Have each family member rank the following school criteria on a scale of 1-5. When you are done, spend some time explaining why a factor is or is not important so that everyone understands where each other is coming from. This will help you identify key points for child and your family, and will serve as a starting point for your university research. Academic offerings Advising services Class size Cost Diversity Facilities Graduation rate Happiness Housing Independence International students Internships Job prospects Location Male-Female ratio Prestige Professors Reputation Retention rate Rigor Size Social life Socially active Types of majors Urban/Rural/Suburban This process will help you find your school fit. Keep in mind that you and your child will likely change their ratings as they move through the application process, and that is why discussion is important. Another great resource to help you identify schools is Self Survey for the College-Bound . Please reach out if I can help you through the application process.

Since both tests are accepted by colleges and universities in the US, you need to determine which test is going to make you more competitive in the eyes of admissions officers. The newly released SAT is nearly identical to the ACT. They both test your English grammar, reading, and math skills, but there are some differences… The SAT is considered to be easier because it does not include a science section and test-takers are given more time per question - but it is very important you remember these tests are graded on curve. This means that your score is determined by comparing your performance against that of the other test takers. So, while the SAT may be “easier”, it is easier for everyone who takes it. And since the ACT is harder for everyone who takes it, this is something you can use to your advantage. If you are able to work quickly and excel in science reasoning, then taking the ACT will probably give you a huge advantage over your competition. If, on the other hand, you prefer to take your time and think through your answers, the SAT is likely the better option.

Letters of recommendation are important; they tell the admissions committee a great deal about who you are, how you think and learn, and how you add to the school community or classroom. And because the information provided in LORs comes from objective third parties, strong endorsements can greatly bolster your application and chances of admission. I take my clients through a process in selecting and requesting LORs from appropriate recommenders. We hold frank discussions and complete “homework” to make sure the letters highlight students’ applications and align with US expectations. Here are some guidelines if you are looking to do it on your own: First and foremost, do not falsify your letters of recommendation. It is common practice (in the US as well) to write one’s own LORs and have recommenders simply sign them. Not only is this dishonest, but you run the risk of being denied admission if found out. It is often obvious when a student has written their own LORs. For example, student-written letters tend to overstate accomplishments. And when you think about it, it isn’t likely that a recommender would list off every single university “must have” in one letter. Student-generated LORs also tend to be “suspiciously similar” - meaning the writing style and content is similar to other documents in the student's application, or the letters are oddly similar to LORs submitted by different students. Admissions committees are apprehensive about Chinese LORs that are written perfectly. They know that most teachers do not write with impeccable English, and they know that Chinese and English writing styles are different. So, as I just mentioned, do not falsify your letters of recommendation. Instead, try this: Step 1: Begin by making a list of recommenders who know you well and would be able to touch upon the following points: • Your academic progress in their class • Your work ethic • Your potential for success • Your intellectual curiosity • Your interaction with peers both inside and outside the classroom • Your non-academic interests • Your uniqueness • Your leadership abilities Step 2: Politely ask your first preferred recommender if they would CONSIDER writing an LOR on your behalf. Tell him or her where you want to apply, and explain why those schools interest you. Let your recommender know why you are reaching out to them for an LOR, and why their opinion is important to you and your future success. Tell your recommender that you don’t need an answer from them right away and that, if they want, you will follow up with them in X time (2 weeks, one month, whatever works with your respective timelines). Step 3: If your recommender says “yes,” request a short meeting with him or her to discuss your experiences, qualifications, goals, etc., as well as what should/should not be included in an LOR. You can find lots of examples online. Step 4: When you attend the meeting, bring along your CV and/or a document with helpful information. At this point you can let your recommender know what is typically included in an American letter of recommendation. Recommendations differ between China and the US, and it’s okay to point that out. Consider bringing along sample LORs for your recommender to view. Here’s what should be included in a letter of recommendation: • How the recommender knows the applicant • How long the recommender has known the applicant • Specific examples and anecdotes of the points listed above (academic progress, leadership, etc.) • How the applicant stands out from his/her peers • Why the applicant is a good fit for the college or university • Concise writing Here’s what shouldn’t be included in a letter of recommendation: • False information • Vague descriptions, such as: "Student X is a hard work who leads by example” or “Student X is a respectful and diligent learner.” These statements don’t actually SAY