Now that you know the key admission terms, it’s time to understand the actual building blocks of a U.S. university application. Each application — whether through the Common App, Coalition App, or a school’s own system — is made up of several sections. Each has its own requirements, rules, and sometimes strict word or character limits.

1. Personal Information

• What it is: Basic details about you — name, date of birth, citizenship, contact info, family background.

• Why it matters: Universities need this to create your applicant profile.

• Tip: Be consistent with your legal name across all documents (passport, school records, test scores).

2. Academic History

• What it is: A record of all the schools you’ve attended, your grades, and your current classes.

• Requirements: You must list courses taken each year and your grading scale (important for Egyptian students).

• Transcript: Will be sent directly by your school; you do not upload it yourself in most cases.

• Tip: Be accurate — discrepancies can cause delays or rejections.

3. Standardized Tests

• What it is: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (if required).

• Requirements: Some schools are test-optional, but strong scores can help, especially for international students.

• Limits: You can self-report scores in the application, but must send official reports if admitted.

• Tip: Check each school’s latest testing policy before deciding to send scores.

4. Activities Section

• What it is: A list of extracurricular activities, leadership roles, jobs, volunteering, competitions, hobbies, etc.

• Requirements:

  • Common App: Up to 10 activities.

  • Coalition App: Up to 8 activities.

• Limits: Each activity has a 150-character description limit (including spaces).

• Tip: Focus on impact, leadership, and results — not just a list of things you’ve done.

5. Honors & Awards

• What it is: Achievements in academics, sports, arts, or other areas.

• Requirements:

  • Common App: Up to 5 honors.

  • Include the level (school, regional, national, international).

• Tip: List most prestigious awards first.

6. Essays

• Personal Statement:

  • What it is: The main essay (650 words max on the Common App) where you share your personal story.

  • Purpose: Show your personality, values, and potential.

• Supplemental Essays:

  • School-specific questions (often 150–400 words each).

  • Examples: “Why this college?” or “Describe a community you belong to.”

• Limits: Strict word counts — going over even by 1 word can prevent submission.

• Tip: Start early — good essays take weeks to refine.

7. Letters of Recommendation

• What they are: Written by teachers, counselors, or mentors.

• Requirements:

  • Many schools ask for 2 teacher recommendations and 1 counselor recommendation.

  • Teachers should be from core academic subjects (English, Math, Science, History, Foreign Language).

• Tip: Ask early and give recommenders plenty of time.

8. Additional Information Section

• What it is: An optional space to explain special circumstances (e.g., pandemic disruptions, personal challenges).

• Limit: 650 words on the Common App.

• Tip: Use only if necessary — not for extra achievements you couldn’t fit elsewhere.

9. Portfolios (for certain majors)

• What it is: Samples of work for art, music, theater, or design programs.

• Requirements: Uploaded through platforms like SlideRoom.

• Tip: Follow each school’s portfolio guidelines carefully.

10. Application Fee & Fee Waivers

• Fee: Typically $50–$90 per school.

• Waivers: Can be requested if you have financial need (international students may need to email the school directly).

• Tip: Plan your school list wisely to avoid paying for too many applications.

Final Checklist

Every U.S. application has three layers:

1. Core Information (personal, academic, test scores)

2. Storytelling Components (activities, honors, essays, recommendations)

3. Logistics (deadlines, fees, sending official documents)

Once you understand these pieces — and their limits — the application stops feeling like a mystery and starts feeling like a plan.