HOW TO APPLY TO UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA

Students need to start the application process 1 to 11/2yrs before the programmes start.  The academic year begins in August and finishes in May. Applications close as follows:

• Mid-October/early November 2012 - Application deadlines for  Early Decisions  (legally binding) and Early Admissions deadlines 
  
  • Students should plan to take the ACT by the October date or SAT by the November date, but check with universities to confirm.
  • Mid-December - Receive unconditional admissions and university funding decisions by post or e-mail if applied Early Decision/Action
• January to March 2012 - Regular application deadlines, with most in January
  • Students should plan to take the ACT by the February date or SAT by the January date, but check with universities to confirm.
  • From March: Receive unconditional admissions and university funding decisions by post or e-mail if you applied for the regular application deadlines

The application process may vary between univerisities, the most competiive universities require additonal exams along side academic transcripts.

Students will be asked for GPA, there is no straight forward translation of A levels to GPA but the table below gives an indication; 

Students need to prepare the following documentation;

1.  Academic transcripts for the last four years of secondary school, GCSE results, AS results and predicted A level results including UCAS tariff points and explaination of UCAS tariff results.

2.  Admissions exams, students can choose between SAT exams  and ACT exams.

3.  University entrance essays

4.  Two or three references 

 5.  Completed application form for each university

6.  Some universities will require an interview, interviews will be based around the admissions criteria