Will all of your extracurricular activities (or complete lack thereof) impact your graduate school applications? In short, it depends. While undergraduate programs put a lot of emphasis on extracurricular involvement, largely because high school students are expected to explore their interests and demonstrate civic-mindedness, graduate schools expect applicants already have a strong idea of their career trajectory. As such, extracurricular activities do not matter much. But there are two large caveats to this claim. 1) Some universities really prefer students who are active participants on their undergraduate campuses. Not only does this demonstrate the student’s commitment to “the greater good” but it shows that they can handle a large amount of responsibility. 2) Some extracurricular activities develop skills or offer experiences that are valuable to graduate studies. Activities such as working for a club in your field of study, learning a relevant language, or tutoring your peers could all show potential admissions faculty that you are serious about your academic and career development. The activities you include in your application should align with your future studies and future responsibilities as a graduate student and/or demonstrate important soft skills, such as leadership. Do you want help developing your graduate school profile, including extracurricular-based skills and experiences? Reach out to us at World Awaits (WeChat: kvanderweert) to arrange a free 20 minute advisory session. The graduate school admissions process is competitive, and every year schools receive far more qualified applicants than there are spaces. You must take action to differentiate your application from the competition, and we are here to help you do just that.

The college admissions process is exhaustive. In the whirl of studying for standardized admission tests, writing 20+ application essays, and developing a strong profile (all while keeping up with ongoing school assignments), it’s no wonder that students and families bypass the importance of school visits. However, university and program visits play a big role in the admissions process because they help students envision themselves on campus. Of course, some applicants are spot-on with their “sense” for a school, but it’s always best to be sure that a school you intend to invest a lot of years and money on is a good fit. While visiting campuses in-person is ideal, it isn’t always feasible — especially in the time of Covid-19 — which is why CampusReel is one of my favorite resources for prospective applicants. They offer thousands of student-created videos of campus life for hundreds of schools across the U.S. These are videos created by actual students — they’re not the marketing videos you find on college and university websites — and they show future students what the school is really like. To take this resource further, I suggest taking notes on each of the schools you “visit”. Doing so will help you create a school list that fits you and can serve as material for your personal statement or Why Universty X essays. If you are looking for expert advice, reach out to me directly on WeChat at kvanderweert. My team and I are available to help at any point in the application process — whether you are creating your college list or already preparing your application materials. Contact us for personalized assistance.

I’m no psychic, but I have a feeling this year’s early admit (EA) and early decision (ED) results portend increased priority applications and permanent test optional policies. Why? Because EA and ED applications absolutely soared this year. The primary driving factor was, predictably, Covid-19; however, I suspect those changes are here to stay. From those institutions that have released their EA and ED data, it is clear to see that highly sought-after colleges and universities have seen a huge uptick in early applications. This is likely the result of Covid-19, which has ushered in a rapid shift to test-optional application policies and an increased need for academic aid to offset poor and uncertain economic conditions. What we don’t know, though, is how these changes will impact admissions in the future. My suspicion is that the increase is here to stay — most likely because schools are able to reap the benefits of test-optional policies. Less stringent application policies increase applications, which, in turn, reduce yield and increase ranking. Schools also get to appeal to low-income or minority students by adopting test-optional policies. For future applicants, this means having to begin applications even earlier than in years past. This is especially important for international students to follow through on; statistically international applicants are less likely to apply early than their US counterparts, which obviously puts them at a disadvantage. I urge international students to begin their 2021-2022 applications — especially creating a school list — by the spring to be competitive. Undergraduate applicants and families, you can read my suggested timeline here: North American undergraduate application time process planning guide (updated version) Graduate applicants and families, read my suggested timeline here: North American Graduate Application Time Process Planning Guide (Complete Edition) ➽➽➽For a deep understanding of the US college admissions process and approach to the application requirements, view my FREE workshop: North American undergraduate study abroad application strategy: how to win the competition and enter the best universities in the United States ➽➽➽If you would like more help with your application or your child’s application, consider working with me directly. I create applications that are strong, attention-grabbing, and worthy of any of your target schools. Read more about me, view my packages, or add me on WeChat at kvanderweert to arrange a free 20 minute consultation. I look forward to discussing how I can help.

There is a lot to know and consider before making the decision to transfer to a new school. With some careful planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and make sure your transfer is successful. If done incorrectly, you could end up rejected from your target transfer schools and/or you may end up on a longer, more expensive path to graduation. As a study abroad consultant, I am approached by transfer applicants on a regular basis, most of whom have the same questions about the transfer process. As such, I’m going to use their most common questions to guide this post. In this post I will answer: How do I know if transferring is the right decision for me? What is the first step I should take when deciding to transfer? When is the best time to transfer? How difficult is it to earn admission as a transfer student? How does it differ by school? Can I apply to schools I was previously rejected from? How do I select the best school to transfer to? How do I know if my credits will transfer? Can I receive financial aid as an international transfer student? How do I prepare my application materials? What school-specific advice do you have for transfer students? 1) How do I know if transferring is the right decision for me? In the United States, a little more than 30% of students decide to transfer to a new institution. Sometimes their reasons for transferring are valid, and sometimes they are not. Knowing why you want to transfer, and assessing whether or not it is a good reason, is important. It isn’t uncommon for students to transfer because they found a boyfriend or girlfriend who attends a different school, have failed an important class, or don’t like their roommate. These are unfortunate situations, but they are not good reasons to transfer. However, there are also very good reasons to transfer to a new university. For example, wanting to change majors - in particular to a major not offered or under-supported at your current institution - is a great reason. Other strong reasons to transfer include increased academic challenge, location and access to off-campus resources (such as internships), and career- or major-driven social opportunities. I wrote about the process I take my clients through when considering whether or not to transfer, which you can read in full here. To excerpt: When I work with transfer students, I ask them to consider a few things: their personal values, the expectations they had for their university and major when they started, how those expectations and / or personal values ​​haven’t been met in their current program, and how those expectations and / or personal values ​​will be met in an American university. Let me give you an example: Personal values: Challenges; intellectual stimulation; growth; collaboration The expectations you had for your current program: I wanted to study my major at University Y because it has a strong reputation for my discipline, and I looked forward to working under Professor Z. I expected a challenging and comprehensive education along with hands-on experience. How are those expectations are NOT being met: The program is very easy for me, and I don't feel intellectually stimulated. While I thought I would be able to study under Professor Z and gain practical experience, he isn't able to work with undergraduate students. In fact, most of my education has been book- and test-oriented, which doesn't align with my learning preferences. How studying at University X will be better for me: Because University X offers Program XX, I will be able to work with my peers and professors in an experiential learning environment. I have reviewed the course load for my major, and I know it will challenge me academically. 