You should email the recommender a polite reminder. Something like: I just wanted to touch base with you regarding my recommendation letter. Would you mind letting me know when you have sent them in so that I can cross them off my to-do list? It will help me keep my applications organized. As a reminder, my application for X is due, and Y is due _. Thank you in advance. I appreciate everything you're doing for me!

Almost all colleges and universities ask applicants to submit more than a personal statement. In fact, with the University of California Personal Insight Questions, Common Application and Coalition Application personal statements, and supplemental essays, the average applicant can expect to write at least 15 essays. One of the most common supplemental essays — Why University X — asks you to explain how a school’s academic and non-academic resources align with you and your goals. For example, Tufts University directly asks: Which aspects of the Tufts undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short, ‘Why Tufts?’ (150 words) The University of Pennsylvania words it a little differently by focusing on the applicant’s interests; however, this prompt is really a Why University X: How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying. (650 words) A common mistake I see in the “Why University X” essay is a focus on the school rather than the applicant. This is a problem because, frankly, the admissions officers already know what their school has to offer; what they don’t know is how their academic and extracurricular resources will help you. As such, one of the most important things to understand about the Why University X essay is that it is just as much about you as it is about the school. The other important thing to understand about the Why University X essay is that specificity is key. Strong essays are highly-specific to the school or program and to the applicant’s academic, professional, and personal goals. To successfully make specific connections between yourself and the university, you should: Read this article for a very helpful activity as well as good and bad Why University X examples. Conduct research on the university: 1) Attend a campus visit. All schools are offering online tours and information sessions due to Covid. Take notes on the aspects that are attractive to you. 2) Follow the school on social media. Mention something that was recently posted by the university and how it’s attractive to you. 3) Read the student newspaper. Take notes on interesting happenings around campus. 4) Read the university website for information on what they are looking for in an applicant. Include personal experiences, characteristics, interests, etc. that line up with their stated preferences. 5) Read the school and program mission statements. Think about how your values, motivation, and interests overlap with theirs. 6) Find classes and professors that appeal to you. If possible, contact those professors for their syllabi. Doing so will help you describe how those classes and faculty members will help you develop academically. 7) Find campus activities, clubs, and resources that entice you and discuss how you will take advantage of them. Detail how you and the university overlap. A simple T-Chart will help you organize your ideas and reinforce the mutually-beneficial relationship you must present in your essay. Another great blog post to check out comes from Tulane University: Apps 101: The "Why College X"? Statement. Take a moment to read it. Writing application essays can be daunting, from knowing what to write and how to write it — all while balancing your academic and personal responsibilities — but World Awaits can give you an advantage thanks to the devotion we have to your success. If you’re struggling with your essays, reach out to us today. Good luck, applicants!

Hello transfer applicants! As I’ve mentioned in recent articles and videos, I’m spending the next couple weeks discussing how to get admitted into some of the most popular schools - especially for transfer students. I’m specifically covering their unique cultures and what you can do to stand out against your competition. Use this information to help you curate the perfect, school-specific application. Today’s school: New York University. Because a lot of students transferring to NYU face unique challenges (most notably moving to large, busy, and at times overwhelming city), the university has established a support network for their new admits. Head here to request a mentor, join the transfer student association, or sign up for the weekly transfer student newsletter. How do you apply to New York University, and how do you maximize your chances of admission? First, you should know that NYU is highly competitive. The first criteria you will be evaluated on are your post-secondary grades. The average NYU transfer student in 2017 had a GPA of 3.6 and had completed 36 credits (1.5 years) at the college level. If you have not yet earned 36 credits, you will need to submit SAT or ACT scores. (Please note that different departments may have different requirements for applicants, such as a portfolio or more letters of recommendation. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your preferred major.) With a 27% admit rate in 2017, a solid application essay is also important. We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. We are particularly interested in knowing what motivated you to apply to NYU and more specifically, why you have applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and/or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please tell us why you are interested in each of the campuses, schools, colleges, or programs to which you have applied. You may be focused or undecided, or simply open to the options within NYU’s global network; regardless, we want to understand — Why NYU? This is the “Why University X” essay. You must explain why the school is perfect for you, and why you are perfect for the school. If you are having trouble identifying how the school aligns with your goals and interests, try this trick. There are a few questions to address in this prompt. For all of them, specificity is the key to success. Below, I explain how to answer each question within the prompt, including an example from a recent transfer client I worked with. You will notice how specificity greatly improves the essay. Which campus are you interested in? Because NYU has three campuses (New York, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi), they want to know if the location of the school attracts you and, if so, why. If the campus location isn’t a factor in your decision to apply to NYU, it’s okay to skip this question. Example First draft: I have loved NYU and New York ever since my first visit to it in 2013. I can envision living there. This answer is too general: it says nothing about the applicant’s interest in the school. Final draft: I have been drawn to NYU’s energetic campus since my first visit in 2013. Because it provides a full college experience alongside the endless possibilities that are present in the world’s most vibrant city, I don’t feel there is any other school like NYU. Having spent years in small towns, I am eager to return to New York City - the city that I most resonate with and that so fully satisfies my desire to be surrounded by diversity and opportunity. This answer adds specificity. It explains why the location is a good match for the applicant by discussing how the city and campus match the applicant’s desires. Which school or college are you interested in? NYU is made up of many different schools and colleges based on area of study. If you are applying to a school or college that is not the College of Arts and Science, the majority of your essay should be on your reasons for doing so. Which program are you interested in? This is your opportunity to explain your personal goals. Although incoming freshmen are not required to know their major, transfer applicants are. Admissions committees expect to see that transfer students are mature and have clear ideas about their academic and career futures. After all, transferring is a big decision, and adcomms want to know you have thought it through carefully. Explaining your major choice is a solid way of doing so. The reasons that you are attracted to your program at NYU are probably