Undergraduate Application Process: USA

To begin, create an account on the Common Application platform, which serves as a gateway to over 900 universities in the U.S. You’ll need to provide:

• Basic details (name, email, DOB, country)
• A secure login ID and password
• Selection of ‘First-Year Student’ as your applicant type

Once your account is active, you can access all components of the application and track deadlines for each university.

Use the search feature to explore universities based on:

• Majors offered
• Admission selectivity
• Location and campus culture
• Scholarship opportunities

You can add up to 20 universities to your list. Each university will have specific requirements, so carefully review deadlines and additional essays before proceeding.

The Common App has multiple sections that require personal input, including:

• Personal Information: Contact details, citizenship, family background
• Academic History: High school transcripts, predicted grades, and course selection
• Activities & Extracurriculars: Leadership roles, volunteering, work experience, and sports
• Standardized Test Scores: SAT/ACT (if required) and English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

Pro Tip: Highlight leadership, impact, and consistency in your extracurriculars.

The Common App Essay is a 650-word personal statement that reflects your values, aspirations, and unique experiences. Some key points:

• Choose from seven prompt options provided on the Common App.
• Keep it authentic, engaging, and reflective of your personality.
• Avoid repetition—your essay should complement your activities list, not repeat it.

We provide personalized essay guidance to help craft a compelling narrative.

Most U.S. universities require two to three recommendation letters from:

• Teachers (preferably in subjects relevant to your intended major)
• Counselor/Principal
• Coaches, research supervisors, or mentors (optional but valuable)

Universities value detailed, personal insights about your work ethic, growth, and contributions to your school or community.

Scholarships and need-based aid are a major part of U.S. applications.

• FAFSA – For U.S. citizens seeking federal aid
• CSS Profile – Required by private universities for international aid
• University-Specific Scholarships – Check each college’s website for merit-based options

💡 TEA specializes in maximizing scholarships and funding opportunities, ensuring affordability for top-tier institutions.

Deadlines vary based on application type:

• Early Decision (ED) – Binding commitment, typically due in November
• Early Action (EA) – Non-binding, but offers early results
• Regular Decision (RD) – Most applications are due in January

After submission, regularly check your college portals for updates, interview invitations, or further document requests.

Some competitive universities, like Harvard, Princeton, MIT, and Stanford, conduct interviews. These may be:

• Alumni Interviews: Conducted locally or online
• Admissions Officer Interviews: Usually for scholarships or selective programs

Interviews assess communication skills, clarity of goals, and enthusiasm for the university. We offer mock interview training to help students stand out.