85% of students at University X are placed in field-related internships, so I know I will be able to grow my skills outside of the school setting. Going through this process will not only serve as a basis for self-discovery in your transfer process, but it will help you immensely as you prepare your application materials. 2) What is the first step I should take when deciding to transfer? Start by educating yourself on the transfer process. Every school and program has slightly different requirements, expectations, transfer admission rates, etc. For example, it’s helpful to know whether you can transfer as a Freshman or if you must wait until your Sophomore year, and understanding your chances of admission will likely have a big impact on the schools you decide to apply to. All of this information can be found on each university’s website along with application guidelines. I help my clients put together a spreadsheet of target schools that includes all of this information, as it serves as a wonderful springboard to the entire transfer process. Simultaneously, begin building your applicant profile in earnest. US universities expect a lot from their applicants - not just good grades - and the earlier you start developing yourself beyond academics, the better. 3) When is the best time to transfer? Transferring at the best time depends on different factors and is typically a personal decision. Most importantly, all programs have different transfer requirements and you will need to begin by understanding your target schools’ policies. For example, some programs require students to have acquired a certain number of college credits before they are eligible for transfer or they expect students to have taken certain prerequisite courses before transferring into their desired major. UC schools, for instance, do not allow students to transfer until they have taken at least 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits. On the flip-side, transferring too late can also be a challenge. All colleges and universities have policies on the number and types of credits they will allow you to transfer. You may have to retake courses or take additional courses to meet graduation requirements - adding time and cost to your program. The longer you wait to transfer, the more likely this scenario is. Another factor is competitiveness. Transferring as a Freshman means that admissions committees have less college-level coursework to assess and are more likely to weigh your high school GPA heavily in admissions decisions. On the other hand, having more college credits will make your high school grades less important. As such, you will need to consider whether your high school performance will help or hurt your chances of admission. 4) How difficult is it to earn admission as a transfer student? How does it differ by school? It depends. Most schools are more challenging to enter as a transfer student than as a first-year student; however, some schools reserve spots for transfers, which can actually improve your chances of admission. Additionally, using the time at your current institution to upgrade your profile can have a significantly positive impact on your competitiveness. I strategically apply this factor to client transfer plans, and you should too. Transferring to top-tier institutions is often extremely challenging. Largely a numbers game, not very many admitted students opt to leave these colleges and universities, so not very many spots become available to transfers. You can find the most recent data on this here: Freshman Retention Rates. According to the most recently published data, the top 30 schools with the most transfer students are: University of Maryland Florida International University University of Central Florida California State University-Northridge University of Texas-Arlington Liberty University California State University-Long Beach University of Houston San Jose State University University of North Texas San Diego State University California State University-Fullerton Pensacola State College California State University-Sacramento San Francisco State University California State University-Pomona California State University-Dominguez Hills Texas State University University of South Florida University of California-Los Angeles University of California - San Diego University of California-Irvine University of California - Davis National University University of Texas - San Antonio Fort Hays State University California State University-Los Angeles Arizona State University George Mason Texas A&M University If you want school-specific transfer data, please contact me directly. As a study abroad consultant, I likely have access to information that is hard for others to track down. 5) Can I apply to schools I was previously rejected from? Usually you can apply to schools that previously rejected you; however, some highly selective colleges and universities might not review your application. You will want to check the specific policies of your target programs. When you submit new applications, focus on how you have improved since your previous attempts and make sure to rewrite your application essays. 6) How do I select the best school to transfer to? Similar to my advice in question one, make sure you have a clear idea of why you are transferring. Figure out what needs are not being met at your current school so that you can ensure they will be met by your future college or university. Additionally, finding the right schools to apply to requires a lot of time and research. As I’ve mentioned, factors like school location, size, cost of attendance, and transfer rate are important to consider. Aside from university websites, you can find valuable information through published Common Data Sets (CDS), which are standardized reports released by individual institutions and include information on transfer admit rates (they look like this). Although most colleges and universities make their CDS reports available on their websites, finding them can be difficult. I find this resource to be helpful because it centralizes a lot of the information: College Board. 7) How do I know if my credits will transfer? The Higher Learning Commission (an organization that authorizes school accreditation) does not regulate the number of transfer credits schools must accept. This means that schools vary widely in the number of credits they will take, with some schools accepting more transfer credits than others. For example, some schools will accept 12 credits, while others will accept 94. Whether you are changing majors with your transfer will also have an impact on how many credits will transfer. As a general rule, some of your current credits will count toward your degree at your new university. Contact the admissions office for help predicting how many and which classes they will accept from your transcript. Admissions will either help you directly or send you to an online service they use for free. 8) Can I receive financial aid as an international transfer student? Most universities do not offer financial aid to transfer students, and finding aid as an international transfer is even more challenging. The well-known schools that do offer aid to international transfers have low admissions rates, making full- or partial-funding through transfer highly unlikely. However, there is always a chance. The top colleges and universities offering aid to international transfers include: Amherst Brown Colgate Columbia Cornell (fall transfer only) Dartmouth Harvard MIT (fall transfer only) Reed Rice Stanford UPenn Yale (Financial aid opportunities can change, so please double-check availability.) 9) How do I prepare my application materials? The application The schools you apply to will determine the application system you will use. The most common portals are the Common Application, the Coalition Application, and the UC Application. Transcripts You will need to submit formal transcripts at some point during the application process. Some schools want to have them immediately, while others will require them only if you decide to enroll. Either way, you should prepare them early by requesting them from your school, getting them professionally translated (if necessary), and verified. The most common verification method is through WES. This process tends to take some time, so do yourself a favor and check them off your “to-do” list right away. Standardized test scores Whether or not you need to submit SAT or ACT scores will depend on where you are applying and how many credits you have already acquired. Generally speaking, SAT and ACT scores are not considered for transfer applications; however, you will need to check with each of your target institutions to know for certain. TOEFL and IELTS scores are always required for students who studied less than 4 years outside of the United States. Some programs want these scores submitted by the application deadline, while others will let you submit them a bit later. Again, check with each of your target institutions for their specific language proficiency requirements. Letters of recommendation You will be required to submit 2+ letters of recommendation (LORs), and at least 1 will be required from a faculty member at your current institution. It’s important that you maintain and/or create positive relationships with professors who can write strong letters for you. Plan ahead and give your recommenders plenty of time to write on your behalf. Failing to do so may result in poor letters. Activities list The activities list can make a big difference in your application, so don’t take it lightly. By getting an idea of how students use their time outside of academics, admissions officers consider the activities list to be a good way of assessing whether or not an applicant