Every year, thousands of universities in the United States welcome applications from international students. The process of applying to these Universities can take about two years, so it’s important to plan ahead. In order to get through the application process to your dream university in the United States, there are some specific steps that you have to follow. This article lays down all of them in detail.

The first aspect that international students should focus on is their High School Grades. It is important to maintain good marks in your final examinations of classes 9th, 10th, 11th, and predicted marks for class 12th. The deadlines for most of the universities are towards the end of the year, and till then the final examinations of class 12 have not been conducted, therefore, predicted marks for very very important. Some universities like the UC’s ask you to self-report your midterm/half-yearly grades as well. Most universities ask for an official transcript from your school with stamps from the issuing authorities. 

The second and a very important aspect that international students should work hard towards are Standardized Tests. These tests include:

• SAT and ACT
• SAT Subject Tests
• English Proficiency Tests 
• Advanced Placement Exams 

SAT and ACT

These examinations are the most important part of your application as this is the first document universities look at to filter strong from weak applicants. Hence, it is evident that you need to score well in any one of the two tests! Both SAT and ACT have an equal preference in the eyes of the universities – they will not prefer one over another. 

The SAT is graded out of 1600 and ACT is graded out of 36. Usually, a 1350+ score on the SAT and a 32+ in the ACT is considered a decent score. 

SAT Subject Tests 

These standardized tests are specific to a subject and are usually taken to increase the chances of admission. It is not required to take these tests for most universities, but it is advised to give at least 2 of them in the subject close to what the student is applying for. However, it may be mandatory to take if applying to the Ivy League universities. Each test is scored out of 800.

English Proficiency Exams – TOEFL and IELTS

TOEFL and IELTS are the two English proficiency tests required by most universities for international students. The universities need to check the student’s proficiency in the language before offering admission. 

The TOEFL is graded out of 120 while the IELTS is graded out of 9. Students can choose to take any one of these tests. These tests may also be required for the student’s visa applications. 

Advanced Placement Exams 

AP Exams are not required by universities in the US but expert advisors at UniRely advise all applicants to take 2-3 AP Exams. It gives a good impression to the universities if you want to brand yourself as an academically focused student. 

Moreover, taking the AP’s may also help you wave off some elementary level courses in your first year at university. Students applying to top universities in the US take up to 5 AP exams. These exams are conducted in May every year.

Note: These academic elements compute up to 60% – 70% of your applications for most universities. 

The third aspect which is important for your admission is the Resume/Activity Sheet /CV. 

These are the lists of the extracurricular activities that students complete during high school and maybe classified into Music, Dance, Sports, Community Service, Internships etc. These play an important role in giving a well-rounded stance to their application. 

If you have been recognized at the national level, or have published a book, have designed a car or have patents to your name, have represented your country at Olympics – this is where you’ll boast about it! Let the universities know that you are an all-rounder and not just academically focused.

The next important aspect is your Online Applications to the universities of your choice. 

These include online platforms specific to universities. Most universities are listed on the Common Application so one does not need to fill any university-specific applications; however, UC’s and some other universities have an entirely different application process.  

The last important aspect is your Letters of Recommendations. These are reference letters that are provided by your class teaches/ college counselors/ employers to the universities where you have applied. Most universities may ask for a counselor recommendation while some ask for 1-2 teacher recommendations along with your counselor recommendation. It is always advisable to have 1 counselor recommendation, 2 teacher recommendations and an external recommendation from your sports instructor, activity advisor. or employer ready in hand. 

This article talked about the basic process followed while applying to your dream universities in the United States; however, your college counselor would be able to explain in detail how to accomplish these steps. It is important to take help from an experienced counselor who can guide you through the entire process and help you achieve admission in the universities you deserve. The counselor team at UniRely is one such example. Their team is committed to helping applicants achieve the university that they deserve. They make sure to work towards the full potential of each applicant and the results show it all.