What You Need to Get Accepted

What Schools Are Looking For#

Admissions is not just about numbers. Schools are building a community, and they want students who will contribute to that community. That said, there are key areas every applicant needs to be strong in.

Grades#

Your academic record is the foundation of your application. Schools want to see that you have challenged yourself and performed well.

• Take the most rigorous courses available to you (A-Levels, IB, AP, or the hardest classes your school offers)
• Aim for top grades, but understand that context matters — a student with strong grades at a challenging school in a difficult environment stands out
• An upward trend matters. If your grades improved over time, that shows growth

There is no single GPA cutoff. Schools evaluate you in the context of your school and your opportunities.

Extracurricular Activities#

This is where many international students struggle — not because they are not doing interesting things, but because they do not present them well.

Strong vs. Weak Activities#

Here is the difference between a weak and a strong activity on your application:

Weak: "Member of school debate club."

Strong: "Founded the school debate society, recruited 30 members, organized the first inter-school debate tournament in our district, and led the team to a national semifinal."

Weak: "Volunteer at local hospital."

Strong: "Organized a weekly health education program at the local clinic, teaching 50+ community members about malaria prevention, resulting in a 20% increase in bed net usage in our village."

The difference is impact, leadership, and specificity. Schools do not want a list of things you joined. They want to see what you did, what you built, and who you affected.

What Counts as an Activity#

Almost anything can be an extracurricular activity:

• Helping run your family's business or farm
• Taking care of siblings
• Teaching at your church or mosque
• Starting a small business
• Creating content online
• Self-studying a subject your school does not offer
• Community organizing
• Playing a sport, even informally

You do not need to have won international awards. You need to show that you are someone who takes initiative and makes an impact with whatever resources you have.

Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)#

Many schools are now test-optional, meaning you do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores. But if you have a strong score, it can help your application.

When to Submit Your SAT Score#

Here is a general guideline:

• 1400 or above: Submit to almost any school. This is a competitive score even at the most selective universities.
• 1350-1400: Submit to most schools, but consider going test-optional at the very top schools (Harvard, MIT, Stanford, etc.)
• Under 1350: Consider going test-optional, especially at highly selective schools. A lower score can hurt more than not submitting.

These are general guidelines, not hard rules. Look at each school's middle 50% score range to decide.

SAT vs. ACT#

Either test is equally accepted. Take whichever one suits you better. Some students prefer the ACT because it is more straightforward; others prefer the SAT. Take a practice test of each and see where you score higher.

English Proficiency#

If English is not your first language, most schools require an English proficiency test. The two main tests are:

• TOEFL: Aim for 100 or above (out of 120). Most top schools have a minimum of 100.
• IELTS: Aim for 7.0 or above (out of 9.0). A 7.5 or higher is ideal for top schools.

Some schools accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative, which is cheaper and can be taken from home.

Can You Get a Waiver?#

Some schools will waive the English proficiency requirement if:

• You have studied in English for several years
• Your SAT reading score is strong (typically 650+)
• You come from an English-speaking country

Check each school's policy. If you think you qualify for a waiver, email the admissions office and ask.

See the appendix for a list of schools that do not require an English proficiency test.

Essay Writing#

Your essays are your voice. For many international students, the essays are where you stand out the most because your story is unique.

Tips for International Students#

• Write about what you know. Your background, your country, your challenges — these make you different from most applicants. Lean into that.
• Do not try to sound American. Authenticity is more compelling than imitation. Write in your own voice.
• Connect your past to your future. Why do you want to study in America? How does your background inform what you want to do?
• Be vulnerable. If you have faced real hardship, do not be afraid to write about it. But focus on what you learned and how you grew, not just the difficulty.
• Avoid cliches. "I want to change the world" means nothing without specifics. What exactly do you want to change, and why?

The "Why This School" Essay#

This is the supplemental essay where most students lose points. Do NOT write something generic that could apply to any school. Research the specific school:

• Name specific professors whose research interests you
• Mention specific programs, centers, or institutes
• Talk about campus traditions or values that resonate with you
• Explain how your interests align with what the school offers

If you cannot write a specific "Why This School" essay, you have not researched the school enough.

Related Guides#

• Perfect College Essay for International Students (Even with Average Grades)
• Why Extracurricular Activities Matter for USA College Admissions
• How I Got Into Harvard, UPenn & Brown: Extracurriculars Over Grades

Related Videos#

• How I Got Into Harvard, UPenn & Brown: Extracurriculars Over Grades
• Why Extracurricular Activities Matter for USA College Admissions
• SAT Scores & GPA: When You Need Them for Full USA Scholarships