the same reasons other applicants are attracted to the same program. To differentiate yourself, you need to discuss how this program is unique from other schools’ programs, and then tie those differentiating factors to your personal goals. Example First draft: I want to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, and NYU has a prestigious engineering school. This answer says nothing specific about the school nor the applicant. Further, it makes the applicant look lazy because it doesn’t discuss how the school is unique. In fact, it doesn’t even use the name of the school. Final draft: Electrical engineering is a common program in many universities, but NYU Tandon’s robust Power Engineering study track makes all the difference to me. As a future electrical engineer, I am particularly interested in smart grid technology because it distributes electricity based on consumer need, self-detects and isolates malfunctioning devices, and provides cleaner energy solutions. Having interned at a power plant for two summers, I have first-hand knowledge on power generation and power delivery methods. As such, I see the economic and environmental benefits of smart grids - especially in population-dense locations. Because the NYU Power Lab focuses on this technology, it aligns perfectly with my long-term goal of expanding smart grids in my home community (and hopefully the world at large). I look forward to using the resources of the NYU Power Lab to explore smart grid concepts and applications. From courses on small-scale electrical systems to large-scale power generation, I am confident Tandon will support me in understanding all levels of electricity supply. For example, I intend to enroll in Signals and Systems, Electric Energy Conversion Systems, and Electrical Power & Machinery to develop my technical knowledge and learn innovative approaches to power generation. This response is successful for many reasons: First and foremost, the applicant explains his goals. Because of this, he is then able to make clear, concrete connections to his program, including specific courses and campus resources that interest him. The reader better understands the applicant, his motivations, and how NYU will help him. By letting the reader know about his internship at the power plant, this application also shows he has experience in the field and will, thus, be a positive contribution to any class or campus organization. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. I’ve already written posts on how to answer this question, which you can find on my website or on Zhihu. I also offer a transfer essay writing course, which walks you through the essay from brainstorming to final draft. Contact me if you are interested. Here are some overarching tips to help you with your transfer application as a whole: TIP ONE to answering each of the transfer application questions - make sure they work as a collective whole to tell a single story. In other words, you want each of your application materials to tell a little bit more of the story of YOU - your responses should not repeat but compliment each other. If you write about wanting to attend NYU because their accounting program is stronger than the program at your current school, use the supplemental essay to do so. Or highlight your diversity by infusing it into your main transfer essay. TIP TWO is to add school fit into your responses. NYU wants to admit students who compliment their campus culture, so the more you can show that you are the “type of student” who attends the NYU the better. Research the mission statement and goals of the NYU school or program you are applying to. Think about the things you have accomplished or experienced that align with the school’s stated mission, and infuse those experiences or personal characteristics into your essays. The University of New York favors students who demonstrate: A variety of interests - academic, extracurricular, community service Potential to take advantage of campus and city resources Character and maturity to thrive in an urban environment Do you need help putting together your NYU transfer application? Contact me for information on my transfer application packages. I have the perfect plan for you - whether you plan to apply to one school, multiple schools, or only require help with the written application materials. Best of luck, transfer applicants!!

Happy transfer season! To support my followers, I’m releasing articles on how to get admitted into some of the most popular schools. I’m specifically covering their unique cultures and what you can do to stand out against your competition. Use this information to help you curate the perfect, school-specific application. Today’s school: the University of Texas at Austin UT-Austin admits only 23.9% of transfer applicants (down from 38.5% of freshman applicants), which means it’s competitive. I’ve compiled the important transfer-specific information from the Common Data Set 2018-2019: Grade-Point Average (Overall Transfer) • 3.75 Gender • Women: 56% • Men: 44% Ethnicity • White: 42% • Hispanic: 28% • Asian: 16% • Black: 4% • Foreign: 5% • Multiracial: 3% • American Indian: Less than 1% • Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0% • Unknown: 1% Residency • Texas residents: 95% • Out-of-state students: 3% • International students: 2% How do you apply to UT Austin, and how do you maximize your chances of admission? Before starting your application, make sure you meet all of the requirements, which you can find in full here: Applying for Admissions Checklist UT-Austin requires a minimum of 24 transferable college credits with a minimum GPA of a 3.0/4.33 . Some majors - such as business, economics, engineering, and computer science - have prerequisite course requirements, so make sure you check out the Prerequisites page to ensure you have completed or will complete the necessary courses before enrollment. As I mentioned, UT-Austin is a competitive school. If you don’t have a strong GPA (mostly As) you have a low chance of being accepted - even if you have strong “soft” application materials. For this reason, hiring a college consultant can be a great idea to help you maximize your chances of admission. It’s also in your best interest to begin your application early. The more time you invest on your materials, the more likely you are to submit strong, well-developed applications. This is obvious, but one of the biggest (completely avoidable!) mistakes I see students make is waiting until the last minute then submitting rushed, less-than-stellar applications. The University of Texas at Austin reviews each application holistically. For this reason, they expect a lot from their applicants - two essays, a resume, transcripts, English language proficiency tests, and optional letters of recommendation. Half of your application assessment will come from GPA and course rigor. The other half will be judged on a scale of 1-6. Admissions officers (AOs) want to see that you are capable of succeeding at UT Austin, have a clear idea of your future goals and how you will achieve them, and will be a good fit on their campus. This means that, beyond meeting the academic requirements, your goal as an applicant is to demonstrate strong “fit” for UT Austin and your top major. 