Process FAQ

Your School Counsellor can upload the grades in the common App, in the Optional Report Section. However also check application instructions for each school that you are applying to as some schools also have additional instructions with regards to predicted grades.

Yes you can apply but most US colleges value a holistic profile. Strong academics are an important element, but schools also look at activities outside of the classroom. Ideally you should build your profile in a holistic manner.

As each university has its own policies for international students, we strongly recommend that you:

• Speak to the right contact at the university – it might be the International Student Services Department or Financial Aid Office. It is important to be in contact with specific colleges of interest to determine whether each college has a sufficient pool of funds to provide aid to non-US citizens.
• Regularly check the financial aid and international students’ sections of college websites for specific information about the colleges that you are interested in.
• Like their page on social media (Facebook, Twitter) so that you are immediately aware of any updates or changes.
• Indicate interest in receiving financial aid in the application form (if applicable) and apply by the preferred deadline if you finally decide that you need to avail of financial aid.

A term that students often come across when exploring their various financial aid options is ‘need-blind’. This simply means that students are evaluated regardless of their ability to pay full-tuition costs or not. However, only five schools – Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Amherst, and MIT are need-blind regardless of the student’s country of origin. This means that if accepted, students obtain the necessary financial aid.

Most other schools don’t employ this need-blind policy. Instead they are ‘need-aware’ or ‘need-sensitive’, meaning if you indicate the need for financial aid, your application process will be looked at with that in mind.

So when asking for need-based aid at a university, remember most universities will be taking this into account, and your ability to pay may determine your admission.

1. Personal Funding – this is one of the most popular ways. it generally involves funding through family and relatives.
2. University Aid – This includes:
   • Merit-based scholarships, which are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Merit-based scholarships are usually very competitive.
   • Need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need. You will be required to demonstrate need at a predetermined level to be eligible.
3. Bank Loans – you can inquire with your banks regarding what education loans they provide and what the rate of interest is.
4. External Agencies – There are a number of external agencies including community organizations, companies, foundations, and Government agencies that offer financial assistance to students.
5. Work-Study – These programs allow you to work on campus and opportunities include tutoring, research assistant, a desk job in the library or administrative office.

The itemized average costs at a top university for one academic year (2020/21) are:

Cost Item (in USD)
Tuition: 48,500
Room & Board: 11,500
Transportation: 1,500
Other (entertainment, insurance, books): 3,500
Total Per Year: 65,000
The numbers can significantly vary based on your chosen degree, location and personal lifestyle.

The interview is a critical final step in the application process. This is when you really have the chance to “wow” your interviewer. The interview will be conducted by either the admissions board or an alumnus of the school, depending on the interview process of each school. The interviews can take place on campus, in select cities, via Skype or over the phone. They usually last between 30 minutes to an hour. Here are the top 6 tips for a successful interview:

1. PREPARE. PREPARE. PREPARE
2. Follow the correct etiquette
3. Read and know your content
4. Answer the question clearly and concisely
5. Exhibit genuine enthusiasm
6. Know all details about your school and program

Your letters of recommendation can reveal a number of things about you to the admissions team, including your academic strengths, areas of interest, personal qualities and community service. They offer insights that indicate who you are and whether you are a right fit for the college that is reading them.

Engagement outside the classroom is an important aspect of the college application process. While universities look for good grades, they are more interested in well-rounded individuals. Most college applications ask about the activities that you are involved in during your free time, as it shows traits that grades alone are not able to demonstrate. For example, what are you passionate about? Are you a leader? What you do after school, during weekends and over summers tells the college admissions team a lot about the kind of person you are.

For example, if you volunteered at a local NGO, it shows your dedication to helping people. If you interned at a bank, it shows you have an interest in finance and are passionate about getting more hands-on experience. If you are part of the debate team, it demonstrates your ability to think quickly on your feet, voice your opinions and that you are well versed in current affairs.

The admissions committees at top schools are looking for an impressive and multi-dimensional applicant who will be able to maximize what he/she gains from and contributes to the school. Through the application, you need to showcase that you have gathered informed opinions on a wide range of subjects, in addition to those within your area of immediate interest, and that you are comfortable wearing several different hats.

Essays provide you with the opportunity to bring out different dimensions of your personality – this not only includes your community involvement or success in a hobby such as art or dance, but also for example, what world events have disturbed you, which world leaders have inspired you, or what you feel is the greatest invention of all time. Schools can learn a lot about you from the way in which you choose your essay topics as well as the way that you answer each question.

