The holidays are upon us, and you’ve decided to apply last minute to US colleges. Perhaps you’ve suddenly realised that over 30 of the Global Top 100 Universities are in the USA. Or maybe you’re drawn to the liberal arts curriculum, offering flexibility to study multiple subjects alongside exciting electives. Whatever your motivation, you now face the challenge of preparing high-quality applications before the Regular Decision deadlines—typically January 1st, 3rd, or 5th.
While the US university admissions process is ideally spread across multiple years, crafting strong applications in a short timeframe is achievable with hard work, strategic planning, and focused effort. Follow these key steps to make the most of your time and submit standout applications.
1. Prioritise your essay planning
One of the biggest challenges of applying to US universities is tackling the numerous essays required by most institutions. In addition to the Common Application essay (650 words), most universities require supplemental essays ranging from 100 to 500 words. These essays aren’t optional add-ons—they’re essential components of your application.
Your supplemental essays provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate not just why you’re an excellent fit for the university, but also why the university is the best fit for you. Admissions officers want to see that you’ve researched their school and understand its culture, curriculum, and community.
To write compelling essays, start by carefully reading and analysing each prompt. Outline your ideas thoroughly before you begin writing, ensuring you directly answer the question. If time allows, seek feedback on your drafts to refine your arguments, tone, and clarity. Avoid generic statements—admissions teams will quickly spot essays that could be sent to any university.
2. Write vividly and with pertinent examples
The most impactful essays don’t just tell; they show. Use vivid language and specific examples to illustrate your points. For example, if you’re applying to a university renowned for its research opportunities, highlight a particular lab or professor whose work excites you and explain how you’d contribute.
Take the time to explore each college’s website to understand its unique offerings—whether that’s a special interdisciplinary program, distinctive clubs, or notable internship partnerships. Tie these examples back to your personal and academic goals to show how you’ll thrive at the institution.
Pro Tip: Many universities recycle similar essay prompts year after year. While you should never submit identical essays to multiple schools, you can save time by repurposing themes or ideas, tailoring them to each university’s specific values.
3. Curate a strategic college list
If you know that the US offers the best place for you to study, be sure to create a US university list that represents a range of selectivity.
Applying at the last minute means that you will be better placed to apply to slightly fewer institutions (5-8) but focus on high quality applications.
Applying to only Tier 1 schools (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Duke, Vanderbilt, etc.) may feel exciting, but recognise that these universities have extraordinarily low acceptance rates (3-11%) and are 2-5x harder to get into than Oxbridge.
Instead, include a mix of institutions with varying acceptance rates. Make at least 50% of your list represent competitive schools with around 20-40% acceptance rates, instead of 3-11% acceptance rates of the Tier 1 universities.
There are many superb, world-class US universities that are slightly easier to gain admission into than Oxbridge. Examples include:
- Large public universities: University of Michigan, University of Washington (Seattle), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Small liberal arts colleges: Bard College, Haverford College, Barnard College, Smith College, Union College
- Mid-sized private universities: Fordham University, University of Miami, Boston College
This balanced approach increases your chances of securing a place at a prestigious US university while ensuring you submit quality applications to each school.
4. Meet deadlines and stay organised
US college applications are detailed, with multiple components to manage: essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and test scores. Create a timeline to ensure you meet all deadlines, especially if you’re relying on your school or teachers to submit materials.
If you’re still waiting to take or get results for the SAT or ACT, check whether your universities accept test-optional applications or self-reported scores. Focus on submitting the strongest possible application within the available time. For example:
- Test scores: If test scores are optional and your current scores don’t reflect your abilities, focus on other elements of your application like essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters.
- Recommendation letters: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths in detail. Provide them with a summary of your achievements to help them write a personalised letter.
5. Highlight your unique story
US universities take a holistic approach to admissions, evaluating students as individuals rather than just numbers on a page. Your essays, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements carry significant weight. Use this to your advantage by highlighting what makes you unique.
Perhaps you’ve led a successful community initiative, excelled in a creative field, or demonstrated resilience through personal challenges. Whatever your story, use it to create a memorable narrative that sets you apart from other applicants.
6. Seek expert guidance
Last-minute applications can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Our US University Advising team is here to support you with every aspect of your application—from crafting your college list to brainstorming essay ideas and finalising your application materials. With personalised guidance, you can submit polished, high-quality applications even with limited time.
We also offer a 4-hour Essay Support Package in which our expert tutors will help you perfect your essay and provide informed and constructive feedback. Over for hourly sessions, you will learn the secrets of crafting a memorable personal statement, including how to hook your reader, use precise examples, and maintain a positive and professional tone.
