We will explain the application periods for universities such as the prestigious Ivy League universities in America, UC Berkeley, HULT, and the University of Cambridge. For consultations about applying to overseas universities, please contact Alpha Advisors.

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Overview of American University Admissions

The American university admissions process emphasizes a multifaceted evaluation system. It assesses not only academic grades and standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT but also essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and interviews. Recently, many universities have adopted a "test-optional" policy, making the submission of SAT or ACT scores optional. Non-academic factors are increasingly emphasized.

Basic Steps and Timeline for Application

The application process to American universities generally begins in the fall of the final year of high school. Application deadlines vary by university and program, with early application (Early Decision/Early Action) deadlines typically in early November and regular application (Regular Decision) deadlines around January 1st. The process includes several steps such as submitting an online application form, sending transcripts and test scores, writing essays, and requesting letters of recommendation. Responses from universities for early applications are usually sent from mid-December to January, and for regular applications from March to April.

Differences in the Application Process

Early Action allows students to apply and receive a response earlier than the regular deadline, giving them time to consider other options. Regular Decision is the most common application method in the U.S., where students can apply to multiple schools with deadlines usually in early January and decisions sent from late March to early April.

Application Deadlines for Each School

1. Harvard University
Early Action deadline 1: October 31
Early Action deadline 2: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 1
For more details, visit Harvard College Admissions for First-Year Applicants.

Transfer (Fall admission) deadline: March 1, 2024
For more details, visit Harvard College Admissions for Transfer Applicants.

2. Yale University
Early Action deadline: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 2
For more details, please visit Yale Admissions Application Deadlines.

Transfer deadline for Fall admission: March 1, 2024
For more information, check Yale Transfer Application Instructions.

3.Brown University
Early Action deadline: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 3
More information can be found at Brown First-Year Admission.

Transfer deadline for Fall admission: March 1, 2024
Visit Brown Transfer Calendar for details.

4.Columbia University
Early Action deadline: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 1
For further details, go to Columbia Undergraduate Admissions.

Transfer deadline for Fall admission: March 1, 2024
More information is available at Columbia Transfer Application.

5.Cornell University
Early Action deadline: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 2
Visit Cornell First-Year Applicants for more information.

Transfer deadline for Fall admission: March 15, 2024
Details can be found at Cornell Transfer Applicants.

6.University of Pennsylvania
Early Action deadline: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 2
For more details, visit Penn First-Year Admission.

Transfer deadline for Fall admission: March 15, 2024
Check Penn Transfer Admission Checklist & Deadlines for more information.

7.University of Chicago
Early Action deadline: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 2
More details are available at UChicago First-Year Applicants.

Transfer deadline for Fall admission: March 1, 2024
For further information, visit UChicago Transfer Applicants.

8.Dartmouth College
Early Action deadline: November 1
Regular Decision deadline: January 2
For more details, visit the Dartmouth admissions website.

Transfer deadline for Fall admission: March 1, 2024
For more details, visit here.