Application Resources
Applying to college can be a long and complex process, we want to simplify it to the best of our ability. Below are some resources related to applications and their various components that we believe to be highly beneficial to potential college applicants.
If you are looking for a specific resource or have any additional questions, please feel free to set up a one-on-one guidance consultation with us through our “contact” page.
*We are always adding resources, check back here later for more information
Education Credential Evaluations
Most universities will need a way to evaluate your previous academic work. For students who do not have an official transcript from a domestic institution, ECE will evaluate work from foreign institutions and create a comprehensive report for US institutions to gauge a student’s academic abilities.
Click here to access ECE’s website
Language Assessments
Some universities may require a language assessment as part of their application for refugee students. Traditional language assessments can be difficult to make in person and may be costly. Duolingo offers a less expensive online version that delivers results in just a few days. We recommend knowing for certain whether a language assessment is needed for your university before taking it.
Click here to access Duolingo’s English Test
ScholarMatcher College Search Tool
Not sure what school is be best for you? ScholarMatch has created a free tool to help first-generation college students figure out what school meets their needs.
Click here to access the Scholar Matcher College Search Tool
College Scorecard
College Scorecard allows you to compare colleges based on government data so you can find out what university is best for you. This will give you unbiased information regarding fields of study, costs, admissions statistics, results, and more. You also have the ability to compare multiple universities to better understand how they line up against each other.
Click here to access College Scorecard
Fly-In Programs
It can be hard to know what life on campus will be like from virtual tours. Fly-in programs cover the costs of travel, food, and accommodations to allow prospective students to visit schools and see what life on campus is like in person.
Click here to see what schools offer fly-in programs
GED Access and Study Materials
If you did not graduate high school, passing the standardized GED test will show that you have the same knowledge and skills for college as someone who completed high school in the US. When you pass you will receive a certificate that holds the same opportunities as a high school diploma.
The GED is offered in 41 states. Click here to find out whether it is offered in your state. If your state does not offer the GED, you may be able to take a similar test known as the HiSET.
Click here to access USAHello’s free online GED prep class
Click here to access USAHello’s free online GED practice test
Click here to access USAHello’s information on how to sign up for the GED test
SAT/ACT Information and Study Materials
Standardized tests are a big part of the college application process. There are two different tests for you to choose from: the SAT and the ACT. The SAT consists of a reading and writing section, a math section, and an optional writing section while the ACT consists of reading, writing, math, and science sections with an optional essay.
While most colleges accept either test, their slight differences can help you decide which test better suits your academic strong suits. As a general rule in terms of the testing style, the SAT tends to be more analytical and requires slightly deeper critical thinking (especially in the reading section) while the ACT usually has more direct questions that require quicker recall and faster decision-making. Due to this, the SAT gives its testers slightly more time per question as compared to the ACT. It is also important to note that the SAT is not offered only online while the ACT can be taken online or in person. Below are some resources to help you prepare:
Click here for Khan Academy’s SAT online test prep
Click here for ACT Academy’s ACT online test prep
NACAC College Fair
Sometimes finding the best college for you is best achieved through meeting people face to face. The National Association for College Admissions Counseling holds in-person college fairs for first-generation and underrepresented applicants to meet with college representatives.
Click here to see the times and locations of NACAC’s upcoming college fairs
Common App Guide
A majority of universities can be applied to through Common App which is a platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges with one application. Common App’s website offers a step-by-step guide from making an account to submitting your application.
Click here to access Common App’s step-by-step guide
Common App also requires a personal essay. Click here to access the 2024-25 application cycle essay prompts.
Click here to access Common App’s facts and questions page for international applicants
One Refugee Resume Tips
A common aspect of many college applications is a resume. One Refugee has a detailed video going over their resume template and the instructions for it. This is a great place to start if you are looking to start compiling your achievements and experience for your application.
Click here to access One Refugee’s resume template video
College Board Personal Statement Tips
Every college application will vary from each other, but almost every university will require some kind of personal essay about yourself and your experiences. College Board offers advice about how to begin brainstorming topics for and drafting your essay.
Click here to access College Board’s essay writing tips
Recommendation Letter Tips
Recommendation letters are a common part of the college application process, but it can be difficult to know the best way to go about getting high-quality letters. Please see the links below for tips and tricks on how to get a great letter while also being respectful of your letter writers and making the process as easy for them as you can.
Click here for Prep Scholar’s Guide to Recommendation Letters
Click here for Appily’s recommendation letter tips
Interview Tips
You may be asked to complete an interview with a college you applied to. In this case, you want to put your best foot forwards while still showing your unique personality. On top of nerves, this can get very stressful! Below are links to some tips and tricks to have a successful interview.
Click here for The Princeton Review’s interview tips