anything. Adding specific examples and anecdotes will demonstrate how these statements are accurate. • Cliches, such as: Goes above and beyond, great student, excellent worker, go-getter, friend to all. Make sure that you are respectful of your recommender’s time. Do not request a letter two days before it is due, but give him or her plenty of time to write a strong recommendation on your behalf. I always suggest that my clients request letters before summer break, if possible. And don’t forget to send your recommender a thank you letter for their time. Step 5: If your recommender says “no,” move on to another person on your list. You should aim for three or four recommenders in total. A few additional points… 1. When submitting your LORs, you will be asked whether or not you want to waive your FERPA rights. FERPA is an acronym for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which (in a nutshell) is a federal law granting families and adult children the right to access their educational records. With regards to LORs, this means that students over the age of 18 have the right to view submitted recommendations. It is entirely up to you whether or not you decide to to waive your FERPA rights; however, I always recommend waiving them. Doing so indicates to admissions committees that the information provided by a recommender is truthful. 2. If you worry your recommenders will not write perfect LORs, that’s okay. Remember admissions counselors are wary of this. If your recommenders prefer to write in Chinese, that’s okay too. In this case, have the letter professionally translated. Submit both the original letter and the translated letter with your application. 3. If you are unable to find a single person willing to write an LOR on your behalf, you will have to write a draft on your own. This should be a LAST RESORT. It makes me uncomfortable to even suggest it, but I know it can be nearly impossible for Chinese students to find recommenders. In this case, write your LOR in draft form so that your recommender can alter it if they see fit. Also make sure your recommender is prepared to answer any questions that may come their way from the university admissions board. And, of course, make sure that your letter is written so that admissions committees will believe it is 100% genuine. Best of luck to everyone!!

When preparing for IELTS, it is essential that you first determine your strengths and weaknesses. Take practice tests for reading and listening, and (if possible) hire a tutor to assess your speaking and writing skills. From there, you will know which areas require assistance, and you can focus on them directly. In addition to this, I recommend the following to all students: Understand the test - How many sections does it have? How long are those sections? How much time will you have per section? Knowing the format of the test will ease your anxiety and help you focus your learning as you practice, practice, practice. Create realistic goals - After determining your weaknesses, set attainable goals in these areas. Learning a new language takes time and patience, and setting unreachable expectations for yourself will only discourage you. By setting goals and benchmarks that you can achieve within a reasonable time frame, you will be able to recognize your improvement and stay motivated. Find interesting English material - What better way to acquaint yourself with another language than to surround yourself with it? Find podcasts, TED Talks, television shows and movies, blogs, and newspapers that are in English, and then dedicate a portion of your day, EVERY DAY, to reviewing these resources. Finding English resources on topics you enjoy will help you learn the language more quickly and effortlessly. Talk to native speakers - If you want a Speaking band score of 8 or above, it is imperative that you talk with native speakers. This will greatly help your fluency and pronunciation. Find a buddy, line up Skype calls, or find a native speaking coach. Just keep in mind that simple conversation isn’t enough - you must practice IELTS-specific speaking strategies. Make English a habit - Very simply, making something a habit (in this case English) will help you reach your personal goals more easily. Fit English into your life wherever possible. This means thinking in English, getting your news in English, writing your grocery lists in English, using new vocabulary in your day-to-day life, etc. This will ensure your English abilities come out in many different situations - even stressful ones like taking IELTS.

IB schools follow a rigorous curriculum. Students can take individual IB courses, or they can opt for an IB diploma. In both cases, students must pass a qualifying exam for each IB class in order to receive college-recognized credit. Regular IB courses are either one or two years, followed by the exam, and high IB courses are two years, followed by the exam. If a student wishes to obtain an IB diploma, they must successfully complete a certain set of courses (at least 3 of which must be high IB) as well as meet a variety of additional requirements, such as papers, presentations, and service hours. IB courses / diploma are offered to 11th and 12th graders. Many American high schools offer IB programs and diplomas, but AP courses are more common. AP courses are college-level classes that are established by The College Board. These courses are one year long and culminate in a qualifying exam. They are not necessary for a high school diploma from an American school, but they are an advantage in the college application process. AP courses can be taken at any point in high school, but they are most commonly taken by 11th and 12 graders. Colleges and universities consider both the IB and AP courses to be equal with regards to difficulty, but they are more familiar with the AP curriculum. Both IB and AP classes convert into college credit, so long as the minimum score (as determined by the college or university) is met.

