1. Applying to US Universities
Hanna Tian

2. Student Profile High School: Branksome Hall
International Baccalaureate Full Diploma
Education:
Beijing, China
Tokyo, Japan
Toronto, Canada
Prospective Major at Princeton:
Industrial Research & Financial Engineering

3. Topics How to Choose Colleges Standardized Test
Extracurricular Activities & Awards
Writing
Reference
Supplement Applications
Tips

4. How to Choose the Right College?
Start with Ranking
General Interest: Liberal Arts, Ivy Leagues, Tech Schools
Special programs: Architect etc.
Resources; Student to Faculty Ratio; Student body; School Culture.
Admission Rate
Cost
Location

5. Harvard, Princeton Yale, Columbia
Ivy League
Harvard, Princeton Yale, Columbia
Upenn, Dartmouth
Brown, Cornell
Liberal Arts
Williams Amherst
Wellesley
Smith College …
Other Tier 1 Stanford
MIT
Cal Tech …

6. Standardized Test SAT vs. ACT SAT II (Subject Tests)
Advanced Placement (AP)
International Baccalaureate (IB)

7. More about Standardized Test
Most schools require two SAT IIs but some schools require three.
The median for SAT Reasoning is about 2200 for HPY, Stanford, MIT, Cal tech; 2100 for other Ivies.
Practise, Practise, Practise…

8. How to Apply Common Application: www.commonapp.org
University College Application:
Paper Application (not recommended)
Individual Application: (i.e. MIT, Columbia, etc)

9. Common Application

10. Job Experience
On common application: there are three spots available for work experience.
It is always good to have at least one job experience.

11. Extracurricular Activities
On the common application: There are 7 spots available for ECs.
Consistent; Committed; Leadership Position/Honors

12. Examples Volunteering: Hospital, UNICEF, Camp, Local/global Community
Sports Teams
Music: Piano, Band, etc
Clubs: Yearbook, Newspaper, Debating, etc
Others: Model UN, DECA, Enrichment Programs at University, Robotics
*Most activities can extent beyond the school. Try to participate at regional, provincial or national levels.

13. Examples (summer activities)
Use your summer well.
Camps: Shad Valley, ISSYP, DEEP, Sports camp, etc.
Get a job/Internships.
Visit universities. (by yourself or through agencies)
Local/Global Community service programs.
Summer courses: summer school, SAT courses.

14. Awards There are five spots available for Awards
It helps if you have regional, national or international awards.
Most awards require additional studying.

15. Examples [Math & Sciences]
American: AMC, AIME, USAMO, HMMT
Canadian: COMC, Waterloo Competitions.
There are also many Canadian Chemistry, Physics, Biology competitions in various difficulty levels.
International: IMO, IPhO, IChO, IBO
Others: Intel Science Talent Search, Siemens Westinghouse Science Competition
Some schools specifically recruit winners of prestigious contests. i.e. MIT

16. Writing There are two writing sections required on CommonApp
1st: a short essay on one of your activities. 150words or fewer.

17. Writing 2nd Essay is a considered the most important of all.
Very often, universities use this essay to get to know who you are (personality, goals, etc.)

18. Writing Try to write something that is personally meaningful.
Think strategically; Be reflective; Start early; Avoid Clichés.
Stay simple and be who you are.
Introduction and conclusion are very important.
Don’t make it too long. 500~800words.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread…

19. Reference Letters
In total, 3 letters of recommendations are required: one from your guidance counsellor, two from your teachers
Make you know your counsellor and at least two teachers who can write your reference
Book an appointment with your teacher first; give her sufficient information about yourself. (resume, projects, etc.) Remind him/her all the things you have accomplished in class
Tips: if you know the teacher well enough, just tell her directly what you might want her to emphasize in the letter.

20. Supplements Almost all of the top schools require supplements.
They are usually additional essays or short answers.
Essays:
Why this school?
Why this program? (i.e. engineering)
What distinguish you from others? (very open-ended topics)
Supplements can be very time consuming.
Tips: if possible, you can recycle essays used for each school.
Do the research before you write about a specific school.

21. Tips: ``Shine, Glow, Sparkle``
Shine: you need to be a strong applicant. (SAT, GPA, ECs)
Glow: have an interest or a focus in your application. Don’t make the admission office think you are just like the other applicants.
Sparkle: Something special. (life experience, big awards, unique interest/world view/ opinion)
Make sure to show them who you are as a person in your application.
You can do that from: Essays, ECs, Teacher’s recommendations and Additional Info section

22. Tips
Try to find some innovative activities to show your talent and interest
Present your activities with passion. (i.e. How can you make your experience as a yearbook editor special?)
Start your application early. Plan things out.
While ECs are important, your marks are just as important!
BE YOURSELF!

23. END
Thank You & Good Luck