University Applications

1. Only apply to the colleges that you really want to. Yes, it is good to apply to many colleges but you should not keep on applying. Make a list and focus on that (you never know you will end up getting your dream college). 

2. My university counselor always used to say that you should make a list with three headings (dream, reach, and safety). Follow this and it gives you an assurance that in an unfortunate situation, you do have a backup.

3. Attend as many university fairs as you can. More knowledge about the university and its curriculum will allow you to know which college fits you the best. If you cannot attend university fairs then do research about them thoroughly on the internet. Do not go only by the rankings. 

Personal statement

1. Keep it focused. Get to the point. Why have you chosen the course, how will you benefit from your experience, and how will you make use of your experience in the future. 

2. No filler words. Word count is very precious so avoid any kind of filler words. (*)

3. Connect to your degree. If you mention anything about your extracurricular activities, do not forget to connect it to your degree. 

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4. Read as many samples as you can (but do not copy the format or anything while writing) (#).

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Commonapp

1. This is a bit more general than the personal statement. 

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2. Same as 2 (*). 

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3. Write what defines you. It is usually recommended to write something unique, which tells the university about your character and makes them want to have you. 

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4. Same as 4 (#).  

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5. In the commonapp essay, you have an opportunity to make it more personalized to your targetted university as you can edit and send individually (as compared to the personal statement which goes all at once to the universities selected in UCAS)

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