The procedure for applying to a college or university is daunting and exhausting for US residents and even more so for International students. The key to success is having someone in your corner that understands the bureaucracy of the admissions process as well as how to impress application reviewers.
The U Admit formula for success
We offer a free one on one consultation to learn about your scholastic efforts, undergraduate goals, and how we can help you get admitted to a good university. You don’t have to do this alone. The college admissions consultants at U Admit will make sure you are fully supported through the whole process.
Planing stage
Free one on one consultation
Transcripts & scores review
Prospective schools discussion
Guidance
Prospective school identification & gather application requirements
Common App + activity sheet + secondary essays brainstorming and writing
Application forms finalization
Interview preparation
Acceptance letter review & decision guidance
High school timeline for success
9th grade
Fall: Get involved in extracurricular activities (in or out of school) and pick the right class mix
Winter: Make the grades, explore your interests, and consider possible careers
Summer: Build your credentials, start learning about college, make your summer count
10th grade
Fall: Take the Practice SAT, stay on track with your courses, begin learning about the college admissions process, and continue exploring potential majors
Winter: Stay involved with your extracurricular activities, work toward leadership positions in the activities you like best, also read and practice your writing
Summer: Keep your grades up, start your college search, considering taking SAT subject tests
11th grade
Fall: Take the SAT and start a list of colleges
Winter: Stay involved, organize college lists, take SAT subject tests
Spring: Search for scholarships and retake SAT and Subject tests if needed
Summer: Visit colleges and work on application essays
12th grade
Fall: Visit the schools and complete applications
Winter: Follow up on applications and submit financial aid forms
Spring: Compare financial aid packages and make your final decision
Admissions Criteria
Admission to colleges and universities in the US is very competitive and consists of several factors. Our consultants will work with you to identify which schools and programs can help you reach your career goals, or if you come to us with schools in mind, we will help you narrow down the list through our undergraduate college admissions assistance. Although requirements are different for each school, most academic institutions evaluate the following base criteria:
High School Transcripts and GPA
You will be asked to provide a copy of your high school transcripts, which is the record of academic accomplishments you received during your high school career. Your high school transcripts will include classes you took, the grades you received, and your grade point average (GPA). Your GPA over time will be evaluated for consistency and your cumulative GPA will be weighed. All schools will want your GPA, but every school will have a different minimum required GPA, and GPA average, for prospective students. International GPA scores will have to be converted to the US GPA system.
Your High School Transcripts may also include pertinent information such as honors you earned (AP/IB), your behavioral record, and other important details about your high school career. Most colleges and universities will require an official transcript from your High School and additional evaluation if you are an international student submitting a non-English transcript.
SAT or ACT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) are standardized quantitative examinations that US colleges and universities use to gauge academic status and college readiness. Each university sets a minimum SAT or ACT score that a student must achieve in order to apply. Don’t confuse the minimum score posted and the average score that is actually required to be a viable candidate for admission.
Extracurricular Activities
Your participation in extracurricular activities such as, but not limited to, scholastic clubs, athletics teams, student government, and philanthropic clubs is very valuable in the undergraduate admissions process- it will help set you apart from peers with similar scholastic backgrounds, grades, and test scores. University admissions officers look at the activities you were involved in and will evaluate the valuable life skills you learned through your involvement, such as leadership abilities, teamwork, civic responsibility, and perseverance.
Admission Essays and Portfolios
It’s very common for colleges and universities to require prospective students to complete and submit a college admission essay- some schools will require more than one. The length and subject of the essays is determined by the school’s admissions office. The admission essay is a vitally important component of the admissions process, and gives the school’s admissions officer’s personal insight into who you are, beyond transcripts, grades and activities. U Admit consultants provide college essay help and brainstorming guidance to make sure your writing reflects the best side of you!
Further, some undergraduate programs require the student to share a portfolio of their work as a part of the admissions process.
In Person Interview
Some institutions of higher learning require a college admissions interview to get to know the students applying to their school. The interviewer will be a representative of the school- someone from the admissions office such as an admissions officer, someone on the school’s faculty, or even possibly a student ambassador. Every school handles the interview process differently. Before you go to your interview, our college admissions will run you through a number of mock interviews to help prepare you on how to properly answer such questions so that you reflect your ideas and passions correctly.