💗💗💗 TIP - Make sure that your application materials work together as a collective whole to tell a single story. In other words, you want each of your application materials to tell a little bit more of the story of YOU - your materials should not repeat but compliment each other. The essays are the best way to demonstrate fit. You are required to answer Essay A and then choose one of the following three prompts as your second essay. Let’s look at each one separately. Essay A - Statement of purpose The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admission committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey. This essay asks the applicant to address 5 things: 1. Extenuating circumstances 2. Previous academic development/accomplishments 3. Current studies 4. Future academic and career goals 5. How the University of Texas at Austin will help in achieving these goals While there are different ways to address the transfer personal statement (including simply following the order of the 5 points listed above), I happen to have a favorite method. In fact, it’s the one I walk all of my transfer clients through. Why do I love it? Because it shows that you are not only a capable student, but you are committed to your education and have a plan for your future. Showing this in your essay is imperative because admissions committees are often concerned that transfer applicants are “wishy-washy”, meaning they lack determination. The very act of transferring shows a level of uncertainty, so you must use your essay as an opportunity to display maturity and assurance. Here is the outline I use: Paragraph 1- Hook the reader by telling a short story that demonstrates a key characteristic or personal value you possess (bonus points for using a personal value that’s important in your field of study). Paragraph 2 - Explain why you are at your current school / why you chose your major. Paragraph 3 - Explain why you want to leave your current school. How is your current school failing to meet your educational needs or goals? Paragraph 4 - Show how you made the best of your time at your current school. What classes/experiences have you pursued that have prepared you for your next step academically. Paragraph 5 - Why University X Paragraph 6 - Close off and, if possible, link back to your introduction To include school fit into this essay, it is imperative that you thoroughly research the school as well as Austin, Texas. Admissions officers want to know - with specificity - why you are perfect for UT Austin and UT Austin is perfect for you. Use this technique to identify the distinct ways you and the university line up: How to write an excellent "Why Choose xx University" application essay You should also discuss the ways in which UT Austin and its resources are unique from other universities. Essay B - Extenuating circumstances There may be personal information that you want to be considered as part of your admissions application. Write an essay describing that information. You might include exceptional hardships, challenges or opportunities that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, personal responsibilities, exceptional achievements or talents, educational goals or ways in which you might contribute to an institution committed to creating a diverse learning environment. If you have encountered exceptional challenges in your academic or personal life, this is your opportunity to explain them. Only answer this prompt if you need to address circumstances outside of your control and are able to remain positive. Otherwise, skip it. Exceptional challenges affecting your academic life might include personal illness, a learning disability, or needing to help a family member. Getting poor grades because your teacher didn’t like you is not. The key to successfully responding to this prompt is to keep the negative circumstances brief and instead focus on the steps you took to mitigate or overcome them. Show that you approach trying situations with positivity and resilience. Essay C - Intended area of study Personal interaction with objects, images, and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space affected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area? This prompt is looking for you to describe what you want to study, how something you learned, observed or experienced led to that desire, and what you have done to prepare you to reach your goals. Adcomms want to see that you have the passion to succeed in your intended major. Start this essay with an anecdote - a short, descriptive story - that connects to your major. Your story doesn’t have to identify the time you realized you were interested in your major but can instead be a time you felt inspired. In other words, show excitement. Then move on to explain how your courses and experiences have prepared you for further study in your discipline. Don’t simply rehash your resume but give concrete examples demonstrating your knowledge and unique skills with regards to your chosen field. Essay D - Issue of importance Choose an issue of importance to you--it could be personal, school-related, political or international in scope--and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation. You can address almost any topic for this prompt. The goal is not to find an issue that adcomms “want to see” but to show that you can write about something you care about. There are two ways to successfully address this prompt: 1. Use it as an opportunity to expound upon your resume. Through the lens of your topic, highlight your experiences, unique skills, values, and/or personal characteristics. 2. Connect your topic to your intended major. Use it as your motivation to enter your field of study. 💗💗💗 TIP - Research UT Austin’s mission statement and goals. This will give you insight into what admissions officers are looking for as they review applications. Think about the things you have accomplished or experienced that align with the school’s stated mission, and infuse those experiences or personal characteristics into your essays. From my experience as a study abroad consultant, the University of Texas at Austin favors students who demonstrate: • Passion and enthusiasm • Leadership • Contribution to community Passion, enthusiasm, and leadership can fit anywhere in the application, so have fun infusing them into the story of you! Don’t get caught up on the type of passion or leadership you show. In other words, whether you’re passionate about something academic like Math Olympiad or something quirky like kite building, it doesn’t matter - adcomms simply want to see that you are genuinely enthusiastic about something. The same goes for leadership: It doesn’t matter if you are the president of your debate club or you teach children how to knit - adcomms simply want to see that you inspire others to action. To demonstrate the contribution to the community, show that you are interested in the world around you by discussing how you’ve engaged with your community through activities like volunteer work, conservation efforts, or civic participation. A record of community service will go a long way with UT Austin. Do you need help putting together your UT Austin transfer application? I help many students successfully transfer into their dream schools every year, and I can do the same for you! I offer hourly services, 3 different transfer packages, as well as a Fundamental Transfer Plan that includes a personalized transfer analysis, a 1-hour strategy call culminating in a formal transfer plan, and 5 hours of transfer application guidance. Here’s what past transfer clients have had to say: “I just want to let you know how thankful I am for your help. I'm able to make progress toward my degree because of your help in the process of transfer applications. Given my situation, it was amazing how many schools I got into! This wouldn't have been possible without your help.”“I just wanted to share that I’ve been admitted to NYU!! You definitely exceeded my expectations and made me think deeply about things I had never thought about before. Thank you so much for your honesty and guidance. It helped me a lot.” ➽➽➽ If you want to know more about studying in the United States, Canada or the UK, you can: • Pay attention to me and my Zhihu column: 北美留学申请专家 • Find me on WeChat under username kvanderweert • Email me at kvanderweert@worldawaits.net • Visit my website www.worldawaits.net • If my answer is helpful to you, please like and share the content

