Your Academic Records

Your high school diploma is, of course, one of the most important documents for your application. However, U.S. universities only accept officially translated transcripts that have been converted into the American grading system.
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Standardized Admission Tests

Another key component of the application process are the standardized tests:

SAT or ACT
These tests assess your skills in reading/writing as well as mathematics/science. Many universities still require SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

Even though they are quite manageable for students who perform well in the European education system, many test takers underestimate the strict time limitation. Ideally, you should begin preparing at least two months before the test date. Practice tests are especially helpful in getting used to the format and time pressure.

As an agency, we support you with professional preparation materials, video courses, and seminars led by certified teachers. Since U.S. universities award not only athletic scholarships but also academic scholarships based on your GPA and test scores, thorough preparation can be worth thousands of dollars.

Proof of English Proficiency
International students must demonstrate that their English skills are sufficient to complete a full degree program in English.

Commonly accepted tests include:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Duolingo English Test (DET) – a modern, online-based alternative

Here too, the rule applies: prepare early and take multiple practice tests to become familiar with the test structure.
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Personal Statement & Letters of Recommendation

Unlike in Germany, American universities want to learn a great deal about you as a person.

Personal Statement / Essay
As part of your application, you will need to write a personal statement on a topic of your choice. The goal is to show who you are and what drives you – be authentic, honest, and show your passion!

Letters of Recommendation
U.S. universities typically require letters of recommendation from teachers, and sometimes from coaches or supervisors. These help the admissions office get to know you better as a person – for example, how you behave in class, how well you work in group settings, or whether you take on responsibility.

Your social engagement also matters: whether you help organize a charity run, volunteer at an animal shelter, or take part in an environmental initiative – community service is highly valued in the U.S.

As you can see, American universities care about much more than just your grades. They want to understand who you are, which values you stand for, and whether you will be a good fit for their campus community. Authenticity, commitment, and motivation are often just as important as academic achievement.
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The Most Common Mistakes in the Application Process

Starting Too Late
Many applicants underestimate how much time the application really takes. Between translations, tests, essays, and letters of recommendation, it’s easy to lose track. SAT and TOEFL test dates in particular are often booked up very quickly – and without these tests, you cannot submit your application.

Our tip: If you go through the process on your own, you should start preparing at least 9-12 months before your planned start of studies to meet all deadlines comfortably. At Scholarbook, our experts support you at every step of the application process – we have in-house translators, certified teachers for test preparation, and admissions experts to refine your personal statement. This significantly speeds up the process and ensures a flawless application that helps you stand out from other candidates.

Impersonal or Generic Applications
A common mistake: applicants try to write what they think the admissions office wants to hear. This leads to impersonal essays that leave little impression. So: be yourself! Show what motivates you, which challenges you have overcome, and what you want to contribute to the university.
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Success Through the Right Preparation

A successful application to an American university requires planning, structure, and personality. If you start early, prepare thoroughly, and stay authentic, your chances of admission – and possibly even a scholarship – are excellent.

Whether you need to take the SAT, the TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test, with the right support and preparation you can make your college dreams in the United States come true.