An unusual college admissions process

It’s nearing college application season once again, and BartyED college admissions consultants are here to answer the pressing questions on every high schooler's mind.

With the changes caused by COVID-19, US college applications have never been harder to navigate, especially for international students.

Let’s take a look at what the US college admissions process looks like this year, and how to evaluate your application.

SAT & ACT

What many international students may not know is that SAT and ACT scores for US universities are even more important than they were before.

While many colleges have been implementing test-optional admissions for some time now, in response to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the influx of applicants means that being able to stand out with SAT/ACT test scores is a crucial part of securing college placements.

Indeed, standardized test scores are still required for many scholarships, and will definitely help your chances. What this looks like in practice is early prep and individualised guidance to make sure you make the most of this opportunity on exam day.

US college application essays and how to tackle them

The US college application essay is a short written response that should broadly exhibit some unique or interesting quality about yourself.

The essay is where US college admissions officers try to gauge suitability, personality, and other holistic factors.

Though there are prompts to guide the direction or frame the content of the essay, it is inherently difficult to find constructive advice online, and international students tend to spend much too long thinking, rewriting, and second-guessing themselves.

With a good college admissions consultant however, there are concrete ways to prep and perfect this aspect of the application.

At BartyED, this looks like individualised guidance in planning and structuring the essay, then consolidating sophisticated language skills, and streamlining the editing process, with an experienced consultant that knows how to navigate this complex process.

Ivy League Colleges

With Ivy League schools adopting test-optional admissions policies too, US college applicants are understandably confused about how (else) to construct the strongest application they can.

BartyED admissions consultants are here to tell you that the SAT and ACT is still the most straightforward way to do this, especially if you are applying for scholarships.

Other challenges come in the form of navigating the different application processes of the Ivy League schools and producing exceptional written components, such as the personal essay (for Common App) or personal insight questions (for UC colleges).

Take a look at our Ivy League admissions post for other commonly asked questions, and here for information specifically regarding Ivy League admissions consultancy.

AP tests, IB exams, and high school portfolios

For many US college applicants, the test-optional policies and changes to assessment structures implies a direct pressure to bank on high school grades for securing placements.

However, with conventional learning uprooted and academic support systems taking a hit, international students are justifiably feeling less confident about their chances.

US college applicants are right to focus on perfecting their high school portfolios, but what counts more than ever is external guidance from an experienced tutor.

With an individualised tutoring program designed to maximise your AP, IB, or standardized test scores, the perfect academic portfolio is within reach.