is a good fit for their campus. You can write a great activities list by using strong verbs, showing a wide range of responsibilities, and using quantitative data to support your claims. Here’s what I mean: Standard activity description: Sports club President of high school sports club; organized sports competitions and wrote about them for school WeChat Great activity description: President of XXX High School Sports Club Elected by 90% of the student body; organized twice-monthly soccer, basketball, and dodgeball competitions; wrote and published commentaries on school social media, increasing student participation by 25% in 3 months Essay Different from a first-year application essay, the transfer essay must explain: Why you want to transfer How the the school you’re applying to is a better fit Transfer applicants are considered “risky” from the university’s point of view, as the mere act of transferring displays uncertainty. For this reason, clearly explaining the two points listed above is particularly important to a successful transfer essay - it shows admissions officers that you understand your needs as a student as well as how their school aligns with your goals. Although there are many ways to approach the transfer essay, I find one method to be very effective. Here is the exact outline I use with my transfer clients: Paragraph 1- Hook the reader by telling a short story that demonstrates a key characteristic or personal value you possess (bonus points for using a personal value that’s important in your field of study). Paragraph 2 - Explain why you are at your current school / why you chose your major. Paragraph 3 - Explain why you want to leave your current school. How is your current school failing to meet your educational needs or goals? Paragraph 4 - Show how you made the best of your time at your current school. What classes / experiences have you pursued that have prepared you for your next step academically. Paragraph 5 - Why University X Paragraph 6 - Close off and, if possible, link back to your introduction To test the efficacy of your transfer essay, try replacing your target school’s name with a different university. If the essay still makes sense when you substitute the new school, your essay is not specific enough. Resume Some (though not many) colleges and universities require transfer applicants to include a resume with their application. Use it as an opportunity to add depth to your achievements and extracurriculars. Additionally, use a template rather than creating your own resume from scratch. Using a template will better ensure your resume aligns with American expectations and provides all of the necessary information. You can contact me for a template or find one online. 10) What school-specific advice do you have for transfer students? I have written (and continue to write) school-specific transfer guides. You can find them here: UCLA NYU UMich UT Austin UC Berkeley 💗💗💗 If you want assistance with your transfer application essay, or transferring in general, please reach out. I help many students successfully transfer into their dream schools every year, and I can do the same for you! I offer hourly services, 3 different transfer packages, as well as a Fundamental Transfer Plan that includes a personalized transfer analysis, a 1-hour strategy call culminating in a formal transfer plan, and 5 hours of transfer application guidance. Here’s what past transfer clients have had to say: “I just want to let you know how thankful I am for your help. I'm able to make progress toward my degree because of your help in the process of transfer applications. Given my situation, it was amazing how many schools I got into! This wouldn't have been possible without your help.” “I just wanted to share that I’ve been admitted to NYU!! You definitely exceeded my expectations and made me think deeply about things I had never thought about before. Thank you so much for your honesty and guidance. It helped me a lot.” Thank you for reading my post; I hope it has been helpful for you!

Your university applications are submitted and it’s time to sit back and wait for the offers to come pouring in, right? Well, maybe. But it’s also possible that you will be invited to interview with admissions representatives, current students, or alumni. Sometimes these interviews are required, and sometimes they’re not. If you’re invited for an optional interview, should you do it? Yes. Interviewing with the school demonstrates interest. It tells the university that you are likely to select their school if they extend an offer, which increases your chances of being offered admission. This is especially true if you are a “bubble” student (a student who has a 50/50 chance of being admitted). So, what do you do? How do you prepare? Follow this guide. Step 1 - Write out your responses to these questions: 1) What do I want to study and why? 2) Why do I want to attend University X? You will certainly be asked these questions, so have your answers on lock-down. I suggest you write your answers down so that you fully develop your responses and think through your reasoning completely. There are no wrong answers to these questions; instead, admissions officers are most interested in your examples - the stories you tell that support your responses. What do I mean by this? If an interviewer asks you question number one from the list above, your response might be “Mathematics.” But this doesn’t actually say anything about you. It doesn’t allow the interviewer to understand you and your interests (which is why they are interviewing you!). A better response is, “I want to study mathematics because I like solving problems, and I like knowing I have found the correct answer.” And, better yet, you could (and should) include a story that supports your response. “I have always enjoyed mathematics because it allows me to solve problems and to know with certainty that I have found the correct answer. Aside from my simple enjoyment of the subject, however, I also find math to be a very useful discipline. For example, I am a founding member of my high school’s astronomy club, and math has helped me with the technical aspects of tracking the night sky.” Step 2 - Create a list of 3-5 things you want to discuss during your interview These are your strong points, so you definitely want to discuss them during your interview. I know it seems like you will simply remember to mention them, right? Well, not always. Plus, having a firm list in your mind (with examples!) will help you answer a variety of questions. So no matter what the interviewer asks, you will be prepared. Think about your top personal qualities, your top personal values, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the achievements you’ve met. If you don’t immediately know what you want to include in your list, do this: -Ask your friends and family what they like about you. Ask what they feel are your strengths. What do they think is impressive and/or inspirational about you? -Write a list of EVERYTHING you want universities to know about you. -Narrow all of these things down to your top 3-5. When you have completed your list, add supporting examples and stories. In other words, don’t just include “I spent the summer interning at a bank.” Include your challenges and accomplishments. “Although I initially was not given much responsibility, after the first month, I showed interest and maturity by speaking to my supervisor about my desire to learn and do more. After shadowing her for two weeks, I was then given the responsibility of assisting clients with a range of transactions.” Step 3 - Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Asking questions of your interviewer shows that you are truly interested in the university. You want to write out a list of questions (you can even bring the list to the interview) that does three things: 1. Shows that you've done your research on the school. You do not want to ask questions that are easily answered on the school website. If it seems as though you have not done your research, the interviewer will assume you are not interested in matriculating with their institution. Instead, show off your research by discussing programs, classes, professors, clubs, etc. that you are interested in learning from and/or joining. The more specific your questions are, the better. 2. Demonstrates interest in your major or degree program. Along the same lines as number one, ask questions about your major or degree program. When possible, ask questions that show off the discipline-specific knowledge you already have. If you are applying for a mechanical engineering program, for example, you might ask about the subfield experience you would receive as a member of one of their EECS clubs. 3. Creates a personal connection between you and the interviewer. Remember, your interviewer is a real person. Connect with them to leave a lasting and positive impression. Ask them personal questions about their experiences with the university. Step 4 - Practice, practice, practiceFinally, when you feel prepared to discuss your strengths and interests, and you have assembled a number of examples to support your points, hold some practice interviews. Print off a list of common interview questions (you can find my massive list here) and have your friends and family members ask you questions at random. As you answer, practice incorporating items and examples from Step 2. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be on interview day. Or, if you want help from an expert, contact World Awaits to set up mock-interview practice. The feedback and advice will set you up for an amazing, enjoyable experience and get you one step closer to admission. Good luck, applicants!