More than 800 colleges and universities work with the Common Application, so you can expect to complete this online application if you plan to study in the United States. Of course each institution has slightly different requirements, but they all require the Common App essay. With 7 choices, you will need to select the best prompt for you and your story, which you will then submit to every school in your application list. Needless to say, writing a strong essay is very important. The primary challenge with admissions essays is making them stand out. Because admissions officers read essays all day long, year-after-year, it is difficult to find an original angle. Many students read a prompt and go, "Oh! I know exactly how to answer that prompt! I have the perfect story!" However, in all likelihood, there are many other students in the world thinking the same thing about a similar instance in their lives. This isn't to say that your experiences aren't important or meaningful to you, but you must be creative. As a study abroad consultant, I have a very good idea of what makes a successful application essay. Here is how I suggest you tackle each Common App essay prompt: 1) Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. This prompt really gives you the leeway to write about anything you want. The danger is in telling a common story. You must find a way to spin it differently. Want to write about a unique talent or interest you have? That's fine, but consider all of the other people who share your talent or interest. How is your story different? Find that difference and then write your essay from that angle. Want to write about a personal struggle you had making friends, improving a grade, or winning a competition? Tread carefully. These stories are a dime-a-dozen: everybody has one. That said, if you can find a way that your resilience is unique, it can be a compelling story. Ask yourself - how are you different? Want to write about a particularly painful experience in your life, such as a death in the family or a struggle with mental illness? Go ahead. But you must end on a positive note. Admissions officers want to see that you are resilient - not seeking sympathy admission. Consider going smaller with your essay. Do you have any idiosyncrasies or weird loves? Feel free to write about them. This angle, while seemingly less deep, can grab admissions officers' attention for being different. 2) The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? The challenges with this prompt are similar to the first. No admissions officer wants to read another "I failed a class but studied hard and turned it around" or "I lost a competition so I practiced more and got better" essay. If you want to go with this prompt, you need to do one of four things: - Go smaller. Write about a small failure, such as how you once forgot to tip your waiter, you slipped in the rain, or you were ten minutes late for an appointment. Write about something that happens to everyone in a mock epic. - Go "insignificant." Write about an instance that seemed small when it happened, but you later realized had an impact on you. - Include a plot twist. Surprise the reader by reacting to your failure in an unpredictable way. - Use a unique theme or format. But don't forget - this essay is about how you learned from your failure. The majority of your essay must focus on your take-aways. 3) Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? This essay prompt has the potential to show off your values. However, you must avoid controversy and stay humble. Want to write about how you disagree with this political stance or that religious belief? Don't do it. This prompt is not an invitation to discuss controversial topics. Want to write about a belief or idea your feel passionately about? That's wonderful. But don't preach your ideas, and don't come across as all-knowing. 4) Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could take to identify a solution. The trap many students fall into with this essay prompt is the desire to attack large world problems. Everyone wants world peace and to reverse climate change; your thoughts on these matters (most likely) are not unique. To be successful with this essay prompt, you should keep it personal and show that you are a person of action. Talk about yourself and your connection to the problem / dilemma. Don't make sweeping statements about the problem itself. Admissions officers want to know about you. Consider writing about a small or insignificant problem - especially it it's one you have already solved. Admissions officers want to see that you are a doer - a person who takes initiative. If you haven't already solved the problem, focus on what you will (not might, WILL) do to solve it. 5) Discuss an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. This is another prompt that lends itself to a common, boring essay. Don't summarize your story. Instead, write so that the reader feels as though it is happening to them. Make the reader invested in the outcome. Want to write about a formal event? Make sure it is weird. For example, if you and your friends hold an annual beach party in which everyone competes to see who can eat an entire watermelon first - feel free to write about it. However, if your formal event is a common occurrence (such as a religious or cultural right of passage) you will want to use an unique theme or format. Want to write about an informal even? You will have an easier time making it interesting, but your ultimate goal is still to grab the reader's attention and keep it. 6) Describe a topic, idea or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? This essay prompt presents a great opportunity to show off your values and passions. The key is to keep it genuine. Do not use this prompt brag about how smart you. Instead, show admissions officers that you are intellectually curious. They want to see that you can (and enjoy) thinking about complex topics. Or you can use this prompt to show off your quirky interests, such as your desire to learn Old Norse or your passion for drawing anatomically correct flowers. 7) Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. And this is it - the prompt that will let you write about anything you want. Have fun! Just make sure your essay is about you. Keep it personal. Keep it positive, Make sure it reveals your values, passions, and qualities you want admissions officers to know about you. Do you want personalized help with your applications? Contact me to arrange a free consultation to discuss how I can help you gain admission into the school of your dreams. I have helped more than 300 clients successfully attend university in the United States, including Ivy League institutions, and I can help you do the same. Good luck, applicants!

