The College System

Understand how the education system in the USA is structured, what colleges expect from students, and how to prepare for a successful admission process.

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College Requirements

The college application process can be overwhelming, especially when you're applying to multiple universities. Understanding and fulfilling all required components is crucial. Below, you'll find detailed information about key admissions requirements.

Each college has its own specific requirements, but most ask for the following:

Typically, personal information that you must provide includes items like your name, address, e-mail address, date of birth, citizenship, and social security numbers.

This demonstrates your academic background and preparation. High school transcripts include an official record of your coursework and grades earned in grades 9 through 12.

Scores from college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT provide evidence of your academic preparation. These standardized tests are used widely by four-year colleges and universities, both public and private, as part of the college admissions process.

For international students, language proficiency tests like the TOEFL or Duolingo may also be required.

These letters, from teachers or counselors, provide additional insights about your qualifications and personal qualities. They offer a perspective on your abilities, character, and potential contributions to the college community.

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically about your strengths and achievements.

The college essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing abilities. It allows admissions officers to understand who you are beyond grades and test scores.

Your essay should be authentic, well-written, and reveal something meaningful about you that isn't evident in other parts of your application.

The Application Process

Applying to college is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and organization. Understanding each phase will help you submit strong applications and meet all deadlines.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what you'll need to do:

Application Process Steps:

Before you begin filling out applications, make sure you have all necessary documents and information ready. This includes your high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal information.

Create a checklist for each college to ensure you don't miss any required materials. Some schools may have specific requirements beyond the standard application components.

Most colleges use the Common Application, Coalition Application, or their own institutional application. Take your time to complete each section accurately and thoroughly.

Double-check all information before submitting, including dates, test scores, and personal details. Many applications allow you to save your progress, so don't feel pressured to complete everything in one sitting.

Many colleges require additional materials beyond the basic application. These may include supplemental essays, portfolios (for arts programs), writing samples, or answers to school-specific questions.

Request official transcripts and test scores to be sent directly from your high school and testing agencies. Make sure to request letters of recommendation well in advance, giving your recommenders at least 3-4 weeks notice.

Some colleges offer or require interviews as part of the admissions process. These can be conducted in person, virtually, or by alumni in your area.

Prepare for your interview by researching the school, preparing thoughtful questions, and practicing your responses to common interview questions. Dress professionally and arrive on time (or log in early for virtual interviews).

After submitting your applications, you'll receive decisions from colleges, typically between December and April, depending on when you applied (Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision).

Once you receive acceptances, carefully review financial aid packages, visit campuses if possible, and make your final decision by the national commitment deadline of May 1st. Remember to officially decline offers from schools you won't be attending.

Quick Advice

Start early and stay organized throughout the application process. Create a timeline with all deadlines and set personal deadlines a week or two before the official ones to avoid last-minute stress.

Remember to:

  • Keep copies of all submitted applications and materials
  • Follow up to confirm that all materials have been received
  • Proofread everything multiple times before submitting
  • Ask for help when you need it – counselors, teachers, and family are there to support you
  • Be authentic in your essays and application – colleges want to know the real you

College Entrance Exams

Standardized tests play a significant role in college admissions. Understanding the different exams and how to prepare for them is crucial for your application success.

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 vs ACT: which test to take?

Category
Science Has some science concepts and questions but these do not constitute an entire section. Has dedicated science section with 40 questions, lasting 35 minutes, counting 25% of total score.
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. Represents 25% of grade. Requires calculator. Strong focus on geometry (40%) and trigonometry. No formulas provided.
Reading Has evidence-supported questions. Questions given in chronological order. No evidence-supported questions. Questions not given in specific order.
Essay Focused on arguments using evidence and reasoning. Give your own opinion on a situation.
Scoring Scores range from 0-1600. 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:

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.

There's no magic number in terms of what everybody needs to prepare for these exams.

A huge part of studying for these exams is reviewing content that you learned in middle school.

College test preparation is stress-inducing; it causes anxiety for kids and their families.

I cannot impress enough how important it is to review mistakes; it is how you will learn.

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.

Please make sure that you are always practicing with real materials.

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

Your Essay

This is a very important part of your college application. It's your chance to talk about who you are and highlight your strengths as a student and as a promising young person, things that can't be seen from test scores and your GPA.

Some universities, especially the highly-selective institutions, require applicants to fill in supplemental essays. Supplemental essays are generally more specific questions and have a shorter maximum word of answers. However, shorter answers don't mean easier to complete.

We encourage you to start early in writing your college essay so you can have time to review and revise it to make sure the essay is strongly polished.

Tips on Writing a Great Essay

Great writing is hard to achieve, but it's possible if you're smart about it. Anyone who works in journalism will tell you that you can catch any reader's attention as long as you deliver a great introduction.

Universities are looking for authenticity and quality of thinking, so don't try to shape your essay around phrases or ideas that people have used many times before, but base it on your genuine beliefs.

