The US University admissions process is best thought of as a four-year plan. Making thoughtful decisions at every stage ensures you have the best possible options.
Meet with a US university advisor about the GCSE courses you have chosen. If you are hoping to apply to the most selective schools in the US, it is important to do triple science!
Thoughtfully choose the extracurricular activities you plan to participate in for your secondary school years. US universities want students who demonstrate consistency and commitment. Please choose activities you authentically enjoy so you can excel within those organisations and/or teams for four years.
Discuss with your parents if planning to attend a US university is right for you and your family. This is a significant investment in terms of time and resources. Also, studying abroad will impact your whole family.
Think about attending a US university summer academic programme to determine if the US is the best choice for your future university career. Experiencing campus life, US style pedagogy, and how specific locations shape student experience is key to this decision. Vela Education can recommend programmes and help you with the application.
Meet with a US university advisor to discuss last year’s accomplishments and what they mean in terms of your US university ambitions.
Meet with a US university advisor to discuss your progress in your extracurricular activities. Plan with your advisor how to secure leadership roles, participate in clubs, perform charitable work, apply for internships, compete in sports, etc.
Discuss with a US university advisor which A-Level or IB courses to take so you keep your options open for the majority of US universities. Not all A-Level or IB courses are weighted equally! This is an important meeting.
Meet with your US college advisor to discuss your summer plans! Maximising this break is the best way to ensure your activities have impact on your application.
Take diagnostic SAT/ACT to assess your baseline score. Discuss this data with an advisor so she can recommend the best preparation plan.
Consider doing a college tour to learn more about US schools. Also, a work experience during this break would be an excellent use of your time.
Meet with your US college advisor to discuss your GCSE results. These results will be reviewed carefully by US admissions committees.
Begin an intensive SAT/ACT course or start working with a tutor!
You may consider taking the SAT/ACT for the first time. Consult with your advisor and tutor to determine if this is right for you. If you are prepared, December is the first time you should take the SAT and you can take the ACT in February. Register in advance to secure a spot at a convenient testing centre.
March: target SAT date for most students.
April: target ACT date for most students.
During the long spring half-term, work with an advisor to begin the US personal statement process!
This is an important term to draft your personal statement, use preliminary testing results and grade predictions to make decisions about your school list, and begin to work on the Common Application, the primary portal for US university applications.
May: Official SAT exam. If you have not taken an official exam yet, it is critical for you to sit this exam.
May: Ask your teachers and housemaster/mistress for letters of recommendation.
Complete personal statement and prioritise supplemental essays for first-choice schools. Also, a substantial work experience is recommended during this summer. Please discuss your options with a US university advisor.
August: Official SAT Exam
During this term, you will need to finalise your personal statement, choose an application strategy, complete supplemental essays for first-choice school, and if necessary, complete your standardised testing.
September: Finalise college list and discuss an early application strategy with a US university advisor. If you decide to apply early, prioritise that school’s supplemental essays.
September: Official ACT exam
October: Official SAT exam
October: If you are submitting an EA or ED1 application, plan to send it to your US college advisor for review and to submit before you leave for October half-term.
November: If you are applying to University of California schools, this application is due November 30th.
November: Continue to work on supplemental essays for regular decision applications. Even if you applied ED or EA, do not wait until you hear from this school. Complete your regular decision applications in advance of the ED/EA notification date.
This term you should work towards finalising your Regular Decision and Early Decision Two applications.
December: Common App should be completed, reviewed, and approved before you leave for the winter break! If you have heard from your ED/EA school, discuss with your advisor if you should still, or even can, submit more applications.
If accepted via the Early Decision pathway, please pay your deposit ASAP.
If deferred, please write a letter of continued interest and submit by the first week of January.
March/April: Regular Decision results arrive! Meet with your advisor to weigh your options and discuss how to choose the best school for you.
If waitlisted, please write a letter accepting the place and explaining why you are a good fit for the school.
Make final decision regarding your school, begin VISA application process, and begin preparing for US university life.
May 1: Decisions are due!
Most US universities start in late August!
Congratulations! You are beginning your university career.