Research experience is considered one of the most important factors for gaining admission into graduate school or securing desirable employment positions. For more information on the importance of research in graduate admissions, read: 3 things you must know before applying for the North American PhD program. However, finding such experience is largely dependent on one’s own initiative, which can be daunting. Read on to learn how to make the right connections and obtain beneficial research experience. Find professors whose work interests you - even if they are outside your department - and contact them during their office hours. Read some of their work ahead of time so you can speak intelligently on it. Ask if they have any research opportunities. Even if the professor doesn’t have any openings, they might be able to connect you with someone who does or provide you with valuable advice. You can email professors as well, but they are more likely to respond favorably to face-to-face meetings because they are busy. If the professor you would like to work with does not attend your institution and email is your best means of communication, be persistent if they don’t respond initially. Search professors’ websites to find postdocs, graduate students, lab techs, and other lower-level faculty the professor works with. They will be much easier to get a hold of via email; send them a message and ask about research opportunities. Take upper-division or graduate-level courses. Do well in them to show your academic abilities. At the end of the course, ask the professor if they have or know of any open research opportunities. Search for assistant professors whose work interests you. Being new, they might be looking to grow their labs and in more need of student help. Attend guest lectures by professors that interest you. At the conclusion of the talk, approach them and ask if they have or know of any open research opportunities. Have friends who are currently working as a researcher introduce you to professors, graduate students, or other research assistants. A good reference can really help undergraduates obtain research experien

It is officially transfer application time! For that reason, I’m going to spend the next few weeks discussing the top transfer schools, their unique school culture, and what you need to do to impress their admissions committee. Use this information to help you curate the perfect, school-specific application. Today’s School: The University of Michigan Considered a “Public Ivy” UMich receives some of the most transfer applications. They do a lot to help their transfer applicants. For example, they have Transfer Connections, which connects new transfer students with currently enrolled students so those who are new to campus can learn about everything UMich has to offer. The transfer office also publishes a monthly newsletter, which you can find here. How do you apply to the University of Michigan, and how do you maximize your chances of admission? Start by looking over the transfer application requirements. These requirements will differ based on the school you are applying to, such as the School of Engineering or the School of Pharmacy. You can find school-specific requirements on UMich’s transfer requirements page. Beyond the quantitative requirements like grade point average and TOEFL or IELTS score, you have to pay attention to the essay requirements. The fact is that the University of Michigan receives FAR more qualified applications than they have open spots for. Because of this, the essays are weighed heavily. What they need to show are passion, enthusiasm, and a good sense of self. In other words, you must use the essays to show that you know who you are, where you are going, and that you are excited for the future. UMich requires more written documents than the average university. Again, how you answer them is very, very important. Let’s look at each one: If you could only do one of the activities you have listed in the Activities section of your application, which one would you keep doing? Why? Begin by introducing your activity. A short, one- to two- sentence anecdote is a great way to grab the reader’s attention, or start by stating what you learned about yourself from the activity. A lot of students start with something like, “I have always been passionate about playing the piano…” Boring! Instead, try something like, “From playing the piano, I learned the most important life lesson: Improvement comes with experience.” Then explain why this activity is (and will continue to be) important to you. Why do you love it? Why is it significant? Finally, tell the reader why and how you will bring your activity to the next level. Consider how you will continue the activity as a college student. Is the activity available at UMich? If so, how will you engage with it? If not, how will you introduce it to campus? Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. The University of Michigan prides itself on its community - both its campus community and its connection to the community of Ann Arbor. They are looking to admit students who will contribute positively in their community, and it is for this reason they want to understand how you learn from and/or contribute to one you belong to. A lot of students get caught up on the idea of “community.” They think they need to write about a group they belong to for reasons outside of their control (race, gender, etc.) or a group they have belonged to for a long time. Certainly you can write about these things, but a group can really mean anything, so don’t feel like you have to limit yourself. I suggest you write about one of two things: Is there something amazing about you (personal value, accomplishment, characteristic) that you haven’t presented in your application? If so, you can write about this by connecting it to a community. Is there a community you belong to that is important to you and that you haven’t already presented in your application? If so, you can write about it. The key to this essay is to write about something new. Use it as an opportunity to tell the adcomms something impressive about you that they don’t already know. As you write, make sure that you address each of the questions in the prompt (hint: there are three). Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? This is the “Why University X” question. Like all schools, UMich uses this essay to gauge your interest in their school. They want to see that you’ve properly researched the school and are genuinely interested in attending. There are, of course, many great things about the U of M: great courses and faculty, great research opportunities, great post-graduation employment rate, etc. But you could say these things about any top-tier university. So you must dig deeper. Many students submit generic “Why University X” essays. Don’t be one of them. I mean it: A generic response to this essay will automatically put you in the “NO” pile. A generic response says, “I’m too lazy to research your school.” To find programs and opportunities that interest you, simply do an internet search: University of Michigan + personal interest. Even a half hour of research will produce some interesting results that can be worked into an essay. Here are three things that I was able to research in only a few minutes and would find interesting if I were applying to UMich: ALL of Michigan’s engineering programs are top-ranked. This shows that you can get a wide breadth of education in the engineering department. U of M offers funding for internships and research abroad. This allows you to add an international scope to your education. Students from every major are invited to take a class on the creative process, which is a course that combines art, architecture, engineering, and music. Research the cool things the University of Michigan has to offer. Get excited! Then settle down to start writing. Write about the programs and opportunities that interest you, and (most importantly) explain WHY they interest you. The adcomms already know about everything their school offers. Not only do they work there, but they read these essays all day long. You don’t have to explain what the school offers. Seriously. I see this all the time from my clients’ first drafts: “I wish to join the Asian American Business Association because it promotes professional development for club members.” This statement is bad because it doesn’t actually say anything. It simply defines the purpose of the club, which the adcomms already know. They are looking to learn why this club is important to you and how you will contribute to it. For example: “I aspire to be an innovative engineer capable of turning my products into viable and sustainable business solutions. Motivated to learn business savvy and connect with industry experts, I intend to join the Asian American Business Association (AABA). As president of my high school marketing club, I was responsible for planning and organizing monthly career forums. Such event planning experience will make me a valuable contributor to similar events held by AABA.” Notice how the first half of this example explains the importance, on a personal level, the club holds for the applicant, and the second half explains how the applicant can add value to the campus organization. To be successful with this essay, you must write similar paragraphs for your academic and extracurricular endeavors. You should discuss at least four University of Michigan-specific organizations, opportunities, and/or course offerings that fit in with your future plans. You can also discuss how U of M’s location in Ann Arbor will further your academic or career goals. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. I’ve already written posts on how to successfully answer this question. Check out this article and this article. --- Here are some overarching tips to help you with your transfer application as a whole: TIP ONE to answering each of the transfer application questions - make sure they work as a collective whole to tell a single story. In other words, you want each of your application materials to tell a little bit more of the story of YOU - your responses should not repeat but compliment each other. If you write about wanting to attend UMich because their engineering program is stronger than the program at your current school, consider using the “Activities” question to explain something you do that is engineering-related. Or highlight the “Diversity” question by discussing an activity that is unique to cultural background. TIP TWO is to infuse school fit into your responses. UMich wants to admit students who compliment their campus culture, so the more you can show that you are the “type of student” who attends the University of Michigan the better. Research the mission statement and goals of the U of M school you are applying to. Think about the things you have accomplished or experienced that align with the school’s stated mission, and infuse those experiences or personal characteristics into your essays. The University of Michigan favors students who demonstrate: Cultural diversity Passion and enthusiasm (no matter the topic) Leadership Make sure to highlight these facets of your background as well. Cultural diversity easily fits into the “Diversity” question. Passion, enthusiasm, and leadership can fit anywhere in the application, so have fun infusing them into the story of you! Don’t get caught up on the type of passion or leadership you show. In other words, whether you’re passionate about something academic like Math Olympiad or something quirky like kite building, it doesn’t matter - adcomms simply want to see that you are genuinely enthusiastic about something. The same goes for leadership: It doesn’t matter if you are the president of your debate club or you teach children how to knit - adcomms simply want to see that you inspire others to action. --- Do you need help putting together your University of Michigan transfer application? Contact me. :)

Your university applications are submitted and it’s time to sit back and wait for the offers to come pouring in, right? Well, maybe. But it’s also possible that you will be invited to interview with admissions representatives, current students, or alumni. Sometimes these interviews are required, and sometimes they’re not. If you’re invited for an optional interview, should you do it? Yes. Interviewing with the school demonstrates interest. It tells the university that you are likely to select their school if they extend an offer, which increases your chances of being offered admission. This is especially true if you are a “bubble” student (a student who has a 50/50 chance of being admitted). So, what do you do? How do you prepare? Follow this guide. Step 1 - Write out your responses to these questions: 1) What do I want to study and why? 2) Why do I want to attend University X? You will certainly be asked these questions, so have your answers on lock-down. I suggest you write your answers down so that you fully develop your responses and think through your reasoning completely. There are no wrong answers to these questions; instead, admissions officers are most interested in your examples - the stories you tell that support your responses. What do I mean by this? If an interviewer asks you question number one from the list above, your response might be “Mathematics.” But this doesn’t actually say anything about you. It doesn’t allow the interviewer to understand you and your interests (which is why they are interviewing you!). A better response is, “I want to study mathematics because I like solving problems, and I like knowing I have found the correct answer.” And, better yet, you could (and should) include a story that supports your response. “I have always enjoyed mathematics because it allows me to solve problems and to know with certainty that I have found the correct answer. Aside from my simple enjoyment of the subject, however, I also find math to be a very useful discipline. For example, I am a founding member of my high school’s astronomy club, and math has helped me with the technical aspects of tracking the night sky.” Step 2 - Create a list of 3-5 things you want to discuss during your interview These are your strong points, so you definitely want to discuss them during your interview. I know it seems like you will simply remember to mention them, right? Well, not always. Plus, having a firm list in your mind (with examples!) will help you answer a variety of questions. So no matter what the interviewer asks, you will be prepared. Think about your top personal qualities, your top personal values, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the achievements you’ve met. If you don’t immediately know what you want to include in your list, do this: -Ask your friends and family what they like about you. Ask what they feel are your strengths. What do they think is impressive and/or inspirational about you? -Write a list of EVERYTHING you want universities to know about you. -Narrow all of these things down to your top 3-5. When you have completed your list, add supporting examples and stories. In other words, don’t just include “I spent the summer interning at a bank.” Include your challenges and accomplishments. “Although I initially was not given much responsibility, after the first month, I showed interest and maturity by speaking to my supervisor about my desire to learn and do more. After shadowing her for two weeks, I was then given the responsibility of assisting clients with a range of transactions.” Step 3 - Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Asking questions of your interviewer shows that you are truly interested in the university. You want to write out a list of questions (you can even bring the list to the interview) that does three things: 1. Shows that you've done your research on the school. You do not want to ask questions that are easily answered on the school website. If it seems as though you have not done your research, the interviewer will assume you are not interested in matriculating with their institution. Instead, show off your research by discussing programs, classes, professors, clubs, etc. that you are interested in learning from and/or joining. The more specific your questions are, the better. 2. Demonstrates interest in your major or degree program. Along the same lines as number one, ask questions about your major or degree program. When possible, ask questions that show off the discipline-specific knowledge you already have. If you are applying for a mechanical engineering program, for example, you might ask about the subfield experience you would receive as a member of one of their EECS clubs. 3. Creates a personal connection between you and the interviewer. Remember, your interviewer is a real person. Connect with them to leave a lasting and positive impression. Ask them personal questions about their experiences with the university. Step 4 - Practice, practice, practiceFinally, when you feel prepared to discuss your strengths and interests, and you have assembled a number of examples to support your points, hold some practice interviews. Print off a list of common interview questions (you can find my massive list here) and have your friends and family members ask you questions at random. As you answer, practice incorporating items and examples from Step 2. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be on interview day. Or, if you want help from an expert, contact World Awaits to set up mock-interview practice. The feedback and advice will set you up for an amazing, enjoyable experience and get you one step closer to admission. Good luck, applicants!

