Your Ultimate Guide

To College Admissions
Prepared by STEM October’s students
Under the Supervision of:
Mr. Sowelam Mehany Mr. Reda Elsherbiny
Competitions Coordinator School Principal
 Prepared by:

Mohanad Ashraf

Philopater Atef
Mahmoud Marwan

Mohamed Gomaa

Kareem Hisham

Andrew Raafat

Ahmed Ibrahim

Gasser Mamdouh

Abdelrahman Khater

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents................................................................................. 3
Introduction........................................................................................ 4
Extracurriculars ................................................................................. 5
Community Service ........................................................................... 6
Competitions ................................................................................... 13
Summer Programs .......................................................................... 23
The Difference Between SAT 2 and AP Exams .............................. 29
College Search ................................................................................ 32
Financial Aid .................................................................................... 49
TOEFL & IELTS .............................................................................. 50
The Common App ........................................................................... 52
Personal Statement ......................................................................... 54
Recommendation Letters ................................................................ 56
College Interviews ........................................................................... 64
Conclusion....................................................................................... 65

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Introduction

Ready to embark on a journey in the United States? Although these words

seem dreamy, they can be true. US colleges welcome thousands of interna-

tional students every year, and this year you can be one of them. Since liv-

ing and studying in the US can be a tad expensive, Universities offer schol-

arships for students to attend. These scholarships are worth a lot of money,

and can be competitive to get. The rest of this file is full of steps, tips, and

information about US Colleges, the admissions process and how and where

to begin.

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Extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities are just activities that you do outside of class.
There are many extracurricular activities including:
• Sports, which includes playing on a school sport team, an intramural team, or a club team outside
of your school.

• Community Service, which includes any sort of volunteer work, either in your community, on a
national scale, or abroad.

• Employment, including any jobs or internships.

• Arts, which includes visual arts, performing arts, comedy, culinary arts – this list is almost
endless.

• Hobbies, such as blogging, a film club, hiking, Rubik's Cube competitions, and more.

• Academic activities, such as math or science clubs or competitions, research, or writing

What to do

If you are a freshman, I would recommend trying out a bunch of different activities--up to ten if there
are that many you have an interest in. The idea at this stage is to sample a variety of
extracurriculars. Once you start to get an idea of which activities are going to really help you develop
the interests you are most passionate about, you can dedicate more time to those and drop the others.

If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, you should hopefully already have an idea of the kinds of
activities that you want to focus on. Make a list of the top five activities that interest you. If you have
the time to try out all five, go for it. This will give you a bit of time to experiment and see what most
of interest is. If you do not have time, try to narrow down your top five to three activities.

Have you always wanted to try out something related to art, but weren't sure if it would be worth
your time, or if it would be viewed favorably by a college admissions team? Keep in mind that
colleges do not really care about what kind of activity you are doing—instead, they want to see
that you are doing something that you are passionate about.

Choose activities that will allow you to make a meaningful impact, either in your own development,
or in the community

Colleges love to see that students are active, contributing members of their communities. Even more
importantly, they love to see students who are developing their talents and passions.

When a student is actively involved in the community and other activities in high school, there is a
good chance that they will be doing something similar in college. Universities like to be known as
hubs of activity, charity, and culture, and it's largely the students that make them that way.

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Community Service
Community service is work done by a person or group of people that benefits others. It is often done
near the area where you live, so your own community reaps the benefits of your work. You do not
get paid to perform community service, though sometimes food and small gifts, like a t-shirt, are
given to volunteers.

Community service can help any group of people in need: children, senior citizens, people with
disabilities, English language learners, and more. It can also help animals, such as those at a shelter,
and it can be used to improve places, such as a local park, historic building, or scenic area as
well. Community service is often organized through a local group, such as a place of worship,
school, or non-profit organization. You can also start your own community service projects.

Common roles at extracurricular activities

Student activities coordinators are responsible for planning, budgeting and organizing many aspects
of student activities and programs. They typically work with staff, students, and administration at
Universities or colleges. Strong communication skills, the ability to budget, coordinate events,
develop programs and work with different

Members
The role of a committee member is to participate at committee meetings and offer help and support
to any tasks that need completing. The responsibilities are: ensuring that all decisions are taken in the
best interests of the committee and that their role is carried out effectively.

Committees

1. PR

Public relations (PR) is a communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships
between organizations and its publics. To build such relationships with as much communities as
possible, it’s required to have the required social and communication skills.

2. FR

Fundraisers organize events and campaigns to raise money and other kinds of donations for an
organization. They also may design promotional materials and increase awareness of an
organization's work, goals, and financial needs

3. HR

Human resources specialists are responsible for recruiting, screening, interviewing and placing
members. Human resources members develop and manage their team's culture. HR decisions could
have an impact on organizational performance. They may also handle members relations and their
training. Human resources plan, direct and coordinate the administrative functions of a team.

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 4. Logistics

Logistics is generally the detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation.

Logistics refers to the overall process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and
transported to their final destination. Logistics management involves identifying prospective
distributors and suppliers and determining their effectiveness and accessibility.

5. Social Media, marketing, and content creation

Social Media committee are responsible for planning, implementing, managing and monitoring
team's Social Media strategy in order to increase brand awareness, improve Marketing efforts and
increase sales.

The Marketing Committee is an advisory committee to the marketing department. Each committee
member brings unique marketing experience and a wealth of knowledge to share. Their role is to act
as a sounding board for marketing strategies and tools, develop and hone innovative ideas, and
provide feedback on marketing activities as requested by the marketing team. Marketing teams are
generally responsible of the visual idea you have when you hear about particular organization or
product. Good marketing can shift the state of companies and organizations to whole new levels

6. Multimedia and design

Multimedia committee is also the branch’s mirror for the outside people. They cover our events in
different ways. It may be one committee, but they have multiple jobs. The first one is Photography.
They are responsible for the event’s live documentations by capturing its precious moments.
The second one is Video Editing, whose job is also documenting an event but in a different form.
They collect events moments in videos and make one beautiful heartwarming video that passes down
the event’s feelings to the next generation to feel its spirit.
Finally, our talented designers. Their job is symbolizing, as they design and edit the logos or pictures
of the event.

7. Technical committee

If you are a technical geek or gifted with some technical skills and want to develop it then this is the
right place for you. In our technical committee
they provide sessions to improve your skills and help you learn new ones. they help our members
gain new skills like, Embedded systems, programming, web and mobile apps development. They
help you fill that gap between academic knowledge in college and experience needed for the
marketplace.

8. Coaching

Coaching is a developmental approach to working and interacting with other people. It can help
people develop their personal capabilities, interpersonal skills and capacity to understand and
empathize with others. A coach instructs people on the skills and they can coach an amateur or
professional team. They improve a team’s performance and skills by developing practice drills and
conditioning sessions. Coaches are also involved in the recruitment and scouting of potential talent.
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Volunteers
A volunteer is: an “individual who performs hours of service' for civic, charitable, or humanitarian
reasons, without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered. Being a
volunteer means that you are offering something – something that is not required nor an obligation.
... Most of the time, to volunteer means that you are working side by side with others. This connects
you to other human beings as you are working toward a common goal. When you volunteer, you are
making connections.

Delegates

A delegate is a person selected to represent a group of people in some political assembly of the
United States. There are various types of delegates elected to different political bodies.

Speaker

A speaker can perform a number of different roles. They can energize a crowd, inspire them, support
the event themes, add value by sharing insider knowledge, offer a new perspective, break up the
more routine aspects of the event and entertain.

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Well known and popular teams/non-profit organizations:

1. CCC

The Education USA Competitive College Club (CCC) is an intensive group advising program that assists
top high school students who want to be competitive applicants to U.S. colleges and universities. Students
meet year-round and participate in lectures, book clubs, community service activities, cross-cultural
exercises and test preparation, all conducted in English. The activities help ensure that students are properly
advised as they go through the process of preparing themselves both academically and socially for a U.S.
college or university, and work to determine which schools might be a good fit.

2. TEDx

TEDx A TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED-like talks and performances are shared with the
community. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-
community basis. The content and design of each TEDx event is unique and developed independently, but
all of them have features in common. A TEDx event is organized by volunteers from the local community,
and just like TED events, it lacks any commercial, religious or political agenda. Its goal is to spark
conversation, connection and community.

3. IEEE

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for
the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community to innovate for a better
tomorrow through its more than 419,000 members in over 160 countries, and its highly cited
publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. IEEE is
the trusted “voice” for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe.

4. MUN (Model United Nations)

MUN Model United Nations teaches core lessons in cross-cultural understanding. Students learn
how to resolve interstate policy differences, how to adapt to changing circumstances, and also learn
general communication skills through moderated and unmoderated debate. However, the true
challenge of cross-cultural relationships can only be discovered by interacting with peers from a
different country.
5. AUC Robotics

AUC robotics Robotics Club is a student-run organization at AUC with the main of spreading
robotics knowledge among the AUC community and beyond. Ever since its establishment in 2008,
Robotics Club has been organizing, hosting, and managing lots of robotics-related events, courses,
and conferences that have created a large community of robotics geeks inside the larger community
of AUC. The programs and activities done by the club have been proven suitable for its target
audience, regardless of their technical experience in the field of robotics. From basic robotics courses
for beginners to extremely challenging international competitions for technically experienced geeks,
the club members have managed to promote their passion for robotics by gaining new experiences
every day and winning both national and international competitions each year.

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 6. ASME

ASME stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a representative of art, science and
the practice of multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe. ASME is a non-
profit organization, an engineering society and a research and development establishment. They
assemble engineering students who desire to hone their skills and step up with their careers,
preparing them for professionalism. They intend to help engineering disciples by joining a
professional engineering society, improving their knowledge in recent developments in mechanical
engineering in particular, in industry and the market in general. ASME organizes technical seminars,
soft skills seminars, field trips, conferences, orientation sessions in addition to other entertaining
events and awareness campaigns.

7. Clean shores Egypt

Youth love Egypt (clean Shores Egypt) Clean Shores is an initiative launched in February 2019 by
The Youth love Egypt Foundation, and will be the second phase of the project to reduce the use of
plastics, this came in partnership with the media center of the United Nations, as well as the Nile
River Protection Authority, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in addition to the
Ministry of Youth And sports, and a protocol was signed with the Qaliubiya governorate, and the
campaign activities extend for two years. The team aims to raise awareness of plastic damage and
limit its use in North Africa, with the participation of institutions and associations from different
countries.