I always advise clients to develop both a breadth and a depth of experiences. Admissions officers are looking for what I call a “T” shaped applicant. This means they prefer applicants who have a breadth of experience (such as participating in clubs, sports, music, etc.) and a depth of experience in one or two areas that they are particularly passionate about. Admissions officers expect that you will try a number of activities over your high school career; you are meant to experiment with different interests at that point in your life. But admissions officers also expect that you will have one or two activities that you love and are passionate about. They want to see you develop yourself in these areas as much as possible. Exactly how do that, however, will depend on your interests. For example, if you are really interested in robotics, don’t just build them on your free time, but join a robotics club, participate in competitions, create a website to show off your work, create educational videos to share your robotics skills with others, etc. Also (if possible) take high school classes that align with this passion for robotics, such as physics and programming, so that you can show admissions officers just how much you LOVE robots. This is just an example, but you get the idea. The key is to find something you are honestly passionate about and develop your skills and experiences in this area. You do NOT want to do this with a bunch of activities, and you do NOT want to do this with something you are not actually passionate about. Admissions officers review applications for a living, and they know how to spot applicants who are only involved in extracurricular activities to improve their university applications. Admissions officers also like applicants who show leadership skills. If we continue with the robotics example, you could add leadership skills to your application by becoming the president of your robotics club, or you could start a robotics club on your own - whether that be at your school or in your community. You could also turn your love of robotics into a volunteer experience, such as teaching robotics to underserved (poor) children. In sum - you want to use your extracurricular activities as a platform to show off who you are, what you are interested in, and what you can offer a campus above-and-beyond your grades. It doesn't matter what you do, so long as you sincerely enjoy it and develop yourself in this area/these areas as much as possible.

The clock is ticking - there are only a few days left before Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) college applications are due. If you’re like most students, you’ve put off writing your application essays until the very end, which means you’re probably looking at a messy essay. Today, I am going to share some tips with you to help you edit and polish your essays for submission. First, remember the essay (or essays) are used to help admissions committees know who you are beyond your grades and test scores. They want to understand you - your background, your goals, your motivations. A successful college essay answers two questions: What happened? Why is it important? To assess your own writing, begin by reading your essay. Just read it. Don’t worry about editing it just yet. Then answer the questions in our checklist: If these questions highlight any gaps in our essay, it’s time to fix them. Then, start the process all over again. It may take a few drafts, but you’ll get there. Need another opinion on your writing? Help polishing your essay(s) before submission? We are here for you. Contact World Awaits today.

Often, beginning a statement of purpose (SOP) is the most challenging step. Follow these steps before you start writing to help you discover the content of your primary application essay. Step 1: Brainstorm goals Where do I want to be after graduation or after 5 years? What are my long term goals? What job will I hold ? For what company or type of company? How will this university degree help me get there? What steps do I need to take to get there? Step 2: Evaluate your profile What are my strengths and weaknesses? What challenges have I faced so far? How have I learned from them and how will I apply them in the future? Step 3: Research each university and program you plan to apply to How will they benefit my goals? How will I benefit theirs? What does the program emphasize? What types of candidates are they looking for? Step 4: Add details to each question Focus on depth Answer “why” Step 5: Write your outline Write a personal story about why you chose your discipline Include your short-term and long-term goals Explain why you want to attend that university and how it will help you achieve your goals Emphasize how you are a good fit for their program and why the university should accept you (your strengths and how you will be an ambassador of their program following graduation) Discuss any challenges you’ve faced in your academic career, how you’ve overcome them, and how they’ve prepared you for advanced studies If you’re struggling with your statement of purpose (or any other application elements), reach out to arrange a free 20 minute consultation. My team and I have decades of experience between us. We’ll help you differentiate yourself from all the other applicants applying to your target schools in the United States, Canada, or the UK and ensure you attend the program of your dreams.

