Applying to American colleges and universities grows ever more complex each year. In the most recent admissions cycle a typical round of 10 applications contained these requirements:
- 1-5 long personal statements (4 for University of California, 1 for Common Application)
- 30-40 essays prompting applicants to explain who they are, their experience and skills beyond academics, what they can contribute to a college campus, and how they plan to pursue their interests or major in college and beyond
- a summary of the student’s hands-on experience, work exposure, or research
- a resume, portfolio, video, or writing sample showcasing the student’s academic, professional, creative or research projects
- an indication of demonstrated interest: the applicant had communicated with students, professors, program directors and/or admissions officers online or during a campus visit in an effort to confirm that the college was a fit
- an interview for some colleges