8. Mirus

Mirus is an organization, consisting of an assembly of skilled designers aiming to provide media

assistance to its partners. MIRUS will be distinguished by its focus on educating people who are
interested in art and designers who excel in their chosen eld with integrity, professionalism, and
community leadership.

9. Ignite
Ignite is a non-profit organization that is all about fast and fun presentations. It represents the best
modern culture has to offer. Ignite talks are only five minutes long on various topics that target the
interests of modern-day audiences. Speakers will have a 20-slide presentation, with each one
automatically advancing every 15 seconds. Only speakers capable of tackling an intriguing/engaging
topic within a short time limit are chosen to be part of our journey.
10. Energia powered
Energia Powered is a student activity which was held for the first time in the academic year
2011/2012. It is completely managed and organized by students under the supervision of the faculty
of engineering professors and administration. The idea was raised to provide students with the
supplementary skills needed in the labor market. They are preparing calibers by developing students
in both personal and career levels to make them qualified for the market needs. They are enhancing
student's technical and non-technical skills through events and projects.
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 11. Resala
Resala was established in 1999 as a youth movement at Cairo University and Sheriff Abd Al Azim,
an engineering professor, supervised the movement.
It is powered by over 1,500,000 volunteers spanning 67 branches all over Egypt. It provides 31
activities aiming at helping the Egyptian community. These activities include: caring for orphans,
helping the blind, the deaf, children with special needs, blood donation, poverty
alleviation, literacy training.
12. GDG

GDG is the abbreviation of google developer group, which is a non-profit entity for all developers
and people who are excited in many programming activities. Everyone and anyone interested in tech
- from beginner developers to experienced professionals - are welcome to join. Most of the members
at GDG have the opportunity to meet local and international developers with similar interests in
technology, attend talks on a very wide range of technical topics, and learn some new skills by
attending workshops.

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Other school-related teams and clubs
• Astronomy Club
• Biology Club
• Chemistry Club
• Economics Club
• Electronics Club
• Engineering Club
• English Club
• French Club
• German Club
• Literary Magazine Club
• Math Club
• Physics Club
• Psychology Club
• Robotics Club
• Web design/coding club
• Writing Club
• Art Club
• Drama Club
• Graphic Design
• Photography
• School or local magazine/journal
• School or local newspaper
• School or local web site
• Any musical interest clubs
• Gamers Club
• Environmental Club
• Animal Rights Club
• Entrepreneurship Club
• Business Club
• Sports Club
• Olympiad Club

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Competitions
1. Nasa Space Apps Cairo and Alexandria
Space Apps is an international hackathon for coders, scientists, designers,
storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, and others in cities around the
world, where teams engage with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration’s data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space.
Previous Participants and Award Winners
• Team Members: Ahmed Abdelkader — Ali Krema — Mazen Kazem
Awards: National Winners in Special Education Local Challenge
• Team Members: Amir Arafa — Wael Gamal — Omar Ayman
Awards National Winners in “What the World Needs Now” Category, “Look Globe-ally”
Challenge
• Team Members: Mohammed Fahd — Mohamed Hesham — Ahmed Saad Shaarawy
Awards: National Winners in “A Universe of Beauty and Wonder” Category, “On the Shoulder of
Giants” Challenge
Link: https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/spaceappscairo/

2. International Physics Olympiads:

The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is an annual physics competition for
high school students. It is one of the International Science Olympiads. Each
national delegation is made up of at most five student competitors plus two leaders,
selected on a national level. Observers may also accompany a national team. The
students compete as individuals and must sit for intensive theoretical and
laboratory examinations. For their efforts, the students can be awarded gold, silver,
or bronze medals or an honorable mention.
Previous Participants and Award Winners
2016 participants and awards:
• Samy Mohamed Farrag: Bronze Medal
• Mohamed Al-Sharnoby: Bronze Medal
2017 Participants and awards:
• Mohannad Elkholy: Silver Medal
2018 Participants and awards:
• Ahmed Haris: Bronze Medal
• Abdelrahman Adham: Participated
• Mustafa Ehab: Participated
Link: https://ideasgym.com/collections/online-competitions/products/ipho-egypt-registration
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3. International Biology Olympiads:
The "International Biology Olympiad" (IBO) is the association that organizes the world's premier
biology competition for secondary school students. In bringing together gifted students, the IBO
competition challenges and stimulates these students to expand their talents and to promote their future
careers as scientists.
Previous Participants and Award Winners
2016 (First Egyptian Participation) Participants and awards:
• Ahmed Ehab Gado: Bronze Medal
• Abdulrahman Ashraf: Participated
2019 Participants and awards:
• Abdulrahman Ali: Participated
• Omar Abdallah: Participated
• Youssef Abulzaher: Participated
• Youssef Yasser: Participated
Link: https://ideasgym.com/pages/science-olympiads

4. International Mathematics Olympiads:

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the World Championship Mathematics
Competition for High School students and is held annually in a different country. The IMO Board
ensures that the competition takes place each year and that each host country observes the regulations
and traditions of the IMO.
https://ideasgym.com/collections/online-competitions/products/math

5. International Olympiad in Informatics:

The International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) is an annual competitive programming competition
for secondary school students. The contest consists of two days of computer programming/coding and
problem-solving of algorithmic nature. To deal with problems involving very large amounts of data, it
is necessary to have not only programmers, "but also creative coders, who can dream up what it is that
the programmers need to tell the computer to do.
https://ioinformatics.org

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6. Egyptian Olympiad for Informatics:
Since 2003 until now, the Regional Center for Informatics at the Arab Academy for Science,
Technology and Maritime Transport has been preparing and training students at the republic level in
cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Communications and Information
Technology to conduct annual training for Egyptian pre-university students to prepare them to
participate in the Egyptian Olympiad for Informatics (EOI).
https://www.facebook.com/eoi.eg

7. Arab Chemistry Olympiad:

The International Chemistry Olympiad is an international competition in chemistry for high school
students. These competitions are held annually in July of every year, and are held in a different country,
and last for ten days. In this International Olympiad, nearly three hundred students, from about seventy
different countries, are competing to achieve the best results, to obtain Olympic medals, which paves
the way for them with the best options and future opportunities.
https://ideasgym.com/pages/science-olympiads

8. Mediterranean Youth Mathematical Championship:

The aim of the MYMC is to bring together Mediterranean youth of different backgrounds through their
shared passion for mathematics. It is our hope that long-lasting connections will be built, and in turn,
greater understanding among different cultures will be advanced.
http://www.mymc.it

9. Genius Olympiad:
GENIUS Olympiad is an international high school project competition about environmental issues. It
is founded and organized by Terra Science and Education and hosted by the Rochester Institute of
Technology. GENIUS Olympiad will host projects in five general disciplines with an environmental
focus.
https://geniusolympiad.org

10. International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition:

The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition is an international science competition
that enables students from all countries to prove their skills and to unleash their creativity in the fields
of astronomy and astrophysics. IAAC gives you the unique opportunity to apply your skills to
challenging problems. Participants can receive certificates, awards, cash prizes, and global recognition.
https://iaac.space/en

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11. Egyptian Brain Bee:
This is the first Neuroscience competition to be held in Egypt as a part of the International Brain Bee
competition. Alexandria Neuroscience Committee (ANC) is proud to be the current Egyptian chapter
coordinator in collaboration with the Neuropsychiatry and Neuropediatric departments of the Faculty
of Medicine of Alexandria University.
https://www.facebook.com/egyptbrainbee

12. Intel ISEF:

Every year, tens of millions of students participate in science fairs around the globe but only about
1,800 earn the right to compete for nearly $5 million awards bestowed each May at the Regeneron
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). In 2021, the competition will take place virtually
to keep our finalists, volunteers, judges and staff safe during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/

13. First Lego League:

FIRST® LEGO® League guides youth through STEM learning and exploration at an early age. From
Discover, to Explore, and then to Challenge, students will understand the basics of STEM and apply
their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork
skills along the way.
https://www.firstlegoleague.org

14. Diamond Challenge:

The Diamond Challenge is the catalyst that propels high school entrepreneurs to the next level through
meaningful connections, resources and transformative feedback.
https://diamondchallenge.org/competition

15. Z-Dare Entrepreneurship Challenge:

This entrepreneurship challenge is for Generation Z – high school students aged from 14 to 18. A new
theme will be given each year to help students come up with innovative solutions that address and
tackle pressing societal issues taking place in their country.
https://www.uofcanada.edu.eg/news/1st-annual-entrepreneurship-challenge

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16. International Youth Math Challenge:
The International Youth Math Challenge is one of the biggest online math competitions for students
from all around the world: Unleash your creativity, knowledge, and math skills.
https://iymc.info/en

17. Crisis Hack X by MENA Hacks:

Crisis HackX, in a virtual (online) hackathon to fight the crisis of COVID-19, by empowering young
people to innovate and create ideas that can relieve some problems raised recently according to our
needs. With almost the whole world in quarantine, this raises a unique problem in terms of support for
different fields. Support Health, Support Education, Support Remote Work/Business.
https://menahacks.com

18. Global Math Challenge

Closed now (Their website)
https://www.sonyged.com/global-math

19. Blast off:

The Science Fair is a celebration for young researchers and engineers through presenting their findings
to the world during the finals.
Students and Teachers work on real research and engineering projects through applying scientific
research methodology and engineering process.
https://ideasgym.com/pages/blastoff-science-eng-fair

20. EISTEF
Egypt International Science and Technology Fair® (EISTF), a program of The Egyptian Association
for Science and Engineering (EASE). EISTF is quite similar to ISEF. It is sometimes regarded as the
localized form of the competition.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/EISTF/

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21. Kangaroo Maths
Math Kangaroo (also known as International Mathematical
Kangaroo, or Kangourou sans frontières in French) is an
international mathematical competition where over 92 countries are
represented. There are twelve levels of participation, ranging from
grade 1 to grade 12. According to the organizers, the key competence
tested by Mathematical Kangaroo is logical combination, not just
pure knowledge of formulas.
Link: http://math.kangarooegypt.com/

22. Sumo Robotics

The National Tournament for Robot SUMO in Egypt that qualify to the International Robot SUMO
Tournament in Japan.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/AllEgyptRobotSumoTournament/

23. Face and Race

Face and Race is a robotics competition. Teams are asked to build a robot that has the ability to race
on a specified track. The winners are teams with robots that managed to cross the first line first.