While you research your application essay, you will be encouraged to check out some examples of great essays and get inspired. While this is a great exercise, many students allow themselves to be influenced too much by the examples.

A college application essay is a glimpse into how your mind works and how you view the world. If you want your essay to be credible, you need to make sure everything you write supports that viewpoint.

Creativity is an aspect very much appreciated in writing, but don't assume that a creative essay is not also an organized one.

You want to create a great college application, so you will probably read it over and over again to make sure there are no typos and spelling and grammar errors.

Now start writing and craft an extraordinary essay!

College Costs & Scholarships

The cost of attending college is comprised of a variety of items including some that you might not expect. By understanding college costs, you can better compare schools and explore options to make college more affordable.

Understanding College Cost

For most students and their families, paying for college is a major financial move. Therefore it is very important to properly add up all the different elements that constitute the Universities' Cost of Attendance. Tuition is just the starting point when calculating your budget.

College costs can be divided into five main categories. While these costs can be controlled by you to some extent, before sitting down and setting a budget it would be good to go over the costs, understand them, and figure out how much you can afford:

This is the amount of money that a college charges for instruction and other academic services. Tuition varies widely between institutions and can be the largest expense in your college budget.

These are the costs associated with housing and meals. Whether you live on campus in a dormitory or off campus in an apartment, you'll need to budget for these essential living expenses.

Textbooks, course materials, lab supplies, and other academic resources can add up quickly. Consider buying used books, renting, or using digital versions to save money.

These include clothing, entertainment, phone bills, and other day-to-day expenses. Creating a realistic budget for personal expenses helps you manage your finances effectively throughout the year.

This includes costs for traveling to and from campus, whether by car, plane, train, or bus. Don't forget to budget for trips home during breaks and any necessary local transportation.

College Cost Comparison

Cost Category Public In-State Public Out-of-State Private Non-Profit Private For-Profit
Tuition & Fees $10,000 $18,000 $32,000 $38,000
Room & Board $5,000 $5,000 $6,000 $8,000
Books & Supplies $1,200 $1,200 $1,200 $1,200
Personal Expenses $800 $800 $800 $4,800
Total Cost of Attendance $17,000 $25,000 $40,000 $52,000

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Scholarships are financial aid awards designed to help you pay for your education. This is the most powerful tool you and your family have to lower the cost of college and avoid student loans.

Types of Financial Aid

Merit-based Scholarships
Academic

Awarded to students with high scholastic aptitude and performance.

Athletic

For student-athletes recruited to compete for college varsity teams.

Artistic

From drawing to painting to culinary, musical, and literary varieties.

Need-based Scholarships

Support students who have demonstrated financial need. These scholarships help make college accessible to students from all economic backgrounds by providing funding based on family income and financial circumstances.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the single most important part of the financial aid process. This application unlocks need-based financial aid at colleges and universities.

CSS Profile

Used by nearly 400 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to award institutional financial aid and scholarships.

College Sports

Intercollegiate Athletics represents a major enterprise in the US. Over 400,000 student-athletes are competing with more than 3000 universities. For the student, being recruited to play college sports could mean tremendous life experience and huge savings in college costs.

The NCAA

It is the largest intercollegiate athletic organization with over 1,100 universities. It conducts 90 National Championships in 24 sports across Divisions I, II, and III.

NCAA Division I

Typically the largest schools with the most visible sports programs.

170,000+
Student-athletes
350
Schools

NCAA Division II

Focus on balancing academics and athletics, emphasize community service.

120,000
Student-athletes
300
Schools

NCAA Division III

Academics are primary emphasis. Prohibited from awarding athletic scholarships.

170,000+
Student-athletes
444
Schools

NCAA Division I

Typically the largest schools with the most visible sports programs.

170,000+
Student-athletes
350
Schools

NCAA Division II

Focus on balancing academics and athletics, emphasize community service.

120,000
Student-athletes
300
Schools

NCAA Division III

Academics are primary emphasis. Prohibited from awarding athletic scholarships.

170,000+
Student-athletes
444
Schools

College Majors

Choosing a major can be difficult, with so many options and varied interests. If you're not sure what you want to study yet, have no fear. Most high school students have no clue what they want to study.

A college major is a specialized area of study. You will be taking a group of courses in a subject of your choice that will lead towards completion of your degree. In addition to your college major, you are also required to complete the general college education curriculum.

Look for an intersection between your best abilities, your passion, and the value that the marketplace will give to your profession.

Popular College Majors

Business

Very popular for those who want to gain practical skills for the workplace. There are hundreds of career options for business majors!

Accounting
Marketing
Finance
Management
Economics

Engineering

Focuses on design of engines, machines, structures, and electrical systems. Deeply rooted in mathematics principles.

Civil
Mechanical
Chemical

Computer & Information Sciences

Teaches students how to manage information through computing and help organizations reach their goals through better use of technology.

Data Science
Software Eng
Web Dev
AI & ML

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