Here is the complete list of questions I use to help my graduate school applicants ace their interviews. If you would like guidance on how to answer these questions, as well as practice through mock interviews, please reach out to World Awaits directly. I promise, preparation is immensely useful - it will increase your confidence and allow you to connect with your interviewer rather than struggle to find answers. Motivations What motivated you to apply to grad school? Why do you feel prepared to start graduate school? What areas of research interest you? Why do you want to pursue a PhD in your area of interest? Do you have any reservations/worries about entering a PhD program? What are you looking to gain from your graduate school experience? Why do you need a PhD to achieve your career goal? Where do you see your field going in the next 5-10 years? Where do you see yourself in 15 years? What is unique about you that gives you a competitive edge over other applicants? The Program/Institution Why are you specifically drawn to this program? Why do you think this program would be a good fit for you? What specific resources does this institution offer to enhance your scientific/research trajectory? How do you think your interests will fit in with the program? What do you think you will contribute to the program? Which faculty members’ work particularly interests you and why? Have you established a relationship with one or more faculty members within the program? What interests you about the city the institution is in? What would make you choose this institution over other programs? Previous Research Please list the different research experiences you have had. How many total years of research experience do you have? How has your research experience prepared you for graduate school? What questions did your research help answer? What was your role in developing research ideas? How did you manage your research project? What was innovative about your research? What was your favorite technique that you used in your undergraduate research? What was the biggest challenge you encountered in your undergraduate research, and how did you deal with it? How is your work distinct from your supervisor’s/principal investigator’s? What do you think are your most significant research accomplishments? What do you consider to be your best paper/work and why? What has been the impact of your research? Do you expect to publish before starting graduate school? If you were starting your project again today, what would you do differently? Current/Future Research What are your research interests? What are the big picture questions you want to investigate? What are the biggest challenges/questions in your field of research? How do you plan to approach your questions? How do you see this work impacting the field? How does the work you propose follow on from what you are already doing? What skills do you want to develop at this institution? Do you plan to apply for additional funding? What funding opportunities are you aware of, or what would you like to apply for? How would you convince a funding body that they should fund your research? How would you fit with the existing activities in the department? If we gave you unlimited resources, what would you do with them? Who would you expect to collaborate with in the institution? Why do you want to collaborate with them? What is an interesting paper you have read lately? If you have a specific project in mind… What is the overall importance of this project? Can you see any of your research proposals failing? What will you do if your hypothesis is proved wrong? What resources will you need? What opportunities for multi-disciplinary work does your research offer? Potential Advisors What do you want to work on in my lab? What interests you about my research? What do you know about my research? Who are you interested in working with? What techniques have you learned that you could use in my lab? Teaching Do you have any teaching experience? How do you feel about teaching? How do you feel about mentoring undergraduates? How would you deal with any conflict/disagreement within the research group? Do you have an example of when you have had to deal with a disagreement? Personal What do you do in your free time (not in the lab)? What motivates you? What drives you as a scientist? Who has influenced you the most? How do you work best – independently, or with a team, at home? How do your interests fit with the strengths and goals of the program? What do you expect to be challenging about graduate school? What are your plans for managing those challenges? Graduate school often involves a combination of intense days, long nights, and high expectations. What strategies will you use to manage this combination of demands? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Tell us about a time when things didn’t go the way you wanted. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? Tell us about your most successful or interesting research experience in a lab environment. Which of your qualities helped facilitate this success? Describe a time that you encountered a significant personal obstacle? How did you handle it? Is there any information pertinent to your application that you would like to add? In what ways, other than research and teaching could you contribute to this department? Questions for you to ask current grad students Does the environment feel more collaborative or competitive? What is the funding structure/guarantee for students? Is it an inclusive environment? Where do you (and students in general) live? What is the area around campus like? Do you think the stipend reflects the cost of living? Is the university helpful with finding housing? How easy/difficult was the process of joining a lab? Do most people join their first choice lab? How much time are you expected to spend in the lab? How would you describe your PI's advising style? How do you maintain a successful relationship with your advisor? How regularly/quickly does your advisor publish? What research are you working on? How quickly were you able to start your research? Is the project you're working on what you thought you'd be doing, or has the project you're working on gone in any unexpected directions? Who is on your committee and why? Would you choose this advisor if you were doing it over? Do you get to attend conferences? What do you think of the courses - useful content, well taught, relevant to your research/goals? How easy/hard is it to customize the program? What would you change about the program? What kind of schedule do you work? What do grad students do in their free time? Do most students have a good work/life balance? Do grad students in this program hang out with each other? Do you know many people in grad school who regret starting it? Do you know people who have left the graduate program? What kind of resources does the program offer (e.g. for mental health, career development, learning new skills, etc.)? Is there anything you wish you had taken into consideration when making your decision about where to attend? Questions for you to to ask potential PIs I read your paper/book X. Can you tell me about your future research goals related to X? What are your current projects? What research projects do you have that would be looking for graduate students? What advice would you give to a student who wants to be successful in your program? Are there any specific pitfalls to be avoided? What are the expectations for a graduate student in your lab? Do students create their own projects or work on something already developed/in progress? How is your lab organized? Do you have a lab manager, or do other members of the lab take on this role? Do you have lab/group meetings, and what is the format of those meetings? How much collaboration is there within the lab? How much do your students publish? How often do you send students to conferences? How long do students in your lab take to complete their PhD? What do students from your lab typically do after graduation? What is the big picture/goal/focus/priority of the department? Questions for you to ask other interviewers (like program or admissions directors) Will I have the opportunity to teach/present/publish? Is the university or department likely to host any events or associated projects during the time I will be pursuing a PhD? What are the responsibilities of grad students in this program? What are the supervision arrangements for this research project? What kind of training or skills sessions are offered in this PhD program? Do grad students TA? How many terms do students TA? Are students generally collaborative or competitive? Is there likely to be any changes in funding arrangements for this research/project? How big is the program? What's the biggest strength of the program? What professional development services are available? How/when are students paired with advisors? What does the program do if someone doesn't find a lab to join by the deadline? What percentage of students complete the PhD? How would you compare this program to X and Y? Is there funding available for attending things like conferences or summer schools? What are the career outcomes for students in this program?