24. HIPPO English Olympiads:

Hippo “English Without Borders” Olympiad is an international
Olympiad which promotes English language, challenges students
around the globe to compete in English language knowledge, and
improves the co-operation between teachers. The Olympiad
encourages the development of a shared sense of identity and
integration, serves as a role model for young people living together
as one community. The main goal is to create and nourish friendly
relations, international understanding and a spirit of sporting
competitiveness between young people interested in English
language from all around the world.
Link: http://hippo-competition.org/index.html

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25. ROV Competition:
The MATE ROV Competition is a global student underwater robotics (remotely operated vehicle or
ROV) competition that consists of World Championship and a network of 41 (and growing!) regional
contests that take place across North America, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Western
Pacific. Hundreds of student teams from upper elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, home
schools, community colleges, universities, and community organizations, such as the Boys and Girls
Club and 4-H, participate.
Link: https://materovcompetition.org/

26. Minesweepers: Towards a Landmine-free World

Minesweepers is an outdoor robotic
competition that aims at raising the public
awareness of the seriousness of the
landmines and UXOs contamination and
fostering robotics research and its
applications in the area of humanitarian
demining in the world. In this competition,
each participating team constructs a teleoperated/autonomous unmanned ground/aerial vehicle that
must be able to search for underground and aboveground anti-personnel landmines and UXOs. The
position and the type of each detected object are visualized and overlaid on the minefield map. The
robot must be able to navigate through rough terrain that mimics a real minefield.
Link: http://landminefree.org/

27. Tatawwar Program

Tatawwar, meaning “To Develop” in Arabic, is an exciting,
interactive program brought to you by HSBC in partnership with
Potential.com.

The program will bring together students, schools, parents and the
business community to help innovate for a shared future. It will give
students the chance to practice important business skills, understand
sustainable commitments, connect with the corporate world, and hear
from some extraordinary professionals along the way.

The winners will get the once in a life-time chance to showcase their
innovative ideas at EXPO 2020 in Dubai.
Link: https://tatawwar.com/

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28. Fykos
FYKOS is a correspondence physics competition for all high-school students (under 19 years) with
interest in physics. We publish a problem set six times during a school year. You have approximately
one month to solve these problems and to send us your
answers, ideas and conclusions back. We correct and mark
your solutions, and then we send them back to you with
our commentary, next problem set and current ranking. At
the end of a school year, a list of the best participants is
put together. We reward leading participants with special
prizes.
Link: https://fykos.org/en

29. Smart Innovative Competition

InnovSpace Competition is a competition presented for school students
in the Arab Republic of Egypt, each stage is judged by Separately,
based on students ’abilities at these educational levels. The competition
aims to develop designs submitted by the winning teams and present
them to entrepreneurs and startups in the form of projects and initiatives
to serve the community and develop its resources.
Link: https://innovspace.co/

30. Library Competitions

Various competitions held every year. For further information, you can refer to the head of the
library committee in your school.

31. Beamline
The competition invites teams of high-school students to propose a
scientific experiment that they want to perform at a particle accelerator.
The two teams that prepare the best proposals will win a trip to a
particle accelerator facility to perform their experiments at a fully-
equipped beamline. Because of the maintenance of CERN's
accelerators since the end of 2018, the winning experiments in 2021
will run at DESY in Hamburg, Germany. There are additional prizes for
a shortlist of teams and certificates for all participants.
Link: https://beamlineforschools.cern/home

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32. Chem 13 News & Avogadro Exams
The Chem 13 News and Avogadro Exams are challenging online exams written by more than 6000
grade 11 and 12 Chemistry high school students every May, and consist of 40 multiple choice
questions written in a 75-minute exam period. All participants are eligible for a certificate from the
University of Waterloo. Top performing students from North America, and their schools, receive a
limited-edition plaque featuring an element from our Timeline of Elements poster. The Chem 13
News Exam is designed for Grade 12 high school chemistry students in their second high school
chemistry course. Topics include: organic chemistry, equilibria, kinetics, oxidation-reduction,
bonding, structure, reactions, solutions, and gases. The Avogadro Exam is designed for Grade
11 high school students in their first high school chemistry course. Topics include: structure of
matter, bonding, reactions, solutions, and gases. The test includes a few probing and demanding
questions on some of the main topics of high school chemistry. Link:
https://uwaterloo.ca/chemistry/about-chemistry/community-outreach/chemistry-high-school-exams

33. Sir Isaac Newton Exam

The Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) exam is a test of high school physics and is offered by the Department of
Physics & Astronomy at the University of Waterloo to encourage the teaching of physics. The exam,
although challenging, is meant to be refreshing and fun. Political and other topical humor have marked
SIN exams for years. Students participate from across Canada, the USA and abroad. Students should
approach their physics teacher or guidance counsellor who will have access to all the details (or they
can get the details by visiting this web site).
Link: https://uwaterloo.ca/sir-isaac-newton-exam/

34. I-SWEEP
The International Sustainable World (Engineering Energy Environment) Project Olympiad draws
hundreds of the brightest STEM-focused students all around the world together each year to compete
in a collaborative environment.
Link: http://competitions.umd.edu/content/international-sustainable-world-project-olympiad-i-
sweeep

35. iCAN
iCAN is a global contest for students interested in advanced engineering applications for improving
our society (monitoring of health and environment, efficient energy harvesting, autonomous systems,
software control, etc.). Key disciplines involve Microengineering, Nanotechnology, Robotics,
Biomedical Engineering, etc). The spirit of iCAN is that students design, assemble and demonstrate a
working system by using commercial electronic, optical, mechatronic components, provided by
university laboratory, often sponsored by companies.
Link: https://www.tisias.org/

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36. World Robot Olympiad
Starting in 2004, World Robot Olympiad has developed to a truly global competition. WRO
tournaments are organized in more than 60 countries and each season new countries join the
movement. The WRO international final in November is hosted by a different country each year.
World Robot Olympiad Association is a non-profit organization. All revenue from sponsorships and
fees is invested in support of our mission, which is to promote robotics in STEM education
worldwide.
Link: https://wro-association.org/home

37. VEX
In the VEX Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation,
teams of students are tasked with designing and building a robot to play against other teams in a
game-based engineering challenge. Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn
lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership communications, and more. Tournaments are held year-round
at the regional, state, and national levels and culminate at the VEX Robotics World Championship
each April!
Link: https://www.vexrobotics.com/competition

38. The Arab Reading Challenge (ARC)

The Arab Reading Challenge (ARC) is the largest-ever Arab literacy initiative. Launched by His
UAE Vice President and Prime Minister of the and Ruler of Dubai Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum to encourage students to read, ARC challenges students to read as many books
as possible (over 50) in one academic year.
Link: https://www.arabreadingchallenge.com/

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Summer Programs
A pre-college summer program offers high school students the opportunity to take classes at a col-
lege and experience college life during the summer. Many programs offer a residential and com-
muter option. Students can stay in dorms with their peers, or they can commute from home if they
live close to the college. Typically, these programs range anywhere from one to eight weeks.
During these programs, not only are students able to take classes from college professors or visiting
scholars, but they’re also able to listen to lectures from alumni and participate in social activities.
Many selective private colleges, including Stanford, Harvard, and Columbia, offer pre-college sum-
mer programs for high school students.
Some of these programs are open enrolment (anyone can attend), and others require admission
through an application process. The selective programs typically require teacher recommendations,
application essays, and standardized test scores. Check a specific program’s website for its admis-
sions requirements.

Examples:
1. YIRLI
The Yale International Relations Leadership Institute (YIRLI) is an intensive, exhilarating summer
institute, where students hail from all around the world and explore issues in international relations,
enhance their leadership capacity, improve their public speaking skills, make friends and mentors at
the institute, and ideate upon the world’s most pressing issues through an entrepreneurial lens. Stu-
dents will additionally improve their Model United Nations and debating skills through workshops
and simulations led by Yale students from the Yale International Relations Association and explore
the plethora of exciting resources and opportunities available through Yale.
Link: http://yirli.org

2. YYGS
Yale Young Global Scholars empowers the next generation of leaders by building a global commu-
nity and designing interdisciplinary programs that foster intellectual curiosity, deepen understanding
and inspire creative action across all borders. https://globalscholars.yale.edu/

3. YYAS
The mission of YYAS is to expose Africa’s brightest young leaders to various opportunities for pur-
suing tertiary education, and to equip them with the skills to serve their communities and the world.
In line with Yale’s mission of educational accessibility, YYAS is free for all students.
Link: https://africanscholars.yale.edu

4. LaunchX:
LaunchX brings together top aspiring high school entrepreneurs from around the world each sum-
mer, supporting you through the process of launching an actual start-up.
https://launchx.com/summer-program
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 5. BP Global STEM Academies—AFS:
The AFS Academies are highly focussed short-term, theme-based programs for under 18s designed
to empower you to change your world, engage in hands-on activities, and learn skills vital to becom-
ing a global citizen of tomorrow. AFS Academies provide the perfect opportunity to explore human
rights, STEM, language and culture, and sustainability.
Link: https://afs.org/study-abroad/academies

6. US/Canada Math Camp:

Canada/USA Math camp is an intensive 5-week-long summer program for mathematically talented
high school students, designed to expose these students to the beauty of advanced mathematical ideas
and to new ways of thinking.
Link: https://www.mathcamp.org/about_mathcamp

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Standardized Testing
If you have, for sure, set your mind on a specific US university and would like to have a
considerably higher chance of being recognized, you should start thinking of entering the ACT/SAT
tests. These tests are basically assessments that help universities identify students’ college-specific
skills in Math and English comprehension. In this section, the delicate differences between each will
be discussed to help you decide which one is better suited for your liking.

SAT vs ACT

First: SAT
Exam composition
The SAT is a 3-hour long exam with a total of 3 sections (and an optional essay) and a maximum
score of 1600 (400 minimum).
Reading section:
65 minutes to answer 52 questions. There are usually 4 passages and one passage pair in this section.
Writing and language section:
35 minutes to answer 44 multiple choice questions based on 4 passages. Do not get overwhelmed by
the number of questions and allowed time, since they take way less time than you would initially
think. This section contains questions that evaluate your ability to recognize, correct and interpret
grammatical rules and sentence structure.