There is a lot to know and consider before making the decision to transfer to a new school. With some careful planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and make sure your transfer is successful. If done incorrectly, you could end up rejected from your target transfer schools and/or you may end up on a longer, more expensive path to graduation. As a study abroad consultant, I am approached by transfer applicants on a regular basis, most of whom have the same questions about the transfer process. As such, I’m going to use their most common questions to guide this post. In this post I will answer: How do I know if transferring is the right decision for me? What is the first step I should take when deciding to transfer? When is the best time to transfer? How difficult is it to earn admission as a transfer student? How does it differ by school? Can I apply to schools I was previously rejected from? How do I select the best school to transfer to? How do I know if my credits will transfer? Can I receive financial aid as an international transfer student? How do I prepare my application materials? What school-specific advice do you have for transfer students? 1) How do I know if transferring is the right decision for me? In the United States, a little more than 30% of students decide to transfer to a new institution. Sometimes their reasons for transferring are valid, and sometimes they are not. Knowing why you want to transfer, and assessing whether or not it is a good reason, is important. It isn’t uncommon for students to transfer because they found a boyfriend or girlfriend who attends a different school, have failed an important class, or don’t like their roommate. These are unfortunate situations, but they are not good reasons to transfer. However, there are also very good reasons to transfer to a new university. For example, wanting to change majors - in particular to a major not offered or under-supported at your current institution - is a great reason. Other strong reasons to transfer include increased academic challenge, location and access to off-campus resources (such as internships), and career- or major-driven social opportunities. I wrote about the process I take my clients through when considering whether or not to transfer, which you can read in full here. To excerpt: When I work with transfer students, I ask them to consider a few things: their personal values, the expectations they had for their university and major when they started, how those expectations and / or personal values ​​haven’t been met in their current program, and how those expectations and / or personal values ​​will be met in an American university. Let me give you an example: Personal values: Challenges; intellectual stimulation; growth; collaboration The expectations you had for your current program: I wanted to study my major at University Y because it has a strong reputation for my discipline, and I looked forward to working under Professor Z. I expected a challenging and comprehensive education along with hands-on experience. How are those expectations are NOT being met: The program is very easy for me, and I don't feel intellectually stimulated. While I thought I would be able to study under Professor Z and gain practical experience, he isn't able to work with undergraduate students. In fact, most of my education has been book- and test-oriented, which doesn't align with my learning preferences. How studying at University X will be better for me: Because University X offers Program XX, I will be able to work with my peers and professors in an experiential learning environment. I have reviewed the course load for my major, and I know it will challenge me academically. 85% of students at University X are placed in field-related internships, so I know I will be able to grow my skills outside of the school setting. Going through this process will not only serve as a basis for self-discovery in your transfer process, but it will help you immensely as you prepare your application materials. 2) What is the first step I should take when deciding to transfer? Start by educating yourself on the transfer process. Every school and program has slightly different requirements, expectations, transfer admission rates, etc. For example, it’s helpful to know whether you can transfer as a Freshman or if you must wait until your Sophomore year, and understanding your chances of admission will likely have a big impact on the schools you decide to apply to. All of this information can be found on each university’s website along with application guidelines. I help my clients put together a spreadsheet of target schools that includes all of this information, as it serves as a wonderful springboard to the entire transfer process. Simultaneously, begin building your applicant profile in earnest. US universities expect a lot from their applicants - not just good grades - and the earlier you start developing yourself beyond academics, the better. 3) When is the best time to transfer? Transferring at the best time depends on different factors and is typically a personal decision. Most importantly, all programs have different transfer requirements and you will need to begin by understanding your target schools’ policies. For example, some programs require students to have acquired a certain number of college credits before they are eligible for transfer or they expect students to have taken certain prerequisite courses before transferring into their desired major. UC schools, for instance, do not allow students to transfer until they have taken at least 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits. On the flip-side, transferring too late can also be a challenge. All colleges and universities have policies on the number and types of credits they will allow you to transfer. You may have to retake courses or take additional courses to meet graduation requirements - adding time and cost to your program. The longer you wait to transfer, the more likely this scenario is. Another factor is competitiveness. Transferring as a Freshman means that admissions committees have less college-level coursework to assess and are more likely to weigh your high school GPA heavily in admissions decisions. On the other hand, having more college credits will make your high school grades less important. As such, you will need to consider whether your high school performance will help or hurt your chances of admission. 4) How difficult is it to earn admission as a transfer student? How does it differ by school? It depends. Most schools are more challenging to enter as a transfer student than as a first-year student; however, some schools reserve spots for transfers, which can actually improve your chances of admission. Additionally, using the time at your current institution to upgrade your profile can have a significantly positive impact on your competitiveness. I strategically apply this factor to client transfer plans, and you should too. Transferring to top-tier institutions is often extremely challenging. Largely a numbers game, not very many admitted students opt to leave these colleges and universities, so not very many spots become available to transfers. You can find the most recent data on this here: Freshman Retention Rates. According to the most recently published data, the top 30 schools with the most transfer students are: University of Maryland Florida International University University of Central Florida California State University-Northridge University of Texas-Arlington Liberty University California State University-Long Beach University of Houston San Jose State University University of North Texas San Diego State University California State University-Fullerton Pensacola State College California State University-Sacramento San Francisco State University California State University-Pomona California State University-Dominguez Hills Texas State University University of South Florida University of California-Los Angeles University of California - San Diego University of California-Irvine University of California - Davis National University University of Texas - San Antonio Fort Hays State University California State University-Los Angeles Arizona State University George Mason Texas A&M University If you want school-specific transfer data, please contact me directly. As a study abroad consultant, I likely have access to information that is hard for others to track down. 5) Can I apply to schools I was previously rejected from? Usually you can apply to schools that previously rejected you; however, some highly selective colleges and universities might not review your application. You will want to check the specific policies of your target programs. When you submit new applications, focus on how you have improved since your previous attempts and make sure to rewrite your application essays. 6) How do I select the best school to transfer to? Similar to my advice in question one, make sure you have a clear idea of why you are transferring. Figure out what needs are not being met at your current school so that you can ensure they will be met by your future college or university. Additionally, finding the right schools to apply to requires a lot of time and research. As I’ve mentioned, factors like school location, size, cost of attendance, and transfer rate are important to consider. Aside from university websites, you can find valuable information through published Common Data Sets (CDS), which are standardized reports released by individual institutions and include information on transfer admit rates (they look like this). Although most colleges and universities make their CDS reports available on their websites, finding them can be difficult. I find this resource to be helpful because it centralizes a lot of the information: College Board. 