College Requirements
College Applications can usually be as stressful as any other part of the process. The first thing that you should know is that college counselors and academic advisors will insist that the admission decision is more than scores and grades and that your course load is one of the most important factors. This is not entirely true.
Test scores (SAT & ACT) are the only objective way for colleges to compare students at the same measure. First and foremost, they look at your test scores, and after that is when they will look at other factors.
When applying to college, being well organized will be key. You should create a to-do list, defining the things that need to be done which will simplify the entire process. You also need to know all the factors that colleges will look at when considering your admission.
Here are the most important requirements that colleges ask from applicants:
Personal Information
In the first portion of a college application, students will have to provide plenty of information about themselves, their school, and their family.
High School Transcripts
Colleges will ask for your official high school transcripts, which is a record of the courses that you have completed and the grades you earned.
Standardized Test Scores
Includes your SAT and/or ACT scores sent by College Board or by ACT directly to each institution. If you are an international student (living in a non-English speaking country), the TOEFL (or an alternative English test) will also be required.
Letters of Recommendation
Colleges very often ask students to submit two to three letters of recommendation from non-family members.
Essay
A written statement that is required when applying to some colleges and universities. Most schools make essays optional or supplementary. Essay topics range from being very specific to open-ended.
The Application Process
Once you have narrowed down the list of universities you will be applying to, there are two important things you need to check:
- What is the application deadline for each university
- Which universities accept the Common App
You want to make sure that you prioritize your applications based on the deadlines and that you don't miss any, you also want to maximize the use of the Common App, applying to multiple universities with only one form.
We will expand further on Admissions Deadlines and the Common App in the modules ahead, but if in your situation it is best to apply directly to each university or if some of the schools on your list don't accept the common app, you need to know how the process works:
Application Process Steps:
1. Gather all the requirements
College applications take time. You will be asked to answer any questions and submit several documents. Make sure to gather all the requirements listed in module 1 and check the specific admissions requirements listed on the school's website.
2. Fill out the Application
Most universities (if not all) will have a section on their website for admissions or applications, go there, and look for the application form and instructions. Read everything carefully and proceed to fill out the application. Make sure that you have enough time to do everything and double-check your application and documents before you submit them.
3. Gather supplemental materials
Many universities will require some extra stuff that is not listed initially. This may include items like a portfolio of personal work or a supplemental essay. In some cases, supplemental materials can help your application, but in other cases, they can hurt your chances of admission. Be sure to carefully consider whether the supplemental materials or supplemental essays are a good idea for your application.
4. Interview for Admissions (If requested)
A student interview may be required in some cases, but usually for undergraduate admission, this is not the case. Still, some schools would be willing to schedule a student admissions interview upon request. International students may find a student interview especially important.
5. Your acceptance letters
Receiving those letters are a reason to celebrate, but even if you've started getting acceptance letters, the process of applying to college is not complete! Once you decide which university you would like to attend, you'll have to let the school know that you have decided to accept its offer of admission.
QUICK ADVICE:
Check and double-check that you complete all of the application requirements specific to your school and your situation. For example, the requirements for a first-time undergraduate will probably be different from the requirements if you want to transfer to colleges. By making a checklist of college admission requirements for the colleges where you want to apply, you can be sure that you won't miss any college application deadlines or essential steps in the process of applying to college.
College Entrance Exams
First and foremost, college admission officers will look at your test scores, and then, they will look at other factors.
SAT vs ACT; which test to take?
SAT and ACT are the standardized tests for students to gain college admission in the U.S. Both tests generally cover the same topics with slightly different methods. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other.
Both tests are equally important for your college admission. The SAT and ACT are closely related, both containing similar sections like Reading and Math, offering an optional essay, having no penalty for incorrect answers, and containing passage-based reading English/Writing questions. However, they have several differences:
SAT
Science:
Has some science concepts and questions but these do not constitute an entire section.
Math:
Represents 50% of total score. Divided into two subsections - one with calculator, one without. Highly focused on algebra. Provides reference guide with geometric formulas.
Reading:
Has evidence-supported questions. Questions given in chronological order.
Essay:
Focused on arguments using evidence and reasoning.
Scoring:
Scores range from 0-1600.
ACT
Science:
Has dedicated science section with 40 questions, lasting 35 minutes, counting 25% of total score.
Math:
Represents 25% of grade. Requires calculator. Strong focus on geometry (40%) and trigonometry. No formulas provided.
Reading:
No evidence-supported questions. Questions not given in specific order.
Essay:
Give your own opinion on a situation.
Scoring:
Scores range from 0-36.
Test Prep
Preparation is vital, no matter which standardized test you choose. Here are eight universal tips provided by our partners at Windward Academy that apply to both the ACT and the SAT:
1. Choose the right resources for you
Keep in mind that no two students learn the same, so you are going to have to choose the resource that is going to be best for you.
2. Make a plan that fits your learning style
There's no magic number in terms of what everybody needs to prepare for these exams.
3. Revisit foundations
A huge part of studying for these exams is reviewing content that you learned in middle school.
4. Remember mindfulness
College test preparation is stress-inducing; it causes anxiety for kids and their families.
5. Review mistakes
I cannot impress enough how important it is to review mistakes; it is how you will learn.
6. Take advantage of "special" test dates
Remember the special test dates on which you have the option to pay a nominal fee to receive a copy of the test and your answers.
7. Practice with real tests
Please make sure that you are always practicing with real materials.
8. Enhance your reading skills
Reading skills come up everywhere on these tests.
TOEFL & Duolingo Test
The purpose of the TOEFL iBT test is to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. TOEFL iBT scores are primarily used as a measure of the ability of international students to use English in an academic environment.
The TOEFL is a test that measures your ability to understand English at the college level. This exam is required for international students who are planning to attend a college in the USA and whose first language is not English. This test calculates your English level by evaluating four different abilities; reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Duolingo Test Advantages:
- No traveling to a test center or appointment needed
- Results are available within 48 hours of completing the test
- The Duolingo test is considerably more affordable than the TOEFL
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