What are some common challenges Singaporean students face when applying to U.S. colleges, beyond test scores?

Beyond SAT and ACT scores, Singaporean students often face unique challenges in the U.S. college admissions process. These can include:

• Understanding the Holistic Review: Unlike Singapore’s more exam-centric system, U.S. universities employ a “holistic review,” which heavily weighs extracurricular activities, leadership experience, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Students need to learn how to effectively showcase their strengths beyond academics.
• Crafting Compelling Essays: The personal statement and supplemental essays are crucial for demonstrating personality, unique experiences, and a genuine fit with a university’s culture. Singaporean students, accustomed to more structured academic writing, may find this narrative style challenging.
• Navigating Cultural Differences: Adapting to U.S. classroom culture, which emphasizes active participation, critical thinking, and student-professor interaction, can be a shift. Understanding these differences before arriving can ease the transition.
• Financial Aid and Costs: U.S. university tuition can be significant. Understanding the options for financial aid for international students and navigating the various costs (tuition, living expenses, health insurance) requires careful planning.
• Choosing the Right Fit: With thousands of colleges, selecting universities that truly align with academic, social, and career goals can be overwhelming. Researching and building a balanced college list is key.

At Cardinal Education, we offer comprehensive guidance that goes beyond test prep to address these challenges, helping Singaporean students present a strong, well-rounded application to their dream U.S. universities.