, who got full-ride scholarships from Harvard, Duke, and Amherst. Listen to Chuyện du học podcast with Lê Mỹ Hiền to see how she tackle this exciting topic in her answer to Amherst:
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Are you prepared to apply for a study abroad program? Don’t forget to gather all relevant information ahead of time to help this process go more smoothly! The elements listed above are the most significant “bullet points” to address while putting together a complete application. Finally, ensure that all needed paperwork and information are carefully prepared. Other elements that contribute to the success of a study abroad application will be discussed in the future. Stay tuned!
College Compass is a college admission consulting program by Everest Education. We offer strategic solutions to help aspiring high school students (Grade 9-12) and gap year students get into the best universities and colleges in the world.
Our program is led by experienced admissions counselors/coaches who graduated from top US universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, UPenn…) and thoroughly understand the US education system. Our students have been accepted to many top universities globally, including Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Duke, Williams, Amherst…
We offer you a personalized pathway and strategies, including school selection, standardized testing, extracurricular activity guidance, essay writing, scholarship applications, etc. No matter which phase you are in, we offer a tailored package to your age, preferences and study goals to help you achieve your dreams.
>> Learn more about College Compass here
References:
College application checklist, Khan Academy
College Application Checklist for International Students, U.S. News Global Education
