The college enrolment process can be a lengthy and detailed procedure. Done properly, the process starts in early high school when you start discerning what it is you want to do with the rest of your life! Here’s a comprehensive guide to the process from start to finish.
1. Self-Assessment and Research
Start determining your academic and career objectives by Identifying your interests and goals. Choosing your course and the university is the starting point of your study journey. Look for colleges that offer programs aligning with your interests, values, and goals. Consider location, size, campus culture, faculty, and facilities.
Check each college’s admission criteria, including GPA, standardized test scores, prerequisite courses, extracurricular activities, and other requirements. As you research your options, you will notice important differences between the college enrollment process in the United States and Europe, with variations depending on the country. We will highlight some of these differences below.
For example, European universities often require students to choose their field of study upon application and offer less flexibility in changing majors. There may also be a language requirement. Many European programs are taught in the local language, although an increasing number of English-taught programs are available, such as those at EU Business School.
2. Standardized Testing
Depending on the college, you might need to take standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS. These tests are commonly required by American colleges, and you should prepare for these by taking practice tests and getting guidance from a tutor or school counselor. Register for and complete the required standardized tests in good time to submit the results to the colleges you’re applying to – usually towards the end of your penultimate school year.
3. Preparation
Request transcripts from your high school, and ask teachers, counselors, or other mentors for letters of recommendation. Prepare a resume highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, and community service.
American colleges adopt a broader, more holistic approach to the selection process, often considering extracurricular activities, essays and personal statements, letters of recommendation, and even interviews. These need to be tailored to reflect your experiences, aspirations, and why you’re a good fit for the college.
If you are planning to study in Europe, keep in mind that there is no standard application procedure. Entry requirements will be different depending on the country, the academic institution, or even the program you choose. Instead, there is a more focused emphasis on academic performance and final exam scores, e.g., A-levels in the U.K., Baccalaureate in France, and Abitur scores in Germany.
Some universities, for example in the U.K., may require a personal statement, but it is generally shorter and less comprehensive than U.S. college essays.
Some European countries require specific entrance exams for certain programs, e.g., Medizinische Universität in Austria for medical studies, but generally, there is less focus on extracurricular activities compared to the U.S.
4. The Application Process
Many U.S. colleges use specific platforms like the Common Application, Coalition Application, or their application systems. UCAS in the U.K. is the centralized application system for most British universities. Students applying through the UCAS system can select up to five courses, and offers are typically conditional on achieving certain grades.
Other countries have their centralized systems, e.g., in Germany the Hochschulstart, for certain subjects with limited places; Parcoursup in France for undergraduate admissions, and the Baccalauréat – crucial for university admissions; and in the Netherlands, the Studielink centralized application system, and Numerus Fixus, whereby programs with limited places may require additional selection criteria.
Fill out application forms meticulously, ensuring all required fields are completed, and submit these along with any application fees. Check whether fee waivers are available for your application.
Applications for U.S. universities often open in the fall for early decision/early action, with deadlines typically in November. Regular application deadlines usually fall between January and March, with decisions announced by April.
Many European universities have a single entry point each year, often in the fall, and deadlines vary by country but typically occur in the spring or early summer for courses starting in the fall.
5. Financial Aid and Scholarships
In the U.S. the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile are used to determine eligibility for federal and non-federal financial aid. Or you may apply for merit-based scholarships offered by colleges, private organizations, or community groups based on academic or extracurricular achievements.
Tuition fees are often lower in Europe compared to the U.S., especially in public universities, and financial aid is usually provided by national or regional governments rather than the universities themselves. Often, tuition is free for European nationals, at least at public institutions.
6. Interviews and Additional Requirements
Some colleges may require or offer interviews. Prepare and participate in interviews if applicable, and submit any additional materials requested, such as portfolios for art programs or videos for performing arts.
7. Decision Making
Colleges will send acceptance, waitlist, or rejection letters by specified dates. Review your acceptance letters, financial aid packages, and other considerations. If at all possible, visit campuses to get a better feel for the environment and facilities.
8. Finalising Enrollment
Decide which college to attend and notify them of your decision. Pay any required enrollment deposit to secure your place. Submit any final documents requested by the college, such as updated transcripts or health forms, and apply for housing and register for orientation programs if applicable.
9. Preparing for College
Complete the course registration process to register for your chosen classes, and purchase the necessary supplies and textbooks. Prepare for moving to campus, including travel arrangements, visas, and packing.
10. Start College
Participate in orientation activities to get acquainted with the campus and resources, start attending classes, and engage with the college community.
In summary, each step in this process requires careful attention and timely action. While the U.S. process emphasizes a holistic review and broader criteria, European systems are more focused on academic performance and centralized applications.
By staying organized and proactive, you can navigate the college enrolment process successfully.
At EU Business School we have a dedicated admissions team that assists applicants throughout the process, for more information click here.
