In this article, I will let you know about the different components of the USA college application. Let me list them here first:

• GPA

• SAT Score (or ACT Score)

• ECAs

• Essays

• Recommendation Letters

Let’s learn about each component in detail.

1. GPA

Grade Point Average (GPA) reflects your academic performance. Your GPA will be seen in your academic transcripts. You will send your transcripts of class 9, class 10, class 11, and class 12 through our student counselor (or coordinator or principal). This is one of the most important components of your application. Good GPA makes a great impression on the admission counselor. You should work very hard in your high school to earn good grades. It will pay you back here.

By any circumstances, or conditions, if you weren’t able to maintain a good GPA, don’t worry. You have another weapon to prove yourself, the SAT score. But please don’t take this as an excuse. You will have to struggle.

2. SAT Score (or ACT Score)

The SAT is popular and easily accessible to Nepali students. So, I will focus on SAT rather than ACT but this applies to both. Great SAT score is vital. When you have low grades, it is crucial. Though the SAT score is an optional component to the application of many universities, consider it as compulsory for yourself. Especially, when you are a +2 graduate, some universities don't trust exams conducted by NEB. So, the SAT is a must. For your awesome SAT score, check out the application timeline and the “SAT resources”.

3. ECAs

Extracurricular activities show your determination, involvement, creativity, leadership, and academic abilities in many cases. You should reflect on your roles in different clubs, competitions, olympiads, volunteering, organization, internships, and so on here. We will talk more in the timeline and “ECA Opportunities” category.

4. Essays

Essay is another most important component of your application. You have a chance to make your admission counselor like you through your real voice here. You can share your stories, challenges, achievements, and anything in your essay. It can be as personal as possible. We call it a personal essay.

Crafting a likable essay takes time. You have to write several drafts before you get your final essay. We will dedicate significant time to our journey to write a great personal essay.

5. Recommendation Letters

You will have to submit some recommendation letters as a part of your application. The admission counselors want to listen to what your teachers are saying about you. So, you have to request your counselor, your two teachers, and one additional individual who knows you closely to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. I will guide you about how to request a letter of recommendations in future articles.

In the next article, I will share about different decisions of applying to USA universities as well as their requirements, restrictions and deadlines. Welcome there.