Undergraduate Studies


Undergradute degree
Choosing the best college
Calendar for applying
Strong applications
Admissions essays
Cost of study in the US
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College as foundation for graduate school
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Defferal of admissions
There's More Than Just A Form

Applications vary from college to college, but most require some or all of the following parts:

Application Form

In the old days (well, a few years ago), you had one application option -- a handwritten or typed form. Today you can apply electronically, entering your information just once. Don't think that this means you can wait till the last minute though. You still need to send in letters of recommendation and transcripts in regular mail, before the deadlines.

Application Fee

The application fee can be as little as $25 or as much as $100 or more. The fee is usually nonrefundable, even if you're not offered admission. Many colleges offer fee waivers for applicants from low-income families. If you need a fee waiver, contact the college's admission office for more information. Only resort to the waiver if its an emergency.

Transcript

This form is filled out by an official of the educational institution you last attended. If it comes with your admission materials, you should give the form to the office of your school or university to complete as early as possible. Some colleges send this form directly to your school after receiving your application.

Admission Test Scores

At many colleges, you have to submit SATŪ I/II or ACT test scores. Many colleges require admission tests because they are a standard way of measuring a student's ability to do college-level work.

Letters of Recommendation

Many private colleges ask you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, employer or other adult who knows you well. When asking someone to write such a letter, be sure to do so well before the college's deadline. Who you ask will vary depending on whether you are applying into graduate or undergraduate programs.

Undergraduate Essay

If you're applying to private colleges, your essay often plays a very important role. Whether you're writing an autobiographical statement or an essay on a specific theme, take the opportunity to express your individuality in a way that sets you apart from other applicants.

Interview

This is required or recommended by some colleges. Even if it's not required, it's a good idea to set up an interview because it gives you a chance to make a personal connection with someone who will have a voice in deciding whether or not you'll be offered admission. If you're too far away for an on-campus interview, try to arrange to meet with an alumnus of the US univeristy who is now in Pakistan. The University will give you the contact info. of those they allow to do their interviews.

Audition/Portfolio

If you're applying for a program such as music, art, or design, you may have to document prior work by auditioning on campus or submitting an audiotape, slides, or some other sample of your work to demonstrate your ability. Remember, all parts of your application should come together to create an accurate portrait of who you are, of what you'll bring to the college. If possible, there should be a theme running through it.

Application Do's And Don'ts

Review These Pointers Before You Send Your Application:
DO..
  • Read all directions carefully.
  • Apply online, if possible, PRINT OUT THE APPLICATION AND DO IT IN ROUGH FIRST, so you're less likely to make careless errors ONLINE.
  • Have someone read and proof-read all parts of your application.
  • Use your essay as a chance to show admission officers that you're more than grades and test scores.
  • Include anything that makes you stand out from the crowd, such as honors, awards, or special talents.
  • Review your high school transcript before it's sent to colleges, to see that it accurately reflects your courses, activities, awards, and grades.
  • Make copies of everything you send.
  • Keep track of when and where you send material.
  • Find out if the college accepts special material, such as a sample of your artwork.
  • Clarify, just because you know that "President, D.C.A.S." means "President, Dawson's Creek Admiration Society," doesn't mean the counselor will.
DON'T..
  • Procrastinate.
  • Lie or exaggerate -- it will come back to haunt you.
  • Leave off important details. For example, if you play in the school band, include what instrument you play.
  • Get sloppy with typos or the application's appearance. It looks like you just don't care.
  • "Borrow" ideas for your essays, whether from a friend or a Web site. Your essay should be your own.
  • Use gimmicks to get the admission officer's attention. For example, by sending a vial of red food coloring with a note, "I'll sweat blood for you."
  • Go way over the college's length limit for the essay. Admission officers have limited time, and lots of essays to review. If you need to, you can include supplemental material.
  • Drop the ball once your application is sent. Write thank-you letters to recommendation writers and call colleges to see if your application is complete.
  • Be a pest. Contact the admission office judiciously.