Applying for admission in a good college abroad is an elaborate and complex process. But, more often than not, students have limited and/or incomplete understanding of what it entails — choosing the right college, filling out forms, choosing the right programme, work experience requirement, community service involvement, and writing the college admission essay. Students often take the application process lightly and miss deadlines, fail to prepare sufficiently and effectively for standardised tests, and scribble off an incoherent application essay. By doing so, they miss the opportunity of an international college experience.
To put together a flawless college application, one must follow a structured process. To make sure that your application is perfect, students should keep in mind the following:
- 30 per cent of your chances of getting into a good college depend on your university application.
- Make an extra effort to ensure that your application is organised and the minute details are taken care of.
- Shortlist from the possible colleges and university choices.
- Clarify misconceptions.
- Evaluate the various options for your majors and minors, and make sure you choose subjects that match your aptitude.
Application procedure Ideally, apply for five to eight colleges. This will ensure a higher probability of admission/acceptance. The cost of application can vary from $30 to $100. While some colleges do not charge at all, the average application fee is $50. When you find a college that you like, consider applying early. This allows you to have everything in place well in advance and get an admission decision from the college in time. The application material/requirements that you need to have in place may include:
- Application forms for each college. The common application form is also an application procedure that numerous colleges subscribe to.
- High school transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation from teachers and school counsellors.
- SAT scores, which most colleges require as a common standard for measuring a student’s ability to do college-level work.
- Essays and/or Statement of Purpose. This can be the deciding factor for acceptance/admission. These offer you an opportunity to express your uniqueness.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, which most colleges require of an international applicant
Statement of purpose According to a recent study, while grades, admission tests, and class rank remain important factors in the college admission decision, a majority of colleges and universities consider essays and statement of purpose to be a key factor in determining which academically qualified students they would choose. In other words, when all else is equal between competing applicants, compelling essays and/or statement of purpose can make the difference. Powerful, well-written essays can tip the balance for a marginal applicant and college admission officers look to the essay for evidence that a student can write well and support ideas with logical arguments. They also want to gauge the personality and leadership potential of a student.
Recommendations All colleges require recommendation letters. Some specify the recommenders, such as teachers, employers, or personal acquaintances; while others simply indicate the number of recommendations required. Selection committees want to know as much as possible about you through your referee’s appraisal, such as what they think about you and your academic potential.
Many private agencies aim to provide the ideal format for recommendation letters that meets the requirements of colleges, help with the essays and professional advice and services for preparing that ‘perfect’ application.
The writer is co-founder, Collegify.
