Getting into a university is a lengthy and challenging process. There are thousands of students applying for the same program in the same university. A strong profile is required to stand out from other applicants. A profile should describe the student's achievements in a personal way. Students should highlight the GPA and other generalized test scores in the profile.

Generalized tests are competitive tests in the form of SAT' 's and ACT' 'colleges build a hierarchy of students based on students' performance in these tests. SATs (Scholastic Assessment Test) mainly target Math' 's and English reading and writing. The SATs, are graded out of 1600 divided into three parts: 400 for reading, 400 for writing and 800 for math’s. The math’s part is divided into two sections, a section that can be solved with a calculator and another mentally. The SAT is highly accepted worldwide, but due to the pandemic, many universities have become test-optional. Students need not apply for generalized tests to apply to universities. They will now consider students who 'haven't given SAT' 's or ACT' 's and will be graded on their GPA and other merits. However, this is only for a very few universities. 

SAT

The SAT has discontinued its Subject SAT scoring system and essay section. Subject SAT is a subject-specific general examination that has languages, Math' 's, History and Science options that provide credit for students on their college applications. The ACT (American College Testing), on the other hand, is like the SAT in many ways. , The ACT ' 'has a scientific section along with the English and Math sections. It is graded out of a 36 and is widely popular in the USA and Canada. The ACT has an optional essay section that helps the examiners reflect on the 'student's analysis and writing and grade it accordingly. Both exams are three hours long and available in over 140 countries.  The SAT is suitable for students who wish to opt out of the science section, are comfortable with a lower level of math, and have shorter questions. The ACT, on the other hand, is for those who wish to write an essay in their examination. 

IELTS

The IELTS (International Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) are standardized tests for students from non-English speaking countries to prove their English speaking, writing, reading, and effectiveness of using the language in day-to-day life. This is a mandatory requirement for English-speaking countries. They can be done in UK English and American English and are recognized in over 140 countries. The main difference is that TOEFL are MCQ-based whereas IELTS requires short answers. The essay's word limit is also different, i.e., 300 and 250 words, respectively. TOEFL are computer-based, whereas IELTS are not. Both have the same effectiveness on college applications, but every university has its own requirements and you should opt for it accordingly.  Canadian and European universities have adapted IELTS a lot more than TOEFL. Some colleges may offer an exception to take these exams if enough English language education proof is provided via school board details. 

College Essay

A college application also requires to submit essays. College essays hold a lot of weight in ' 'your profile. They are personal and creative and should include elements of academic writing. It helps colleges analyze the students’ point of view. Students take the help of certain apps like COMMON APP while filing the application. These apps have prompts involving personal questions that the students may choose for their essay 

SOP' '

Students write a statement of purpose as a research statement of a letter of intent that is written to the admission panel talking about the 'students' interests, career path, professional contributions, goals, and motivation pushing the student to that program. Usually submitted in the form of an essay, it can also be asked in a question-answer format. The SOP helps the admission panel assess the students' take on life, goals, beliefs, etc. SOP' 's help the admission panel understand the student's perspective. A good SOP can make up for a weak academic profile. It showcases the students' writing skills in the way they discuss their career goals. An SOP should discuss the personal and financial background, academic details, professional experience, goals, extracurriculars, hobbies, and reasons for choosing the university and program. 

LOR' '

 A letter of recommendation is like a cherry on top for a college application. They allow the universities know how the student is, defining their character, and whether they are a good pick for the university It lets the university know 'about their problem-solving and decision-making skills. It is a formal letter that promotes you as a student from someone 'else's point of view.   

Those who need financial aid to bear the expensive college education, FAFSA is a great application that allows you to know whether the student is eligible for financial aid or not in the United States. While the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, helps you secure valuable federal and state support to pay for school, close to 400 private schools and scholarship programs require both the FAFSA and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE form. While many questions are the same on both forms, the CSS PROFILE requires more detailed information and weighs your assets and income differently than the FAFSA. This allows financial aid counselors at institutions that use the CSS PROFILE greater freedom to grant aid based on a student's particular circumstances. 

The purpose of the CSS PROFILE 

The CSS PROFILE is distributed by the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT and Advanced Placement Program. Private colleges and universities use the CSS PROFILE to determine your eligibility for non-government financial aid, such as grants, loans, and scholarships. The College Board lists all schools and scholarship programs that require the CSS PROFILE.