From GCSEs to Graduation: The Ultimate Timeline for Applying to US Universities

Preparing for a successful US college application takes time and careful planning. To ensure that you have the best chance of getting into your top-choice universities, it's important to start the process early and stay on track with key milestones along the way.

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Here is a comprehensive timeline to help students and families navigate the process with confidence.

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Year 10

Year 10 is when students should begin strategising their approach and determining their commitment to applying to US universities. This is an ideal time to meet with a US university advisor to discuss GCSE course choices and extracurricular activities. A family conversation should be had about the financial investment required for a US university application, including SAT/ACT tuition and testing, and the cost of attendance. Students at this time are eligible to participate in some summer programmes offered by US universities.

Year 11

In Year 11, students should meet with their US college advisor to evaluate their progress and make further plans regarding extracurriculars and A-Level and IB course selections. Leadership roles will start to become available at school and internships are great ways to gain practical experience in a field of interest.

In the summer, students can take diagnostic SAT/ACT tests, which will assess their baseline and give a prediction as to a potential target score. We offer proctored diagnostic testing opportunities both in-person at our offices in London (Pall Mall) and online. For those students who cannot make our scheduled sessions, we provide video-guided invigilated tests that can be taken at any convenient time. After your diagnostics, we provide your personalised, in-depth performance assessment and our recommendations for the best pathway through your preparation.

To arrange for your diagnostics, submit our enquiry form below and a member of our consultancy team will get in touch to arrange your testing.

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Year 12

Year 12 is when the focus shifts to revising for and sitting the SAT or ACT. Schools may offer an SAT/ACT course in the first half of the school year, with students then sitting the test in December, March, and/or April. Since students often sit the test two or three times, they often sit a test in May or June

For students where visiting US universities’ campuses is possible, a break during Year 12 is the prime time. While a tentative school list should be formed with your US college advisor before your trip and inform the schools you visit, it also is amended after a student’s in-person experience on campus, as well as it should be re-assessed as SAT/ACT scores are confirmed.

In the spring, a student should begin work on their personal statement in preparation for completing it in the summer, along with supplemental essays (after August 1st), an activities list, and an honours list. Before a student leaves school for the summer, they should also politely ask two teachers if they would write letters of recommendation for them.

Year 13

Year 13 is when the focus shifts to finalizing school lists, particularly deciding if early applications will be submitted, and actually submitting the applications (early applications by November 1st, University of California applications by November 30th, and most regular applications by January 1st).

For students who still need to get a standardized test score or want to increase theirs, the SAT can be sat in October and December, while the ACT can be sat in September, October, and December.

Results from early applications will be released in mid-December or mid-January (for Early Action applications to schools that also offered Early Decision). Regular decision results arrive in the spring, and students should meet with their advisor to weigh their options and make a final decision by the first of May.

At A-List, we understand that the US university application process can seem daunting, especially if you're starting late. However, no matter what stage you're at in your journey, our team of expert advisors is here to help guide you through every step. Whether you have ample time to plan and prepare or are working against a tight deadline, our team can help you create a compelling application that showcases your strengths and interests. Contact our Consultancy team by completing our enquiry form.