Applying to universities in the United States can be an exciting experience, but also a stressful process, especially for students from Singapore, where students often feel the pressure to achieve high academic standing even when balancing multiple commitments. While students from Singapore do contribute to academic rigor and dedication, it does not change the fact that they, too, make some mistakes that can jeopardize their application process.
If you are looking to apply to US universities, it is just good to be aware of or be mindful of some of the usual mistakes in order not to fall victim to them, and be best prepared to create a more impactful, effective, and competitive application to universities in the US.
1. Celebrating academics too much
In Singapore, we are taught to focus on grades and test scores, so many students feel (or assume) that once they achieve high academic results, they will face no barriers to being accepted or going to an elite college or university in the US.
However, US admissions are holistic – they review you as a whole person. A strong academic record and good SAT/ACT scores are important; however, admissions officers also care about your out-of-class activities, leadership capacity, community involvement, and personal attributes and characteristics.
Top universities in the U.S., including and especially Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, believe that their students will show initiative to make an impact in the world outside of the classroom, and be curious learners and thinkers.
2. Focusing on Superficial Extracurriculars
Many students feel pressure to join as many extracurricular activities as possible to “bulk up” their resume. However, college admission teams can easily spot these lists of activities that don’t have real commitment or substance.
Instead of trying to cover a lot of ground, it may be better to pursue fewer activities, but engage with them more deeply, and commit to them over a longer period of time. At a college, leadership, creativity, and direct outcomes in an activity are much more valuable than being a member of the next club with no commitment to it.
3. Writing Checklists or Exceedingly ‘Fine-Tuned’ Essays
Your personal essays are your voice in the application – they provide the narrative behind your accomplishments. Nonetheless, according to feedback from admission officers, the type of essays that many Singapore candidates write tend to be clinical, exaggerated, or over-polished ones that sound generic.
Admissions officers read thousands of essays; they truly want to read your authentic story – your experiences, values, and development. Avoid platitudes and instead aim towards a reflective and conversational tone. Use honest descriptions of challenges or setbacks and the learning you have taken from them
4. Failing to Consider Fit
A common mistake is only applying to schools based on their rankings or reputation. Everyone wants to go to the best school possible, but you really must consider fit.
Do look at other important attributes like the academic strengths, campus culture, size, location, and support system at the school. Choosing the right fit will not only help maximize your chances of being admitted but also lead to a healthier learning experience for you.
5. Not Planning, or Doing a Poor Job of Planning and Managing Time
A lot of students do not realize how long the US application process will take. By the time you prepare for the SAT/ACT, get recommendation letters, write a number of essays, and hit the deadlines, it can be a chaotic process.
Be ahead of the game. Start as far in advance as possible (at least a year before your application deadline). Develop a timeline of when you will study for standardized tests, write essays, and submit applications. It is worth the time and preparation because planning reduces much of the stress and will help you produce a much better application.
6. Not Preparing for Interviews
Interviews with alumni—or in some cases, admissions officers- play a significant role in the university application process, especially for selective institutions or highly competitive applicants. Students fail to prepare for the interview process satisfactorily, resulting in a robotic response to what it means to be authentic in amplifying their interests and selection criteria to the universities. You would need to prepare well in advance of an interview, preferably with someone who can mentor you. You should practice being interviewed in order to develop confidence to verbalize yourself when speaking to a stranger, which takes a little practice.
7. Not Completing Financial Aid & Scholarships
Most students from Singapore believe that universities in the US do not provide financial aid to international applicants – and that is a myth. Financial aid typically comes in the form of need-based or merit-based support, and securing it requires thorough research and time. Every applicant should understand the available opportunities and the financial documents required for their circumstances.
How The Princeton Review Can Help
The college application process for universities in the US can seem overwhelming – but the good news is that you’re not in it alone. For many years, The Princeton Review has been effectively assisting students from Singapore to pursue their goal of attending college in the USA. Our experienced advisors can support you at every step of the college application process.
Here is how we can help to ensure you write your best application:
- Expert Admissions Counseling: Our experienced us university application help singapore can help you identify campuses that fit with your unique academic profile, interests, and long-term objectives.
- Personalized Essay Guidance: From brainstorming ideas through to final edits, we assist you in writing the genuine, authentic, and engaging essays that capture your personal story.
- SAT/ACT Test Prep: The Princeton Review’s unique approach and practice tests help with SAT/ACT test scores that will make you the most competitive applicant in your college applications.
- Mock Interviews and Feedback: We will run authentic mock interviews and provide your unique particulars that will build your confidence and skills in conversational English.
- Comprehensive Application Support: We will assist you through all of the different elements of the application — building your activity list, understanding financial aid and scholarship options, and entering school codes.
Avoid the same mistakes and let The Princeton Review communicate your true potential to gain permission to prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S.A.