The admissions committees at top schools are looking for an impressive and multi-dimensional applicant who will be able to maximize what he/she gains from and contributes to the school. Through the application, you need to showcase that you have gathered informed opinions on a wide range of subjects, in addition to those within your area of immediate interest, and that you are comfortable wearing several different hats.

Essays provide you with the opportunity to bring out different dimensions of your personality – this not only includes your community involvement or success in a hobby such as art or dance, but also for example, what world events have disturbed you, which world leaders have inspired you, or what you feel is the greatest invention of all time. Schools can learn a lot about you from the way in which you choose your essay topics as well as the way that you answer each question.

The main objective of the résumé is to be able to provide a snapshot of your academic accomplishments, with regard to both personal and professional interests.

1. Organize your content chronologically
2. Quantify your achievements
3. Identify accomplishments and do not just list descriptions
4. Begin your statements with action words
5. Don’t make things up or exaggerate your successes
6. Edit, Edit, Edit and Edit again
7. Check your formatting

Remember – An excellent résumé is one of the cornerstones of a successful college application. It gives you the opportunity to provide a consolidated view of your accomplishments and showcase the extent to which you are a strong, well-rounded and suitable fit with the school.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are two popular choices of English proficiency tests, and are accepted by most universities. Most colleges require international students to have completed one, with the grade requirements and preference (if any) clearly stated on the website, as part of the admissions process. Some colleges may waive this requirement if certain prerequisites are met.

• Both evaluate how well you can combine your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
• The TOEFL is a 4 hour-long test, whereas the IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• One of the main differences is the speaking part of the test. For IELTS, you are required to take the exam face to face with an IELTS examiner. For TOEFL, the speaking test consists of six questions which you answer into a microphone. These are recorded and sent to an examiner to mark.
• The scoring systems are also different. IELTS rates you between 0 and 9, with halfway points in between. TOEFL provides a more numerical SAT-style grade, totaling your scores from all areas.
• Test results are valid for 2 years and you can retake the exam as many times as you like.

It is important that you check the university website before taking your English proficiency exam, not only to see if there is an exam preference or a minimal score requirement, but also if you are eligible for a waiver.

Include your predicted grades in the reference letter. If you are applying before you finish your school final examinations the referee should provide information about what grades or scores they expect you to achieve in your final exams.

Each college and course has different requirements and it’s imperative you check the websites of your targeted colleges before applying. For example:

King’s College London is unable to consider the HSC board for entry onto their undergraduate degree programs. They currently are only able to consider CBSE or CISCE/ISC boards.

Cambridge states: “Applicants from India must normally either be potential affiliated students (i.e. applying to study for a second Bachelors degree) or studying for the IB or A Levels. Applications from students taking CBSE or ISC Class XII examinations will be considered but only for the following courses: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences. To be shortlisted for interview such applicants will need to have achieved a minimum CGPA of 9.8 and grade A1 in their Class X examinations in the relevant subjects. Any offers of admission made to such students will be conditional on performance in the IIT-JEE or, in the case of Economics or Mathematics, on performance in STEP Mathematics.”

As each university has its own policies for international students, we strongly recommend that you:

• Speak to the right contact at the university – it might be the International Student Services Department or Financial Aid Office. It is important to be in contact with specific colleges of interest to determine whether each college has a sufficient pool of funds to provide aid to non-US citizens.
• Regularly check the financial aid and international students’ sections of college websites for specific information about the colleges that you are interested in
• Like their page on social media (Facebook, Twitter) so that you are immediately aware of any updates or changes.
• Indicate interest in receiving financial aid in the application form (if applicable) and apply by the preferred deadline if you finally decide that you need to avail of financial aid.

1. Personal Funding – this is one of the most popular ways. it generally involves funding through family and relatives.
2. University Aid – This includes:
   • Merit-based scholarships, which are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Merit-based scholarships are usually very competitive.
   • Need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need. You will be required to demonstrate need at a predetermined level to be eligible.
3. Bank Loans – you can inquire with your banks regarding what education loans they provide and what the rate of interest is.
4. External Agencies – There are a number of external agencies including community organizations, companies, foundations, and Government agencies that offer financial assistance to students.
5. Work-Study – These programs allow you to work on campus and opportunities include tutoring, research assistant, a desk job in the library or administrative office.

