Checklist for applying to U.S. undergraduate programs

If you are currently in 11th/12th grade and about to enter the United States, it's a good time to check how prepared you are for the admissions process.

The application process itself takes more than one or two months, and can take as long as six months. The application deadline varies from school to school, but most schools have a deadline of January-March, so you should have your application package ready by December.

So let's get started.

• SAT / ACT tests

Most U.S. universities require scores on at least one of these exams. They show how prepared you are for their program. These tests demonstrate your knowledge of math, grammar and comprehension, and academic writing. If you are applying to engineering or science majors, however, you must submit scores on SAT Subjects (such as physics and math, or biology and chemistry).

These tests are given 6 times a year, and seats are very quick to fill, so you should register at least 2-3 months before the test itself. Also, if you are applying for the fall 2020 semester, you must take these tests no later than December 2019 (and in some cases no later than November 2019).

• IELTS / TOEFL tests

These certificates show your level of English. Each university decides what level of English is sufficient to understand their programs. In fact, not all universities in the U.S. accept IELTS, but require the TOEFL certificate.

• Personal Statement

This is an essay of about 650 words in which you have to showcase yourself through some personal history, to introduce the admissions officer to your personality. In short, make the admission officer want you in the ranks of the university.

Many portals recommend that you start writing essays the summer before your senior year of high school, since it takes a few months rather than a single day to write an essay. For a better understanding of what the «perfect» essay should look like, we recommend reading the book ’50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays’.

• Recommendation Letters.

Recommendation letters are needed so that the admissions committee has a chance to look at you through the eyes of another person who knows you intimately enough. They usually require one letter from a science teacher (math, physics, chemistry, or biology) and one letter from a humanities teacher (history, foreign languages, or literature).

In this letter, the teacher should not just describe your qualities and achievements, but also show through concrete examples of school life why you are worthy of studying at this university.

We recommend that you ask your teachers to write you a letter of recommendation at the beginning of your senior year, since it also takes a long time to write.

• Extracurricular Activities

Last on the list, but not least. On the Common App form, you will be given a place to list your hobbies, interests, and possible awards (this is the Honors & Awards section). Through this list, you show how versatile your interests are and how passionate you are about the field in which you plan to study and work. For example, you plan to study chemistry. On this list, you might indicate that you have organized a chemistry prep club, or you have written articles on various chemistry topics for a scientific journal. Or maybe you've been playing basketball professionally since you were 10 years old and have already won quite a few awards. Yes, it's not in your major, but it's a sport that demonstrates your determination and willpower.