Undergraduate Admissions Process

A step-by-step streamlined guidance to help you build your college list, craft essays, and navigate the US, UK and Indian Liberal Arts undergraduate application process.

Choose Your Application Platform

Common App: Used by over 1000+ colleges, allows you to apply to multiple institutions with a single application.

Create an account, fill in basic details, and complete registration.

UC Application: For University of California schools only (e.g., UCLA, UC Berkeley).

Opens in August, with submissions accepted in November.

Build Your College List

Use your chosen platform's dashboard to research and add colleges:

Common App: Add up to 20 colleges, filtering by location, costs, and deadlines.
UC Application: Apply to multiple UC campuses using one form.

Enter details such as:

Name, address, and phone number.
Family background and demographics (e.g., ethnicity, race, language).

Fill Out Academic Details

Include details about your high school(s), coursework, GPA, and honours.

If your school doesn’t calculate a GPA, leave the field blank.
UC Application: Requires a detailed list of A-G courses and grades.
Add summer programmes or specialised academic courses.

Report Standardised Test Scores

Indicate test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.):

Common App: Test-optional colleges allow you to skip this section if applicable.
UC Application: UCs are test-blind and do not consider SAT/ACT scores for admissions.

Invite Recommenders & Complete FERPA

Common App:

Invite recommenders;they will receive a link to submit their recommendations.
Select recommenders who can speak to your character, contributions, and academic abilities.
Complete the FERPA Release Authorisation to grant your school permission to send records.

UC Application: No recommendations are required, simplifying this step.

Write Your Essays

Common App: Draft a 650-word Personal Statement.
UC Application: Respond to 4 out of 8 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), with each response limited to 350 words.

Prepare Supporting Documents

Transcripts from your school.
Activity lists outlining extracurriculars and leadership roles.
Letters of Recommendation (not required for UCs but essential for other platforms).

Finalise Activities & Honours Sections

Highlight extracurriculars, leadership roles, and achievements:

Common App: Limit of 10 activities and 5 honours.
UC Application: Allows up to 20 activities and awards.

Submit Applications

Pay application fees or request fee waivers.

Common App: Deadlines vary by institution.
UC Application: Submission period is November 1-30.

Track Application Status

Monitor updates on your application portals:

Common App: Use the dashboard for real-time updates.
UC Application: Check the portals of individual UC campuses.

Finalise Your Major & Check Entry Requirements

Research courses and confirm you meet the qualifications for each university.

Create an account, provide basic details, and activate your account.
Start your application from the "Your Application" dashboard.

Enter Educational Qualifications

List all qualifications from secondary education onwards, including any pending results, which must be shared with universities once received.

Add Work Experience

Include up to five paid jobs, with details such as company name, job description, and start/finish dates.
Volunteer or unpaid work should not be listed here.

Choose Courses

Select up to five courses at different universities, with no preference order required.

Write Your Personal Statement

Highlight your passion for the subject, relevant academic experiences, and skills.
Limit your statement to 4,000 characters.

Secure Recommendations

Obtain Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from teachers or professionals who can vouch for your academic abilities and character. Focus on quality, diversity, and recency.

Review & Submit Application

Ensure all information is accurate, supported by documents, and complete the declaration to process your application.

Special Considerations for Oxford & Cambridge

Track Application Status on UCAS

Monitor your application’s progress regularly. Universities will update your UCAS dashboard with offers or additional requirements.

Respond to Offers

After receiving responses, decide on your Firm (first choice) and Insurance (backup choice) offers. Ensure the Insurance option has lower requirements than the Firm.
Decline any other offers you do not intend to accept.

Research Colleges & Courses

Begin by exploring the programmes, majors, and unique offerings of colleges like Ashoka, Flame, and Krea.
Understand their eligibility criteria, admission cycles, and selection methods, including application deadlines.

Visit the official website of your preferred college.
Register with your basic information and activate your account to access the application portal.

Fill Out the Application Form

Provide your personal details, including contact information and family background.
Include academic records like grades, schools attended, and relevant coursework or certifications.

Showcase Extracurricular Activities

Highlight achievements in extracurriculars such as sports, arts, leadership roles, or community service.
Focus on showcasing skills like teamwork, creativity, and initiative.

Craft Engaging Essays

Answer essay prompts thoughtfully, emphasising your values, interests, and aspirations.
Illustrate your passion for liberal arts education and how the college aligns with your goals.

Prepare for Entrance Assessments

Most liberal arts colleges require entrance tests that assess critical thinking and aptitude.
Practice sample papers and understand the format to improve your preparedness.

Request Strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Approach teachers, mentors, or counsellors who know you well and can vouch for your abilities and character.
Ensure your recommenders are aware of submission deadlines.

Prepare for Interviews (if applicable)

Some colleges include an interview as part of the selection process.
Practice articulating your thoughts on why you chose the college and your vision for the future.

Submit Additional Documents

Gather and upload required documents such as academic transcripts, certificates, and identification proof.
Cross-verify that all documents meet the college's requirements.

Review & Submit Your Application

Double-check for errors or incomplete sections before submission.
Pay the application fee, if required, to finalise the process.

Track Your Application Progress

Keep an eye on updates in the admission portal regarding test dates, interview schedules, and final results.
Be responsive to any communication from the admissions office.