Getting into a top US university is no easy task. You’ll need an excellent academic record and strong extracurricular involvement to be considered for admission. But getting accepted doesn’t have to be all about grades — creativity and passion matter too, which means you can stand out from other applicants with your application essays, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
Choose a program that’s right for you.
Choosing a program that is right for you is an important step in the application process. It’s important to choose a program that fits your background and interests, but it also has to help you achieve your goals. For example, if you want to work in a particular field after graduation, then choosing a degree program related to that field will make it easier for employers to see how well suited their graduates are for certain jobs.
If cost is an issue when deciding on what program(s) of study are right for you:
- Consider whether there are scholarships available through the university or organizations like Fulbright International Scholarship Program or Teach Abroad Scholarships which can help fund part or all of your tuition costs while studying abroad
Create a college-ready application.
- Create a college-ready application.
- Write a personal statement that is relevant to the program you are applying to.
- Make sure your essay is well-written and addresses the prompt, or topic asked for in the application.
- Prepare to answer questions about your application during interviews with admissions officers if necessary.
Write a stellar personal statement and essay.
In addition to your academic qualifications, the admission committee wants to know who you are. This is where your personal statement comes in. The personal statement should be written in first person and should focus on two things: why you want to study at that particular university and how it will help you achieve your career goals.
It’s important not to exaggerate or make false claims about yourself; if anything, err on the side of modesty because many applicants tend to overstate their accomplishments (e.g., “I’m an expert skier”). Instead of saying things like “I was valedictorian” or “I was captain of my high school soccer team,” include specific examples from when these experiences took place (e.g., “I worked hard throughout my four years as a member of our school’s debate team…”). Finally, avoid clichés such as “my passion for learning has led me down this path.”
Get involved in research while getting your bachelor’s degree.
Getting involved in research while you’re getting your bachelor’s degree is a great way to build up your resume, gain valuable skills and experience, and make connections. It can also be helpful for applying to graduate programs later on.
Getting involved in research can be as simple as completing an independent study with a professor or becoming an assistant for someone who does research at the university (for example, if they need help collecting data). If there isn’t anyone at the school who does what you want to do or if there aren’t any opportunities available for students at all levels, don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to find opportunities outside of campus:
- Look online for local companies that offer internships or volunteer positions where they work with scientists who are conducting studies related to their field of interest. This could include environmental organizations like The Nature Conservancy; technology companies like IBM Research Labs; medical institutions such as Duke University Hospital Center – Durham Division which has its own Clinical Trials Program (CTP); pharmaceutical firms such as Pfizer Inc.; nonprofit organizations such as United States Environmental Protection Agency – Office Of Research & Development
Find ways to prepare for standardized tests like the GRE and TOEFL.
If you’re applying to a top-ranked university, it’s likely that the GRE or TOEFL is required. If you are not a native English speaker and are planning on studying in the United States, then taking the TOEFL may be necessary as well.
- In order for your application to be considered complete by most universities, it must include your standardized test scores (or proof that you haven’t taken them yet). The only exception is if your undergraduate GPA is 3.5 or higher and all of your other grades were A’s or B’s; in this case, sending in transcripts will suffice.
- Many people who take these tests have never done so before–so if this sounds like you and/or if studying seems overwhelming at first glance (it can!), practice! There are plenty of free resources online where students share tips with each other about how best prepare themselves for both exams: try searching “[test name] prep” plus “[your city] university name” on Google; there may even be local tutoring centers near where you live that offer affordable sessions specifically geared towards helping international students prepare themselves adequately enough so as not fall short during admissions season later down road when applying elsewhere would require new sets paperwork due lack thereof documentation needed beforehand.”
Top universities require students to meet certain requirements for admission, so prepare yourself early by choosing the right program and taking advantage of opportunities throughout your school career and summer vacations.
- Choose a program that’s right for you.
- Create a college-ready application.
- Write a stellar personal statement and essay.
- Get involved in research while getting your bachelor’s degree.
- Find ways to prepare for standardized tests like the GRE or TOEFL
Conclusion
If you want to get into a top university, you need to do your research and be prepared early. We hope this article has given you some insight into what it takes to get admitted into one of these schools and how best to prepare yourself for success.