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Mathematics section:
This section contains two separate Math exams: the no-calculator section (25 minutes for 20
questions) and a calculator-allowed section (55 minutes for 38 questions). The Mathematics syllabus
for both exams is mostly identical with minor differences between the two.
General notes
The SAT is considered, by many, to have more difficult questions in the reading and mathematics
sections. However, the SAT allows for significantly more time per question compared to the ACT. If
you are the type of person who likes to take their time answering questions, give the SAT a go.
Studying strategies
PRACTICE IS KEY. But before you start practicing for the SAT, make sure that you are aware of its
curriculum. I will provide links to several books that will be of help to your journey towards
mastering the SAT.

Second: ACT
Exam composition
The ACT is slightly shorter than the SAT with a total time of 2 hours and 55 minutes (without the
essay). It tests the same fundamentals as the SAT and has a maximum score of 36.
English test
This section is notorious for its low time period, having only 45 minutes available to answer 70
questions. However, the more you practice this section, the more comfortable you will get with this
short time span. Question patterns tend to become repetitive and easily recognizable with practice as
you will be able to automatically lock onto information that you feel will be relevant to the questions.
Mathematics test
For this section, you have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions. The questions are generally easier in
the beginning but gradually increase in difficulty towards the end. A general strategy for this section
is to quickly answer the first 30 questions to leave time for the hardest ones. It also tests your
concentration and ability to maintain focus for the period of the exam. Many questions seem easy but
have hidden details that may cost you their points.
Reading test
This is where most people, in my experience, fail entirely or rather succeed. The reading test requires
you to answer 4 passages within 35 minutes, leaving only around 9 minutes per passage. While
practice can help you get better at it, this section may require the most pre-acquired skills among
most exams. In short, set a timer and try it. Do not fret if you exceed the time limit because it is only
natural for the first time. Try again and see if there is any improvement suggesting future mastery of
the section.

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Science test
The questions in this section, unlike what it imposes, require little to nothing besides basic
knowledge of science. This section mainly tests your observation and deduction abilities within a
time limit. Like the reading section, it has 40 questions to answer in 35 minutes, but it has way less
reading and more analysis and quick thinking.
General notes
The ACT is miles stricter than the SAT when it comes to time limits, however, its questions are said
to be easier than the SAT’s. If you are the type of person who can quickly read and breeze through
questions without losing accuracy, the ACT is for you.
Studying strategies
The ACT requires an academically well-prepared person. Practice does play a key role in mastering
the ACT, more so than even the SAT. To ensure you achieve your desired scores, master all concepts
in Math and English then start practicing real ACT exams while recording your times.
Other standardized tests
There are countless other tests that give your application weight and stature. ACT subject tests, AP
exams, SAT II tests all give proof that you are interested in academic subjects related to your major.
Universities additionally require English proficiency tests (i.e., TOEFL and IELTS) to ensure you
will be able to engage in their communities and take part in activities.

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Personal advice
• Give both exams a try.
• Do not get overwhelmed if you score is below your desired scores.
• Understand the key differences between the two tests.
• While it is normal for one to switch between the two exams, deciding from the get-go which one
you will stay committed to is better. DO NOT follow the crowd, choose the one you personally
like and know, for a fact, you will perform better on.
• ALWAYS consider why you answered a question incorrectly. I have seen people giving way too
much attention to their scores and how they are performing, ignoring the reasons they scored
badly in the first place.
• Keep your calm during test day.
• This one is a bit controversial, but do not study the day before the exam, it will only make
matters worse if you get a bad score during practice which will lower your morale.
Materials
These are not all the materials you will find for the SAT and ACT, obviously, but they are the ones I
personally used.
https://mega.nz/folder/H4ogXAya#349NGFgXzlUuYMfa6t1UXA/folder/j4J0iCZC
https://www.crackact.com/
https://www.reddit.com/r/SATACTprep/comments/eti4i7/40_official_sat_practice_test_pdfs/
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B412Wi9UAph3bHhqNU11SUd0S2c\
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YrX7OKwSa4bSlS44YknInrX8EHcNyuft
Reference books
• College Panda SAT Math (This is, in my opinion, sufficient for both the SAT and the ACT)
• College Panda SAT Writing
• Erica Meltzer: The ultimate guide to SAT grammar
• Erica Meltzer: The ultimate guide to SAT Reading
• Erica Meltzer: The ultimate guide to ACT Writing
• Erica Meltzer: The ultimate guide to ACT Reading
• McGraw-Hill’s 10 ACT Practice Tests

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The Difference Between SAT 2 and AP Exams
First: SAT 2
The SAT II is a set of more than 20 different tests focusing on specific disciplines such as English,
History and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Foreign Languages. Each Subject
Test lasts one hour and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, except the Writing Test, which
has a 20-minute essay section in addition to a 40-minute multiple-choice section.
SAT I is largely a test of verbal and math skills. True, you need to know some vocabulary and some
formulas for the SAT I, but it's designed to measure how well you read and think rather than what
you know. The SAT II is very different. It's designed to measure what you know about specific
disciplines. Sure, critical reading and thinking skills play a part on these tests, but their main purpose
is to determine exactly what you know about writing, math, history, chemistry, and so on.
What SAT II Subject Tests Should I Take?
The simple answer is: Take the ones that you'll do well on. High scores, after all, can only help your
chances for admission. Unfortunately, many colleges demand that you take particular tests, usually
the Writing Test and/or one of the Math Tests. Some schools will give you some choice in the
matter, especially if they want you to take a total of three Subject Tests. So, before you register to
take any tests, check with colleges to find out exactly which tests they require. Don't rely on high
school guidance counselors or admissions handbooks for this information. They might not give you
accurate details.
SAT II Strategies
The SAT II: Subject Tests are different from the tests that you're used to taking. On your high school
exams, you probably go through the questions in order. You probably spend more time on hard
questions than on basic ones, since hard questions are generally worth more points. And you often
show your work since your teachers tell you how you approach questions is as important as getting
the right answers.
Well, forget all that! None of this applies to the SAT II. You can benefit from moving around within
the tests, hard questions are worth the same points as basic ones, and it doesn't matter how you
answer the questions or what work you did to get there--only what your answers are. Plug into a few
test-taking skills and strategies that can improve your scoring performance:
The Test Is Highly Predictable
Because the format and directions of the SAT II: Subject Tests remain unchanged from test to test;
you can learn how the tests are set up in advance. One of the easiest things you can do to help your
performance on the SAT II is to understand the directions before taking the test. Since the
instructions are always the same, there's no reason to waste a lot of time on test day reading them.
Questions Are Arranged by Order of Difficulty
Not all of the questions on the SAT II are equally difficult. The questions often get harder as you
work through different parts of the test. The pattern can work to your benefit. When working on
more basic problems, you can generally trust your first impulse--the obvious answer is likely to be
correct. As you get to the end of a test section, you need to be a bit more suspicious. now the answers

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probably won't come as quickly and easily--if they do, look again, because the obvious answers may
be wrong. They may be distractors--wrong answer choices deliberately meant to entice you.
You Don't Need to Answer the Questions in Order
You're allowed to skip around the SAT II: Subject Tests. High scorers know this fact. They move
through the tests efficiently. They don't dwell on any one question, even a hard one, until they've
tried every question at least once.
There Is a Guessing Penalty
If you guess wrong, you get penalized. If you guess right, you're in great shape. If you can eliminate
one or more answer choices as definitely wrong, you'll turn the odds in your favor and actually come
out ahead by guessing. The fractional points that you lose are meant to offset the points you might
get "accidentally" by guessing the correct answer. With practice, however, you'll see that it's often
easy to eliminate several answer choices on some of the questions.

Second: AP tests
AP tests are college-level exams on specific subjects and are administered in May upon the
completion of an AP course taken at a student's high school. At many colleges and universities, a
high enough score will earn the student college credit. In some instances, earning college credit can
mean an overall lower college tuition bill. Taking an AP test can be a smart choice. AP tests are only
offered during a two-week period in May, so if you're going to take them, you need to plan ahead.
AP Exams are standardized exams designed to measure how well you’ve mastered the content and
skills of a specific AP course. Most AP courses have an end-of-year paper-and-pencil exam, but a
few courses have different ways to assess what you’ve learned—for example, AP Art and Design
students submit a portfolio of work for scoring.
Each of the 38 exams has its own unique requirements; however, almost all of the exams have
several things in common:
Most exams are 2–3 hours long.
The first part of the exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions.
You will choose 1 of 4–5 answer choices for each question and use a pencil to bubble in your choice
on your AP answer sheet.
Your total exam score on the multiple-choice section is based only on the number of questions
answered correctly. You won’t receive or lose points for incorrect answers or unanswered questions.
The second part of the exam usually consists of free-response questions that require you to generate
your own responses. Depending on the exam, your responses could be in the form of an essay, a
solution to a problem, or a spoken response. In most cases, you’ll be writing your response in pen in
the free-response exam booklet.
No one outside of Educational Testing center (ETS) is allowed to find out a student's raw score on an
AP Exam and the cutoff scores for a particular exam are only released to the public if that particular
exam is released in total (this happens on a staggered schedule and occurs approximately once every
five to seven years for each exam). Usually, a 70 to 75 percent out of 100 translates to a 5. However,
there are some exams that are exceptions to this rule of thumb.

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The AP Grades that are reported to students, high schools, colleges, and universities in July are on
AP's five-point scale:
5: Extremely well qualified
4: Very well qualified
3: Qualified
2: Possibly qualified
1: No recommendation
Some colleges and universities in the U.S. grant credit or advanced placement based on AP test
scores; those in over twenty other countries do likewise. Policies vary by institution, but institutions
that award credit usually require a score of 3 or higher on any given exam for credit to be granted or
course prerequisites to be waived (and according to The College Board website, some will award an
"A" grade for a 5 score) Colleges may also take AP grades into account when deciding which
students to accept, though this is not part of the official AP program.
How do I register for AP tests?
AP tests are administered by The College Board, which also administers the SAT. However, not all
AP tests are offered at every school. If you have an AP Coordinator at your school, talk to them
directly about registration. If your school doesn't have an AP Coordinator, you need to call AP
Services no later than March 1 to get the contact information of your closest AP Coordinator. You
can find the number for AP services on the College Board website.

