North America

Complete Guide: Colleges Not Requiring SAT ScoresWhich schools are SAT Optional and don't require the SAT? We've got the complete list here.

Top 10 Canadian Universities 2018Canada takes pride in its growing reputation as the best place to study abroad. Providing excellent quality of educational programs that matches world’s university giants like Oxford or Stanford, a welcoming and a tolerant community and safe student environment, it isn’t surprising that international students are hurling in to enrol in top-ranked Canadian universities. The staggering 92% increase in the number of international students over the last decade is not only due to the superb choice of undergraduate and advanced-level postgraduate study programs, but is also has merit in the rich city diversity of Canada and even better offerings for outdoor activities.

SAT Test in CanadaIf applying to college isn't confusing enough (and believe me, it’s a maze!), applying to schools internationally can be even more demanding. Between asking teachers to write recommendation letters and navigating the documents you need to include in your applications, you also have to find time to study for and take the SAT and/or ACT! For students applying to international schools, it can be difficult to figure out what you need to include in your application. Do international students need the SAT? What about US students applying abroad? Luckily, Magoosh is here to answer all your American and Canadian SAT

University applications for the United States and some schools in Canada usually evaluate seven pieces:

1. Academic Preparation: The universities consider the type of school where you attended, including the curriculum and opportunities available there. The most important factor is what you have made out of those opportunities. Did you take advantage of the highest-level courses? Did you do things outside of school and for the school? Did you engage in meaningful projects and/or start a project of your own? They are looking for evidence that you will maximize the opportunities available at their school. GS will submit your transcript listing classes and grades.

2. SAT/ACT exams: These are important, but they are looked at in context. Universities consider your first language and educational opportunities. There are rarely strict cut off scores, and schools will still say no to a candidate with a perfect score who doesn’t exemplify other qualities they’re looking for. The most rigorous schools suggest taking the general SAT I exam and 2-3 SAT II subject tests. This takes significant pre-planning to ensure all exams are taken before January of your Grade 12 year.

3. Teacher Recommendation(s): This is VERY important. The recommendation must be very specific, show that the teacher knows the student very well and has watched them grow personally and academically. So choose wisely. The reference may include emphasis of personal traits such as the intellectual curiosity of the student, how well the student balances life and academics, how he or she engages with classmates, and/or personal initiative. When you invite a teacher to write a recommendation for you, give them at least 30 days notice before the deadline (if possible). Be sure to communicate clearly the deadline, submission procedure and why you’ve asked them, i.e. what part of your story you hope that letter will convey. Share a link to info about your school(s) of choice. Explain why you are applying to that school so that your recommender can convey your enthusiasm for that university in their letter. Recommendation letters for Common App should not address your interest in one university specifically, however, as the letter will be submitted to all of your selected universities and colleges on Common App.

4. Counselor Recommendation: This is a key piece written by your Academic Advisor. It is more general, putting the student’s education pathway and learning journey in context. It may discuss the student’s strongest qualities, contributions to the school community, and/or challenges (e.g. medical, financial, emotional, etc.) that the student has overcome to achieve their education. As with teacher recommendations, when you invite your counselor to write a recommendation for you, give them at least 30 days notice before the deadline (if possible). Be sure to communicate clearly the deadline, submission procedure and what part of your story you hope that letter will convey. If the letter is being submitted to a particular school, tell your counselor why you are excited about that particular school. Share a link to info about your school(s) of choice. Explain why you are applying to that school so that your recommender can convey your enthusiasm for that university in their letter.

5. Resume: Some schools require this, and some do not, while some require it only for scholarship consideration. You should always apply for scholarships. Your resume includes information about your experiences, activities and awards or honors as well as any certifications or publications you may have earned. It is often typed into the application form, and sometimes submitted separately. Your resume should show experiences and contributions that you are passionate about as well as the depth of your commitment to those activities, especially engagement for two years or longer.

6. Personal Essay (a special page of more below...)

7. A School-Specific Supplement: For many applications in the US, students will complete the Common Application. Over 700 universities accept Common App and one Common App can be used to apply to as many of these universities as you like. On Common App, the personal essay should speak a bit more generally about the type of school and programs of interest to the student. However, a separate supplement about each specific university is often requested. This essay is usually another 500-word essay and/or an art portfolio. This essay should demonstrate that you are a good fit for the school, so you need to research your chosen university very well and understanding its offerings, which must come through in this essay.

NOTE: A university’s primary motivation in selection is that you will not quit, that you will contribute to the university community, and take advantage of its opportunities. This is particularly true for private universities and smaller universities. Large “state” – public schools – do acceptance based more on a formula around your grades and test scores. However, if your application’s numbers are borderline, your personal essay becomes extremely important.

The American admissions process is holistic. Your application tells a story about you, and it should tell a coherent narrative without being repetitive. Each section is an opportunity to tell another piece of the story and enrich the overall picture of you. University admissions counselors want to know that you will contribute something to the community to enrich the lives of other students.

Your application is usually read by one or two admissions counselor(s) who read anywhere from 500-15,000 applications. This person becomes your advocate in the final decision process. Make them like you but don’t write for them – you are building a relationship with this stranger so think of the whole application as your first and second dates!

The Personal Essay

(Draft this when you have time to think – like during vacation, chill time. Give yourself TIME.)

A good essay might show:

Personality
Qualities of Intellect
Potential Interests
Self-discovery / Growth
Distinctiveness (The 3^rd culture kid/transnational essay is NOT distinctive anymore. And you are not unique if your parents were the ones taking you around the world. This is your story.)

Also consider:

How will your essay stand out in a pool of hundreds or thousands?
Write in your own voice.
Write a story that ONLY YOU can tell.
There is no perfect personal essay topic.
Opening lines matter – grab their attention.
Your essay is more than a demonstration of writing skills (but must be well written).
Do not write a biography. This is a slice of your life – not all of it.
A quote may not be the best way to start, unless it is truly meaningful to you.

Challenge faced by students:

Introspection is hard.
Revision is an essential part of the process.
Taking risks (or perceived risk) is scary.
This isn’t an English or History paper You do not need to prove your knowledge or understanding of anything outside of YOURSELF. You do not need to use a particular voice or format. You do not need to write in a five-paragraph format. You should demonstrate a clear sense of self-awareness.

YOU NEED TO LIKE YOUR OWN IDEAS AND THUS YOUR OWN ESSAY.

Strategies:

● Look for small moments with big significance.

● Write more than one draft essay on different topics.

● Avoid sweeping statements like, “I want to end world hunger.”

● Show (don’t tell) the reader your perspective.

● Forget the “What” – give the “Why”.

FINANCIAL AID - USA

US universities are often the most expensive to attend but also the most generous in terms of financial aid. Nearly all will provide some money for American citizens with a high GPA (grade point average) and SAT scores. There are also numerous schools that provide generously to international students, as diversity is very important.

All students enrolling in US universities (whether a citizen or not) should fill out the FAFSA form. This form is for aid (both loans and grants) from the US government but universities use the same form to determine aid they give from their own resources. Students and parents should fill it out online. More information and tips can be found here to help you prepare your FAFSA online.