Hello !! I'm a student based in India and I'm in the ISC curriculum. Schools with this curriculum are very strict with their school administration and activities. This means that student initiative is not supported at all. Like American schools, we also have elections here but the thing is the elections are highly influenced by factors of popularity and not merit (especially in my school). Recently, I shared an achievement - A Harvard International Relations Program where I won the capstone. Nobody in my school acknowledged that as something prestigious. We cannot introduce new clubs to the school nor can we take up responsibilities by ourselves such as organising events and activities. We have a finalised team of students who get sent to all competitions and even if we get in the team, there is a hierarchy whoch I'd always followed. Due to the unfair elections, I don't hold any position at all and this applies even in terms of clubs. So, does student government really create a huge impact on your application? And what can I do in such a situation? :( it was really discouraging to work hard just to be dismissed

Hello !! I'm Stuti George and I'm from India. I'm a high school junior who's passionate about international relations. I am aiming to pursue this through harvard [ let's see how that goes ]. Not many people in my state are aware of it so that makes it hard for me to get guidance or even appreciate/recognition. An overwhelming challenge for me is mainly about my finances for college. Regardless that financial aid is offered, the pool remains competitive. Therefore, I joined the ivy wizards group ! I wish everyone a delightful journey to their dream college 🤍

💡 Applying to U.S. colleges? The process can seem overwhelming, but when broken down step by step, it’s completely manageable! Here’s exactly what goes into your application and where you’ll submit everything. 📝 Where Do You Submit Your Application? Most U.S. colleges use one of these platforms: ✅ Common App (900+ schools) – The most widely used platform. You fill out one application and customize essays for each school. ✅ Coalition App (250+ schools) – Similar to Common App but less common. ✅ UC Application (University of California system) – Separate platform. ✅ Individual School Portals – few schools have their own portals, e g MIT & Georgetown 💡 Most students use Common App + a few school-specific portals. 📝 What Goes Into a U.S. College Application? All applications include 6 key components, which are entered into the platforms above: 1️⃣ Background & Personal Information 📌 Basic details (name, school, citizenship, family info). 2️⃣ Academic Records (Transcripts & Test Scores, if applicable) 📌 Transcripts: Your school counselor submits these directly (you don’t upload them yourself). 📌 Test Scores (if required): Sent via testing agencies (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, A-Levels, TOEFL/IELTS). 📌 Many schools are test-optional—meaning SAT/ACT isn’t required. 3️⃣ Extracurricular Activities & Honors 🏆 📌 Common App Activities Section (10 slots): Clubs, sports, internships, leadership, research, personal projects, family responsibilities. 📌 Common App Honors Section (5 slots): Awards & recognitions (academic, athletic, competitions, etc.). 4️⃣ Essays (Personal & Supplemental) ✍️ 📌 Personal Statement (~650 words): Required by Common App & Coalition App. 📌 Supplemental Essays (none for many State schools, up to 7+ for some Ivy Leagues): School-specific prompts ("Why this college?", "Describe an extracurricular."). 5️⃣ Letters of Recommendation 📩 📌 Who to ask? ✔️ 1 counselor letter (required by most schools). ✔️ 1-2 teacher recommendations (core subjects from your junior year).