The excitement a high school student gets when looking and applying to university isn’t topped by anything but receiving that acceptance letter from their dream college. But first, a decision on where to study and what to study needs to be made along with a host of tasks that need to be done. Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming, which is why having a checklist is crucial for prospective students. In this article, Studygram will provide a checklist of tasks that need to be completed when applying to a university.
List majors you’re interested in studying
A high school student should have a general idea of what field of study to pursue or at least a specific course or major. Having identified your passions, interests and your own abilities should make your choice a lot easier. For example, if you’re into technologies and computers and you have strong abilities in that field, you should be leaning towards choosing majors like computer science and engineering or robotics and mechatronics. Consider double majoring and taking on a minor as it will expand your future options after graduating from university. Finding what you’re passionate about and what you are good at will make your life journey all the more exciting and pleasant. Click here to read about top college majors to consider in a post-COVID-19 world.
This table, based on the University Subject Rankings, showcases the top 10 famous majors, highlighting institutions known for their excellence in these fields of study.
List universities you are interested in joining
Make sure to put together a list of universities that offer the courses or majors you are interested in. Do your research on what each university offers and compare course curricula between universities.
When creating your college list, consider several important factors:
- Cost of Living and Tuition Fees: Choose a country or city with an affordable cost of living that also offers a vibrant social life. It’s essential to evaluate universities with lower or more manageable tuition fees to avoid financial strain.
- Financial Aid Packages and Scholarships: Be proactive in checking the availability of different scholarships you can apply for, such as the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Understanding the financial support options each university provides will help you make informed decisions.
This table presents the top 10 universities worldwide based on the QS Ranking. These institutions are renowned for their academic excellence, research contributions, and innovative programs, making them highly sought after by students globally.
| University | Country | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | 1 |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | 2 |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | 3 |
| Harvard University | United States | 4 |
| Stanford University | United States | 5 |
| Imperial College London | United Kingdom | 6 |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | 7 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | 8 |
| UCL | United Kingdom | 9 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | United States | 10 |
Submissions deadlines
Each university you’re applying for may have a different application deadline. Make sure to identify the application deadline for each university you are applying for. You can never be too early when you are starting your application, so start it as early as possible to give yourself the necessary time to complete the list of tasks that are needed.
College application
It is time to get your college application filled out. Most universities now require the application to be filled out and submitted online. Some universities still require a paper application to be submitted so make sure you complete your applications in a timely manner. You don’t want to fill out and submit an application unless it’s perfect, so ask your school counselor or teacher to review your application for you.
Prepare for SAT-ACT
This is one of the most important tasks you’ll have to go through when applying for colleges. The higher you score on these tests, the better your chances of getting accepted at the university of your choice. Here at Studygram, we have put together a guide that will help you prepare for SAT-ACT and other tests.
Writing your personal statement
Writing a college personal statement can be such a dreadful task. Sometimes you don’t know how to construct your statement or what to include in it. At Studygram, we have put together a guide that will provide students who are getting ready to enroll in university with some tips on how to write an excellent personal statement.
Submit the required documents.
Each university has its own set of application requirements, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific criteria for each institution. These may include school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and the application fee. To avoid last-minute surprises, make a list of the required documents for each university you’re applying to and gather them well in advance. Organize your documents carefully to minimize the risk of errors or omissions that could delay or impact your application. Being proactive and thorough in preparing your application materials is key to submitting a strong and timely application.
The college application process can be complex, especially for international students navigating different requirements and deadlines. By following this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to submit your college application confidently. Ensuring all necessary documents, including official transcripts, are in order will boost your chances of success. Studygram is here to guide you through every step of this important journey, helping you make informed decisions and achieve your academic dreams.
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