Ridhim Seth (Denison ´17) recommends the ACT over the SAT

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

I had no strategy as such for my SAT. I just picked up the College Board book, did a few mocks and took the test. I was just shy of a 2000. I made a complete mess out of CR. I took my SAT subject tests later, for which I studied hard and ended up doing well. I didn’t take a second attempt at the SAT, but chose to take the ACT instead. Very few Indian applicants know about the ACT. I studied for it and bettered my SAT score by just a little. I would definitely recommend the ACT to those who are stronger in Math than in English.

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

Fitting the various essays within the required word limits was a great task. It’s pretty annoying to keep deleting descriptive yet, ‘not so important’ parts of essays that seemed right just the way they were. So, keeping the essays within the word/character limits while trying to keep as much of it in tact, was indeed very challenging.

How did your college list change over time?

I had decided that I wanted to do my undergraduate program in a Liberal Arts College. By the beginning of November, I knew where I had to apply. The only major change that took place on my list was a day before my Early Decision deadline. I had changed my choice of Early Decision at the very last moment, which was risky.

What advice would you give future applicants?

1. Keep school grades strong.
2. Be prepared. Don’t procrastinate. A few late decisions could turn into bad decisions.                                                                                                                                                                      
3. Be sure to finish CommonApp formalities and have recommendations on time.
4.  AND DON’T JUDGE COLLEGES BY THEIR RANK.

What you looking forward to the most about college?

Definitely looking forward to the classes and the clubs I will be joining !

What major/s are you considering? 

Economics & Mathematics

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

I’m very excited about the various discussions in class. In a subject like Economics, knowing others’ views is as important as expressing your own for better understanding. I’m definitely looking forward to doing a little bit of coding/programming in college, too!

What are your plans for summer?

As soon as the ISC examinations were over, I had decided to spend my time as constructively as I could. Through March and April I had interned with a firm that coaches future applicants in courses such as the SAT, ACT and AP. I am currently interning with a College Counselling firm and I hope to do this through Summer.

I also plan to learn a little Chinese(Mandarin) before I leave for college this fall.

Shivank Tibrewal (Purdue University ´17) tells us how his college list evolved over time

How did your college list change over time?

At first, everyone including me thought of going to top colleges like UChicago. However, after a month of research one does come back down to Earth. Over time, after taking various facts like academics, location, brand value, costs etc one finally comes across his or her final list!

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?
I feel that the essays were the most challenging or tricky part of the college app process as one has to pay attention to the smallest of details. It is so difficult because one has to talk about himself or herself while keeping the essay interesting.

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

I feel the best way to conquer SAT is to read books or newspapers (the letters part) regularly. I had a really difficult time in the beginning ( 1780) but as I started reading I managed to improve drastically(2000) .

What advice would you give future applicants?
I would advise future applicants to make sure that their school grades are bright as they have huge value.

What are you looking forward to the most in college?
I am looking forward to the new culture I’ll be part of and the potpourri of personalities ill meet.

What major/s are you considering?
I’m doing a major in Computer Information and Technology. Similar to making the next Google. ( ;) )

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

The load of research work involved in my course is exhilarating. Hope I change the present technology sometime soon.

Shreeyagya Khemka (CMU ´17) gives an interesting tip about SAT prep

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

For your SATs take 10 section mocks (most books just have 9). The extra section can really throw you off on the main day. For Subjects Tests know your matter well and practice a test or two before the actual test day.

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

The most challenging part about the college application process for me were the essays. I would really suggest everyone out there to start working on their essays as soon as possible. More often than not people misjudge the importance of essays. Also, get help but don't allow that to be the reason that you write an essay that isn't what you indented it to be.

How did your college list change over time?

I was very set on where I wanted to go so my college list did not change much over time.

What advice would you give future applicants?

EA a safety school - that way you can shorten your Regular Decision list ( that is if you get in...)

What are you looking forward to the most in college?

 I am looking forward to everything about college from roommates to research labs.

What major/s are you considering?

I am currently going in for Information Systems but may change to either Computer Science or Business

What are your plans for summer?

For the summer I plan on taking the Advance Placement exams and learning to play a musical instrument.

Anant Jaitha (CMC ´17) gives advice to future applicants

What advice would you give future applicants?

I would advise all future applicants to start their preparation for applying to colleges as soon as possible. Applying to colleges is a long process involving many steps like deciding what kind of a college you want, preparing a college list, preparing the applications, writing the essays, etc. The more time you devote to this to try and improve this, the better it will be for you.

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

I found two issues very challenging. The first was where to apply. I didn't know which colleges I should apply to. The second challenging part was the essay. Writing good essays was very difficult.

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

I simply followed the tips given in the prep books and tried to take as many mock tests as I could. I would see where I went wrong in my mocks and learn from them so that I didn't make the same mistakes again.

