Tips for Successful US College Application Submission

It is almost the end of the year. For those of you in grade 12, it is now down to the last stretch before submitting your US college applications as the January 1 deadline looms near.

The last couple of months have been tough. Juggling school, research and exams with seemingly endless application work–choosing colleges, filling forms, verifying academic requirements, writing and editing essays and coordinating reference letters and transcripts. As you finalise your applications, don’t forget that the presentation of your application and the attention to detail counts.

Consider these 10 simple, yet critical finishing touches before you click ‘submit’ on your US college application form:

1) Review your application thoroughly:

Make sure the spacing is consistent in every section; check capitalisation, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

2) Use either UK or US spelling:

Both UK and US are acceptable but don’t switch between the two. Be consistent throughout the application.

3) Contextualise Indian terms:

The admissions officer may not be aware of the meaning behind certain ‘Indianisms’ such as Dada or Dadi. Rather than Dada, use paternal grandfather or for Nani, maternal grandmother should be used. Also, avoid using phrases such as ‘topper’, ‘pass out’, ‘clear my doubts’ or ‘take it up’ in your essays. These are colloquialisms and have no relevance in other US education!

4) Use the proper tense:

This is especially important when you are describing activities, honours or achievements. Using the wrong tense may confuse or mislead.

5) Recheck all links:

Ascertain that links to articles or videos included are active and functional. If you have uploaded a video to slide room, make sure that it is of good quality.

6) Ensure your test scores are submitted on time:

Some colleges super score and some don’t. So, ensure you send out the appropriate test scores.

7) Follow up with your school:

Your school is responsible for sending out documents such as letters of recommendation and transcripts. These need to be sent to the selected colleges by the stated deadline.

8) Check your additional documents:

Upload or send any additional documentation required when applying for aid in addition to the CSS profile.

9) Follow the instructions:

Certain colleges may have additional requirements. Ensure that you read every communication sent to you, especially if you are invited to apply for a scholarship,  Mak sure you adhere to the deadlines of any additional requirements.

10) Preview and check the PDF version of your application:

If you are submitting your application via the Common Application platform, recheck the PDF that is automatically generated before you are prompted to pay. This is the version admissions officers review.

If you need some help before you submit your application, get in touch with us. Good luck!