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The Application Essay
You will probably also be asked
to write an essay explaining your reasons for wishing to study
at the school you are applying to. This
essay is extremely important -- do not underestimate it. It
can reveal much about you that the straightforward application
form does not, and it provides an excellent opportunity for
you to show yourself as an individual with a colorful background
and unusual circumstances. Many schools place considerable
importance upon this essay, and they may accept some students
based upon a show of strength or intelligence in their essays
who would not be academically qualified otherwise. The
Insiders Guide to the Colleges describes the essay’s
role as "crucial, especially at the more selective colleges."
Recommendations
When submitting
recommendations, be careful about whom you choose to write
on your behalf, especially if you are applying to more competitive
programs. Choosing relatives and friends to write about you
probably is not a good idea; although they may say wonderful
things about you, their opinions do not hold much weight.
Instead, choose teachers or employers, and if you know the
school principal or the town mayor, it certainly would not
hurt to have them supporting you as well. Also, be certain
to choose people who will speak explicitly, as well as generously
on your behalf. A vague description may not be helpful, even
if it is generally positive.
Transcripts
Since
you are an international student, and the U.S. school knows
little about you, the school must place a lot of importance
upon your previous school transcripts. If you have taken courses
at other schools or colleges, be certain to have those transcripts
forwarded to the schools you are applying to also. Be sure
to have all your transcripts forwarded well in advance of
any deadlines.
Some schools
simply will not accept you if your school record is not a
good one, but do not forget that other factors, such as your
essay and your SAT scores, influence your enrollment as well.
Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, GRE
The
schools will also probably request your test scores for the
SAT or ACT (or GRE for graduate programs), which are standardized
college entrance exams. For more information on these tests,
see Standardized Tests: SAT,
ACT, GRE.
Language
Skills: TOEFL
Unless
English is your native language, you will probably be required
to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
to prove your fluency with English. For more information on
TOEFL, see Language Skills:
TOEFL.
For
more details and tips on the application process, see The
College Choice Website.
  
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