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College Search
Why the United States?
Many students have many misconceptions about USA
education system. Following are the top reason that
America should be first choice of study destination if you
are going for higher studies.
Top Ranked Universities:
Once you start planning to go for higher studies, the first thing that comes in mind is the ranking of
university. After all we are going to spend next two, three or four years of our life in the university
and later once we graduate, our whole career will depend upon the university we choose. I think
most serious student would think this way. So, if you are also thinking the same way, then America
would automatically be you first choice.
With universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Caltech, Yale, Columbia there is no other place on
earth where you have so many top ranked universities.
All these universities are in to 10 world ranking. Always remember, the legacy of university will
always proceed you no matter where you go in your future life. So better you choose a big name.
Availability of Scholarships and Assistantships:
Having top universities in a country also means a lot to funding and money. How is this going to
help you? Well! You as a student will be the ultimate beneficiary for scholarships. There are many
ways American universities are helping in funding and assistantship. You can read more on that in
this article here.
No Language Barrier:
One of the major difficulty students face in Europe is that in Europe majority of people speak their
own langue there. For example, people in France would French, people in Germany would speak
German and people in Italy will speak Italian and so on where as you cannot speak any of these. So, I
guess you are left with only four English speaking countries: USA, Canada, England, Australia.
Work Authorization:
After students finish their studies, they want now a stable job. In many European countries, students
have to return back to their home country immediately after completion of study. Whereas this is not
the case in USA. In USA, student gets OPT immediately after completion of course which would
allow student to work in United States for 29 months (with STEM OPT). During this time frame,
students apply for work visa while staying in USA. Majority of student get H1B visa. The whole
point to explain this is that America has a set process/path that leads to employment later on once
you complete your studies. You can learn more on how can international student stay in USA legally
after studies here?

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Abundance of Opportunities:
All software engineers have a dream to work for companies like Facebook, Apple, Google, Amazon,
and LinkedIn. What is common in all of these companies. They all are American companies. As an
engineer in any field like biotechnology, ECE, Photonics, Pharma you will have a chance to work for
the top companies in the world. Which would not get in any other country.
Most Global Country:
Strength of America lies in its diversity. America was built on immigrants. Here you can find people
from all countries, races and ethnicity. No matter you are Indian, Chinese, or Russian, you will find
you people here. In addition, US is very safe country. The safest country in the world. Majority of
population lives in cities.
Research:
Have you ever googled that which country have the highest noble prizes? Yes, it’s the great America.
The quality of research is really top notch here with cutting edge facilities. That makes USA the best
country for PhD and research students as well. In addition, you can also judge the quality of research
from the fact that highest number of patents were awarded to American researchers in last 20 years.
Hefty PayScale:
Already the American employees enjoys a large paycheck from their employers. An average
engineer with MS degree in USA would earn 80,000 -90,000 USD. Which is about 55 -63 Lacks.
That kind of pay check is very hard to see in Australia or any other country.
America is a land of opportunities. Maximum number of start-up are being opened up in USA much
more than anywhere else in the world. Many immigrants have earned name and fame in this country.
Had this country not been friendly to immigrants they would not have earned fame there.
Researching your options:

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While doing college research you should blindly disregard any college that lacks one, and only one,
crucial factor:
- The availability and readiness to give international students full financial aid

Let’s imagine the college admissions as a race. The participant with the red t-shirt is the normal
applicant, while the one pulling weights is us, low-income international students. If you still want to
win the race, you should be a good racer, as the track is long and the loads are frustrating. What does
that mean?
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Crafting Your College Application
Part 1: Why Schools Exist and What They Want to Accomplish
To fully understand my points below on how to get into Yale and similar schools, we need to first
start at the highest level: what do top schools hope to accomplish by existing? This will give us
clues as to how a school decides what types of students it'll admit.

All top schools like Harvard, UPenn, and Duke are nonprofits, which means that unlike companies
like Starbucks, they don't exist to create profits for shareholders.

But they do something similar: they aim to create as much value as they can in the world. Value
can come in a lot of forms.

A common one you hear about is research. Through research by faculty members, schools push the
boundaries of human knowledge and contribute to new inventions and theories that can dramatically
improve human lives. If you've ever heard a news story saying something like, "A team at Stanford
today reported that they found a new treatment for pancreatic cancer," you can bet that Stanford's
darn proud of that team.

Another one is through services. Universities often organize programs to consult with national
governments or assist nonprofits. A third way of creating value is by publishing books and
disseminating research information. The list goes on and on.

But here's one final, huge way schools create value: by educating students who then go on to do
great things in the world.

Do you know where Bill Gates went to college? You've probably heard it was Harvard (even though
he dropped out). Don't you think Harvard is thrilled to be associated with Bill Gates so publicly, and
to be part of his lore?

How about Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of Google? You might have heard that they
went to Stanford. And President Barack Obama went to Columbia as an undergrad and Harvard for
law school.

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Every single school has alumni who make their schools proud. (Can you think of any from, say,
the University of Chicago or Princeton?) By accomplishing great things in their lives, these alumni
carry forward the flags of their alma maters, and their schools then get associated with their
accomplishments.

Think of schools like parents and students as their children. The parents provide a nurturing
environment for their children who will eventually go on to do great things. The parents are proud
whenever the children accomplish anything noteworthy. (And if the children make it big, they might
give some money back to their parents.)

To see proof of this in action, visit the news office website of any
school. All schools publicize the world-changing things that are happening at the school and by its
graduates.

Why do they do this? Because it generates positive feedback loops (remember this from
biology?)—aka virtuous cycles. The better the achievements at a school, the better the reputation it
has. The better the reputation, the more funding it gets and the better the students who want to attend.
The better the students, the better the achievements the school creates. And this continues perpetually
so that places like Harvard will likely remain at the top of the education game for a very long time.

We know that schools like Princeton and MIT care about creating as much value as they can,
including educating their students. Now for the important question: what does this mean about
what schools look for in their next class of freshmen?

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Part 2: What Types of Students Ivy League Schools Want to Admit and Why
Let's cut to the chase. Schools are looking for two main qualities in applicants:

• Students who are going to accomplish world-changing things.

• Students who are going to contribute positively to their communities while in college and
help other students accomplish great things as well.
That's essentially it.

For every student who enters Harvard or Stanford, the school hopes that he or she will go on to
change the world. Again, this can be in a multitude of ways. The student might start the next huge
company. She might join a nonprofit and manage a large global health initiative. He might write a
novel that wins the Pulitzer Prize. He might even "just" become a great parent to children who will
then also go on to do great things.

Here's some proof of this from William R. Fitzsimmons, long-time Dean of Admissions at Harvard
College:

"Each year we admit about 2,100 applicants. We like to think that all of them have strong personal
qualities and character, that they will educate and inspire their classmates over the four years of
college, and that they will make a significant difference in the world after they leave Harvard."

This, of course, is hard to predict when you're just 17 years old. You've barely developed, you don't
know exactly what you want to do with your life, and you have a lot of room to grow. But the
college application process, as it's designed now, is the best way that colleges have to predict which
students are going to accomplish great things.

Your job is to convince the school that you're that person.

This naturally leads us to our first of four questions:

#1: How Do You Predict Who's Going to Change the World?

This is the challenge that all colleges face. Based on the first 17 years of your life, top colleges like
Stanford and UChicago want to determine the potential you have to make an impact throughout the
rest of your life.

In trying to do this, top colleges adhere to one golden rule: the best predictor of future
achievement is past achievement. If you make deep achievements as a high school student, in the
college's eyes you're showing that you're capable of achieving great things in the future.

This rule actually holds true in a lot of scenarios outside college admissions. In college football, for
example, the Heisman trophy is given annually to the top player. Then, in the NFL draft, Heisman
trophy winners are often picked in the first round—in other words, they've proven that they have a
huge likelihood of succeeding.

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The same goes with decisions you might make in your everyday life. If you're looking for an
orthodontist to straighten your teeth, you're more likely to choose someone who has years of making
happy smiles. Likewise, you'd probably avoid the rookie dentist just out of dental school who doesn't
have a lot of experience and positive results yet.

The point of your application is to convince the school that, based on your achievements so far,
you are going to continue succeeding and achieving great things in college and beyond.

Of course, this isn't perfect—the past doesn't

always predict the future. Tom Brady, star
quarterback of the New England Patriots football
team, was a no-name when he was drafted in 2000.
He didn't have a standout college football history,
and he was drafted as the 199th pick in the sixth
round. So even though you might not have a stellar
college application, you could still achieve great
things in your career.

Colleges do make mistakes, but, by and large, they

try to adhere to this rule most of the time to predict
future success. Therefore, to get into a top school,
you need to demonstrate the ability to succeed in the future by achieving great things now.

This idea might not be new to you: "Duh, Allen—of course Harvard wants to admit students who
accomplish great things!"

But most likely you're making a mistake in how you demonstrate that you are both world class and
capable of accomplishing great things. Most students tackle this in entirely the wrong way; they try
to be "well rounded," thinking this is what colleges want to see.

It's a big mistake.

#2: What Is the Critical Flaw with Being Well Rounded?

Most students aiming for top schools make the huge mistake of trying to be "well
rounded." When I was in high school, I heard this refrain over and over and over again, from older
students and teachers to counselors and supposed "college admissions experts." I'm sure you've heard
this phrase, too.

The typical student who wants to be well rounded will try to demonstrate some competency in a
variety of skills. She'll learn an instrument, play a JV sport, aim for straight As, score highly on tests,
volunteer for dozens of hours at a hospital, and participate in a few clubs.

In these students' minds, they're telling their schools, "I can do everything! Whatever I set my mind
to; I can learn to do a pretty good job. This means I'll be successful in the future!"

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This is wrong. The world doesn't see it this way, colleges like Yale and MIT generally don't see it
this way, and far too many students waste thousands of hours in their lives pursuing this.

Here's the problem: well-rounded students don't do anything particularly well. They're not team
captain of a national-ranking soccer team, or head of a new statewide nonprofit, or concertmaster of
a leading orchestra. This means that none of what they do is truly impressive.

To put it bluntly, "well rounded" means "mediocre at everything." Jack of all trades, master
of none.

By being a jack of all trades, you risk being master of none.

Mediocre people don't end up changing the world. They

might be great low-level employees. They'll be followers, not
leaders. But top schools like Harvard and Stanford want to train
leaders who will change the world.

(Is this rubbing you the wrong way? Let me pause here.
Remember above what I said about possibly sounding elitist? There's nothing wrong with being a
jack of all trades and master of none. You might not even be that interested in success or
achievement as traditionally understood by society. That's completely fine. It might be the best way
to make you happy, and if so, that's the path you should take, no matter what anyone says. But
top schools aren't looking for people like this. And since that's our goal right now, excuse me for
being blunt.)