7) How do I know if my credits will transfer? The Higher Learning Commission (an organization that authorizes school accreditation) does not regulate the number of transfer credits schools must accept. This means that schools vary widely in the number of credits they will take, with some schools accepting more transfer credits than others. For example, some schools will accept 12 credits, while others will accept 94. Whether you are changing majors with your transfer will also have an impact on how many credits will transfer. As a general rule, some of your current credits will count toward your degree at your new university. Contact the admissions office for help predicting how many and which classes they will accept from your transcript. Admissions will either help you directly or send you to an online service they use for free. 8) Can I receive financial aid as an international transfer student? Most universities do not offer financial aid to transfer students, and finding aid as an international transfer is even more challenging. The well-known schools that do offer aid to international transfers have low admissions rates, making full- or partial-funding through transfer highly unlikely. However, there is always a chance. The top colleges and universities offering aid to international transfers include: Amherst Brown Colgate Columbia Cornell (fall transfer only) Dartmouth Harvard MIT (fall transfer only) Reed Rice Stanford UPenn Yale (Financial aid opportunities can change, so please double-check availability.) 9) How do I prepare my application materials? The application The schools you apply to will determine the application system you will use. The most common portals are the Common Application, the Coalition Application, and the UC Application. Transcripts You will need to submit formal transcripts at some point during the application process. Some schools want to have them immediately, while others will require them only if you decide to enroll. Either way, you should prepare them early by requesting them from your school, getting them professionally translated (if necessary), and verified. The most common verification method is through WES. This process tends to take some time, so do yourself a favor and check them off your “to-do” list right away. Standardized test scores Whether or not you need to submit SAT or ACT scores will depend on where you are applying and how many credits you have already acquired. Generally speaking, SAT and ACT scores are not considered for transfer applications; however, you will need to check with each of your target institutions to know for certain. TOEFL and IELTS scores are always required for students who studied less than 4 years outside of the United States. Some programs want these scores submitted by the application deadline, while others will let you submit them a bit later. Again, check with each of your target institutions for their specific language proficiency requirements. Letters of recommendation You will be required to submit 2+ letters of recommendation (LORs), and at least 1 will be required from a faculty member at your current institution. It’s important that you maintain and/or create positive relationships with professors who can write strong letters for you. Plan ahead and give your recommenders plenty of time to write on your behalf. Failing to do so may result in poor letters. Activities list The activities list can make a big difference in your application, so don’t take it lightly. By getting an idea of how students use their time outside of academics, admissions officers consider the activities list to be a good way of assessing whether or not an applicant is a good fit for their campus. You can write a great activities list by using strong verbs, showing a wide range of responsibilities, and using quantitative data to support your claims. Here’s what I mean: Standard activity description: Sports club President of high school sports club; organized sports competitions and wrote about them for school WeChat Great activity description: President of XXX High School Sports Club Elected by 90% of the student body; organized twice-monthly soccer, basketball, and dodgeball competitions; wrote and published commentaries on school social media, increasing student participation by 25% in 3 months Essay Different from a first-year application essay, the transfer essay must explain: Why you want to transfer How the the school you’re applying to is a better fit Transfer applicants are considered “risky” from the university’s point of view, as the mere act of transferring displays uncertainty. For this reason, clearly explaining the two points listed above is particularly important to a successful transfer essay - it shows admissions officers that you understand your needs as a student as well as how their school aligns with your goals. Although there are many ways to approach the transfer essay, I find one method to be very effective. Here is the exact outline I use with my transfer clients: Paragraph 1- Hook the reader by telling a short story that demonstrates a key characteristic or personal value you possess (bonus points for using a personal value that’s important in your field of study). Paragraph 2 - Explain why you are at your current school / why you chose your major. Paragraph 3 - Explain why you want to leave your current school. How is your current school failing to meet your educational needs or goals? Paragraph 4 - Show how you made the best of your time at your current school. What classes / experiences have you pursued that have prepared you for your next step academically. Paragraph 5 - Why University X Paragraph 6 - Close off and, if possible, link back to your introduction To test the efficacy of your transfer essay, try replacing your target school’s name with a different university. If the essay still makes sense when you substitute the new school, your essay is not specific enough. Resume Some (though not many) colleges and universities require transfer applicants to include a resume with their application. Use it as an opportunity to add depth to your achievements and extracurriculars. Additionally, use a template rather than creating your own resume from scratch. Using a template will better ensure your resume aligns with American expectations and provides all of the necessary information. You can contact me for a template or find one online. 10) What school-specific advice do you have for transfer students? I have written (and continue to write) school-specific transfer guides. You can find them here: UCLA NYU UMich UT Austin UC Berkeley 💗💗💗 If you want assistance with your transfer application essay, or transferring in general, please reach out. I help many students successfully transfer into their dream schools every year, and I can do the same for you! I offer hourly services, 3 different transfer packages, as well as a Fundamental Transfer Plan that includes a personalized transfer analysis, a 1-hour strategy call culminating in a formal transfer plan, and 5 hours of transfer application guidance. Here’s what past transfer clients have had to say: “I just want to let you know how thankful I am for your help. I'm able to make progress toward my degree because of your help in the process of transfer applications. Given my situation, it was amazing how many schools I got into! This wouldn't have been possible without your help.” “I just wanted to share that I’ve been admitted to NYU!! You definitely exceeded my expectations and made me think deeply about things I had never thought about before. Thank you so much for your honesty and guidance. It helped me a lot.” Thank you for reading my post; I hope it has been helpful for you!

I’m no psychic, but I have a feeling this year’s early admit (EA) and early decision (ED) results portend increased priority applications and permanent test optional policies. Why? Because EA and ED applications absolutely soared this year. The primary driving factor was, predictably, Covid-19; however, I suspect those changes are here to stay. From those institutions that have released their EA and ED data, it is clear to see that highly sought-after colleges and universities have seen a huge uptick in early applications. This is likely the result of Covid-19, which has ushered in a rapid shift to test-optional application policies and an increased need for academic aid to offset poor and uncertain economic conditions. What we don’t know, though, is how these changes will impact admissions in the future. My suspicion is that the increase is here to stay — most likely because schools are able to reap the benefits of test-optional policies. Less stringent application policies increase applications, which, in turn, reduce yield and increase ranking. Schools also get to appeal to low-income or minority students by adopting test-optional policies. For future applicants, this means having to begin applications even earlier than in years past. This is especially important for international students to follow through on; statistically international applicants are less likely to apply early than their US counterparts, which obviously puts them at a disadvantage. I urge international students to begin their 2021-2022 applications — especially creating a school list — by the spring to be competitive. Undergraduate applicants and families, you can read my suggested timeline here: North American undergraduate application time process planning guide (updated version) Graduate applicants and families, read my suggested timeline here: North American Graduate Application Time Process Planning Guide (Complete Edition) ➽➽➽For a deep understanding of the US college admissions process and approach to the application requirements, view my FREE workshop: North American undergraduate study abroad application strategy: how to win the competition and enter the best universities in the United States ➽➽➽If you would like more help with your application or your child’s application, consider working with me directly. I create applications that are strong, attention-grabbing, and worthy of any of your target schools. Read more about me, view my packages, or add me on WeChat at kvanderweert to arrange a free 20 minute consultation. I look forward to discussing how I can help.

