DO familiarize
yourself with the SAT, SAT II, and ACT and check which test(s) your selected
colleges require. The SAT I is not particularly a subject-based exam, but
rather it aims to test logic, reasoning, comprehension (with some vocabulary
and mathematics assessments thrown in.) It is probably quite different from the
exams that you’re used to at home and may require extra preparation and
practice. Know which tests you need to take for the schools you are
targeting—SAT, SAT II, ACT, and the TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exam. Even
if you feel fluent in English, submitting a TOEFL score may be a requirement.
If you’re a US
citizen living overseas, DO seek out your aid options. You are able to
apply for federal student loans (via the FAFSA form.) You may also qualify for
in-state tuition, for instance if your parents own a residence in or pay taxes
to a particular state. A little further examination can save you a lot of
tuition money.
DON’T only apply to
the world famous institutions. So will all the other international applicants
against which you’ll be judged.Generally speaking, colleges keep their
international numbers low; the average is about 10-15%, with the highest
numbers hovering around 30%. Thus, there are fewer spots allotted to
international students, making it harder to get accepted. Consider looking for
schools that may not get a lot of international applicants (or in fact take
large numbers of them) but are nonetheless looking to build a diverse student
body; International Educational
Consultant really help, where
you can stand out as an international applicant.
DO include in your
application if you will not seek financial aid from the college. Admissions Consulting could
help your chances of admission, as some colleges are able to be ‘need blind’
and disregard international students’ economic situation when evaluating them
and some can only accept international students who can pay the full fare. If
you are in the latter category, speak up!
DON’T focus solely on
your academic record but rather cultivate yourself outside the classroom as
well. American colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants and weigh
things like extracurricular activities, leadership, and volunteer opportunities
much more heavily than many international universities.
DO take the personal
essays seriously. An insightful essay can often tip the balance in your favor
if you’re on the borderline for being accepted. Admissions essays are used
by the college to get to know the ‘real’ you, beyond the numbers. Coming from a
different country or culture is a defining aspect about you. The further your
country is culturally from the US, the more intriguing an essay might be, e.g.
if you grew up in a Ugandan refugee camp or the scion of a great Romanian
circus family, you most certainly have fascinating stories to tell. There are
no clichéd topic choices, however, only clichéd ways of answering them. If you
can express your background from a refreshing angle, the more compelling your
essay will be. Regardless of your theme, remember to include as much
descriptive detail and concrete examples to back up your personal statements as
you can within the given word limits.
DO think seriously
about what kind of experience you would like outside of the classroom, as US
colleges offer a wide variety of locations, sizes, and atmospheres on campus. Are
you hoping to have the resources of a large university, or would you rather be
at a smaller, cozier liberal arts college? Do you want to have an urban or
rural experience (or something in between?) Are you hoping to join a highly
competitive sports team or simply cheer from the stands? Are you wanting to
participate in internships or conduct research during the college years? Is a
college with a large and active Greek life (fraternity and sorority clubs) a
plus or a minus, in your opinion? By openly and honestly laying out your
priorities, you will ensure a more fulfilling college experience and also it is
more likely that your interest level and excitement for the particular college
will shine through in your application and onto the admissions team.
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