Include your predicted grades in the reference letter. If you are applying before you finish your school final examinations the referee should provide information about what grades or scores they expect you to achieve in your final exams.

Each college and course has different requirements and it’s imperative you check the websites of your targeted colleges before applying. For example:

King’s College London is unable to consider the HSC board for entry onto their undergraduate degree programs. They currently are only able to consider CBSE or CISCE/ISC boards.

Cambridge states: “Applicants from India must normally either be potential affiliated students (i.e. applying to study for a second Bachelors degree) or studying for the IB or A Levels. Applications from students taking CBSE or ISC Class XII examinations will be considered but only for the following courses: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences. To be shortlisted for interview such applicants will need to have achieved a minimum CGPA of 9.8 and grade A1 in their Class X examinations in the relevant subjects. Any offers of admission made to such students will be conditional on performance in the IIT-JEE or, in the case of Economics or Mathematics, on performance in STEP Mathematics.”

As each university has its own policies for international students, we strongly recommend that you:

• Speak to the right contact at the university – it might be the International Student Services Department or Financial Aid Office. It is important to be in contact with specific colleges of interest to determine whether each college has a sufficient pool of funds to provide aid to non-US citizens.
• Regularly check the financial aid and international students’ sections of college websites for specific information about the colleges that you are interested in
• Like their page on social media (Facebook, Twitter) so that you are immediately aware of any updates or changes.
• Indicate interest in receiving financial aid in the application form (if applicable) and apply by the preferred deadline if you finally decide that you need to avail of financial aid.

1. Personal Funding – this is one of the most popular ways. it generally involves funding through family and relatives.
2. University Aid – This includes:
   • Merit-based scholarships, which are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Merit-based scholarships are usually very competitive.
   • Need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need. You will be required to demonstrate need at a predetermined level to be eligible.
3. Bank Loans – you can inquire with your banks regarding what education loans they provide and what the rate of interest is.
4. External Agencies – There are a number of external agencies including community organizations, companies, foundations, and Government agencies that offer financial assistance to students.
5. Work-Study – These programs allow you to work on campus and opportunities include tutoring, research assistant, a desk job in the library or administrative office.

Include your predicted grades in the reference letter. If you are applying before you finish your school final examinations the referee should provide information about what grades or scores they expect you to achieve in your final exams.

Each college and course has different requirements and it’s imperative you check the websites of your targeted colleges before applying. For example:

King’s College London is unable to consider the HSC board for entry onto their undergraduate degree programs. They currently are only able to consider CBSE or CISCE/ISC boards.

Cambridge states: “Applicants from India must normally either be potential affiliated students (i.e. applying to study for a second Bachelors degree) or studying for the IB or A Levels. Applications from students taking CBSE or ISC Class XII examinations will be considered but only for the following courses: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences. To be shortlisted for interview such applicants will need to have achieved a minimum CGPA of 9.8 and grade A1 in their Class X examinations in the relevant subjects. Any offers of admission made to such students will be conditional on performance in the IIT-JEE or, in the case of Economics or Mathematics, on performance in STEP Mathematics.”

As each university has its own policies for international students, we strongly recommend that you:

• Speak to the right contact at the university – it might be the International Student Services Department or Financial Aid Office. It is important to be in contact with specific colleges of interest to determine whether each college has a sufficient pool of funds to provide aid to non-US citizens.
• Regularly check the financial aid and international students’ sections of college websites for specific information about the colleges that you are interested in
• Like their page on social media (Facebook, Twitter) so that you are immediately aware of any updates or changes.
• Indicate interest in receiving financial aid in the application form (if applicable) and apply by the preferred deadline if you finally decide that you need to avail of financial aid.

1. Personal Funding – this is one of the most popular ways. it generally involves funding through family and relatives.
2. University Aid – This includes:
   • Merit-based scholarships, which are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Merit-based scholarships are usually very competitive.
   • Need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need. You will be required to demonstrate need at a predetermined level to be eligible.
3. Bank Loans – you can inquire with your banks regarding what education loans they provide and what the rate of interest is.
4. External Agencies – There are a number of external agencies including community organizations, companies, foundations, and Government agencies that offer financial assistance to students.
5. Work-Study – These programs allow you to work on campus and opportunities include tutoring, research assistant, a desk job in the library or administrative office.