For those of you considering applying to schools in the United States, I’ve put together an admissions timeline for you. This is the general timeline I have been using with my clients and students for nearly a decade. Please note that my ideas and views might be different from the advice you receive from others, including those on this site. In my opinion, it is helpful to read different admissions suggestions so you can make the best decisions for yourself. My Recommended Admissions Timeline (Undergraduate) Freshman Year - Summer Before Junior Year Get involved - Be a “yes” person. If your friends want you to train for a marathon with them, say yes. If your parents want you to help more around the house, say yes. If you want to start a new hobby, say yes (to yourself). Of course, there are more direct college prep activities you can and should be doing over your summer (as you’ll see below), but getting involved with your friends, family, and personal well-being will keep you happy. By saying “yes,” you might also stumble into new opportunities and/or have experiences that will turn into an amazing application essay. Take an SAT and ACT practice test - Some people perform better on the SAT, while others do better on the ACT. Try them both out and see which one you gravitate toward and score higher on - then beginning preparing for that one. You should expect to take your first official test in the spring of your Junior year, but if you take it earlier, that’s great too. It will be very helpful to have the test out of the way by the summer before your Senior year. Ditto for TOEFL and IELTS Take SAT subject tests - If you are planning to apply to elite schools, there’s a good chance you will need to submit subject tests. Take a subject test or two that align with the classes you took during the school year, while the information is still fresh in your mind. Add depth to your top activity - Admissions committees like to see “T-shaped applicants” - applicants who have both a breadth and a depth of experience. Select your favorite activity and do more with it over the summer, while you have some free time. Start your resume - Make a list of all your extracurricular involvement since Freshman year. In addition to traditional activities, such as sports, clubs, internships, and summer research, remember that anything you do outside of school counts. This includes family responsibilities, test prep, personal projects, and hobbies. Read - Reading will help you improve your test scores and essay writing. Fall of Junior Year Continue with the points under “Summer Before Junior Year” as necessary Take the most challenging course load you can - Taking (and acing) rigorous classes tells admissions committees that you are capable of succeeding in college-level courses. While you are only evaluated through the courses offered at your high school, it looks great to add AP or college classes to your course load. You may be able to find such classes within your city or online, or you can self-study and test out. Remember, however, that grades are equally important to rigor. If you’re concerned about receiving an A in a challenging class, you will want to determine whether your GPA or rigor is more important to your application before enrolling in the course. Keep your grades up - As I mentioned, GPA is equally important to class rigor. But also, if you received poor grades as a Freshman or Sophomore, it is particularly important that you raise them now, as admissions committees consider Junior year grades to be the most predictive of college success. Get involved with your school or community - Doing so will add to your “T-shaped” profile. But you will need to stick with whatever you chose to do through Senior year so admissions committees don’t see your involvement as a cheap play to add to your activities list and resume. Ramp up your standardized test preparation - Again, it is ideal for you to be done with all your tests by the summer of your Junior year so you can focus on other application materials. Spring of Junior Year Take your standardized tests - If you did not take your standardized tests in the winter, you will need to do so in the spring. In the United States, high schools arrange for their students to take the test in April or May, though many students sign up to take the test on their own at earlier times. You should aim to do the same. Taking the test at this point will also leave you room to retest over the summer if you receive poor scores. · Start your college list - It’s okay if you have tons of schools on your list. As you start to research programs, and you as you start to explore your personal interests and goals, you will filter schools out. 3. Think about college fit - It’s common for students to gravitate toward “Name Brand” schools, but there is a lot more to consider: a）Finances - Will you need aid to attend school in the United States? If so, will you qualify? You and your parents need to hold honest discussions about college costs. I’ve seen it happen before - parents tell their children they can apply wherever they want, but when they are accepted into a high-ticket school the family can’t actually afford, the student is forced to withdraw. This is terrible for everyone involved, so talk about financial expectations early. b）Potential Major - If you don’t know what you want to study yet, that’s fine. But if you do, you definitely need to make sure your preferred school(s) not only offer your major but are equipped to offer you amazing opportunities within it. c）Location - Really think about where you want to live for 4 or more years; it will impact your happiness more than you (probably) realize now. Do you want urban or rural? Mountains, beaches, or cornfields? Do you want to stay in an environment that is already familiar to you, or do you want to push your boundaries? d ) School size - Think about how you learn best. Do you prefer small classes where you can discuss ideas with your professors and classmates? Or do you prefer lecture halls where you can remain anonymous? Do you want to attend a large state school with many course options and resources, or do you prefer a smaller school that specializes in your preferred area of study? e ) School culture - Do you want to attend a large school for the “quintessential college experience” of football, parties, and greek life? Or do you want something more quirky? Or maybe both? f ) Grades and test scores - Where do your statistics fit? I advise my clients to be above the 50% mark for match and safety schools. 4. Start demonstrating interest - Schools want to know that you want them. Show them you’re interested by visiting them (even if it’s just online), sign up for information and information sessions, follow them on social media, and connect with current students and professors. Many schools track applicant interest, so your efforts will (likely) be noticed. 