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Names and Numbers If you are a US citizen, many US colleges still ask for your social security number. If you do plan to use it, be sure to use the correct one. Ask your parents what yours is and copy it correctly onto your application. Students who do not have or do not use a social security number will be assigned an ID number by each college. Applications also ask for the LCS College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) code. Lincoln Community School CEEB code number is 617141. This is the same number you are asked to put on your SAT and ACT registration forms. Some LCS students use two different names. Make certain you always use the same name on all of your applications, SAT and other test scores. If you are not a US citizen, use your passport name on college applications, since the college will need to match the name on your transcript and if admitted, will issue your visa in that name. If you use one name to register for the SAT and another name on college applications, your SAT scores can’t be matched with your application, and your SAT scores will be listed as missing.
International or US Applicant? Seniors wonder if they should apply as an international or US student. Usually, there is no choice. A US passport means you are a US citizen. At some colleges, such as the University of Pennsylvania, all students educated outside the US are considered international regardless of what their passport says. If you have a US and a second passport, list both countries when asked about citizenship. If you need a visa to enter the US, a certificate of finances must be submitted showing sufficient financial resources to support your studies in the States (see section below). If you are not a US citizen, fill out the international application form.
Major Most colleges ask you to state a probable major. Think about what this answer says about you. Be certain your intended major is offered by the college. If you are considering a career in law or medicine, you do not need to select pre-law
or pre-med as a major. Pre-med is actually a group of courses required for admission to medical school, and in many colleges, it is not listed as a major. If you are a foreign student, it may be a disadvantage to list pre-med as a major, since it is exceedingly difficult for international students to be admitted to US medical schools. Don’t declare a physics or math major if your SATmath scores are mediocre. If your science grades are low, don’t declare a biology major. Stick with undecided.
Should I Lie? Lying is a bad idea (even if you do it without getting caught), because, well, because it’s just a bad thing to do and eventually it backfires. If the application asks if you were ever suspended and you were, answer honestly, because the same question may be asked of your teachers and counselor, who won’t lie. Also do not list extracurricular activities that you did not participate in. Think of it this way if you are ever in an interview situation and the interviewer asks you to elaborate on something listed on the application, and you haven’t actually done it, you’re going to be extremely embarrassed. The easiest thing to remember is the truth!
Keep a Copy Always keep a copy of each online application and the confirmation message you receive when submitting an application. While technology is usually reliable, it pays to be safe. You also need to write down your login and password information for each application.
Fees and Finances Most US colleges require an application fee (ranging between US 50 to 100) before considering your application. Application fees are almost always paid by credit card, and you need to enter payment information before your application is fully submitted.
Financial Certification: U.S. Visa US passport holders applying to a US college do not need to submit a financial statement (even if you mistakenly see a form asking you to). Non-US students are required to obtain a visa from the US Department of Immigration
