Applying to US universities: Common App, essays and testing

US applications look at the whole person: grades, activities, essays, recommendations and sometimes test scores. Policies differ from college to college, so careful research and organisation matter more than for UCAS.

How the system works

• Many US colleges use the Common App, which says it lets students apply to more than 1,200 schools through one platform. Some colleges use their own portal or other platforms.
• The Common App includes your school transcript, an activities list, self-reported test scores, family information, honours, a personal essay and, for many colleges, extra college-specific questions or a writing supplement.
• Your school counsellor submits the School Report and transcript. Some colleges also ask for teacher recommendations; EducationUSA advises choosing recommenders who know you well.
• EducationUSA says US applications are typically due between November and January for a September start, and that original or certified transcripts, usually with English translations, are generally required.
• Each college's page on the Common App shows its own requirements for testing, writing and deadlines. Check every college individually.

Early and regular deadlines (2026 to 2027 cycle)

• Early Decision (ED) is binding. The University of Pennsylvania says: if you are admitted through ED, you are required to accept. Penn's ED deadline for fall 2027 entry is 1 November 2026, with decisions in December.
• Some colleges also offer Early Action plans, and some of these restrict where else you can apply early. Read each college's own rules to see whether a plan is binding or restrictive.
• Regular Decision deadlines are usually later: Penn's is 5 January 2027, with decisions released in April.
• Only apply ED if the college is your clear first choice and your family has checked the costs and financial aid, because you are committing in advance.
• Make a spreadsheet with each college's plan, deadline, essays, testing policy and fees. US deadlines are usually in US time zones, so submit at least a day early.

The main essay

• The seven Common App essay prompts for 2026 to 2027 are unchanged from the previous cycle, according to College Transitions (March 2026). One of them is 'Share an essay on any topic of your choice'.
• Other prompts ask about a background, identity, interest or talent; a challenge, setback or failure; questioning a belief or idea; gratitude; personal growth; and a topic so engaging you lose track of time.
• The essay limit is 650 words, with a minimum of 250 words (College Transitions, March 2026).
• US essays are more personal than the UCAS statement. Tell one specific story that shows how you think, what you value and how you have grown. Avoid listing achievements.
• Write a rough draft early, rest it for a few days, then cut. Ask one trusted adult for feedback, not five.

SAT and ACT: check each college's current policy

• Testing policies have changed, and they now differ sharply. As of October 2026, MIT says it requires the SAT or ACT for first-year and transfer applicants.
• Harvard says it requires the SAT or ACT, but in rare cases where those tests are not accessible it accepts alternatives such as AP, IB, or GCSE and A level results.
• Princeton says it is test-optional for the 2026 to 2027 cycle (fall 2027 entry) but will require the SAT or ACT from the 2027 to 2028 cycle (fall 2028 entry).
• Other colleges have their own policies, including test-optional ones. Never assume: read the testing page of every college on your list, and check which year the policy covers.
• EducationUSA notes that colleges may also require tests to assess English proficiency, so check whether you need an English test such as TOEFL or IELTS, or whether your English-medium schooling is enough.

Fees and fee waivers

• Most colleges charge an application fee. The Common App offers a fee waiver that your counsellor must confirm, and some colleges have their own waivers.
• Financial aid applications usually run alongside admissions applications: EducationUSA says applications for financial aid go together with applications for admission.
• Lesson 6 covers scholarships and funding in detail.