Can I apply to US Colleges after passing class 12th? Yes, you are eligible to apply if you’ve already passed class 12th, but you need to make sure to use the gap year productively. However, it's highly recommended that you apply while you are in class 12th.
Additionally, if you’re applying to US Colleges, make sure you have a back-up plan since getting in is extremely difficult (especially for gap year students). This includes colleges in Kashmir, India, and in other countries as well.
Should I take a gap year to apply to the US?
You shouldn't take a gap year just to apply to US Colleges if you have other viable options. US Colleges are extremely selective for international students who require financial aid. This means that even if you have a great profile (good grades and a decent extracurricular profile), your chances of getting in are very low.
In most cases, if your academic and extracurricular profile isn't good, taking a gap year will not fix the problem. However, if you decide to take a gap year, make sure you have decent alternatives in Kashmir, India, and other countries.
Can I get an MBBS degree in the US?
If you're set on becoming a doctor, you should not apply to the US. Unlike Kashmir or India, you will need to attend a 4-year college for a pre-med bachelor's degree before applying to medical school for a degree like MBBS in the US. While you may get into a bachelor's program, only a few medical schools in the US accept a very limited number of international students. Even if you are somehow accepted, in most cases, you will have to pay for the entire cost (over $300,000) of your education. However, it is possible to get graduate degrees in biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, or other related fields. These programs are far easier to get into with financial aid than medical school.
How important are school grades in this process? They are extremely important. Most students who get into top colleges have really good grades and are at the top of their class throughout high school (classes 9th-12th).
How important are extracurricular and co-curricular activities? As important as anything else. US colleges want to see that you spend your time on something other than the school curriculum. This includes any significant hobbies or personal projects you have done in high-school. With weak extracurricular and co-curricular profiles, your chances at admission will drop significantly.
How important is the SAT General? What SAT score is required? The SAT General is a very important part of your application. Since the US admissions process is especially competitive for international students (who have very high SAT scores), you also need to perform really well. Even though a high SAT Score is not enough to get you admitted to top colleges, a very low score may be enough to get you rejected.
Should I take the SAT Subject test? The SAT Subject test has been discontinued by the College Board. This means that you are no longer required to take the test. Keep yourself updated on latest policies and recommendations through college websites and the College Board.
Should I take AP tests? Which AP tests should I take? Advanced Placement (AP) tests aren't required or expected by colleges, especially since they aren't offered in schools here. However, you can take a few AP tests to show your academic proficiency in the absence of SAT Subject tests.
Keep in mind that APs are harder than SAT Subject tests and will cost more as well because you'll need to travel to a different state to take them. You should select the subjects based on which areas you want to show your proficiency in—these are usually courses you've already taken in high school related to what you want to pursue in college.
What should I study in school to be eligible for US colleges? Colleges have some expectations of what you should study in high school based on your profile and interests. For example for students who want to pursue science, engineering, or mathematics, it’s highly recommended that you take math in classes 11th and 12th.
Is studying in the US expensive? What are the requirements for getting financial aid? Most top universities in the US provide generous financial aid to international students. If awarded, this aid covers tuition, room and board, books, personal finances, and sometimes even travel.
If you are accepted, the financial aid you receive depends on your family income and nothing else. The only requirement for receiving financial assistance from a US college is getting into the college.
<aside> 📢 Financial aid and scholarships are two different things. Unlike financial aid, scholarships usually have certain requirements independent of your family income. Most US colleges don't offer scholarships for internationals which cover a significant part of the cost of attendance.
</aside>
What is meant by early applications? When should I apply to colleges? You can apply to US universities through different admission plans. For most colleges, there’s an early deadline in mid-October or early November and a regular deadline in early January. Both application rounds have the same requirements.
We recommend that you apply to one or more colleges through the early plan. If you get in early, you might not need to apply to more colleges in the regular round. This will save you a lot of energy and expenses. Even if you don't get in early, you will get ample time to improve your application for regular deadlines.
Applying through early decision can boost your chances at admission. We have discussed this in greater detail in this section.
Is the admission process different for different courses? No. The admission process is exactly the same irrespective of what you want to study.
Which is the most important: SAT, AP, essays, grades, extracurriculars, or LORs? Each and every part of the application is very important. Because different parts of your application reflect different things about you, it is hard to weigh them against one another. Some parts of your application might be weaker than others, but everything is required and important.
Do I need to upload certificates for my honors and activities? No. Colleges don't want any of your certificates—no matter how significant you think they are. It's easy to make out if you've actually done something or not through other parts of your application: essays, interviews, and recommendation letters. If you lie and are caught, your application will be rejected or acceptance rescinded.
What if my school doesn't have a counselor? Most Kashmiri schools don't have a counselor. You should ask your principal or another school administrator to submit your transcripts and write you a letter of recommendation.
When should I start writing college essays? As soon as possible. You should start working on the Common App personal essay at least in the beginning of class 12th and supplemental essays right after creating a college list. Read the College Search section to learn more about creating a list.
What if my school didn't conduct/evaluate a school exam in high-school? If there are any irregularities with your school record, you should explain it in the additional information section of the Common Application. Additionally, your counselor should also explain these irregularities in their letter or the school profile.