Applying to US universities: An introduction

If students in your school are thinking about applying to university in the US, the first thing they will need to do is to make sure that they understand the system fully. What does studying at a US university involve? And when should they start thinking about it?  

This guide answers those questions. 

When to start counselling students 

In the United States, the university application process typically begins during a student’s junior year of high school. At that point, careful consideration is given to college selection, standardised testing and building a strong academic profile.  

Counselling programmes that begin as early as the start of Year 9 – and sometimes even earlier – can be hugely beneficial. An early start ensures that students and families have ample time to navigate the university application process. Regular meetings and targeted workshops help potential applicants to develop a comprehensive understanding of application requirements.  

Starting the process early also means that students can explore college options and can establish a solid foundation for their academic and extracurricular pursuits. It facilitates informed decision-making and allows for proactive planning to maximise students’ potential for success in their university applications. 

College or university: is there a difference? 

Colleges and universities in the US are both post-secondary institutions that offer higher education. But there are some key differences in terms of size, scope and degree offerings.  

Universities are larger institutions, which typically enrol thousands of students and offer a wide range of academic courses. They also offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, such as bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. In addition, universities are more involved in research activities and have more facilities and resources to support research.  

Colleges are smaller institutions, which usually enrol hundreds or a few thousand students and offer fewer courses. They mainly offer undergraduate degrees, such as associate or bachelor’s degrees, although some may also offer master’s degrees.  

What is a liberal arts college? 

A liberal arts college is an institution of higher education that primarily focuses on undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences. Liberal arts colleges typically offer a wide range of academic disciplines, including humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, as well as sometimes offering professional programmes, such as business or education. They often have small class sizes and emphasise a well-rounded education that encourages critical thinking, creativity and interdisciplinary learning. Liberal arts colleges usually grant Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees. 

What are majors and minors? 

In the United States, majors and minors at universities are academic programmes that allow students to specialise in a particular field of study alongside their general education requirements. A major typically requires around 30 to 60 credit hours, depending on the specific discipline and institution. These credit hours are earned by completing a set of core courses and electives, and sometimes a senior project or thesis. 

A minor, on the other hand, typically requires around 15 to 30 credit hours. Minors offer a secondary area of focus and are often completed alongside a major. They provide students with a basic understanding of another discipline. 

Students usually declare their major during their undergraduate studies, typically by the end of their sophomore (second) year. Minors are optional, but can be a valuable addition to a student’s academic profile. 

To graduate from university, students generally need to earn a total of 120 to 130 credit hours, although this can vary depending on the institution and the specific degree programme. These credit hours include a combination of general education requirements, major requirements, minor requirements (if pursued) and elective courses. Applicants are advised to contact potential colleges and universities in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the majors and minors available, as well as how target institutions handle their credit systems. 

Overall, majors and minors provide students with an opportunity to specialise in their chosen fields of study and to gain additional knowledge and skills beyond their general education. They play a significant role in shaping a student’s academic experience and career prospects. 

What are credits? 

In the context of higher education in the US, credit hours represent the academic value assigned to courses. They reflect the amount of time students are expected to spend in class or engaged in related coursework per week, throughout a semester.  

One credit hour typically corresponds to one hour of lectures or two to three hours of laboratory or independent study per week. Credit hours play a crucial role in determining a student’s course load, progression towards a degree and eligibility for financial aid. They serve as a quantifiable measure of the academic workload and are used for academic planning and transcript documentation. 

Best fit 

The concept of “best fit” in university applications refers to the process of selecting a university that is well-suited to an individual’s academic, personal and career aspirations. It involves considering various factors to find an institution that aligns with one’s preferences, strengths and goals. Factors to be considered include academic programmes, reputation, campus culture, location, extracurricular activities, financial considerations and personal criteria. 

Finding the best-fit university for a student involves thorough research and evaluation of different institutions. It is not solely based on prestige or ranking, but focuses on the specific resources, opportunities and support available. This includes assessing the curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, internship programmes, study-abroad options and student organisations.  

Ultimately, the best-fit university offers an environment that fosters students’ intellectual development, supports their individual needs and interests, and provides opportunities for exploration, growth and achievement. It ensures a harmonious match between the student and the institution, creating a fulfilling educational experience. 

Holistic admissions 

Holistic admission is an approach used by many American universities in their application-review process. It involves considering an applicant’s qualifications and characteristics beyond their academic achievements and standardised test scores. Instead, it takes into account a broader range of factors to form a comprehensive understanding of the applicant as an individual. 

Universities seek to admit individuals who not only excel academically, but also possess qualities such as creativity, leadership potential, critical-thinking skills and a commitment to community service – qualities that might not be captured by traditional metrics. 

In holistic admissions, universities evaluate applicants based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership experiences, personal essays, recommendation letters and sometimes interviews. This approach allows admissions committees to assess applicants in a more nuanced manner, considering their background, talents and perspectives, as well as their potential contribution to the university community. 

Overall, holistic admission reflects the belief that an applicant’s potential and contributions extend beyond academic achievements. It aims to foster a diverse and inclusive educational environment that values the whole individual.