Application Process

The Common Application, often referred to as the Common App, is a standardized undergraduate college admission application that applicants can use to apply to over 1,000 member colleges and universities in the United States and several other countries. This streamlined application process allows students to complete one application and submit it to multiple schools, along with required supplemental materials such as essays, recommendation letters, and test scores. The Common App promotes access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process.

At AISB, the Common Application is a critical tool used to support students aiming to study in the United States. The college counseling office provides comprehensive guidance on how to navigate the Common App, helping students with everything from creating their application accounts to writing personal statements and collecting recommendation letters. This support ensures that AISB students present their best selves to potential colleges and manage application deadlines effectively, thereby increasing their chances of admission to their desired institutions.

BridgeU partners with international schools in over 140 countries to support students in applying to universities. They offer a comprehensive platform that simplifies career guidance and university applications, enhancing outcomes for both students and schools. Students can research universities from all around the world and “shortlist” them as a way to keep all of their university options in one place. 

At AISB, we utilize BridgeU mainly for researching university options and for document sending. We create individual accounts for each student and ask them to complete the profile builder and university shortlist tasks. In October each year, we begin to send recommendation letters and other documents directly to universities. It is important to note that students must link their personal Common App account to BridgeU. See this PDF for a more detailed description of the platform. 

UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is the centralized application system for undergraduate admissions to UK universities and colleges. Through UCAS, students can apply to up to five institutions with a single application, which includes personal details, a personal statement, and a reference. UCAS also handles application fees and forwards the applications to the chosen institutions for review.

At AISB, we use UCAS to streamline the process for students aspiring to study in the UK. Our college counseling office assists students in navigating the UCAS system, from creating accounts to crafting compelling personal statements and gathering recommendations. This support ensures that students meet all application requirements and deadlines, enhancing their chances of gaining admission to their preferred universities in the UK.

Concourse Global Clearing is a platform that revolutionizes the traditional university admissions process by allowing students to receive offers of admission and scholarships without applying. Students create profiles certified by their counselors and are then nominated for Global Clearing. Universities review anonymized profiles and make offers to students, who typically receive an average of four offers and access to substantial scholarships. At AISB, we utilize Concourse Global to expand students' university opportunities globally, ensuring they get the best-fit offers without the hassle of traditional applications.