The process of deciding who gets into US universities and colleges is unlike any other in the world. It’s a delicate balancing act that involves many factors: academic indicators and measurements about you, characteristics that make you unique, and your future goals and priorities. You’ve probably heard a lot about what you need to do to apply. What you don’t hear as often is how colleges and universities evaluate the applications they receive—particularly those from international students.
You might wonder, for example, what parts admission committees rely on most when making decisions. How do a university’s goals and priorities affect an admission decision about you? How important are factors such as language proficiency, participation in school activities and organizations, or artistic talent? While there are no absolute answers to these questions, one thing is certain: rarely is a student admitted based on only one factor. So, how do American universities review applications?
Holistic application review
Because each college or university has a specific set of goals, priorities, and objectives for their academic outcomes, each one differs in the emphasis it places on parts of the application, including:
- Secondary school achievement
- Standardized tests
- English language proficiency
- Personal statements and letters of recommendation
- Activities and special talents
What you can be sure of is that your application will receive a fair and open review, also known as a holistic review. Admission committee members have years of experience reading applications, understanding the potential of applicants, and making evaluations about who will be a good match for their school. Admission decisions are made carefully and professionally. Except for some very large public or private institutions, most admission decisions are not based on numerical formulas or the results of one comprehensive examination. Offices of admission take great care to understand the person behind the paperwork—the real you. While all of these credentials are part of the decision of which applicants to admit, each plays a slightly different role in the admission process, so let’s dive deeper.
Related: The Big Picture: An Inside Look at Holistic College Admission
Secondary school achievement
Your academic achievement during secondary school is one of the most significant quantitative parts of your application. Your performance will be reviewed within the context of your school and the rigor of the curriculum you pursued, like pursuing IB courses over traditional level courses. They are most interested in students who challenge themselves to the best of their ability. Pay particular attention to your success in the most difficult areas of your curriculum, as you’ll be assessed against their belief in your ability to keep up with a university program. Your guidance counselor can help you select the universities you’re most suited for based on your academic preparation, your goals, and your personal preferences You need to try to find a good balance between yourself and the academic rigor of the colleges to which you apply.
Standardized admission tests
Standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT serve the important purpose of providing admission committees with a common set of criteria to evaluate the skills and aptitudes of students who come from hundreds of different schools and whose backgrounds and academic preparation vary widely. You must take required tests well in advance of the deadline for submitting your applications, so you have plenty of preparation time to get your best scores. Just as there is no single secondary school level of achievement that guarantees you admission, there is no universal score or threshold that automatically guarantees or denies admission, but the higher your scores, the stronger your application.
English language proficiency
In addition to standardized tests, schools also may require language exam scores. If your native language is not English, most universities will ask you to demonstrate your ability to read and write to avoid barriers to your success as a college student. Your language proficiency will be reflected on several parts of the application anyway, but most US universities will require you to take the TOEFL or some equivalent test. If you feel your English skills aren’t as good as they could be, don’t be discouraged. Your scores will improve with frequent use and constant practice. A university may still admit you, although you may be required to get additional language training provided by the university before you’re allowed to pursue a full course schedule.
Related: University Admission Exams for International Students: The Ultimate Guide
Personal statements and letters of recommendation
Application essays and letters of recommendation are very important, especially if you don’t have the opportunity to visit colleges in person or interview with an admission representative. Your essay helps an admission committee understand your personality, your perspective on life, and your special interests and skills, revealing more about you as a person and as a potential member of the university community. Personal essays can be challenging to write, but they work best when they reveal information about your thoughts and unique qualities that might not otherwise be mentioned in your application.
On the other hand, recommendation letters provide important insights about your academic abilities and your contributions to your school and your community from a third-party perspective. These letters should be written by people who know you well and can attest to your qualifications. You might ask teachers, college counselors, or employers to write your letters of recommendation. Be sure to tell them what you plan to study in college and give them a list of your activities and accomplishments. Remember to inform them of the submission deadline so that your application is not delayed.
Activities and special talents and interests
If you’re talented in athletics, music, art, theater, debate, or a similar area, make sure the universities you apply to know about it. A review of your involvement in school activities helps admission committees understand how you spend time outside of the classroom, what you’re passionate about, and how you might contribute to organizations, activities, and teams on campus. However, universities will not typically penalize an otherwise strong student whose lack of involvement in activities is the result of fewer opportunities. You can even utilize your essays to explain these circumstances.
Most applications offer sections for students to simply list their activities, but many schools will be pleased to receive a portfolio or other media that demonstrates your unique ability or accomplishments if you have them. However, always check with the school first as some have firm policies about submitting supplementary materials. If you do send a portfolio, be sure to send a modest selection of your best work and never the original copies.
Related: Will Clubs and Activities Boost My College Applications?
US universities actively encourage international students to apply and value the contributions they’ll make to their college communities. If you’re considering an American university or college, start by searching for schools that fit your academic, personal, and social interests. All universities and colleges have a set of institutional values that guide who is ultimately admitted, which can often account for why great students may not be seen as matches for every school. Your application is more likely to be reviewed favorably if you seek out schools that meet your values, and you’re more likely to be offered admission at the university of your choice if you meet theirs.
Looking for more great universities that are looking for you? Apply to some of the awesome schools on our featured global college lists and get connected to them directly!