How did your college list change over time?

The list changed quite a bit. The college that I'm going to was not even a part of my list at the start.

What are you looking forward to the most in college?

I am mostly looking forward to the new life that I will be drawn into. Going to a different country, living independently, making new friends, and doing so many new things which I have never done before; the thought just excites me.

What major/s are you considering? 

I am considering a Dual major of Computer Science and Mathematics maybe. And I might include an anatomy Sequence.

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

Computer Science is a field which really interests me. I would love to be able to study Computer Science to be able to create software and programs which could be used the world over.

What are your plans for summer?

The summer before college, I'm working as an intern at a local college.

Ishan Chatterjee (Clark University ´17) talks about the challenges of the College Application Process

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

The process as a whole was something that I never had to tackle before in my life.  Right from getting standardized testing scores in order to writing and editing 50 odd college essays and even running after teachers for recommendations felt new and challenging. This is probably what makes it hard for me to pick out one particular aspect of the process and brand it as “the most challenging”. I feel everything took the same amount of effort and should be given equal importance.

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

I did not appear for Subject Tests.  As far as the Reasoning Test is concerned I took a lot of mocks and spent less time going through word lists and SAT guidelines. However, being someone who appeared for the test I feel that test prep is extremely subjective and what works for me may not be the best for someone else.

How did your college list change over time?

I initially made a list of about 25 odd colleges. Over time I cut it down basing my judgement on criteria such as quality of education, costs involved, extra-curricular activities, internship/study abroad opportunity etc. Since I was a financial aid applicant availability of funds was by far the most important criterion. Ultimately my list came down to 12 colleges.

What advice would you give future applicants?

Make a list of deadlines with respect to application documents, financial aid documents, general app deadlines etc. And make sure you complete everything WELL in advance of the deadlines. This goes the same for SAT/ACT.

What you looking forward to the most about college?

Meeting new people.  And I hear Boston has some great restaurants. The food bit mostly.

What major/s are you considering?

Marketing and International Relations.

What are your plans for summer?

Right now I’m serving as a Marketing Intern at a college consultancy firm. I plan on carrying on till August before I leave.

Vani Mohindra (U Penn ´17) on the importance of talking to current students

What advice would you give future applicants?

The one thing I wish someone had told me about the application process was that it is essential to start early and manage time. I found myself giving all my SAT and SAT subject tests in Grade 12, while also gearing up for the Boards, and finishing the college applications before the deadlines. Not only was this extremely hectic, but my schoolwork also suffered because of all my failed attempts at multitasking.

I also think future applicants should talk to current university students, counselors or read through Fiske’s College Guide before finalizing their college lists. I found it difficult to differentiate between colleges or understand what they would be like through their websites, which is why I found it really helpful to talk to students who were already in college. There is no point wasting valuable time applying to a college you are not excited about attending.​

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

Writing essays for the Commonapp as well as the various college supplements was definitely the most challenging and time-consuming part of the college application process for me. Between juggling CBSE pre-boards and SAT subject tests, I found it hard to find time to sit and think of ideas, write drafts and re-edit again and again. Though it was fairly easy to write responses to direct prompts, the many questions that were more general and open-ended posed a problem for me, and definitely made me regret procrastinating.

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

For the SAT, I focused on doing practice papers as they helped me improve my score tremendously. Giving these 3-hour papers in one sitting replicated the setting of the actual SAT and hence gave me a clearer picture of what my strengths and weaknesses were. I found the Princeton Review and Collegeboard SAT material to be the most accurate in terms of what came on the actual day.

Compared to the SAT, I found the subject tests a little bit harder to study for. Being a commerce student, Math 1 and 2 were the only tests that had a course similar to the one I had studied in Grade 11 and 12. I chose to take Math 2, went over the concepts once to clarify doubts and then started practicing. I then chose to take Biology and World History, because I felt it was important to show understanding of at least one science and one humanities subject as well. For these two subjects, I read through Barron’s and focused on understanding the concepts. I found the mini-tests that Barron’s had after every chapter very useful as well.

How did your college list change over time?

Initially my father was adamant that I apply to only the top colleges. However, that list was rather daunting and so after a lot of coaxing he finally allowed me to add 4 ‘mid-range/ safety’ colleges to my list. I also applied to the UK as a back up. Besides this, my list did not change considerably.

What are you looking forward to the most about college?

The independence, flexible curriculum, meeting new people, and having the chance to explore many new extra-curriculars

What major/s are you considering? 

As of now, I intend to learn more and hopefully major in Behavioral Economics. 

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

I have always loved Economics and Finance so the fact that I can specialize in those fields at an undergraduate level at Wharton, while also taking classes at Penn is something I’m really excited about. I am also really looking forward to taking Photography classes, and studying abroad for a semester.

What are your plans for summer?

