Applying to American Post-Secondary Schools

Students who are considering studying in the United States need to be aware that they will be paying international student fees, unless they have dual or American citizenship.
 
The following outline for students considering studying in the US was adapted from Education USA Advisor, [email protected]

Grade 9-10
  • Take difficult but achievable classes; US institutions consider your Grade 9 marks, so every course counts
  • Take the PSAT towards the end of Grade 10 (see info. below)
  • Get involved in clubs, sports and/or extracurricular activities
  • Volunteer in your community
  • Track all your achievements and extracurricular activities in a resume
  • Athletes must:
                    Register for the NCAA and/or eligibility NAIA centre
                    Create an on-line player profile on a website like
                    BeRecruited.com

Grade 11 (called ‘Junior Year’ in the US)
  • This is the most important academic year for US applications as universities will make decisions before they know all of your Grade 12 marks
  • It is helpful to take one or two Grade 12 courses in Grade 11 if you can do so and earn high marks
  • Take on leadership roles in school clubs, sports, and/or extracurricular activities
  • Take on a special project with a volunteer organization
  • Take the PSAT, if you did not do so in Grade 10 (see info. below) in October
  • Visit institutions during Open House events or plan a road trip during school breaks or holidays
  • Take the SAT or ACT  (see info. to the right) in Spring
  • Continually up-date your resume with information about your achievements and extracurricular activities
  • Athletes must:
    • Talk with your coach about available opportunities
    • Have videos and stats available for scouts and/or recruiters
    • Have an SAT (or ACT) score as part of your application - SAT (or ACT) must be written prior to your Grade 12 year in order to attend school visits for recruitment.
    • Create a  Common App account the summer before your Grade 12 year
    • Keep your marks as high as possible

Grade 12 (called “Senior Year” in the US)
  • Most applications to the US open on August 1.
  • Register to re-write the SAT (or ACT) one more time; 55% of students improve their scores when they take a retest
  • Meet with your school counsellor about your application so they can be prepared to complete their section of the Common App or provide information to the an American institution(s)
  • Include your school counsellor’s contact information in your application so your transcript, letter of recommendation and the School Profile can be up-loaded by October
  • If you have a clear #1 choice university, this would be an “Early Action” application
  • Carefully prepare and edit your essay(s) before you upload them
  • Visit the university, whenever possible, before confirming your decision
Athletes must:    
  • Indicate on your Student Transcript Service portal that you want your marks to be available to the NCAA
  • Indicate on your Student Transcript Service portal the US Institution(s) you want your marks to be available too; this should be done by March of your grad year.
PSAT
  • The PSAT measures critical reading, math problem solving and writing skills
  • Students in Grade 10 or 11 should prepare to write the PSAT.
  • The PSAT is offered once a year, in October.  R.E. Mountain Secondary School hosts the exam for the Langley District.
  • Speak to Ms. Docherty if you would like to register to write this exam.
  • The cost is approximately $40. The exam is from 5:00-8:00 PM on the Wednesday on or after October 15. You need to register in September in order to secure a space.
SAT (or ACT)
  • American Institutions formerly required either a SAT or an ACT score for admission purposes; this has been changing
  • If the SAT/ACT is required, Canadian students shouldplan to write in the spring of their Grade 11 year and likely again in the fall of their Grade 12 year. 
  • SAT/ACT Comparison
  • Our School Code is: 821-161
  • Khan Academy has partnered with College Board to offer the tutorials and practice tests.

APPLICATIONS
  • A number of universities us the "Common Application" service. Not all institutions use the Common App, so you will need to check the institution's website.
  • America institutions usually require the following:
    • Grade 9-12 Transcript ( specifically ask for this when requesting your transcript as it prepared differently from those used for Canadian institutions)
    • SAT (or ACT) Score – see info. above; WGSS School Code is:  821-161
    • Application Essay
    • List of your extracurricular involvement (Sample Comprehensive Resume)
    • Letters of reference (usually from a teacher, coach and/or school counsellor)
    • A School Profile (which the counsellor will send when they complete the Common App.)
  • Continually review the status of your application to make sure that nothing is missing from your submitted files.

DEADLINES
  • Each institution has its own application deadline but generally:
    • Early Acceptance is November 1 of Grade 12
    • Regular Acceptance is usually December 31
  • Most student-athletes sign their Letter of Intent by April 13.
  • Generally, universities want acceptance or rejection of their offer by May 1
  • Canadian Students, once accepted, will receive an I-10 form from the school.
  • All students need to ensure they have a valid passport.
  • Non-Canadian Students need to apply for a student visa in June.

HELPFUL LINKS