5. Start a new email address that is strictly for admissions - First of all, your email needs to be professional rather than your phone number or something you made up when you were 12. Second of all, you will receive A LOT of correspondence from colleges and universities. It will help you keep everything organized if you direct it to one email that is dedicated to your admissions journey. Because colleges and universities track applicant interest, open the emails your receive, even if they’re just junk. 6. Ask teachers for letters of recommendation (LORs) - I know it’s uncommon for teachers in China to write LORs for their students, but you should at least try. Letters that come directly from teachers will be more authentic. If your teachers don’t want to write in English, that is fine too; you will simply need to have the LORs professionally translated, then submit both copies. If teachers agree to write LORs on your behalf, help them by giving them a copy of your resume and information on your goals and motivations. Summer Before Senior Year Complete anything I’ve already listed that isn’t done yet. Write like a motherf*cker - It’s time to start your application essays. You should begin by free-writing--every. single. day. Write about yourself. Write about your experiences, goals, and personal values. Explore yourself through your writing, and get comfortable with your voice. This will help you down the road when you write your application essays in a more structured way. Narrow down your school list to 6-15 options. Make sure at least one of the schools on your list is a definite. Don’t take this lightly; it’s the most important school on your list. Continue visiting schools and demonstrating interest. This is very important because it not only shows your commitment to the school(s) but will help you write more convincing application essays (in particular, the Why University X essay). Take demonstrated interest one step further - IF it’s okay to do so, contact your regional admissions officer. Introduce yourself and ask questions that aren’t readily available on the school website. Open a Common App account - Applications don’t officially open until August 1, but you can add the basics to your account early. If necessary, send your transcripts to WES for verification. Update your resume. Begin writing your primary application essay - Also called the Personal Statement (PS), this essay is extremely important. It allows admissions committees to know the applicant on a personal level - as more than a set of grades and test scores. No matter which prompt you choose, the topic is you. Focus on letting the reader in, opening up, and creating a connection. In my opinion, this is best accomplished by showing (not telling) your core value(s). Rather than reiterating facts that are in other parts of your application, use the PS to express yourself. Take care of yourself - Your senior year is going to be stressful, and you should prepare for it by engaging in healthy habits now. Exercise, meditate, listen to music and dance in your room, read books, visit with friends. It doesn’t matter what you do, but set time aside for yourself and continue to do so as application season ramps up. Fall of Senior Year Again, make sure you are on top of the points listed above. Make a college spreadsheet - Keep yourself organized by recording the application requirements and due dates for all the schools you plan on applying to. Include chance of admission, notes, and opinions as well. Contact recommenders - Share with your due dates with your recommenders, and explain what they can expect with regards to submitting letters on your behalf. Write each recommender a thank you note for their time. Complete your essays - Focus on your personal statement, then write each supplemental essay in the order of their due dates. You should also consider whether you need or want to write an Additional Information essay. Apply Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) - Whether or not you decide to apply ED is something you will have to consider carefully with your family. Applying EA, on the other hand, is absolutely something you should aim for. Statistically, your chances of admission from EA are higher, so apply early to as many schools as you can. Interview - Every school has a different way of approaching interviews. Some universities automatically sign you up for an interview, some require you to sign yourself up, sometimes interviews are optional, and some schools don’t use them at all. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the interview process for each of the schools on your list so you don’t miss this vital opportunity. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) - If you are deferred from EA or ED Winter of Senior Year Apply Regular Decision (RD) - For all the school applications you were unable to submit early, make sure they are in by the RD due date. There is no leniency for late applications; if you miss the due date, your application will not be reviewed. Breathe - All you have to do now is wait. You will probably check your email constantly, discuss admissions results on various forums, and, basically, freak yourself out. This is normal but try to avoid it. Until admissions results are fully released, things are out of your control. Instead, pick up those healthy habits you established over the summer and keep yourself happy. Write LOCIs for any schools you end up on the waitlist. Spring of Senior Year Make your school Decision by May 1 - Inform all of the schools you were admitted to but don’t wish to enroll in that you will be attending a different institution. This will allow them to start moving waitlisted students into their admit pile (the sooner they can do this, the sooner another stressed-out senior student is going to receive some good news). Put your deposit down for the school you will enter in the fall. Prepare your travel documents - Make sure your passport is current, contact your school regarding your I-20, compile your financial statements, and prepare for your visa interview. Don’t worry; it should be easy, but you’ll feel more confident if everything is ready and organized early. ➽➽➽ Every year, my team and I work one-on-one with a select number of applicants. Students and families who work with us find that the application process is easy, successful, and life-changing. If you want assistance with your applications, or even a single requirement, let’s chat. You can contact me on WeChat at kvanderweert or via email at kvanderweert@worldawaits.net.

