10 Steps to Getting into a Top US University University is about exploring yourself and the world around you and deciding what kind of person you want to be. Your time at university is not only meant to help you gain the education and skills you need for a professional career, it’s also meant to make you a well-rounded, well-rounded person.
Doing so in the US is not only an opportunity to benefit from a very good education system (and a very rigorous one), but it is also an opportunity to see and experience a part of the world that may be very different from your own.
The process of applying to a university in the United States is actually quite simple, but knowing where to start and what subjects to focus on can be a bit difficult. We’ve put together a 10-step guide to getting into a top US university to help you out. Good luck!
1. Think about your dream school
There are plenty of great universities in the US, including superstar schools like Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale, so it’s not hard to find one that fits your unique goals and aligns with the location and type of education you want. choice
Some will offer the movie-worthy college experience you’re looking for — think big, prestigious campus schools like Harvard and Princeton — while others will offer a small, close-knit community atmosphere, like Amherst College in Massachusetts.
2. Do your homework (and make sure you have options)
Every prospective college student has that one dream school in mind, but as the old saying goes, dreams don’t work if you don’t! Now is the time to do the research. You’ve probably already thought about schools that you think are a good fit for your personal and professional goals, now’s the time to see which one will get you there.
Remember, it’s possible that you might not end up with your first choice or that the one you’re considering doesn’t offer what you thought it would. So make sure you have a few options in mind.
3. Find a mentor
Once you’ve narrowed down the schools you want to attend, find someone who has some experience with the US college application process. Schedule some time to sit and talk with them. This could be someone who attended a school of your choice or someone knowledgeable and successful in your chosen field.
4. Work on your extracurricular activities
While studying and getting good grades are crucial, a key part of the American university experience is what you do outside of class. Schools are looking for students who are passionate, curious, forward-thinking and even a little philanthropic.
Extracurricular activities are a great way to prove that the kind of well-rounded independent schools you’re looking for. Whether it’s a sport you’re passionate about, a musical instrument you’ve mastered, or a weekend you spent volunteering in your community, it’s crucial to highlight your passions that happen outside of the classroom in your application.
5. Know the requirements
So, you have a list of schools that interest you and a handle on the extracurricular aspects of the subject Perfect! The next thing you need to do is contact each school’s admissions office and learn more about their admissions process and what they require.
Institutions of higher education in the United States regulate their own admissions requirements. Some may ask for a specific test or essay, and others may have a more formal interview process.
6. Gather your papers
In addition to any entrance exam, the admissions office of your chosen school will require some key documents. They will want to review all your grades during middle school. You must mail your high school transcript to the university you are applying to. They will also look at your country’s standardized secondary school test results. You can read more about the requirements here.
7. Brush up on your English (and take the right test)
To get into a university in the US, you need to reach a certain level of English. This ensures that you get the most out of your studies and contribute effectively to your programme. Not sure what your level is? Take the EF Standard English test quickly and for free. Think you might need to brush up on your skills? Consider doing a university-preparatory English language program with us.
The next step is to take an English test that certifies you. As a good rule of thumb, the most common language test requirement for an American university is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Canadian universities require IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Although most schools will accept a score from both tests, it’s important to make sure you know which one they want.
If you feel ready to take the test, you can do so at an exam center in your country. Talk to your school’s guidance center for more information.
8. Submit your application
Once you’re up to speed on all the requirements, you’ve taken your exams, and you’ve requested an application form, it’s time to fill it out and send it off. Note that there will be a non-refundable fee for each application submitted. This fee ranges from USD35-100 and must be paid whether you are accepted into the school or not.
9. Start early
Remember that when you send your applications, you should always try to account for some delay in the process. Find out the application deadline early and try to send well in advance. It would be a shame to miss your chance because the mail was delayed that week!
10. Visa and other documents
Since you will need a student visa to attend an American university, it is never too early to start working on it. Now is the time to learn about health insurance options for your time abroad. Although you may not require health insurance for your student visa, your school likely will, so don’t neglect this information. Your insurance provider at home may offer a good policy for time abroad, but you should also look at other options.