Interview season is upon us, folks. I want to share a well-known but oft-forgotten approach to answering any interview question: The STARR Method. Okay, it’s really the STAR method, but I’ve added another R to emphasize the importance of reflection. What is it, you ask? Let’s get started. The STARR Method is a technique you can use to properly and straightforwardly answer almost all interview questions. It’s used frequently in the world of recruiting, but for some reason it hasn’t caught on with regards to college interviews yet. STARR stands for: Situation, Task, Action, Result, and Reflection. If you’ve read any of my past posts on college interviewing, you may have noticed that I regularly emphasize the importance of adding anecdotes and examples as support for your claims. Interviews are rooted in stories; in order to lend credence to your points and to connect with your interviewer, you must share personal stories. It’s easy, however, to let yourself get lost in the story — to jump around, ramble, and lose sight of your point. This is where STARR comes in. STARR will serve as your guide through each interview question. Let’s give it a try with a common college interview question: Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge. S - Situation Present the “situation” by giving the interviewer necessary background information. For example: “I am the student body vice president. I am responsible for working with school administrators to organize school events, such as the prom.” T - Task Explain the problem or responsibility you had to overcome. “Most years, we would begin planning prom in February or March and hold the event in late May. Because of Covid last year, we had to plan a virtual prom. As you might imagine, this took creative thinking, an understanding of technology, and buy-in from both students and administrators. Overall, we were extremely worried about how (or whether) we would be able to pull it off.” A - Action Detail the steps you took to address the task. “I called a student body meeting and broke everyone into small teams. One group was in charge of recruiting students, one was in charge of liaising between students and admin, and one group was in charge of finding and managing an online system. The president and myself were responsible for managing these teams and ensuring effective communication between all parties.” R - Results Tell what came of the actions you took. “Although it was completely different from any other prom we’ve held, it was a success. 90% of the student body attended our online prom, which included breakout rooms for dates and small groups, music, “food”, games, and crowning of Prom King and Prom Queen.” R - Reflection WIth regards to college interviews, this is the “bread-and-butter” of your response. To be honest, admissions committees are far less interested in the “what happened” than in your ability to show maturity and introspection by reflecting on what you learned from the experience. This is where you demonstrate personal growth. Discuss how your experience changed your worldview, relationships, personal values, trajectory, etc. “This was the first time in my leadership experience where I was really forced to let go and trust in my team. Even though I was responsible for communicating between the different project-teams and administration, many crucial decisions were made that I was unable to participate in due to the unique circumstances and timeframe. It helped me become more trusting of the people I work with, and I think that lesson really helped me move forward in my academics this year with school being virtual. Trusting others to complete assignments well and efficiently has helped the work go smoothly. I suspect this experience has also made me a better leader because I am able to let my teammates work on their own and I don’t feel the need to micro-manage.” 💗💗💗 If you want help from an expert, contact World Awaits to set up mock-interview practice. The feedback and advice will set you up for an amazing, enjoyable experience and get you one step closer to admission. And if you feel the information in this post could benefit others, please share it. Our goal at World Awaits is to make the admissions process as transparent and smooth as possible for all students. Good luck, applicants!

If you’re interested in studying in the United States, you’ve probably already heard the big news — CollegeBoard is dropping the SAT essay and the SAT subject tests. These changes are effective immediately for US applicants, and will occur after June for international students. The shift away from standardized testing has been happening for several years now, and Covid-19 has only expedited the process. Accordingly, this may not come as a shock for applicants and families, but it does impact how students can (and should) demonstrate their academic prowess. IMPROVE COURSE RIGOR To illustrate their academic strengths — which are the most important factors in college admissions — applicants must commit themselves to taking the most rigorous course load available to them. To do this, students should take additional AP, IB, or college-level classes, particularly if the courses support their major interests. For international students in particular, this may mean finding ways to self-teach and test for AP courses as an independent. Registration for AP exams is March 12, so sign up immediately if you haven’t already done so. You can visit the CollegeBoard website for information on signing up for AP exams as an independent. If college-level courses are not available in your community, take classes through Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC). These courses are free for students and will demonstrate a readiness for rigorous work. MOOCs are a very good option for international students who often need to bulk up their academics due to lack of access to APs. GET INVOLVED Year-after-year, college admissions counselors espouse the importance of civic engagement. Future applicants should use SAT subject test study time to get involved in their communities in ways that tap into their unique skill sets and allow them to develop as leaders.