Think about this—do the New England Patriots care about whether Tom Brady can do math? No—
he just needs to be a great quarterback and team leader. Few other things matter.

If you break your arm and need surgery, do you care that your surgeon has a fly-fishing hobby?
Likely not—you just want her to be the best surgeon possible so she can fix your arm.

Does being well rounded sound like your plan? Be careful. You're going down the wrong path,
and you need to fix your course before it's too late.

Here's why students make this common mistake: because they're not yet in the real world, they have
a warped impression of what it takes to be successful. In a young teenage mind, it probably seems
like to be successful in the future, you should be successful at everything—you need to be
charismatic, be super-smart in all subjects, have a great smile, and be a great public speaker.

Let me clear up this misconception with a lesson I learned the hard way.

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#3: What Does It Really Take to Make a Difference in the World?

In a word, focus. Relentless focus.

The world has gotten so specialized now that the days of the successful dilettante are over. Each field
has gotten so developed, and the competitors so sophisticated, that you need to be a deep expert in
order to compete.

If you become a scientist, you're competing with other scientists who are thinking about the same
problems all day, every day. And you're all competing for the same limited pool of research money.

If you're a novelist, you're competing with prolific writers who are drafting dozens of pages every
day. And you're all competing for the limited attention of publishers and readers.

This applies to pretty much every field. There really is no meaningful area that rewards you for
being a jack of all trades (I would argue that early-stage entrepreneurship comes closest, but it's still
far away).

If you don't have your head 100% in the game, you're not going to accomplish nearly as much
as those who are 100% committed. This is what it takes to make a revolutionary difference in
the real world.

This does not mean you can't have

multiple interests. Successful people often
have wide-ranging interests and do especially
interesting things at the intersection of them.
I'm just saying that it's harder to be a true
Renaissance man now than it was during the
Renaissance, when much less was known
about the world. Life necessarily has
tradeoffs—the more areas you try to explore,
the less deeply you'll explore any one of
them.

Note as well that this does not mean colleges

expect what you focus on now to be your
focus for the future. This is a common worry among high school applicants. But the reality
is, colleges know you'll change, and they want you to change. You might be a top ballerina today
and a neurosurgeon tomorrow. What's more important is that you demonstrate the capacity for
success.

If you work hard enough and have the passion and drive to become a top ballerina, the colleges know
you'll be much more likely to succeed in whatever else you put your mind to later because the
personal characteristics that earn success are pretty common in all fields.

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To find evidence of this, we looked at what Princeton's admissions office had to say:

"Instead of worrying about meeting a specific set of criteria, try to create an application that will
help us see your achievements — inside the classroom and out — in their true context, so we can
understand your potential to take advantage of the resources at Princeton and the kind of
contribution you would make to the Princeton community. Show us what kind of student you are.
Show us that you have taken advantage of what your high school has to offer, how you have
achieved and contributed in your own particular context ... We want to know what you care
about, what commitments you have made and what you've done to act on those commitments."
Clearly, it's important that you show your capacity for achieving success. We'll cover this a lot more
in the next sections.

Once again, if you're not that interested in making a huge difference in the world, that's completely
fine. Many people don't. But you'll have to accept, then, that top schools won't be that into you.

Back to your application now—what does all of this mean for you? Essentially, you need to prove
that you're capable of deep accomplishment in a field. This is what your application ultimately
must convey: that you are world class in something you care deeply about.

In other words, forget well rounded—what you need to do is develop a huge spike.

#4: What Is a Spike and How Can You Develop One?

This is really important, and it's my biggest point in

this entire guide.

A spike is what sets you apart from all other applicants.

It goes against the spirit of simply being well rounded.
By nature of being unique, you don't fit in with all of
the other well-rounded applicants; you do something
that truly stands out in a meaningful way.

This spike requires consistent effort, focus, discipline,

and passion to grow. Ideally, this spike is what makes
you world class and makes colleges think you're
going to accomplish great things in your lifetime.

A spike can come in a lot of forms depending on your

field of interest. If you're a scientist, it might mean doing compelling, original research at a local
college. If you're a writer, it could be publishing a book. It could also mean competing at the national
level as an athlete, or creating a successful app as a programmer.

What we're looking for is something truly impressive that is difficult to do and sets you apart
from the bargain bin of well-rounded students.

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If you're dismissing my advice because you think, "There's no way I can achieve something that
unique and that notable," please keep reading. It's not as impossible as you think it is, and I'm willing
to bet you have the core capabilities for doing this.

What most students get wrong is where they spend their time and what they prioritize. They
also give up far too early—before they've achieved significant results and before they've crossed the
major hurdles that precede success. I'm going to show you below how you might be wasting 1,000
hours every year on things that don't matter.

Don't let fear about your own limitations hold you back into complacency.

Later on, I'll explain a lot more about what a big spike looks like, and how you can figure out what a
good spike for you is based on your personal interests. Keep this image in mind as we go through the
rest of this guide.

You can tell from my picture above that the round part of the big spike is smaller than that of the
well-rounded ball. This is intentional.

It's OK to be unbalanced if you develop a big spike. Since colleges care more about whether
you'll achieve something great in your lifetime, by proving that you can do so in an area of interest,
colleges will care less if you fall short elsewhere.

Unbalanced is OK in college applications—as long as you've got your spike.

For example, if you're a science whiz, you do not have to be an amazing writer. Heck, you don't even
have to take AP English. MIT won't care that you didn't!

This is a really hard point for high-achieving students to grasp. "What do you mean I don't need
to get straight As and work 5,000 volunteer hours and also play basketball and tennis?"

Let me tell you from personal experience: having met a lot of incredibly talented people in my
life, many very successful people are incredibly unbalanced. They don't fit your profile of well-
rounded at all.
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Brilliant scientists make deep achievements by pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the
natural world, but some are hapless in the rest of life. The stereotype of the brilliant, social-misfit
scientist is actually sometimes spot on.

In contrast, athletes who have incredible control over their body and an innate understanding of
physics might not be able to solve actual physics problems that well.

These are relative extremes, and you'll likely be more balanced than this. But the point is
clear: people who focus on something specific, especially something they're passionate about,
end up making the greatest impact. In turn, this means that focusing on something specific right
now can illustrate your potential for achieving even greater things later on.

We've covered a lot in this section. To sum up, here are the major takeaways:

• Top colleges want students who are going to change the world.
• The best predictor of future success is previous success.
• Because future success requires deep achievement, you should demonstrate deep
achievement in high school.
• Forget well rounded—you want to develop a huge spike.

In light of these words, you should craft with is known as an application theme. What is this?

Completing a college application is no small task. Along with composing responses to short-answer
and essay questions, students have to curate extracurricular activities lists, gather financial
information, and request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors. Additionally,
many students are now opting to choose a theme to unify the various elements of their application
profile.
Known as an application theme, this idea provides a narrative thrust to the application by bringing
together different aspects of the student’s academic and personal life. A good theme incorporates all
the major parts of your application, including:

- Academic Interests

- Extracurricular Profile

- Essays

- Recommendation Letters
So, how do students go about selecting a theme for their application? Keep reading to discover why
application themes are important and to learn tips for unifying the various parts of your college
application.
Why Are Application Themes Important?
As college application rates skyrocket, an increasing number of students are looking for ways to
stand out from the crowd. A strong application theme can immediately set applicants apart while
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offering a clear and compelling story to college admissions readers. Curating memorable applicant
profiles is especially important when targeting highly selective schools, which accept only a small
percentage of the students who apply each year.
Students should begin thinking about potential application themes early on in their high school
careers. Having a theme in mind can be particularly helpful when choosing what classes to take and
which extracurriculars to pursue. The goal is to create an encompassing narrative about a student’s
life, strengths, and plans for the future.
Examples of Application Themes
Choosing a theme for your application theme is no easy feat. However, without a clear theme, it’s
difficult to tell your story in a way that’s coherent and powerful. While many students make their
academic major or future career goals the focus of their application, you can still choose a unifying
theme if you’re applying to college undecided. The goal is to provide admissions departments with a
framework that helps them understand the personal details you’re sharing.
Here are some possible themes to consider when crafting your college application:
Relationships. This application themes showcases a student’s fascination with how relationships
work and the ways in which people influence one another in life. For example, a student might share
how their experience coaching youth soccer led them to develop a passion for teaching.
Family. This theme focuses on how families keep people together despite differences and struggles.
An application with this theme might include an essay on the student’s relationship with a beloved
grandparent.
Effort. Sometimes hard work can be its own reward. An application theme centered on effort might
include a student’s experience working with an organization like Habitat for Humanity.
Leadership. Many colleges are passionate about identifying and recruiting students who are leaders
in their schools and communities. An application focused on leadership might showcase a student’s
passion for social justice and their desire to help underprivileged people.

How Can You Use an Application Theme?

The best application themes create a powerful narrative that applies to multiple elements of a
student’s school and personal life. Below are tips for incorporating your application theme into the
various aspects of your college application:
1. Academic Interests

A strong application theme incorporates a student’s academic talents, interests, and goals for the
future. To that end, your theme may reflect the contents of your high school transcript. If you took
several math and science classes, then your theme might have something to do with your passion for
technology or desire to pursue a career in engineering.
2. Extracurricular Profile

Most students participate in a number of unrelated extracurriculars. For example, you might be in the
video game design club, serve on student council, and participate in soccer. While it’s fine to include
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all of these activities on your college application, you can strengthen your overall theme by ordering
the activities so that those most relevant to your theme are listed first. Additionally, underclassmen
can consider signing up for (or even founding) clubs related to their chosen fields.
3. Essays

Your college essay is a great place to elaborate on your application theme. Many essay questions
invite students to talk about one of their extracurriculars activities and how it affects their lives or
plans for the future. If you’re committed to a career as an engineer, for example, you could talk about
how you created a coding club to develop your skills.
4. Recommendation Letters
It’s only logical for aspiring math and science majors to seek out recommendations from teachers in
those fields. Be sure your teachers know about your application theme and general goals so they can
write the most persuasive letters possible. Additionally, you should provide recommenders with a
copy of your transcript, a resume if you have one, and any information about relevant hobbies and
extracurriculars. You might even want to include a paragraph with your objectives, including the
type of college you want to attend and what you plan to do there. The goal is to make it easy for your
teacher to craft a recommendation letter that supports and strengthens your overall application theme.

