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NYJC Education and Career Guidance Portal

Applying to US Universities

Find out how to apply to US universities, from preparing your documents to accepting your offer.

Last updated 16 June 2026

How to apply to US universities

Application timeline from JC1 Dec to Apr, showing key deadlines like Nov 1 Early Decision and Dec 31 Regular Decision.

How to apply to US universities?

Prepare

Explore and narrow down your choices Check out subject pre-requisites and selection criteria Download student guide from the ECG Repository in our College Portal and read it. Click on "Prepare" above to login to view the US Student Guide.

Apply

Set up online account in Common App. Request for teacher referees - Downloadthe Teacher Recommender Request Form. Write your personal essay and supplementaryessays. Register for SAT / ACT. Apply for scholarship and financial aid. Click on "Apply" above to be redirected to the Common App website.

Achieve

Sit for SAT/ACT and interview. Accept offers via Common App. Apply for student visa Commencement of studies.

SAT / ACT

  • Students interested in applying for US universities will need to take the SAT / ACT . Serious applicants should take their SAT for the first time in JC1 (during December holidays) and attempt to improve their score in JC2 (Mar - Jun).

  • Refrain from taking your SAT during December in JC2. Not only would it distract you from studying for A levels, you may not be able to meet the deadline stipulated by the university.​

  • Most colleges and universities in the United States require SAT or ACT for admissions. Remember, application requirements vary, so be sure to confirm which test(s) you must take with the institutions to which you plan to apply. 

Important notes

  • Please download and read the Student Guide to US Applications from the ECG Repository in our College Portal before you set up your Common App account. There are important instructions and internal deadlines that you have to follow.

  • Every year, there will be a US Application Briefing held at the start of Term 3. Watch out for the announcement and attend the briefing.

  • Please download the US Universities School Counsellor and Teacher Recommenders Request Form from the ECG Repository in our College Portal, fill in the details and submit to your tutors after they have agreed to write references for you. 

  • Note that the school does NOT work with any external agencies to process your application.