{"id":1039,"date":"2019-08-20T16:37:25","date_gmt":"2019-08-20T16:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ruchigsaran.com\/?p=1039"},"modified":"2021-06-14T14:52:52","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T14:52:52","slug":"study-undergrad-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ruchigsaran.com\/index.php\/2019\/08\/20\/study-undergrad-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Study Undergrad in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”1102″ background_image_position=”center center” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”reveal-from-bottom”][vc_column_text]\n
Are you thinking of applying to the US for undergrad education?<\/em><\/h6>\n
If yes, I hope you read this so you can better prepare yourself for the application process. Unlike India and UK, where only good grades\u00a0matter\u00a0to get into a college, the US takes a more holistic approach. They believe that just\u00a0test scores and\u00a0GPA does not completely reflect who a student is and what he or she can bring to a\u202fcollege\u202fcommunity.<\/h6>\n
Grades are a very small part of the entire application process. They want to know you as a person, your likes,\u00a0your dislikes,\u00a0your passion, and what others think of you. They understand that not everyone can get A\u2019s\u00a0in all subjects and that\u2019s why the activities outside of your classroom\u00a0matter.<\/h6>\n

Let\u2019s\u00a0explore the different\u00a0points\u00a0needed to help in the process.<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”reveal-from-bottom”][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#eaa52e” style=”full_text”]\n

1. Grades<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622545734971{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 7% !important;}”]Good grades are the\u00a0stepping stone for\u00a0getting\u00a0into a good college.\u00a0The most rigorous courses offered in high schools today are Honors, AP, and IB courses. If you are doing well in school, keep your grades consistent. For\u00a0e.g.\u00a0If you are an A student, make sure you keep up with your\u00a0A\u2019s\u00a0for all 4 years\u00a0of high school. If you are a B or C student work hard to get to an\u00a0A or a B. If you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0stress\u00a0too much as you can showcase your strength through your activities outside of\u00a0your\u00a0classroom.[\/vc_column_text][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#eaa52e” style=”full_text”]\n

2. SAT\/ACT<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622545717402{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 7% !important;}”]Every college in the US accepts either SAT or ACT.\u00a0Decide which one works best for you and take the test no more than\u00a02-3 times. Time is of the essence and does not use it in trying to get the perfect score\u00a0instead work in areas where you can excel.<\/p>\n

SAT is a\u00a0multiple-choice,\u00a03 hours plus 50 min\u00a0optional essay writing test.<\/p>\n

The highest possible SAT score is 1600. Check the SAT test dates and\u00a0register\u00a0at https:\/\/collegereadiness.collegeboard.org\/sat\/register<\/span><\/span>.<\/span>
<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

On the other\u00a0hand, the\u00a0ACT is\u00a0a\u00a02\u00a0hrs, 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if taking the ACT with writing) test, and the highest possible\u00a0ACT\u00a0score is\u00a036.\u00a0For more information visit their website at https:\/\/www.act.org\/content\/act\/en.html<\/span><\/span>.<\/span>
<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Both SAT and ACT tests purpose is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college. Lately, some colleges like the University of Chicago have made the\u00a0application process test-optional where one is not required to take the test. So, unless you know which college you are applying to, it’s highly recommended to take either\u00a0one.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”h5″ col_2_text_element=”h5″ col_3_text_element=”h5″ font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Subject” col_2_content=”Required & Recommended” col_3_content=”Courses”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”p” col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”English” col_2_content=”4 years” col_3_content=”English, Language, Literature”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”p” col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Maths” col_2_content=”3 years (4 recommended)” col_3_content=”Algebra, Geometry, Calculus”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”p” col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Science” col_2_content=”2 years (3 recommended)” col_3_content=”Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Other Sciences”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”p” col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”2nd Language” col_2_content=”2 years (3 recommended)”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”p” col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”History\/Social Sciences” col_2_content=”3 – 4 Years” col_3_content=”U.S. History and Geography, World History, Culture, and Geography”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”p” col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”Fine Arts” col_2_content=”1 year”][nectar_horizontal_list_item columns=”3″ column_layout_using_3_columns=”even” col_1_text_align=”left” col_2_text_align=”left” col_3_text_align=”left” col_1_text_element=”p” col_2_text_element=”p” col_3_text_element=”p” font_family=”p” hover_effect=”none” icon_family=”none” icon_size=”regular” col_1_content=”College prep elective” col_2_content=”1 year” col_3_content=”Psychology, Creative Writing, Computer Science, Economics”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”reveal-from-bottom”][image_with_animation image_url=”1150″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#eaa52e” style=”full_text”]\n

3. Extra-Curricular\u00a0Activities<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622545577441{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 7% !important;}”]A very important part of the puzzle is who are you outside of your classroom? What do you do with\u00a0your\u00a0free time?\u00a0Are you a member of any club? Do your play any sports or an instrument. What is your passion and what are you doing about it?<\/p>\n

For\u00a0eg.,\u00a0You may\u00a0have an interest in computer science but in your free time, you play soccer and do debate. Your passion and activities are not in sync.\u00a0 Show the college you are interested in studying Computer science\u00a0by either being\u00a0the President of the Robotics club, making\u00a0an app, or a website for an NGO. Use your summer well by doing internships in the related field of interest or attending a summer camp.<\/p>\n

Whatever you do, do it consistently for 4 years and take it to a higher level of achievement. There is no need to do 3-6 different activities instead of excel in 1-2 activities. Also, what you do here will help in writing those essays\u00a0and defining who you are.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”reveal-from-bottom”][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#eaa52e” style=”full_text”]\n

4. Essays<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622545475984{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 7% !important;}”]This is your chance to brag about yourself and tell the college how awesome you are through your essays. Tell them your story, your struggles, challenges, and victories. Make sure you write those essays yourself and your parents, teachers or siblings are not doing it for you.<\/p>\n

Make them laugh, cry or smile and keep the language simple. Trust me, the application reader is reading 100\u2019s of such essays a day and can tell who has written them. You don\u2019t have to try too\u00a0hard to impress the reader. Just share your life story.\u00a0Be genuine and authentic.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”reveal-from-bottom”][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#eaa52e” style=”full_text”]\n

5. Letters of\u00a0Recommendation\u00a0(LOR)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”1214″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]LOR\u00a0from\u00a0school teachers, school counselors, and other community members\u00a0help college admissions officers get a more complete picture of the applicant.\u00a0It\u2019s a way of getting to know the applicant better from another valued person. What do they think of you? How are you as a person?<\/p>\n

The college knows about your grades already,\u00a0but\u00a0this\u00a0is the opportunity for others to describe you as a person. Get to know your teachers at a personal level\u00a0as it will help them write a more personal recommendation.\u00a0Make sure the teachers write about personal strengths also along with academic achievements.\u00a0 Make sure you ask your teacher for that letter in the month of June or July or just as school reopens so they have enough time to think and write about you.<\/p>\n

And yes, don\u2019t forget to send a thank-you note. Some schools require mandatory LOR from\u00a0at least\u00a02 teachers while other schools don\u2019t enforce it.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”accent-color” animate=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”1%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”reveal-from-left”][image_with_animation image_url=”1148″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”4\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”reveal-from-bottom”][vc_column_text]\n

College success\u00a0<\/span>starts in high school. W<\/span>e are not talking about grades but h<\/span>a<\/span>rd work, commitment, sense of purpose, writing<\/span>\u00a0skills,\u00a0<\/span>crit<\/span>i<\/span>cal\u00a0<\/span>problem-solving<\/span> skills,<\/span>\u00a0and time management.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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