I am currently in the midst of giving my AP’s, but after them I don’t really have a specific plan. For the next few months I just intend to catch up on much needed sleep, watch TV and literally just chill. I might do an internship with a trading company – but that’s later.

Aditya Agrawal (Harvard, ´17) gives wonderful advice to future applicants

What advice would you give future applicants?

Find those little idiosyncrasies/unique life experiences and go all out with them on your application. If there is one thing I learnt this Admissions season, it was that, above all else, colleges seek kids who bring in unique perspectives to their campuses. They look for high achieving kids or, at any cost kids who've made the most of the resources available to them. Start out early; if you have passions, highlight the same through significant achievements, awards and the like. Work on your essays and mould them after yourself as far as you can; don't try going crazy abstract when you know you you're no Milton or fancy language when you could make do with much simpler and effective words. Be just as funny/serious as you actually are. Though this is not meant to be a rule set in stone, I do hope regardless that most of you choose to write something that amalgamates your quirks with your passions and somewhere, somehow indicates to the college implicitly just why they should take you. 

 Make your college search as extensive as possible. I didn't apply to a lot of colleges under the belief that they'd be financially unviable. There are in fact a huge number of colleges offering full aid to kids, and this was something I came to know once I'd sent in my applications. 

Reach out to fellow Indian applicants on sites such as collegeconfidential and enjoy the extended process of self discovery that the application process really is. Don't be cowed down by cyclical periods of self doubt and the blues that will come hovering into your life, at different stages of the application timeline. Never let your ISC/CBSE/IB preparations be offset by the application process, that is a figurative gamble and enjoy the last year of school!

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

Battling existential crises while scouring for essay fodder and finding the brazen motivation to complete applications on the back of piling school stuff. Getting them in on time was probably the biggest challenge, one that I unfailingly failed: I submitted my applications an hour post the deadline.

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

The SAT's, though a gazillion times easier than your average Indian competitive exam, are deceptive in their very ease and simplicity. They require directed efforts and persistent practice on part of the student. 

I depended primarily on official CollegeBoard material because it is the only genuine yardstick by which I could measure where I stood.  The Official SAT Guide was my source of practice material and strategies. The tests in the book, coupled with comprehensive answer explanations online, were the whetstone of my preparation. Besides the tests in the guide, I searched extensively on the Internet for previously administered tests and the official practice tests released by Collegeboard(they release one every year). Use the internet judiciously and you'll end up with roughly 12 or so additional official tests. These coupled with the 10 tests in the book(in all say, 22 tests) should be enough for anyone hoping to score well on the Reasoning test. It is important to note that once you've gotten familiar with the layout of the test, you should write practice tests under proper timing and complete a test in a single sitting, so as to simulate test day conditions. This helps in alleviating the pressure of time crunch when you sit down to actually write the exam.

I used the Direct Hits SAT Vocabulary books by Larry Krieger, and it wouldn't be much of a stretch if I were to claim that almost every word on the Critical Reading section was from these books. For the essay, I had a pre-prepared template and the only thing I needed to do in the actual exam was to insert the examples. I used the four para format(introduction- first example - second example - conclusion) and made it a point to fill both sides to the very last line. I had also prepared a compendium of examples, which I could apply with ease to prompts on a vast range of topic areas. For the writing section, I can safely assure you that with 20 tests under your belt, you'd be to breeze through the ones in the actual test. The ETS has a habit of formulating the same type of sentences over and over with minor variations in wording.

For SAT2's, I took the Subject Tests in Chemistry, Math Level 2 and World History. I don't think I need to elaborate much, these tests are fairly doable with even moderate levels of prep. I would however strongly suggest against using Barrons for Science/Math subject tests. It is insanely difficult and grossly overshoots the scope of the test. Princeton Review is the way to go. 

How did your college list change over time?

I didn't prepare a 'college list' per se, courtesy the dire lack of time and immediate paucity of reliable information regarding colleges/programs back home in Lucknow. I guess I went down the path of a standard Indian applicant, applying to five colleges in all(four Ivies and one Non-Ivy), each of which was a need blind and doled out generous portions of aid.

What are you looking forward to the most about college?

Encountering insanely talented and decidedly passionate kids from across the world, immersing myself in Crimson pride and brouhaha of activities, learning an arcane language, partaking in the traditions of a centuries old institution and going on long contemplative strolls by the Charles.

What major/s are you considering?

I'm not too sure at the moment at the moment but I'm toying with Economics/Government/Social Studies/ Physics as possible concentrations.

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

The fact that a large number of them would be taught by personalities who have, for all intents and purposes, pioneered and pushed the frontiers of their respective fields of study. Besides, the romantic possibilities that a Liberal Arts education inspires, has me really excited! The bewildering(and markedly unconventional) array of classes available to freshmen as a part of Program in General Education(Harvard's version of a core curriculum) have already set my intellectual appetite crackling. 

