How to Study in the US: A Guide for International Students

Applying to US universities can feel very different from applying elsewhere, with admissions decisions depending on far more than academic achievement alone.

Drawing on our counsellors' experience supporting international applicants, here are three questions families should consider.

1. When Should International Students Begin Preparing for US University Applications?

Ideally, preparation should begin in Year 10. US admissions involve academics, extracurriculars, testing, university selection and essays—many of which develop over several years. Starting early gives students time to approach each stage thoughtfully rather than trying to manage everything at once.

US Admissions Timeline at a Glance

YEARS 10–11 | Explore & Build

Explore academic interests and allow extracurricular involvement to develop naturally. This is the time for students to discover what genuinely engages them and begin developing a clearer sense of their strengths and goals.

SUMMER BEFORE YEAR 12 | Begin Testing

Consider beginning SAT or ACT preparation after GCSEs and before the demands of A-Levels or the IB increase. For many students, this provides a useful window for focused preparation.

YEAR 12 | Research & Refine

Begin researching universities more seriously and developing a college list that reflects the student's academic interests, priorities and goals. Continue testing and deepen the academic and extracurricular interests already underway.

SUMMER BEFORE YEAR 13 | Write & Prepare

Develop the Common App personal essay, refine the university list and begin supplemental essays as prompts become available. Starting before the school year resumes creates valuable time for thoughtful writing and revision.

YEAR 13 | Finalise & Submit

Bring the pieces together: finalise the college list, complete essays, secure recommendations and submit applications. With many Early Decision deadlines falling on 1 November, much of the groundwork should already be in place when the school year begins.

2. What Do US Universities Look for in International Students?

Academics · Course Rigour · Essays · Extracurriculars · Recommendations · Testing

US universities generally take a holistic approach to admissions. Academic achievement matters, but admissions teams also consider how students spend their time outside the classroom, what motivates them, how they contribute to their communities, and what they may bring to a university campus.

Academic Performance and Course Rigour

Unlike admissions systems that may place greater emphasis on final examinations, US universities typically consider academic performance across several years. For international applicants, admissions teams are accustomed to interpreting qualifications such as GCSEs, A-Levels, and the IB within the context of the student's school and education system.

Course selection matters, too. Students should pursue an appropriately rigorous curriculum that aligns with their academic interests without taking on a workload that makes sustained strong performance unrealistic.

Essays and Personal Story

The Common Application personal essay gives students an opportunity to show admissions officers something that grades and test scores cannot.

The strongest essays aren't simply a summary of accomplishments. They provide insight into a student's experiences, perspective, character, or growth. Starting early gives students time to find the right story and develop an authentic voice.

Extracurricular Activities: Depth Over Breadth

Students can report up to ten activities on the Common Application, but filling every available space isn't the goal. Sustained commitment, genuine interest, initiative, and impact can be more meaningful than participating superficially in a long list of unrelated activities.

Also, keep in mind that leadership doesn't require a formal title. Starting a project, mentoring peers, working a part-time job, taking on family responsibilities, or making a meaningful contribution to an existing organization can all demonstrate initiative.

Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations provide another perspective on the student. In addition to academic ability, strong recommendations can reveal how a student contributes in the classroom, engages with others, responds to challenges, and approaches learning.

Students should choose teachers who know them well enough to provide meaningful insight—not simply those in whose classes they earned their highest grades.

3. Do International Students Need the SAT or ACT to Study in the US?

It depends on the university. Some require standardised testing, some are test-optional and others are test-blind. But test-optional doesn't necessarily mean that a strong score has no value.

For international applicants, a strong SAT or ACT score can provide a standardised academic benchmark alongside qualifications that vary across education systems. It can also provide additional evidence of academic readiness, particularly for students interested in quantitative subjects such as STEM, economics or business.

Testing policies continue to evolve, so students should always check the current requirements for every university on their list.

SAT or ACT: Which Is Better for International Students?

US universities accept both tests equally. The better choice comes down to which format best suits the individual student.

For international students, test-centre availability should also factor into the decision, as dates and locations vary by country.

Start with the student, not the test.

A full-length practice SAT and ACT can reveal which format better matches a student's strengths before they invest significant time in preparation.

Start Early and Build the Right Strategy

There is no single path to a successful US university application. Starting early gives students time to explore their options, understand what universities are looking for and make thoughtful decisions about testing, applications and where they want to study.

The goal isn't simply to build a strong application—it's to find the universities where the student is most likely to thrive.

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