Embedded Files
HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY?
(Click Image for Redirect to Common App. Website)
Most of the US universities our students apply to is done online via Common Application.
Common App is created and managed by students.
Bridge U is a US/Canada Uni document submission service and guidance platform that ACS Intl subscribes to. You may use it to research on unis and complete personality assessments.
Higher Ed & Careers Department manages Bridge U by uploading your teacher references and academic transcripts and sending it to the universities that require it at the point of application. In order for us to do this, you must have paired (how to pair) your common app account with Bridge U. This can be done from August 1st of the year you are applying in.
Here is a really good resource from Johns Hopkins Uni on University Lingo https://apply.jhu.edu/hopkins-insider/know-the-lingo-understanding-college-terminology/ and College Planning Guide.
COMPONENTS OF YOUR APPLICATIONS
Watch this really helpful admissions video from Johns Hopkins University on the US application process
GPA
GPA is an abbreviation of grade point average. In the US, the schools tend to mark students with the GPA from minimum of 0.0 to maximum 4.0. However, in ACS International, since we are IB students with the grade scale of 1-7, we instead submit our final/ internal school grades from Year 3-6. We do not submit GPAs to universities. We host several US universities on Campus or at conferences annually and familiarise them with our school and grading system.
2. Extracurricular and Honours
Extracurricular activities include leadership roles/roles of responsibility, CCA activities, volunteering, working as an intern, university summer camp, etc. It is one of the crucial parts when applying to US universities. How you spend your time is important for the university to know. Applying to universities in the United States is a selective process. While there is no minimum number of extracurricular activities required, the Common Application allows you to list up to 10 activities. Rather than engaging in numerous activities superficially, universities appreciate depth and commitment. They value the duration of your involvement, the roles you played, and the impact you made—especially if the activity is unique or uncommon. Focus on demonstrating genuine dedication and leadership skills in your chosen pursuits to make your application stand out.
The Honors section of the Common Application is your opportunity to showcase your most significant academic and extracurricular achievements. You can list up to five honors or awards, so it's important to choose those that best demonstrate your strengths and accomplishments. Prioritize Prestige and Relevance, List honors and awards that are well-recognized and relevant to your intended field of study. National or international awards often carry more weight than local or school-based honors.
Examples of Extracurricular Activities
Leadership roles: Prefectorial Board, Peer Leaders, House Prefect, CCA Captain
CCA activities: Every competitive, recreational, arts and interest CCAs
University Summer Camp: NUS, NTU, SUTD, SUSS
Internships: Job Shadowing (offered from school): happens in every term break for Y5-6)
Volunteering: CAS Project and Experiences, other community volunteering
Other activities that you are involved in, whether it is inside or outside of school: e.g. Judo, playing piano
Examples of Honours
Olympiads and Other Competitions:
e.g.
Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad(SASMO)
CEMC(Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing)
AMC(American Mathematics Competition)
AMC(Australian Mathematics Competition)
3. Standardised Tests
Standardised Tests include SAT, ACT etc.
You are already engaged in the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, taking additional Advanced Placement (AP) courses is not necessary. We've consulted with various universities in the United States, and they recognize the IB program's challenging curriculum.
U.S. universities value the depth and breadth of the IB program, which is designed to prepare you thoroughly for higher education. Your commitment to the IB program demonstrates your ability to handle a demanding academic workload, and it is highly regarded in the admissions process.
Focus on excelling in your IB courses and showcasing your strengths through your Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS projects. This will provide a comprehensive picture of your capabilities and readiness for university-level study.
For most students taking the IB program, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are optional. However, some highly competitive universities do require these test scores. If you're applying to such schools, it's important to register for the exams and aim for a competitive score. Register for SAT or ACT.
Test Prep Resources :
Offers free SAT prep materials in partnership with the College Board.
Princeton Review (princetonreview.com)
Provides test prep courses, tutoring, and admissions resources.
4. Teacher References
You generally will need 2 Subject Tutor References and 1 Counsellor Reference.
For most of your US schools, you will request for 2 Subject Tutor References on Bridge U.
Unless you are applying to MIT, Georgetown and any others that have their own application portal. In these cases, you will request for references directly on these university app portals.
More About the SATs
The SATs can now taken online by the digital SAT. SAT tests the students’ proficiency in English and mathematics. The Maximum mark the students can achieve is 1600, 800 in English and 800 in maths.
The English test consists of writing exams(testing for only grammar skills and punctuations, not an actual writing exam), and reading comprehension.
In general, people who are able to achieve 7 in IGCSE Mathematics can score over 750 in the Mathematics test with ease.
Many US unis are still test optional.
Resources from UPENN on US Applications
2024_NavigatingCollegeSearch_3_Requirements&Deadlines_PennAdmissions.pdfNavigatingCollegeSearch_4_Extracurriculars&Activites_PennAdmissions.pdfNavigatingCollegeSearch_2_Curriculum&Majors_PennAdmissions.pdf2024_NavigatingCollegeSearch_1_NarrowingDownYourList_PennAdmissions_1.pdfCOLLEGE ESSAY
Writing college essays is the factor that makes the US university application very different from the others. It is the chance to show the admission officers who you really are. For students who are applying for Early Action/Decision, it is recommended to finish your draft in Y6 Term 1, Term 2 at latest to fully focus on upcoming IB prelims and finals. You can also seek feedback from Higher Ed & Careers Counsellors.
Check out our Personal Statement Workshop Slides and Worksheet here.
Main Essay
Tips for what to write
Supplement Essay
Some universities ask for an additional essay/s to help students to know them better. Many of them are asking "why you want to join this school" type of questions, or additional personal experiences or simply what makes you happy, write a letter to your future roommate etc. They could be a 100 words short form answer or could be lengthy as the main essay.
It is crucial that you place emphasis and write both the common app essay and university supplemental essays well.
LETTER OF RECOMMANDATION
FAQ
Why better off to ask one math/science tutor and one english/humanities tutor ?
In case the university you apply to has this requirement e.g. MIT or you would like to show your ability to handle a liberal arts curriculum which spans across both the sciences and humanities.
How are additional references submitted?
Submitted on common app under 'additional recommendations'. You will add their email address on common app and they will receive an email to complete it for you.
How to request for references?
1) Via Higher Ed's Google Form and completing the Reference Request Form and sending it to your teachers. 2) You will also need to ask either in person or via email in a considerate tone.
3) In your Bridge U account, invite your two teachers using their email addresses. You won't need to add an advisor on Bridge as that will be done on the back end by Higher Ed.
FOR STUDENTS WHOSE ENGLISH IS THEIR SECOND LANGUAGE
Students who take English as a second language or take English B HL courses may have to take additional English tests to prove themselves that they are capable of speaking /listening /reading /writing English. The approved tests are TOEFL and IELTS. However, if you are capable of scoring around 700 in SAT English, you may be exempted from the additional English tests.
Report abuse