What are your plans for summer? 

Reading up extensively on philosophy, getting in shape and branching out my severely handicapped taste in music.

Pratik Jain (Drexel University ´17) is frank about the mistakes he made during the application process

What advice would you give future applicants?

My mistake was that I never concentrated on school studies. After I received rejection letters from a couple of colleges with the reason being my low school GPA, I realized where I had slipped up. So future applicants, never neglect your school exams. They are very important.

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

The most challenging part about the application process was the common app essays. One has to put a lot of thought into the topic which reflects one´s personal qualities the best and which can get one into the college.

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

My SATs were not that great. But I can give one important tip. Concentrate on your weak point. I loved SAT Math and for my first attempt I neglected CR. That was my mistake. So nothing like a strategy - just concentrate more on the subject which you find the toughest.

How did your college list change over time?

Well I had a month to decide my college list since I decided pretty late that I wanted to study abroad. And with the December scores yet to come, I could not apply to many colleges, but I am satisfied with the one I got into.

What are you looking forward to the most in college?

The Co-ops. Drexel is well known for its co-op programs and its advanced studies, so that is what excites me. And adding to it is the amazing campus and the numerous sports opportunity it offers.

What major/s are you considering?

I am doing BScBA. It is the Bachelors of Science Business Administration. This is the only major I have selected till now and I might select another after going there.

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

Well, like I said, Drexel offers advanced studies and most importantly practical studies, so I am really looking forward to these new opportunities.

What are your plans for summer?

I am trying to find an internship. I have joined some courses and presently working in my dad's office.

Akash Khunghar (UVA ´17) shares his SAT prep strategy

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

​Practice, practice and practice! I’m afraid there is no shortcut and this is the only way you can improve your score. Time your mocks, mark your weaknesses and work on those as much as you can. Honestly, there is nothing ‘hard’ on either of these tests, but there is that crunch of time you’re bound to. So, I tried my best to get used to the pattern of these tests, create my own strategies for certain type of questions and implement most of them on the test day!​

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?

The very vastness I would say. From the series of tests preparations to the never ending drafts of my essays to the college list, etc, it surely is a VERY time consuming process and takes a hell of a lot of planning, something I wasn’t used to at all before. So, if you’re a future applicant, I would say quit wasting your time and start right away.

How did your college list change over time?

Significantly! I still remember how I had all the dream colleges up there initially, but then one has to be realistic. So, over the time, as in and when I kept on researching universities, hearing about some of them from people/past years’ students, the list did go through a complete re-shuffle.

What advice would you give future applicants?

Start early! That’s what I would have done right, if given another chance. So try and make up your mind ASAP. Keep deadlines for finalizing your list, completing your first draft of essays and so on.

On another note, apply early decision if you are REALLY sure about the college/university you want to attend. Don’t miss this chance! It’s worth a shot.

What are you looking forward to the most in college?

Frankly, getting rid of the Indian Education System. But apart from that, the whole feel of independent living, knowing and involving myself with the community there, those weekend escapes to the Blue Ridge Mountains, amongst a lot other things.

What major/s are you considering?

I’m considering Economics and Business with perhaps, Theatre/Drama as a minor.

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

The practical experience, hands down. After having mugged up for so long, its high time to put it to some use (if I remember, that is :P) The case competitions, the strategic-thinking on shoes for real time companies, solving complex business problems is what I’m really looking forward to.

What are your plans for summer?

Interning at an organization or two and researching and reading up about the university where I might end up at.

Tanvi Doshi (Denison University, ´17) shares the importance of starting the application process early

What advice would you give future applicants?

I would tell future applicants to start the process of application with a good number of months in hand because I found a number of last minute additional things I had to get done which was stressful. So to be stress free and get everything done on time and properly, I'd say give yourself 4-6 months to get it all together.

What did you find most challenging about the college app process?
The most challenging thing in my opinion were the various essays.

What was your SAT and Subject Tests prep strategy?

I didn't have any particular strategy because there was no good time for me to take the SAT tests. I just practiced whenever I got time.

How did your college list change over time?

My initial college list consisted only of the various colleges I had heard of but then it got narrowed down as I researched each university individually.

What you looking forward to the most about college?

I'm looking forward the most to the large number of clubs and the flexibility to take classes in all sorts of areas and to explore all my areas of interest.

What major/s are you considering?

I'm considering an Econ/Math/Business and finance major or a double major in business and dance.

What excites you about the courses you'll sign up for?

Economics and finance is interesting to me; I've never been a science person. Dance is my passion, it's never just been a hobby. I also would love to take photography courses or maybe a foreign language. I learnt French in school and loved it. That's why I applied to universities in which I could do whatever I wanted alongside my major/s.

What are your plans for summer?

I don't have any specific plans for the summer because the academic board my school follows doesn't give me any time to spare.