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ve probably noticed that I regularly report on or link to past articles I’ve written on the steps your application takes once you’ve submitted it to a college or university. This is important information that you should use to your advantage when crafting your student profiles and applications. Today, let’s take a look at Harvard College, specifically. Though their process follows the path outlined in the article linked above, there are a few more insights I can share with you, thanks to the transparency revealed through their national lawsuit a few years ago. Step 1 The applications are divided into categories based on location. This ensures they are reviewed by a regional admissions officer who is familiar with the schools and educational opportunities in the designated area. Step 2 Admissions officers — and sometimes faculty — read each application in full. They use score cards to rate the application / application materials on a scale of 1-6 (with 1 being the best and 6 being the worst) in four general categories: Academics (i.e. grades, test scores, winning nationally-recognized awards) Extracurriculars (i.e. community service, clubs, family commitments) Athletics (i.e. athletic accomplishments, awards) Personal Qualities (i.e. intellectual curiosity, specific talents, capacity for leadership) Harvard reports taking up to 200 variables into consideration: (source: Wall Street Journal) Step 3 Applications that made it through the first review are assessed and voted on by a subcommittee, much like this: Inside the Decision Room. Step 4 Finally, all the applications that are approved by a subcommittee receive one final yes/no vote from the full 40-person admissions board. Overall, Harvard seeks a diverse campus, and each year the qualities they look for shift, at least somewhat, as they shape each incoming class. While this makes it challenging to exactly assess one’s competitiveness, it’s important to note that almost all applicants are highly qualified, with many thousands reporting perfect GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. (Source: Harvard University) Because of this, you must focus on your extracurriculars and — more importantly — your personal qualities. Why? Because most applicants underestimate the personal qualities metric, making it the best avenue to set yourself apart from the competition. Use the essays, letters of recommendation, and interview to show how you: Will contribute to your campus and class Are poised to do amazing things as a student and, later, a Harvard graduate Fit in with the Harvard community Remember, Harvard openly admits that they shape each incoming class to bring together a set of students who are not only academically capable but diverse, unique, and offer different opinions, life experiences, perspectives, and interests. So highlight those things about yourself to stand out from your competition. Want help applying to Harvard, or any other college or university? We're here to help. Schedule a free 20 minute consultation and let's get started!

Do I need to be published to successfully apply to Ph.D. programs? This is hands-down the most common question I receive from future graduate applicants, but it is worth worrying over? In short, the answer is no. Publications are not required to apply to Ph.D. programs; however, you do need to show that you will be a strong researcher. Research skills are the number one thing admissions committees or principal investigators look for in an applicant — and publications are a strong indicator of this — but they are not the only way you can demonstrate research aptitude. Rather than focusing on publications, gain research experience. Present at an undergraduate conference, work in a lab, win research awards, or find an industry-specific internship. Such exposure to research will help you develop strong, marketable skills, secure compelling letters of recommendation, and make you a promising applicant. For more ideas, read Dry goods: As an undergraduate, how can I gain research experience that is conducive to postgraduate applications? If you are uncertain where to start or how to make yourself competitive for graduate school, contact us at World Awaits. We help applicants maximize their potential and attend top-choice schools in the US, UK, and Canada. We: Accept only a small number of clients so we can offer attentive, targeted assistance Strategically build comprehensive applications based on our insider-knowledge and experience as former admissions officers and graduates of top universities Contact us directly on WeChat at kvanderweert or email to set up a free advisory session. We will discuss exactly what you can do to improve your chances and share valuable insights into the competitive world of Ph.D. admissions.

You are a student, a son or daughter, a friend, a talented individual; you have passions, goals, unique qualities, interests; you have learned languages, instruments, academic subjects, artistic mediums. A theme brings the different aspects of you together to tell one cohesive, compelling story. When done correctly, a good theme will add energy to an application, propelling it into the “admit” pile by making it memorable. What is an application theme? A theme is, in one sentence, who you are as a person. Known as an “elevator pitch” in the business world, it summarizes your background and experiences. For example, if you have spent your high school career studying computer science and robotics, and you have a love for the theater, acting in your school plays, your theme might be that you are a high-achieving STEM student who thrives under pressure. Or, with this same background, your theme might be that you are a goal-oriented student who loves projects that demand out-of-the-box thinking. Either way, your theme taps into your academic and personal background to present an overarching idea of who you are as a person. What is your application theme? To find your own theme, think about what defines you. What have you accomplished in your life? What are your unique strengths and interests? How would your friends or family describe you? And where do these different perspectives overlap? If you are still in high school, you have the opportunity to curate your theme. Having an idea of how you will present yourself in your college applications (particularly if you already know what you would like to major in) will guide your course selection, extracurricular involvement, and skill development. This is especially important if you are targeting the Ivy League, as top-tier schools are highly competitive and seek applicants with well-developed profiles. When establishing your theme, ask yourself: ● What are you good at? ● What do you like? ● What skills/interests/qualities will help with admissions? Do you want to know more about positioning yourself for the Ivy League? Watch our free workshop, The World Awaits Strategy: How to Beat the Competition and Attend One of the Best Universities in the United States, to learn: ● The two things you must demonstrate in your application if you want to be admitted into a top-tier institution ● How to put together the 5 most common application materials so you stand apart from the competition If you are nearing the end of high school or are in the midst of creating your college applications, do not fret that it’s too late to curate a theme. Instead, work backward to position yourself as the kind of applicant the Ivy League wants using your academic and personal background as support. Write down how you want to present yourself, then determine how your high school courses, achievements, interests, and goals come together to reinforce your focus. Application theme ideas The most common themes revolve around an applicant’s major, field of study, or career goals; however, other frameworks are powerful too. Whether you know what you will study in college or are entering undecided, some other strong theme ideas include: leadership, relationships, and overcoming challenges. By using a personal quality as a theme, you are able to immediately show admissions officers that you have what they’re looking for. Everyone has a theme. I walk my clients through a multi-step process to help them discover and craft their unique narratives, and below you will see one of the first steps we take in identifying the framework we will use for their applications. For some clients, the top quality (or two) identified through this brainstorming activity will become their theme. For others, the quality or qualities will be woven into their themes to add depth to their applications. Once you have identified your theme, you will infuse it into all of the application materials. For some ideas on how to do this, watch our free workshop (The World Awaits Strategy: How to Beat the Competition and Attend One of the Best Universities in the United States) or reach out to work with World Awaits directly. 👉👉 If you’re interested in working with World Awaits, reach out and say “hi”! We’ll arrange a free 20-minute advisory session to jumpstart your college journey.