Students and families often come to me stumped on how to begin their transfer personal statements. Schools want to see that applicants have made an appropriate, informed decision to transfer, and that they have the academic ability and motivation to be successful at their new school. To properly demonstrate these things to admissions officers, begin by asking yourself the questions below. Your answers will inform your personal statement. Question 1: How is your current school failing to meet your academic and/or personal needs? In other words, how is it less-than-ideal? Consider: Have you decided to change majors, and your current school doesn’t offer it or isn’t strong in the discipline? Do you dislike the curriculum offered at your current school? Do you lack access to career development outside of your course offerings, such as internships, externships, career services, campus clubs and organizations, or networking opportunities? Have you outgrown your environment? Is your current school too expensive? Do you have personal circumstances influencing your decision to transfer? What are your personal values and how haven’t they been met? Did you initially feel unprepared to apply to your transfer school? Question 2: What were your expectations for your current school before you arrived? How did reality differ? Question 3: What experiences have you had that have led to where you are now? Consider (in order of importance): Experiences in your current school Experiences in high school Question 4: If you attended community college immediately after high school, why did you make this decision? Has community college met your needs up until this point and, if so, in what ways? Question 5: What specific resources and opportunities does your transfer school offer and how will they benefit you? Identify: Course offerings Professors you want to learn from Student organizations Research opportunities Experiential learning opportunities Study abroad Resources and courses outside your major that align with your personal needs and interests Resources and opportunities in or near the school’s city 💗💗💗 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!

When it comes to preparing for graduate school, many students feel stressed. They wonder: “Should I take the GRE or the GMAT?”; “When do I need to start preparing my applications?”; “Are my grades strong enough to get me into my target programs?” I constantly receive messages and emails from graduate applicants expressing the stress and confusion they experience trying to navigate US admissions. In response, I am sharing the general graduate application timeline I have been using with my clients and students for a decade. I hope that it will help alleviate some students’ anxiety surrounding their upcoming applications - as Alexander Graham Bell famously said: Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. Freshman year — Summer before Junior year Be an active participant on your campus - You must develop yourself beyond your grades. One of the best ways to do this is to get involved on campus - whether through career-oriented organizations and competitions - or through extracurricular activities you are passionate about. So many students focus exclusively on their grades, which puts them at a detriment when competing against students who have spent years leading an organization or winning competitions. Add depth to your academics - So many students think that securing good grades in their college courses will be enough to get them into their top-choice programs. However, if you’re aiming for a PhD or a competitive school, you must go above-and-beyond by developing your career-oriented skills. Depending on your field of study, participate in research projects on your campus and/or abroad, or use your summers to intern in your industry. Take TOEFL and IELTS practice tests - Some people perform better on TOEFL, while others do better on IELTS. Try them both out and see which one you score higher on, then begin preparing for that one. You should expect to take your first official test in the spring of your Junior year, but if you take it earlier, that’s great too. It will be very helpful to have the test out of the way by the summer before your Senior year. The same goes for your academic standardized test: GRE/GMAT/LSAT Start your resume - In addition to career-related roles and responsibilities, include extracurricular involvement, awards, relevant coursework, skills, and interests. Putting your resume together early will help you spot areas of weakness, which you can then address while you still have time. Read - Reading will help you improve your test scores and essay writing. Fall of Junior Year Continue with the points under “Freshman year - Summer before Junior year” as necessary. Keep your grades up - If you received poor grades as a Freshman or Sophomore, it is particularly important that you raise them now. Admissions committees consider upper-classman grades to be an important predictive measure of future academic success. Ramp up your standardized test preparation - Again, it is ideal for you to be done with all your tests by the summer of your Junior year so you can focus on other application materials. Spring of Junior year Initiate the application process - Your first application will take between 100-200 hours to complete, not including standardized test preparation. By starting early, you set yourself up for success. Write down your short-term and long-term goals - Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? Upon retirement? Knowing what you want from your life will not only guide you to the right graduate program, but your answers to these questions - being motivating factors behind your decision to attend graduate school - will be discussed at length throughout your application. Start