Include your predicted grades in the reference letter. If you are applying before you finish your school final examinations the referee should provide information about what grades or scores they expect you to achieve in your final exams.

Each college and course has different requirements and it’s imperative you check the websites of your targeted colleges before applying. For example:

King’s College London is unable to consider the HSC board for entry onto their undergraduate degree programs. They currently are only able to consider CBSE or CISCE/ISC boards.

Cambridge states: “Applicants from India must normally either be potential affiliated students (i.e. applying to study for a second Bachelors degree) or studying for the IB or A Levels. Applications from students taking CBSE or ISC Class XII examinations will be considered but only for the following courses: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences. To be shortlisted for interview such applicants will need to have achieved a minimum CGPA of 9.8 and grade A1 in their Class X examinations in the relevant subjects. Any offers of admission made to such students will be conditional on performance in the IIT-JEE or, in the case of Economics or Mathematics, on performance in STEP Mathematics.”

As each university has its own policies for international students, we strongly recommend that you:

• Speak to the right contact at the university – it might be the International Student Services Department or Financial Aid Office. It is important to be in contact with specific colleges of interest to determine whether each college has a sufficient pool of funds to provide aid to non-US citizens.
• Regularly check the financial aid and international students’ sections of college websites for specific information about the colleges that you are interested in
• Like their page on social media (Facebook, Twitter) so that you are immediately aware of any updates or changes.
• Indicate interest in receiving financial aid in the application form (if applicable) and apply by the preferred deadline if you finally decide that you need to avail of financial aid.

1. Personal Funding – this is one of the most popular ways. it generally involves funding through family and relatives.
2. University Aid – This includes:
   • Merit-based scholarships, which are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Merit-based scholarships are usually very competitive.
   • Need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need. You will be required to demonstrate need at a predetermined level to be eligible.
3. Bank Loans – you can inquire with your banks regarding what education loans they provide and what the rate of interest is.
4. External Agencies – There are a number of external agencies including community organizations, companies, foundations, and Government agencies that offer financial assistance to students.
5. Work-Study – These programs allow you to work on campus and opportunities include tutoring, research assistant, a desk job in the library or administrative office.

Include your predicted grades in the reference letter. If you are applying before you finish your school final examinations the referee should provide information about what grades or scores they expect you to achieve in your final exams.

Each college and course has different requirements and it’s imperative you check the websites of your targeted colleges before applying. For example:

King’s College London is unable to consider the HSC board for entry onto their undergraduate degree programs. They currently are only able to consider CBSE or CISCE/ISC boards.

Cambridge states: “Applicants from India must normally either be potential affiliated students (i.e. applying to study for a second Bachelors degree) or studying for the IB or A Levels. Applications from students taking CBSE or ISC Class XII examinations will be considered but only for the following courses: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences. To be shortlisted for interview such applicants will need to have achieved a minimum CGPA of 9.8 and grade A1 in their Class X examinations in the relevant subjects. Any offers of admission made to such students will be conditional on performance in the IIT-JEE or, in the case of Economics or Mathematics, on performance in STEP Mathematics.”

As each university has its own policies for international students, we strongly recommend that you:

• Speak to the right contact at the university – it might be the International Student Services Department or Financial Aid Office. It is important to be in contact with specific colleges of interest to determine whether each college has a sufficient pool of funds to provide aid to non-US citizens.
• Regularly check the financial aid and international students’ sections of college websites for specific information about the colleges that you are interested in
• Like their page on social media (Facebook, Twitter) so that you are immediately aware of any updates or changes.
• Indicate interest in receiving financial aid in the application form (if applicable) and apply by the preferred deadline if you finally decide that you need to avail of financial aid.

1. Personal Funding – this is one of the most popular ways. it generally involves funding through family and relatives.
2. University Aid – This includes:
   • Merit-based scholarships, which are granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. Merit-based scholarships are usually very competitive.
   • Need-based scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need. You will be required to demonstrate need at a predetermined level to be eligible.
3. Bank Loans – you can inquire with your banks regarding what education loans they provide and what the rate of interest is.
4. External Agencies – There are a number of external agencies including community organizations, companies, foundations, and Government agencies that offer financial assistance to students.
5. Work-Study – These programs allow you to work on campus and opportunities include tutoring, research assistant, a desk job in the library or administrative office.