What you will need

What you will need

Transcripts Most institutions will want to see your secondary school grades or transcripts as well as diplomas or certificates.

Character references

Letters from teachers, counsellors and other key adults can often support your application; only provide them if asked.

Extracurricular activities Some institutions will be impressed if you can demonstrate that you have been actively involved in student, sports or other types of extracurricular activities. HKCEE Most institutions will want to see your HKCEE results.

TOEFL

Most US institutions - and many in other countries - will want to see your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results; many institutions have special programmes for students with low scores, but this will extend your period of study.

IETLS

Most institutions in other English-speaking countries will want to see your International English Language Testing System (IETLS) results; a growing number of US institutions are also accepting them.

SAT

Many US institutions will want to see your SAT or SAT Subject Tests scores. The SAT tests language and mathematical reasoning abilities - this is a test of your ability to do maths, not what you have learned in school. SAT Subject Tests test you in specific subject areas and can lead to course waivers.

Photographs

Only if requested.