Hi all,
Applying for colleges abroad can feel confusing and intimidating. Students also start from different places. Some of you may already know the process and just have a few questions, while others may not know where to even start. Regardless of what your starting point is, we hope this timeline can provide some structure and clarity. This timeline provides a high-level overview, and you’ll find more specific answers to particular questions on our posts. You can ask post questions directly through the forum.
Sophomore Year
Start studying for the SAT/ACT —begin preparing for these standardized exams required in many universities in the US. You can take the test more than once to improve your grades.
Junior Year
Take the SAT and/or ACT—Take the SAT and/or ACT. You should plan to take it more than once. (You can get a fee waiver if the cost of the test is a burden).
Take SAT Subject Tests — We recommend taking 3 subject tests. Even if your high school system is vastly different from the US or if your high school was in Arabic, you can still prepare for the SAT subject tests and take the tests.
Explore colleges —Identify 10 to 15 colleges that you imagine yourself at. Make sure some of those are “dream” schools (very selective), some are “reach” (within your level) and some are “safety” (where you’ll probably get in. Sign up for newsletters to get updates and learn more about them.
Continue searching for scholarships
Junior Summer
Compile application deadlines and requirements for each university — The Common App (used by many universities) consolidates requirements and deadlines.
Decide if you want to apply “early” — you could apply earlier typically in November as “Early Decision” or “Early Action”. Read more about this and decide if it is the right thing for you.
Start your college essays —Read this post if you’re looking for some guidance on how to best think about college essays (hint, they are personal and should be unique to you).
Reach out to potential teachers/coaches/mentors to provide recommendations —You will need around 3 recommendations from teachers/coaches/mentors. You would want to approach teachers who know you well. If your teachers have never written a recommendation letter before or are unfamiliar with the process, read this post here.
Do not forget any scholarship applications — if you found relevant scholarships, make sure you’re applying throughout.
Senior Year
Remember - You Can Still Retake the SAT and/or ACT—you can always improve your grades.
Prioritize your essays —make sure you revise your drafts, and if possible, get a friend or a teacher to give you feedback.
Gather application materials —This will include recommendation letters, essays, transcripts, scholarship applications, SAT scores, TOEFL scores, and forms.
Submit early decision application, if you decide to— you can choose only one university to apply to early, typically in November, but you are required to commit if accepted.
Submit early action applications—some schools offer early action, where you can receive a decision earlier.
Submit CSS PROFILE early— For those applying for financial aid, make sure you submit the CSS profile early.
