What documents are required for college applications?

Here’s the expanded question with added context, framed as the asker:
“As an international student in my final year of high school at a boarding school, I’m preparing competitive applications to several US liberal arts colleges. Could you expand on the specific documents typically required for undergraduate applications, including details like transcript requirements (official vs. unofficial, translation needs), standardized test scores (SAT/ACT submission policies), letters of recommendation (number, recommenders), personal statements/essays, resume/CV, portfolio requirements for certain majors, and any additional forms like mid-year reports or financial affidavits?”

Here is a comprehensive list of documents typically required for college applications, categorized for clarity:

I. Academic Documents:

1. Official High School (Secondary School) Transcript: Detailed record of all courses taken and grades earned throughout high school (or equivalent). Must be sent directly from the school.
2. High School Diploma/Certificate (or Proof of Graduation): Official proof of completion. International students often need a certified translation and sometimes credential evaluation (e.g., WES, ECE).
3. Standardized Test Scores:
   • US Liberal Arts/Research Universities: SAT (with essay optional by many schools) or ACT (with writing section optional by many).
   • Graduate School/Some Undergraduate Programs: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc., depending on the program.
   • Non-US Schools (especially UK/Canada/Australia): IELTS, TOEFL IBT (common for English proficiency), Cambridge English Qualifications (CAE/CPE), Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic). Some programs accept alternatives like Duolingo English Test.
4. Advanced Placement (AP), A-Levels, IB Results, or Other Exam Scores: Transcripts or certificates from standardized exams taken during high school to demonstrate subject mastery.
5. Proof of Army HEC/Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education Exams (Pakistan): Official mark sheets/certificates.

II. Personal Statement & Recommendations:
6. Personal Statement/Essay: A core essay outlining personal background, academic interests, career goals, experiences, and reasons for applying to the specific institution/program. Often has a word limit.
7. Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Typically 2-3 letters. Usually from academic teachers (e.g., English, Math, Science) who can comment on academic ability and classroom performance. School counselors may also provide a general letter.
8. Activity List/Resume (CV): Summarizes extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, volunteer work, employment history, skills, and honors/awards.

III. Proof of English Proficiency (For Non-Native Speakers):
9. Proof of English Proficiency: Required if high school instruction wasn’t in English. Accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1/C2, Duolingo English Test. Scores usually must be sent directly from the testing agency.

IV. Application Forms & Related Materials:
10. Completed Online Application Form: Through systems like Common App, UC Application, Coalition App, or the university’s own portal.
11. Application Fee: Non-refundable fee to process the application (often waived for prospective students meeting specific criteria).
12. Fee Waiver Documentation: Financial hardship forms/statement, if applicable.

V. Identification & Citizenship Status:
13. Passport Copy: Clear photocopy of the biographical page of the applicant’s valid passport.
14. Proof of Citizenship/Residency: For domestic students, proof of legal residency/citizenship status (e.g., birth certificate + parents’ documents, green card copy).

VI. Financial Documentation (For International Students on Student Visa):
15. Proof of Financial Capability: Bank statements (last 3-6 months), scholarship award letters, or affidavits of support. Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the first year.
16. Energy/Power Quotas (For Local students in Pakistan): Relevant certificates if applying for government quota in Pakistan.

VII. Additional School-Specific Requirements:
17. School Report/Official Evaluation: Some schools require the Guidance Counselor to complete a specific form evaluating the student’s character, GPA, class rank, and suitability for college.
18. Portfolio: Required for programs in Art, Design, Architecture, Fashion, or Music (specifying format requirements: physical, digital link, etc.).
19. Supplementary Materials: Could include audition tapes (music/performance), manuscripts (for writing programs), research proposals (for some graduate programs), or specific essays prompted by the institution.

VIII. Verification & Authentication:
20. Copy of Last Degree Mark Sheets (For Graduate Applicants): Often required even if diplomas are pending.
21. Stamped & Certified Copies: Copies of original documents often require notarization or certification by the issuing authority/school.
22. Document Translations: Non-English documents usually require certified translations into English.

Key Notes:

• Official Submission: “Official” typically means sent directly from the issuing authority (school, testing agency) or submitted securely through the application portal. Applicants cannot open sealed envelopes.
• Specific Deadlines: Check each university’s specific deadlines for document submission, especially for scholarships.
• University/School-Specific: Always refer to the target university’s official admissions website for the exact list of required documents, formats, and deadlines. Requirements vary significantly by country, institution, and program level (undergraduate vs. graduate). Visa requirements (like DS-160 forms for US visas) come after admission.