University

Dreamschool.Mappedout.

Admissions guides, essays, tests and your achievements, all in one place. Scroll down to begin.

Your roadmap

1

Grades 8–9

Explore

Try clubs, competitions and subjects you're curious about. Start reading widely.

2

Grade 10

Go deeper

Pick 2–3 interests and build on them. Choose subjects that keep your options open.

3

Grade 11

Build & test

Lead a project, take entrance or admissions tests, and shortlist universities.

4

Grade 12

Apply

Write your essays, ask for recommendations early and submit before deadlines.

Admissions guides

Where do you want to study?

🇺🇸

United States

Apply directly to each college, mostly through the Common App. Colleges look at your whole profile.

Timing

Early deadlines are usually in November; regular deadlines are often in early January.

  • School grades (Grades 9–12)
  • Essays: a main Common App essay (up to 650 words) plus college-specific ones
  • Teacher and counsellor recommendations
  • Activities and awards
  • SAT/ACT where required (policies differ by college)
  • English test (TOEFL/IELTS) for many international students

Rules change every year, so always check the official websites before you apply.

Essays & personal statements

Build your story in 5 steps

Answer each prompt in your own words. Your answers become the first draft of your essay. They're saved only on this device.

Describe one specific moment when you were really curious or challenged.

Tip: Start in the middle of the action. Small, real details beat big claims.

0 words in total · Common App limit 650

Test prep

Which tests will you need?

Pick a test to see what it is and where to find official dates.

US admissions test

SAT

Reading & Writing and Maths, taken digitally. Many colleges are test-optional; some require it.

Official site & dates

Application portfolio

Everything you've done, in one place

Add your achievements as they happen, so they're ready when you write your applications. They're saved only on this device.

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Competition

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Project

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Leadership

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Volunteering

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Award

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Course

    Nothing yet. Add your first achievement above.