It is officially transfer application time! For that reason, I’m going to spend the next few weeks discussing the top transfer schools, their unique school culture, and what you need to do to impress their admissions committee. Use this information to help you curate the perfect, school-specific application. Today’s School: The University of Michigan Considered a “Public Ivy” UMich receives some of the most transfer applications. They do a lot to help their transfer applicants. For example, they have Transfer Connections, which connects new transfer students with currently enrolled students so those who are new to campus can learn about everything UMich has to offer. The transfer office also publishes a monthly newsletter, which you can find here. How do you apply to the University of Michigan, and how do you maximize your chances of admission? Start by looking over the transfer application requirements. These requirements will differ based on the school you are applying to, such as the School of Engineering or the School of Pharmacy. You can find school-specific requirements on UMich’s transfer requirements page. Beyond the quantitative requirements like grade point average and TOEFL or IELTS score, you have to pay attention to the essay requirements. The fact is that the University of Michigan receives FAR more qualified applications than they have open spots for. Because of this, the essays are weighed heavily. What they need to show are passion, enthusiasm, and a good sense of self. In other words, you must use the essays to show that you know who you are, where you are going, and that you are excited for the future. UMich requires more written documents than the average university. Again, how you answer them is very, very important. Let’s look at each one: If you could only do one of the activities you have listed in the Activities section of your application, which one would you keep doing? Why? Begin by introducing your activity. A short, one- to two- sentence anecdote is a great way to grab the reader’s attention, or start by stating what you learned about yourself from the activity. A lot of students start with something like, “I have always been passionate about playing the piano…” Boring! Instead, try something like, “From playing the piano, I learned the most important life lesson: Improvement comes with experience.” Then explain why this activity is (and will continue to be) important to you. Why do you love it? Why is it significant? Finally, tell the reader why and how you will bring your activity to the next level. Consider how you will continue the activity as a college student. Is the activity available at UMich? If so, how will you engage with it? If not, how will you introduce it to campus? Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. The University of Michigan prides itself on its community - both its campus community and its connection to the community of Ann Arbor. They are looking to admit students who will contribute positively in their community, and it is for this reason they want to understand how you learn from and/or contribute to one you belong to. A lot of students get caught up on the idea of “community.” They think they need to write about a group they belong to for reasons outside of their control (race, gender, etc.) or a group they have belonged to for a long time. Certainly you can write about these things, but a group can really mean anything, so don’t feel like you have to limit yourself. I suggest you write about one of two things: Is there something amazing about you (personal value, accomplishment, characteristic) that you haven’t presented in your application? If so, you can write about this by connecting it to a community. Is there a community you belong to that is important to you and that you haven’t already presented in your application? If so, you can write about it. The key to this essay is to write about something new. Use it as an opportunity to tell the adcomms something impressive about you that they don’t already know. As you write, make sure that you address each of the questions in the prompt (hint: there are three). Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? This is the “Why University X” question. Like all schools, UMich uses this essay to gauge your interest in their school. They want to see that you’ve properly researched the school and are genuinely interested in attending. There are, of course, many great things about the U of M: great courses and faculty, great research opportunities, great post-graduation employment rate, etc. But you could say these things about any top-tier university. So you must dig deeper. Many students submit generic “Why University X” essays. Don’t be one of them. I mean it: A generic response to this essay will automatically put you in the “NO” pile. A generic response says, “I’m too lazy to research your school.” To find programs and opportunities that interest you, simply do an internet search: University of Michigan + personal interest. Even a half hour of research will produce some interesting results that can be worked into an essay. Here are three things that I was able to research in only a few minutes and would find interesting if I were applying to UMich: ALL of Michigan’s engineering programs are top-ranked. This shows that you can get a wide breadth of education in the engineering department. U of M offers funding for internships and research abroad. This allows you to add an international scope to your education. Students from every major are invited to take a class on the creative process, which is a course that combines art, architecture, engineering, and music. Research the cool things the University of Michigan has to offer. Get excited! Then settle down to start writing. Write about the programs and opportunities that interest you, and (most importantly) explain WHY they interest you. The adcomms already know about everything their school offers. Not only do they work there, but they read these essays all day long. You don’t have to explain what the school offers. Seriously. I see this all the time from my clients’ first drafts: “I wish to join the Asian American Business Association because it promotes professional development for club members.” This statement is bad because it doesn’t actually say anything. It simply defines the purpose of the club, which the adcomms already know. They are looking to learn why this club is important to you and how you will contribute to it. For example: “I aspire to be an innovative engineer capable of turning my products into viable and sustainable business solutions. Motivated to learn business savvy and connect with industry experts, I intend to join the Asian American Business Association (AABA). As president of my high school marketing club, I was responsible for planning and organizing monthly career forums. Such event planning experience will make me a valuable contributor to similar events held by AABA.” Notice how the first half of this example explains the importance, on a personal level, the club holds for the applicant, and the second half explains how the applicant can add value to the campus organization. To be successful with this essay, you must write similar paragraphs for your academic and extracurricular endeavors. You should discuss at least four University of Michigan-specific organizations, opportunities, and/or course offerings that fit in with your future plans. You can also discuss how U of M’s location in Ann Arbor will further your academic or career goals. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. I’ve already written posts on how to successfully answer this question. Check out this article and this article. --- Here are some overarching tips to help you with your transfer application as a whole: TIP ONE to answering each of the transfer application questions - make sure they work as a collective whole to tell a single story. In other words, you want each of your application materials to tell a little bit more of the story of YOU - your responses should not repeat but compliment each other. If you write about wanting to attend UMich because their engineering program is stronger than the program at your current school, consider using the “Activities” question to explain something you do that is engineering-related. Or highlight the “Diversity” question by discussing an activity that is unique to cultural background. TIP TWO is to infuse school fit into your responses. UMich wants to admit students who compliment their campus culture, so the more you can show that you are the “type of student” who attends the University of Michigan the better. Research the mission statement and goals of the U of M school you are applying to. Think about the things you have accomplished or experienced that align with the school’s stated mission, and infuse those experiences or personal characteristics into your essays. The University of Michigan favors students who demonstrate: Cultural diversity Passion and enthusiasm (no matter the topic) Leadership Make sure to highlight these facets of your background as well. Cultural diversity easily fits into the “Diversity” question. Passion, enthusiasm, and leadership can fit anywhere in the application, so have fun infusing them into the story of you! Don’t get caught up on the type of passion or leadership you show. In other words, whether you’re passionate about something academic like Math Olympiad or something quirky like kite building, it doesn’t matter - adcomms simply want to see that you are genuinely enthusiastic about something. The same goes for leadership: It doesn’t matter if you are the president of your debate club or you teach children how to knit - adcomms simply want to see that you inspire others to action. --- Do you need help putting together your University of Michigan transfer application? Contact me. :)

Arts and Humanities Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature – Harvard University How to Write an Essay – UC Berkeley Introduction to Digital Humanities – Harvard University Masterpieces of World Literature – Harvard University Modern Masterpieces of World Literature – Harvard University Shakespeare’s Life and Work – Harvard University Tangible Things: Discovering History Through Artworks, Artifacts, Scientific Specimens, and the Stuff Around You – Harvard University Biosciences Biochemistry: Biomolecules, Methods, and Mechanisms – MIT Molecular Biology: DNA Replication and Repair – MIT Molecular Biology: RNA Processing and Translation – MIT Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition – MIT Neuroscience: Electrical Properties of Neuron – MIT Neuroscience: Neurons and Networks – MIT Neuroscience: The Brain – MIT Principles of Biochemistry – Harvard University Principles of Synthetic Biology – MIT Quantitative Methods for Biology – Harvard University Business and Entrepreneurship AP Microeconomics – MIT Becoming an Entrepreneur – MIT Business and Impact Planning for Social Enterprise – MIT Entrepreneurship 101: Who is your customer? – MIT Qualitative Research Methods: Conversational Interviewing – MIT Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market – Harvard University User Innovation & Entrepreneurship – MIT Computer Science and Programming Algorithms (Part 1) – Princeton University Algorithms (Part 2) – Princeton University Building Your First Android App (Project-Centred Course) – CentraleSupelec C++ for C Programmer (Part A) – UC Santa Cruz Introduction to Programming – University of Edinburgh Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Science: Capstone – Harvard University Data Science: R Basics – Harvard University Data Science: Visualization – Harvard University Data Science and Machine Learning – Harvard University Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python – Harvard University Statistics and Computational Tools for Data Science – Harvard University Using Python for Research – Harvard University Liberal Arts Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art – The Museum of Modern Art Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes – The Museum of Modern Art Arts and Culture Strategy – University of Pennsylvania & National Arts Strategies Behavioral Finance – Duke University Better Business Writing in English – Georgia Tech Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners – University of California, San Diego Chemistry – University of Kentucky Classical Sociological Theory – University of Amsterdam Craft Your Story Like the Great Writers – Wesleyan University Crash Course in Data Science – Johns Hopkins University Create Imaginative Games – CALARTS Discrete Mathematics – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Econometrics: Methods and Applications – Erasmus University Rotterdam Effective Communication in the Globalised Workplace – National University of Singapore English for Business and Entrepreneurship- University of Pennsylvania English for Journalism – University of Pennsylvania Fundamentals of Music Theory – University of Edinburgh Game Theory – Stanford University & University of British Columbia Genes and the Human Condition (From Behavior to Biotechnology) – University of Maryland, College Park Geopolitics of Europe – Sciences Po Getting Started With Music Theory – Michigan State University Global Diplomacy: Diplomacy in the Modern World – University of London, SOAS University of London How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics – University of Virginia Inferential Statistics – Duke University Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution – University of California, Irvine Introduction to Human Behavioral Genetics – University of Minnesota Introduction to Logic – Stanford University Introduction to Mathematical Thinking – Stanford University Introduction to Psychology – University of Toronto Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture – Vanderbilt University & National Arts Strategies Maps and the Geospatial Revolution – Pennsylvania State University Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets – University of New South Wales Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences – University of Amsterdam Microeconomics: The Power of Markets – University of Pennsylvania Model Thinking – University of Michigan Moral Foundations of Politics – Yale University Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why – Duke University Music Production – Berklee Particle Physics: an Introduction – University of Geneva Psychology at Work – University of Western Australia Strategy and Sustainability – IESE Business School The Ancient Greeks – Wesleyan University The Art of Music Production – Berklee The Art of Vocal Production – Berklee The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs – University of Toronto The Evolving Universe – Caltech The Science of the Solar System – Caltech Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity – Stanford University Mathematics Calculus Single Variable: Function – University of Pennsylvania Calculus Single Variable: Integration – University of Pennsylvania College Algebra and Problem Solving – Arizona State University Differential Equations – MIT Introduction to Algebra – SchoolYourself Introduction to Calculus – University of Sydney Introduction to Geometry – SchoolYourself Linear Models and Matrix Algebra – Harvard University Mathematics for Year 12 – Course 1: Algebraic Methods, Graphs and Applied Mathematics Methods – Imperial College London Mathematics for Year 12 – Course 2: Calculus, Newton’s Laws and Hypothesis Testing – Imperial College London Mathematics for Year 13 – Course 1: Functions, Sequences and Series, and Numerical Methods – Imperial College London Mathematics for Year 13 – Course 2: General Motion, Moments and Equilibrium, The Normal Distribution, Vectors, Differentiation Methods, Integration Methods and Differential Equations – Imperial College London Precalculus – Arizona State University Pre-University Calculus – TU Delft Probability and Statistics – University of London Statistics and R – Harvard University Physical Sciences Advanced High School Chemistry – University of Kentucky Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space – University of Arizona How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics – University of Virginia Introduction to Chemistry: Reaction and Ratios – Duke University Introduction to Chemistry: Structures and Solutions – Duke University The Science of the Solar System – CalTech Self-Discovery & Exploration Big History: Connecting Knowledge – Macquarie University Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential – McMaster University Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age – University of Toronto Essentials of Global Health – Yale University Fashion as Design – MoMA Getting Started with Music Theory – Michigan State University Introduction to Philosophy – University of Edinburgh Making Architecture – IE Business School The Challenges of Global Health – Duke University The Science of Success – University of Michigan

