University Application Checklist

📅 18–12 Months Before Deadline

Year 11 / Grade 10 — Foundation phase

• ☐Decide target countries (UK, Australia, Europe, Asia, US?)
• ☐Research curriculum requirements (IB scores, A-Level grades, SAT/ACT)
• ☐Build initial university shortlist (8-12 institutions)
• ☐Identify 2-3 "reach", 3-4 "match", 2-3 "safety" options
• ☐Check post-study work visa pathways for each country
• ☐Start super-curricular activities aligned with intended subject
• ☐Register for required standardized tests (SAT, IELTS, TOEFL)
• ☐Research fee status eligibility (UK home vs international fees)

📅 12–9 Months Before Deadline

Year 12 / Grade 11 — Strategy phase

• ☐Finalize university shortlist (5-8 applications)
• ☐Map application deadlines across all target systems
• ☐Begin personal statement / essay brainstorming
• ☐Identify 2 teachers for recommendation letters
• ☐Attend university open days or virtual events
• ☐Take standardized tests (first attempt — allows retake time)
• ☐Research scholarships and financial aid deadlines
• ☐If applying UK: decide on UCAS course choices (max 5)

📅 9–6 Months Before Deadline

Summer before final year — Execution phase

• ☐Write first draft of personal statement / Common App essay
• ☐Get feedback on essays (2-3 rounds of revision)
• ☐Request recommendation letters (give teachers 4+ weeks)
• ☐Complete any admissions tests (UCAT, LNAT, MAT, STEP, etc.)
• ☐Prepare portfolio if required (art, architecture, design)
• ☐Retake standardized tests if needed
• ☐Submit scholarship applications (many have earlier deadlines)

📅 6–3 Months Before Deadline

Final year — Submission phase

• ☐Submit UCAS application (Oct 15 for Oxbridge/medicine, Jan 31 for others)
• ☐Submit European applications (varies: Nov-Mar)
• ☐Submit Australian applications (UAC: Sep-Dec)
• ☐Submit Asian university applications (NUS/NTU: Nov-Mar)
• ☐Prepare for interviews (Oxbridge, medicine, some European)
• ☐Track all submissions and confirmation emails
• ☐Apply for student visa (if required before enrollment)

📅 After Submission — Offer Management

• ☐Track offer deadlines (conditional and unconditional)
• ☐Compare offers using BrightKey's evaluation framework
• ☐Accept firm and insurance choices (UCAS: by June)
• ☐Arrange accommodation
• ☐Apply for student visa
• ☐Arrange guardianship if under 18 (UK boarding)
• ☐Meet conditions (final exam results)

📋 Documents You'll Need

🎯 Decision Framework: Choosing Between Offers

When you have multiple offers, score each on these 6 dimensions (1-10):

Weight each dimension based on your family's priorities (total = 100). See our full evaluation framework for details.