To perfect your US Uni applications, you need to complete work this summer! This is especially true for international students who may also be applying to other higher education systems. US university applications are long! Chipping away at the components this summer will ensure that you can submit confident and compelling applications this coming autumn.

Vela Education recommends you do the following:

1. Complete the US personal statement. This is one of the most important parts of the US university application. This 650 word essay is sent to all the schools you apply to on the Common Application. Please view our Personal Statement Workshop Webinar for more information about this important essay.

2. Develop an admissions strategy. You can wait till the end of August but spend time this summer really thinking about your profile and your favourite schools before deadlines approach. Deciding to apply ED 1, EA, or ED2 this summer can help you prioritize those applications and ensure they are prefect before the general Nov 1^st Applying ED1 does provide a strategic advantage and should be seriously considered.

3. College Tour: If possible, do a final college tour or at least spend serious time doing virtual tours of US campuses! Spending time on a campus and doing a “gut-check” is the best way to determine if a school is a good fit for you. This information is vital when committing to an application strategy!

4. Complete the Common App. The Common App is live for the next academic year starting August 1^st! Completing the demographic sections with your family this summer is a good use of your time. Also, working to carefully craft your activities section answers is also key to a successful application. You should also review the supplemental essays for your favourite schools. These can change from year to year! Writing a first draft of these supplements before you return to school in September.

US university applications are extensive! However, if you complete parts of the application this summer, the process is less taxing. If you have any questions about any part of the US university application, please reach out to us. We are here to help.