With most Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) results released last month, some applicants may find themselves in the challenging position of being deferred - meaning their application will be re-reviewed during the Regular Decision (RD) applicant assessment process. If you are one of those applicants, do not despair. Naturally, being deferred is tough. But it isn’t all doom-and-gloom. Some applicants do move from deferral to the admissions pile. If you’re hoping to be one of them, you can improve your chances by following my guide. Follow the directions Some schools ask that you update them with any new information about your grades or experience, while others explicitly tell you not to. Be sure you follow directions. Not doing so will likely get you rejected. Call the university If it isn’t already reported in your deferral letter or the university website, it can help to find out your chances of being accepted as a regular decision applicant. By calling the school, you also show interest. Ask these questions: 1. How many applicants have been deferred? 2. How many people tend to be accepted following a deferral? 3. Do you rank the applicants who have been deferred? And, if you can share that information, where do I fall? Then you should email the person you spoke with a quick thank you. This is an important but often overlooked step; common courtesy encourages others to act favorably on your behalf. Then you can reference the person you connected with in the next step, the LOCI. Write a letter of continued interest (LOCI) Let’s start by addressing who you should email. Universities get many letters from interested applicants, and if you want yours to really stand out, you should email your regional admissions counselor. Sometimes finding your regional representative is easy, and sometimes it is difficult. Here’s what you do: 1. Start with the university website. If you can’t find the regional counselors quickly on the admissions page, you can do an internet search for “[university name] admissions counselor by region”. 2. If that only turns up the representative’s name, you will need to find their email. Go to the faculty directory on the university website for that. 3. If you are still unable to find the email of your regional counselor, download hunter.io. Then go to Linkedin and search for “University Name admissions.” Scroll through the individuals who come up until you find your representative. If you are still unsuccessful, email the dean or another person in the admissions office. When it comes to writing the LOCI, the more personal, the better. I have two templates that you can look over, but they must be personalized. Template 1 Dear (regional admissions counselor), Thank you for taking the time to review my early application for the (year) school year and for offering me another chance at admission. I am writing to reiterate my interest in University Name and to assure you that, should I be offered admission, I will immediately accept it. Aside from (one thing you love about the school), University Name perfectly aligns with my (academic/personal) interests. Specifically, I am interested in (course / professor’s work / program / club / campus tradition) because (why). In addition to (above-mentioned factor(s)), I am confident that I will bring a unique perspective to University Name. Due to my (relevant background/experiences/interests), I will bring (something no one else has) to the school community. I also want to take this opportunity to update my application. Since my submission in (month), I have (completed a research project / earned perfect fall semester grades / started volunteering in my community / accepted an internship / started working part-time / won an award / raised X for my club/something NEW, and INTERESTING about you). (Why is this important and interesting?) University Name remains my top choice. The (major) program aligns perfectly with my (career) goals, and I can see myself fitting in on campus because (why).From the campus tour I took in the fall, to the alumni interview I had with (name), to my most recent conversation with (name) in the admissions office, every interaction I have had with University Name has been enjoyable, and I look forward to continuing these positive experiences should I be offered a spot on campus. Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely, Eager Applicant Template 2 Dear (regional admissions counselor), Last week I (talked with a current student / interviewed with an alum / found a new program that interests me / discovered a new campus tradition/something NEW that excites you about the school). I was impressed with (why). Now I love University Name even more. Although I have been deferred, I am excited to have the opportunity to prove University Name is my first choice and that I would be a good contribution to its (descriptor) campus. As my favorite university, I will immediately commit to enrolling if I am accepted. Since submitting my application in (month), I have (completed a research project / earned perfect fall semester grades / started volunteering in my community / accepted an internship / started working part-time / won an award / raised $X for my club/something NEW and INTERESTING about you). (Why is this important and interesting?) Thank you very much for your time. I am excited to have the chance to attend University Name, and I wish you a restful holiday. Sincerely, Eager Applicant In all honesty, being deferred is difficult. But if you don’t at least try to improve your chances by contacting the admissions office and sending in a LOCI, you will never gain admission. But here’s the catch: You need to do this RIGHT AWAY. Universities will be reviewing the RD applications at the beginning of January. Don’t give up! My agency regularly moves students from deferral to admission using this exact strategy. If you want help contacting your representative or writing your letter of interest, send me an email at kvanderweert@worldawaits.net or contact me here. Best of luck, applicants!

Tear your essay apart to make it better. This doesn’t sound like solid writing advice, but it’s a technique advanced writers use all the time to ensure their drafts follow a logical structure. Reverse outlines help writers produce successful pieces. Just as redoing a math problem verifies the solution, reverse outlines work because they force writers to look at how well they executed their writing plan, or outline. How to create a reverse outline Step 1 - Begin with a completed draft Step 2 - Summarize the main ideas - Write a summary sentence for every one of your paragraphs. If a paragraph contains more than one idea, it does not follow English writing expectations and must be broken down into two or more paragraphs. If you cannot identify a main idea, the paragraph is either unnecessary or needs clarity. Step 3 - Construct a sentence set - Put each of the summary sentences into a new document in the order in which they appear in your paper. When you are done, your document will look like this: I have always been attracted to novelty. In Kindergarten, I chose to learn the accordion because I found it to be a “curious instrument”. But that wasn’t enough excitement, so I added piano and vocal lessons to my repertoire. The way I taught myself new musical skills was novel, as I shirked mechanical repetition for rhythm games. In high school, I introduced more novelty into my life; I moved beyond my school's core curriculum to teach myself coding, take off-campus art classes, and enroll in a writing class. I love sharing my appreciation for novelty with others. One way I do this is through game design. Game design brings all of my seemingly disparate skills (music, story-telling, art, and coding) together into one medium. Now I am ready to take my interests further with a bachelor’s degree in game design, which will not only challenge me in a multitude of ways but bring novelty to my players. Step 4 - Assess the sentence set for the big picture - Ask yourself: Has the writing prompt been fully addressed? Is the thesis supported? Step 5 - Assess the sentence set for organization - Review the order in which you present your points. Ask yourself: Is the order logical? Does it make sense for the reader? If not, reorder the sentence set so that the organization is coherent and compelling.