US universities are one of the most selective and competitive in the world. They place great value on holistic assessment over one-dimensional judgment. Almost every US university requires an essay that is school-specific. These essays require deep thought on multiple levels and encourage the student to relate and question their purpose. The key to writing an excellent essay is to understand the specific requirements for the school you are applying to. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to a top university in the USA.

Early action deadlines vary from 1st to 5th of November

Early action deadlines for admissions to the top schools vary, but generally fall between the first and fifth of November. Early action is a non-binding process, so you can compare and contrast different schools before committing to one. Often, the financial package offered by one school can be better than the other, and you can still attend a different school if you wish. Early action deadlines can be tricky, so keep this in mind when you’re applying.

Application fee

If you’re thinking about applying to a USA university, you’ve probably wondered how to find out if there’s no Application Fee. While this isn’t always the case, you can easily find out if there is a fee by doing a bit of research. Many universities charge a nonrefundable application fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $250. The fee is used to cover the costs of reviewing each student’s application, which typically involves an interview and responses to questions. Universities often charge an application fee to gauge sincerity, as withdrawing students waste the time and money of the admissions committee.

Test scores sent directly to schools

Many students do not realize that they can have their test scores sent directly to universities. While some elite colleges require all test scores, most allow students to select which ones are sent to them. For this reason, it is very important to think carefully about which tests to take and which ones to send directly to colleges. It can make all the difference in a student’s admissions decision. Below are some tips to remember when sending test scores directly to universities.

School-specific essays

When applying to US universities, it’s vital to write school-specific essays. The essay helps the admissions officer to understand your personality and why you’d be a good fit for their school. College admissions officers try to imagine you on campus. Write an essay that shows them that you’d be a valuable asset to their campus and community. Try to incorporate tangible information in each essay. Colleges want to see that you’ll make the best of your time at their institution.

SAT/ACT scores

The SAT/ACT is one of the most widely used standardized tests in admissions evaluations. Scores give universities a comparative tool to determine a student’s academic potential. High SAT/ACT scores may help you bypass the intense filtering process required by selective universities. These scores are also used by top colleges to determine merit aid and scholarship money. So if you’re planning on attending a university in the USA, your SAT/ACT scores will be vital.

Common App

The process of completing the USA University Common App is very similar to that of first-time applicants. However, transfer students have some additional information to provide, including their current GPA and coursework. While the Common App is free to use, some schools do charge separate application fees. The good news is that 48.9% of colleges do not charge any fees. The first step is to create an account. Once you’ve done this, you can begin filling out the Common App.

Coalition Application

Oklahoma State University-Tulsa has joined the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU). This national network of 40 public urban research universities, affiliated with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, works to improve urban life through partnerships and innovation. USU institutions leverage their economic power and intellectual capital to address community challenges. By becoming a member, OSU-Tulsa can learn from other USU institutions and leverage best practices to strengthen its community ties.