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Resources:
https://blog.collegevine.com/what-is-an-application-theme/
https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum

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Financial Aid
There are 2 types of financial aid available for international students—merit-based scholarships and
need-based scholarships.
Need-based Scholarships are offered by the Universities and they take into consideration the
applicant’s financial situation. Some universities meet 100% of the applicants’ demonstrated need,
and these are committed to fulfil all the financial needs of the admitted students.
Merit-based Scholarships are based solely on the applicants’ stats and they do not take into
consideration the financial status. Some merit-based scholarships require a separate application, and
some are automatically given to some admitted applicants by the choice of the Admission office.
You should check the colleges’ website to find out.
Need-blind admission is a term used in the United States denoting a college admission policy in
which an institution does not consider an applicant's financial situation when deciding admission.
The number of universities that follow that policy with international students is very limited, and
they are:
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Harvard University.
• Princeton University.
• Yale University.
• Amherst College.

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TOEFL & IELTS
1) TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is probably the best-known and most
commonly used English proficiency test. Along with the IELTS, it is one of the two tests that are
usually accepted by American universities. The TOEFL was designed specifically to test knowledge
of English as it is used in a college or university setting.

Length
Four hours

Format
There are currently two formats: the internet-based test (iBT) and a new paper-delivered test that
replaces the old paper-based test which is no longer administered. The internet-based test is done
entirely on a computer, including the speaking portion of the test. Answers are recorded and
evaluated by the graders.

Sections
Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking, and written expression

Scoring
Each section is worth 30 points for a maximum score of 120. Scores are good for two years.

Commonly required score

Many universities require scores in the range of 90-100, which is equivalent to B2 in the Common
European Framework (CEF) proficiency levels. Some universities also require a minimum score in
each section in addition to a minimum overall score.

Price
The cost of the test varies according to location, but $200 USD is average.

Where
You can register to take the TOEFL at your nearest test center.

How often
The test is administered on fixed dates more than 50 times a year.

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2) IELTS-Academic Version
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized by universities
and employers around the world. There are two versions of the test: an academic version and a
general training version. While universities require the academic version, the general training version
is used by some government bodies for work and immigration permits.

Length
Three hours

Format
Unlike the TOEFL, the speaking portion of the IELTS is done in person with an examiner. The
IELTS has more diverse question formats as well, with a mix of multiple choice, diagram labelling,
matching, short answer, and sentence completion.

Sections
Listening (40 minutes), reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), and speaking (11-14 minutes)

Scoring
Scores range from 1 to 9 including half scores. The results are delivered within 13 days of taking the
test and are valid for two years.

Commonly required score

Many universities require scores in the range of 6-7, which is equivalent to B2/C1 in the CEF
proficiency levels.

Price
$240 USD

Where
You can register to take the test at your local testing center.

How often
Testing centers usually offer the IELTS twice a month on the weekends.

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The Common App
The Common Application (Common App) is a non-profit membership organization representing
nearly 900 diverse institutions of higher education. It connects applicants and those who support
them to a wide array of public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states, and 20
countries.
Each year, more than one million students - a third of whom are first generation - apply to college,
research financial aid and scholarships, and connect to college counseling resources through
Common App. But the path to higher education has changed. While everyone can go to college, not
everyone does. In order to help all students to reach their goals, we’re dedicated to:
• Lowering the logistical and systemic barriers to college access
• Supporting those who support students
• Serving a diverse group of students and institutions
• Leveraging data and insight to inform our member institutions
To start, applicants can go to commonapp.org and click on the "Apply now" button to get details
about how to create an account and log in to work on an application through the platform. Students
can download the Common App's mobile app to keep track of deadlines, invite recommenders and
set reminders. The summer before senior year of high school is a great time for students to start on
their applications, experts say.
Students don't have to submit their applications during the summer. But starting in August gives
them the opportunity to review the requirements for schools they are considering, draft essays and
get some of the tedious background information completed before they get bogged down with
homework and activities
Here are other parts of the college application that prospective students should be ready for.
• Personal information: In the first portion of a college application, students will have to provide
basic information about themselves, their school and their family.
• High school transcript: Colleges will also ask for an official high school transcript: a record of the
courses students take and the grades they earn. Admissions offices ask that a transcript be sent
directly from the high school rather than from the student, Students usually submit a transcript
request to their school's counseling office.
Standardized test scores: Many – but not all – schools require applicants to submit SAT, SAT
subject test or ACT scores. These scores are usually sent by the testing companies. The number of
schools requiring standardized test scores dropped dramatically this year as the coronavirus
pandemic upended these exams, with many testing centers closed across the U.S.
Letters of recommendation: Colleges often ask students to submit two to three letters of
recommendation
Students should seek out recommenders – often they have to be teachers or counselors – who know
them well and can comment not just on their academic abilities but also their personal qualities and
other types of achievements
On some college applications, it may be optional for students to upload a resume.
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But much of the information generally contained in a resume – such as awards, work experience and
extracurricular activities – is asked for in other parts of a college application, often in an activities
section.

College Application Fees Cost?

There is no set price for college application fees, which experts say typically range from $50 to $90
per application.
There are other times schools waive application fees, and not just for low-income students.
I recommend that students start making a list of (potential colleges) and getting organized with the
assistance of their school counselors and school community during that junior year of high school

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Personal Statement
Introduction
In addition to standardized test scores and transcripts, a personal statement or essay is a required part
of many college applications. The personal statement can be one of the most stressful parts of the
application process because it's the most open ended.

What is the personal statement?

It is an essay you write to show a college admissions committee who you are and why you deserve to
be admitted to their school. It's worth noting that, unlike "college essay," this term is used for
application essays for graduate school as well.
Why Do Colleges Ask for an Essay?
There are a couple of reasons that colleges ask applicants to submit an essay, but the basic idea is
that it gives them more information about you, especially who you are beyond grades and test scores.
#1: Insight into Your Personality
The most important role of the essay is to give admissions committees a sense of your personality
and what kind of addition you'd be to their school's community. Are you inquisitive? Ambitious?
Caring? These kinds of qualities will have a profound impact on your college experience, but they're
hard to determine based on a high school transcript.
Basically, the essay contextualizes your application and shows what kind of person you are outside
of your grades and test scores. Imagine two students, Jane and Tim: they both have 3.5 GPAs and
1200s on the SAT. Jane lives in Colorado and is the captain of her track team, while Tim lives in
Vermont and regularly contributes to the school paper, but they both want to be doctors and they
both volunteer at the local hospital.
As similar as Jane and Tim seem on paper, in reality they're actually quite different, and their unique
perspectives come through in their essays. Jane writes about how looking into her family history for
a school project made her realize how the discovery of modern medical treatments like antibiotics
and vaccines had changed the world and drove her to pursue a career as a medical researcher. Tim,
on the other hand, recounts a story about how a kind doctor helped him overcome his fear of needles,
an interaction that reminded him of the value of empathy and inspired him to become a family
practitioner. These two students may seem outwardly similar but their motivations and personalities
are very different.
Without an essay, your application is essentially a series of numbers: a GPA, SAT scores, the
number of hours spent preparing for quiz bowl competitions. The personal statement is your chance
to stand out as an individual.
#2: Evidence of Writing Skills
A secondary purpose of the essay is to serve as a writing sample and help colleges see that you have
the skills needed to succeed in college classes. The personal statement is your best chance to show
off your writing, so take the time to craft a piece you're really proud of.

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That said, don't panic if you aren't a strong writer. Admissions officers aren't expecting you to write
like Joan Didion; they just want to see that you can express your ideas clearly.
No matter what, your essay should absolutely not include any errors or typos.

#3: Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances

For some students, the essay is also a chance to explain factors affecting their high school record.
Did your grades drop sophomore year because you were dealing with a family emergency? Did you
miss out on extracurriculars junior year because of an extended medical absence? Colleges want to
know if you struggled with a serious issue that affected your high school record, so make sure to
indicate any relevant circumstances on your application.
Keep in mind that in some cases there will be a separate section for you to address these types of
issues, as well as any black marks on your record like expulsions or criminal charges.

#4: Your Reasons for Applying to the School

Many colleges ask you to write an essay or paragraph about why you're applying to their school
specifically. In asking these questions, admissions officers are trying to determine if you're genuinely
excited about the school and whether you're likely to attend if accepted.
International students applying to programs taught in English must provide proof of English
proficiency as part of their applications. This ensures that they have the necessary English skills to
understand academic writing, produce scholarly writing, and communicate effectively with their
supervisor. Here is an overview of the four most widely-accepted English proficiency tests: the
TOEFL, the IELTS, the CAE, and the CPE.

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Recommendation Letters
School counselors play a huge role in helping students get into college. Not only do counselors
support students in laying the groundwork for their applications through class selection and
extracurricular involvement, but they also provide them with the very important counselor letter of
recommendation.

Whether you're writing a letter yourself or getting one for your application, letter of recommendation
examples can help you see why an effective letter is effective. In this guide, we've written 3 strong
recommendation letter examples for you to use for inspiration.

What Makes for a Great Letter of Recommendation?

The best counselor recommendation letters illuminate a student's intellectual and personal
qualities. They speak to the student's strengths and goals for the future, as well as show how she's
grown over her years in high school. While teachers can discuss a student's performance in the
classroom, school counselors may focus more on the student's personal strengths and how she's
contributed to the school community.

Strong recommendations are focused and highlight the key characteristics of a student. These
recommendation letter examples, therefore, focus on a few main themes. The first highlights a
student's contribution to her community, the second focuses on a student's special talent, and the
third talks about a student's unusual maturity. After each letter, we'll take a closer look at exactly
what techniques these letters use to express a strong statement of support.

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Letter Example #1: Highlighting Contribution to School Community

Dear Admissions Committee,

It is my pleasure to recommend Noah for admission to your undergraduate program. As his school
counselor for the past four years, I have witnessed the exceptional contributions that Noah has made
to our school community. Not only is he an excellent and hard-working student, but he has dedicated
himself to enriching the lives of students and faculty around him. Noah is truly special for his
compassion and commitment to helping others.

Noah has committed himself specifically to bringing mental health awareness to the school. After
enduring the tragedy of losing a family member to suicide, Noah devoted himself to bringing greater
education about mental health into the curriculum. He said that he wanted to break the stigma
around these discussions. Noah found a branch of the Mental Health Foundation's Live Laugh Love
Club at the school. Noah has helped bring in speakers to address the school as a whole, held events,
and led campaigns about the devastating effects of bullying. While he started out high school on the
reticent side, he has since grown to have a powerful voice in our school community, speaking up for
what he believes in and proving himself to be an impassioned and inspiring leader.

