How do I apply?
Step 1: What type of Application is needed?
If you are ready apply to Universities in the United States and or to Universities that will accept US type applications please look first at what types of applications are needed. You can find this information usually on the University web sites under a one of the following terms Application, First Year, Admissions, Apply Now, International Student.....
The most often used application type is the Common Application. As an example the University of Puget Sound's website has a link to the Common Application.
Most Universities in the US do a "Holistic Review" of applications. Here is a perspective from Northwestern University about what that means to them.
Although the Common Application is the most common and I would encourage you to use the Common Application if you have more than one University that will take the Common Application, Not all Universities will take the Common Application. Some require a direct application to the University, some are on state driven systems like "Apply Texas" and some are on other applications systems like the Collation Application. The University of California system also have their own application process and I have linked in some tips and resources here if you are interested in more information. (thanks to UC Santa Cruze.)
How do I know when Applying early is right for me. Here ia a panel of students who applied to Northwestern University talking about their decision.
Step 2: Decide on Application Type
Once you have an idea of the Universities you want to apply to and the types of applications. Different types of applications have different deadlines and different types of requirements and acceptances.
Portfolio Applications: This is in reference to programs like some architecture, music, preforming art, fine art, digital design etc... programs that require a portfolio of work and sometimes an audition. These applications require extra work and preparation up front.
Regular Applications: Every University has it's own deadlines but TISA's internal deadline is before we go away for Winter Break, preferably before the first week of December. This is for all applications even those with final deadlines after this date. Most all applications open in September and you may apply at any time--please work to get your applications in as early as possible. If you do this, you will appreciate this push in December when lots of work is due!
Early Applications: ED (Early Decision) and EA (Early Applications) as well as any Universities with earlier deadlines. ED and EA are two applications designed for you to let Universities know that they are at the top of your choice list. ED is a binding contract. If you are accepted ED then you will attend that Uni, and with draw all other applications. EA allows you to get an early answer but still change your mind. ED and some EA applications are restrictive, meaning that you can't apply to more than one school with this type of application. That being said you may apply regular decision but send in the application early. Make sure that you read the details of the ES/ED applications on your Universities website, and then talk with Ms. Borgerding, as there are additional documents that you will need to complete for these types of applications.
Second Semester Deadlines: If you have a University who's applications do not open until the Second Semester like if you are applying to Australia or Malaysia then you must talk to Ms. Borgerding about your plans.
Step 3: Bridge U
Once you have an idea of the Universities you want to apply to and the types of applications and the types of applications you are looking at then please go to your Bridge U account and add your Universities off of your "Short List" on to your Application List. You will be asked for type of application and application deadlines. If you are using the Common Application the easiest way to do this is to "Pair" your accounts. The directions on how to do this can be found on the "Pair Common App and Bridge U" button at the top of this page. You can do this after you have completed step 4.
Step 4: Open Applications and get started!
Here are links to the most common application systems that our students use historically:
Common Application (Universities all over the world use this system too)
Study Link (Netherlands)
Step 5:
Watch your school email like a hawk for emails from the Universities you have applied to.
Open the student application portals if they ask you to and check to make sure that a school has registred all of your needed documents.