thinking about them early. Take your standardized tests - If you did not take your standardized tests in the winter, you will need to do so in the spring. Taking the test at this point will do two things: 1) Help you develop an accurate yet comprehensive graduate program list, as you will have an idea of your target school competitiveness, and 2) Give you time to retest over the summer if you receive poor scores. Start your program list - It’s okay if you have tons of programs on your list. As you start to research schools, and as you start to explore your personal interests and goals, you will naturally narrow your list down. Think about program fit - It’s common for students to gravitate toward “Name Brand” schools, but there is a lot more to consider: Finances - Will you need aid to attend school in the United States? If so, will you qualify? Location - Really think about where you want to live for 2-6 years; it will impact your happiness more than you (probably) realize now. Do you want urban or rural? Mountains, beaches, or cornfields? Do you want to stay in an environment that is already familiar to you, or do you want to push your boundaries? Program culture - Some programs are highly individualized and competitive while others focus on cooperative learning, for example. Grades and test scores - Which programs “fit” your academic statistics? I advise my clients to be above the 50% mark for match and safety programs. Start demonstrating interest - Schools want to know that you want them. Show them you’re interested by visiting them (even if it’s just online), sign up for information and information sessions, follow them on social media, and connect with current students and professors. Many schools track applicant interest, so your efforts will (likely) be noticed. Ask teachers for letters of recommendation (LORs) - I know it’s uncommon for recommenders in China to write LORs for their students, but you should at least try. Letters that come directly from the source will be more authentic. If your recommenders don’t want to write in English, that is fine too; you will simply need to have the LORs professionally translated, then submit both copies. As a last resort, you can write them yourself and have your recommender sign them. Summer Before Senior Year Start your application essays - You should begin by free-writing -- every. single. day. Write about yourself. Write about your experiences, goals, and personal values. Explore yourself through your writing, and get comfortable with your voice. This will help you down the road when you write your application personal statements/statements of purpose in a more structured way. Narrow down your program list to 6-15 options - Make sure at least one of the schools on your list is a definite. Don’t take this lightly; it’s the most important school on your list. Continue visiting schools and demonstrating interest - This is very important because it not only shows your commitment to the programs but will help you write more convincing application essays (in particular, the Why University X portion). If necessary, send your transcripts to WES for verification. Update your resume. Begin writing Personal Statement (PS) or Statement of Purpose (SOP) - This essay is extremely important. It allows admissions committees to know you on a personal level - as more than a set of grades and test scores. Fall of Senior Year Make a graduate program spreadsheet - Keep yourself organized by recording the application requirements and due dates for all the programs you plan on applying to. Include chances of admission, notes, and opinions as well. Contact recommenders - Share your due dates with your recommenders, and explain what they can expect with regards to submitting letters on your behalf. Write each recommender a thank you note for their time. Complete your essays. Submit round one applications - For most programs, the earlier you submit, the better your chances of admission. You should plan to have at least three of your applications done by round-one deadlines. Winter of Senior Year Submit the rest of your applications - For all the school applications you were unable to submit early, make sure they are in by the final due date. There is no leniency for late applications; if you miss the due date, your application will not be reviewed. Continue to interview as requested. Breathe - All you have to do now is wait. You will probably check your email constantly, discuss admissions results on various forums, and, basically, freak yourself out. This is normal but try to avoid it. Until admissions results are fully released, things are out of your control. Write Letters of Continued Interest (LOCIs) for any programs that waitlist you. Spring of Senior Year Make your program decision - Inform all of the schools you were admitted to but don’t wish to enroll in that you will be attending a different institution. This will allow them to start moving waitlisted students into their admit pile (the sooner they can do this, the sooner another stressed-out senior student is going to receive some good news). Put your deposit down for the program you will enter in the fall. Prepare your travel documents - Make sure your passport is current, contact your school regarding your I-20, compile your financial statements, and prepare for your visa interview. Don’t worry; it should be easy, but you’ll feel more confident if everything is ready and organized early. Celebrate! ➽➽➽ Every year, my team and I work one-on-one with a select number of applicants. Students and families who work with us find that the application process is easy, successful, and life-changing. If you want assistance with your applications, or even a single requirement, let’s chat. You can contact me on WeChat at kvanderweert or via email at kvanderweert@worldawaits.net.