Noah plans to study psychology in college and would like to work in the field of psychology, social
work, or non-profits. His academic accomplishments are especially impressive in AP Psychology
and the humanities. Noah's teachers describe him as an insightful, sensitive, perceptive, and diligent
student. He has truly proven his resilience and strength through the challenging circumstances in his
life. The hardship Noah has faced has motivated him to advocate for mental health awareness as a
core aspect of our school's climate and curriculum. Noah's efforts around bullying prevention and
social-emotional wellness will continue to nurture our students' well-being long after he's graduated.

Noah has my enthusiastic recommendation. He is a kind, compassionate, intelligent, and strong

person who has a clear sense of direction and purpose. I am confident that he will bring the same
warmth, support, insight, and hard work to his college classes and social community. Please do not
hesitate to contact me for any further information.

Sincerely,

Ms. Easton
School Counselor

This letter has a lot of positive comments about Noah, but it focuses especially on what he's
brought to his school community. What features of this letter help it come across as a strong and
effective recommendation?

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The Break Down

Ms. Easton is clearly enthusiastic about recommending Noah. She uses glowing language, calling
him exceptional, truly special, and excellent. She focuses on his compassion for others, and paints a
picture of how Noah has made an impressive mark on the school curriculum and culture.

By giving insight into Noah's personal life, she demonstrates his resilience and ability to cope with
tragedy in a way that brings awareness and help to others. Noah's counselor also ties in his past
achievements to provide a vision of his future contributions on campus, presenting him as a student
who will support and nurture others around him.

One of the strongest parts of this letter is that it is focused and all the details connect to paint a
portrait of the whole student. Noah is special for his compassion, work with raising awareness
around mental health issues, and interest in studying psychology at college. Admissions officers get a
sense from this letter of who Noah is, what he's done, and what he'll continue to pursue at college
and beyond.

Often recommendation letters might focus on a student's special commitment, skill, or talent. This
next example features a student deeply committed to the arts, specifically to acting and singing.

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Letter Example #2: Highlighting Special Talent or Skill

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am excited to provide this letter of recommendation for Brett, or should I say Hamlet, John
Proctor, or Erik (of Phantom of the Opera lore)? Brett has established himself as a bit of a theater
star in these parts, where he's made our fall dramas and spring musicals come to life in his moving
and memorable starring roles. Outside of school, Brett is also involved in the local theater group.
Brett is an incredible actor with contagious enthusiasm and a passion for storytelling. He has my
highest recommendation for admission into your theater program.

For Brett, theater is as essential to his day-to-day life as breathing. He has been passionate about
creating characters and singing his whole life and was involved in school plays throughout middle
and high school. He is deeply committed to his craft, having taken acting classes and singing lessons
and been involved in local theater groups for most of his life. Brett has an incredible stage presence
and equally excels at comedic and dramatic roles. Not only does he give subtle, nuanced
performances in which he disappears entirely into his character, he also has an incredible singing
voice and is involved in the school chorus. While he is certainly a talented individual, Brett doesn't
rest on his natural gifts. He has put in countless hours to improving his craft.

Brett especially excels in his English and history classes, which he says are his favorites for the
stories and insights into human nature. He reads widely, which he told me helps him get a more
complex sense of people's characters, feelings, and motivations. Outside of the classroom, Brett
volunteers with DramaMatters Afterschool at the Boys and Girls Club, working with children to help
them express themselves through the arts. He has said that performing has helped him gain a greater
understanding of himself and others and build his self-confidence. He loves having the opportunity to
bring that experience to the kids he works with. Brett is enthusiastic, fun, sensitive, and driven. He's
been a delightful presence both in and out of the classroom.

Everyone here at Lincoln High School, myself included, is excited to see Brett continue to commit
himself to the study and performance of theater. While the arts can be a competitive field to make a
name in, Brett has the singular commitment, drive, and passion to develop his talents to the utmost.
He has my enthusiastic recommendation, and I can't wait to see what dynamic and challenging roles
lie in Brett's future.

Sincerely,

Ms. Pepper
School Counselor

Like in the first letter, this second example casts a strong vote of support for the student. How does
Ms. Pepper choose to present Brett to admissions officers?

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The Break Down

This letter presents Brett as a driven, committed, passionate student who's made a big impression in
the school community. Ms. Pepper emphasizes that Brett doesn't rest on his laurels and natural
talents, but rather is hard-working and committed to improving as a performer, qualities that are
likely to impress admissions officers.

She emphasizes his passion for theater, along with his excellence in English and history. By sharing
examples of his starring roles and work with the Boys and Girls Club, Ms. Pepper gives a dynamic
sense of who Brett is as a student, actor, and volunteer.

With phrases like "excited to provide this recommendation" and "can't wait to see what...lies in his
future," Ms. Pepper makes her enthusiasm clear. Above all, she emphasizes Brett's long-term
commitment and effort, and states her confidence that he'll continue to strive towards his goals in the
future.

This letter stands out for its enthusiastic language, specific examples, and focus on Brett's
commitment to theater. It's made more effective because it's customized to the type of program Brett
is applying to, a theater program.

While this letter spotlights Brett's special skills, the following example talks about a student's
maturity and sophistication for her age.

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Letter Example #3: Highlighting Maturity

Dear Admissions Committee,

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for the truly exceptional Laila. It is
rare to meet a student with as much compassion and self-awareness as Laila. Her resilience,
positivity, and humor are especially astounding given the challenges she has overcome in her life. As
a refugee of war, Laila's strength of character has not only helped her adapt to a new home, culture,
and language, but it also serves as an education and inspiration to others. Given the depth of her
experiences and her sophisticated understanding of world events, Laila has an unusual maturity
beyond her 17 years.

Laila experienced the violence and upheaval of war in her home country of Syria. Her family lost
their business and home before moving to the U.S. with the help of the UN. Her extended family
remains in her home country, often off the grid of communication. Throughout these unstable and
uncertain times, Laila tirelessly committed herself to her education while balancing part-time jobs to
help support her family. She spoke little English upon arriving here in 9th grade, and immediately
dedicated herself to studying English and conversing with her peers. Now she is not only fluent, but
also a gifted storyteller. She promotes dialogues as president of our school's Arabic Club, and she
strongly believes in the power of education to create peace and reduce inequity.

I'm truly amazed with all that Laila has accomplished, and I feel that she is one of our most
determined, caring, and balanced students. Her enthusiasm is contagious when you speak with her,
as her face lights up when she speaks about her friends, family, education, and ambitions for the
future. I've been especially impressed by her fearlessness in making friends and participating in
class. Laila speaks with maturity and sophistication about world events and talks about her desire to
promote multicultural understanding and peace among all. From the events, including hosting
powerful speakers and movie nights, she's organized through Arabic Club to her active participation
in her classes, Laila has already contributed a great deal to the school in pursuit of these goals.

The challenges that Laila has faced have truly made her a uniquely strong and courageous
individual. Her resilience and optimism have served her well as she has moved between cities and
countries, and they will continue to serve her well in college and her future life. Laila has my highest
recommendation. I know that she will continually impress you with her involvement in the school
community, her international perspective, her unshakeable resilience, and her focus on her academic
and career success. I am excited to see how far her educational and professional journey will take
her in the future. Please call me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Ms. Wolfe
School Counselor

This letter focuses on Laila's strength of character, capacity to adapt, and mature perspective on the
world around her. How does Ms. Wolfe choose to present Laila in her letter of recommendation?
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The Break Down
Ms. Wolfe is clearly very impressed with Laila's resilience, adaptability, and sophisticated world
view. She shares her personal story to give insight into how astonishing her success has been, in
terms of acquiring English quickly, adjusting to a new culture and way of life, and educating others
at the school through Arabic Club.

Just as in Noah's letter, it's appropriate for Ms. Wolfe to share Laila's personal story to give insight
into who she is and the hardship she has experienced. Also like the other letters, this one uses
enthusiastic, glowing language and specific examples to demonstrate Laila's strength of character.

While Laila's story may be somewhat rare, many counselors may focus on a student's unusual
maturity for her age. This can be an impressive quality to admissions officers, especially if the
student has a strong sense of direction or purpose.

Discussing this also adds a dimension to the student's application that may or may not be present
elsewhere. It reveals something important about the student and helps present a fuller version of
who she is and what she'll accomplish at college. If a recommendation letter communicates this, then
it has done its job.

All of these letters share certain features that make them strong recommendations. Let's review what
techniques the writers use, along with any other ones that can make a recommendation letter stand
out.

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What Makes a Recommendation Letter Stand Out?
Strong recommendation letters sound warm, genuine, and enthusiastic. They state strong support
with phrases like "highly recommend" or "it's my pleasure to recommend," like in the examples
above.

They tend to have a distilled theme and focus, rather than listing everything about a student. Strong
letters also contain examples to back up their assessment, as well as demonstrate that the
recommender knows the student well and is qualified to assess her.

If a student is applying to a specific program, major, or selective school, then it can further
strengthen the letter to customize it, as in Brett's recommendation for acting school. If you, as the
counselor, know something about the program or perhaps attended it yourself, then you could also
speak about what a good fit the student would be.

It can be tough for counselors to get to know all their students well, since many work with hundreds
of students. To help personalize the recommendation letter, counselors and students should meet,
discuss the "brag sheet," and talk about what should go into the letter.

While students may not see the ultimate letter that gets written, they can still have a lot of input by
getting to know their counselor and sharing their interests, accomplishments, and goals. Then they
can help their counselor write a strong, insightful, and genuine letter for their college applications.

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College Interviews
A college interview provides a college with an opportunity to give you more information about the
school and answer any questions. In addition, the interview gives the college a chance to learn more
about you, your interests, and how you'll be able to contribute to the school.
Try not to stress about the interview too much, though. If you're polite, attentive, and prepared, it
should only help your chances of getting accepted. The interview will also give you an opportunity
to learn more about the school, and help you decide whether it might be a good fit for you.
They usually ask about your studies, major ideas, personal values, hobbies, community service,
activities. The questions are not a made-up list, it’s not an interrogation… it’s more of a
conversation.

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Conclusion

The information in this file may look too comprehensive on the first glance,

but the truth is it’s not. This is just the tip of the iceberg; those passionate

enough about going to the US are encouraged to search more and gain

information more than the data presented here. It’s a long journey, but

every step is absolutely worth it. Good Luck!

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