1. USA applications

2. Different types of application Regular decision This is the most common Rolling admissions – on-going submissions and decisions (usually summer-spring) Recommended you still apply early Early Action / Restrictive Early Action (Harvard / Princeton / Yale / Stanford) / Early decision – deadline November, decision December

3. Deadlines Early Decision and Early Action Deadlines: mid October- November 1st Last SAT date: October / November Decision: December 15th Regular applications: January – March Last SAT date: January Decision: April 1st Rolling admissions – on-going submissions and decisions (usually summer-spring) but recommend still apply early Scholarship / funding applications need to be done simultaneously

4. Early? Early Action Non-binding / non- restrictive You can apply to other institutions early or regular You don’t have to accept any offers REA – restrictive (only 1 early application) but non binding Early decision Restrictive and binding You can only apply to one institution early If you get an offer it is LEGALLY BINDING – you must go You and your parents sign an agreement saying you will turn down ALL other offers (worldwide) on acceptance

5. Why go early? You are clear about your preferred choices (VERY clear in the case of Early Decision) You want applications / decisions out of the way You compete with a smaller pool so statistically more likely to be accepted However everyone in that pool is very strong You must be a strong candidate

6. First things first: summer 2014 Decide if study in the USA is right for you Research courses and institutions Decide on your 5-10 institutions Make sure you understand the application process for each place Make sure you understand the admission test requirements for each place Plan for tests SAT / SAT II (Oct / Nov / Dec) TOEFL / IELTS?

7. Start of term Common Application available from August 1 st Make decisions about early entry Admissions tests Get a transcript prepared (by the 6 th form office) Decide who is going to write your reference letters (you’ll need to 2-3) and approach them

8. September / October Finalise choices Start work on personal essays SAT prep / testing Reference letters

9. November / December Reference reading SAT prep / testing Complete essays TBS deadline – last week of term

10. Decisions Early Action / Decision: Mid-December Regular Application: by April 1 Accepted Wait List Not Accepted Look at Rolling admissions if no offers Contact your choice to confirm attendance or decline: May 1 Pay a deposit ($500) Start looking into visas

11. Common App 475 colleges / universities Allows for submission to multiple universities 2/3 still ask for additional paperwork Register as soon as you can (keep a record of username / ID and password) Fill in as you go:

12. Sections Personal information / method of communication Education / referees Testing Activities Writing College Search tool – research Result list – create for further information e.g. deadlines / funding Add from results list to create – “My Colleges” Questions Supplements