Every student’s context shapes the US application journey. These regional notes highlight common questions we hear from mentees in Turkey, Central Asia (Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan), and Australia so you can anticipate requirements and make confident choices.
Turkey: Applying Early Decision can demonstrate commitment and may offer a slight admissions edge, especially because many 11th grade curricula feel lighter than 12th grade. However, ED limits your ability to compare financial aid offers, so balance that commitment against your funding needs.
- The national 100-point grading scale is well understood by US universities; aim for an 85 average or higher across grades 9-12.
- Peer support matters: studying for the SAT or ACT alongside friends preparing for the YKS keeps motivation high.
- For standardized test prep, Göksu Hoca offers discounted SAT/ACT/TOEFL tutoring for Rawan mentees (+90 535 035 6871).
- When requesting fee waivers, principals can sign letters or you can draft the request for them if English is a barrier.
Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan: Students across Central Asia often face limited infrastructure for US-style applications, so start logistics early.
- The Uzbek government subsidizes exam fees for strong scores (IELTS 7+ or SAT 1200+), but many families still budget roughly $100 per SAT sitting and more for prep courses.
- SAT has far more testing centers than the ACT. Popular prep hubs such as SATashkent can help you register and study.
- Transcripts use a 5-point scale and are frequently paper-based in the local language. Every academic and recommendation document must be translated by an accredited center that stamps and signs the paperwork, and self-translations are not accepted.
- Because many schools lack counselors, ask the school director to write the official recommendation letter and have it translated.
- Scholarship pathways include national programs such as El-Yurt Umidi (eyuf.uz), which funds study at top-200 universities but typically requires returning to work in government after graduation or repaying the support.
- For student visas, schedule the US Embassy interview months ahead. If the appointment is late, email ConsularTashkent@state.gov to request an expedited slot. Carry your passport, admission and scholarship letters, Form I-20, and proof of funds; visa denials often stem from weak financial documentation.
Australia: Australian applicants balance ATAR responsibilities with US-style storytelling admissions, so organization is crucial.
- High schools report ATAR through state portals and you may not know your final rank (Dux) until after US deadlines. List current coursework in the Common App and authorize your ATAR to release automatically once available.
- Most schools do not have dedicated college counselors, so consider asking the principal for your recommendation letter and provide a detailed resume to guide their writing.
- Government incentives encourage students to stay in Australia, so expect limited national funding for study abroad and plan to document household finances carefully for US aid forms.
- Visa appointments occur only in major cities; as soon as you know you will apply to the United States, book an interview date so you can travel for biometrics and processing without rushing.
No matter the region, stay proactive: translate documents early, map deadlines unique to your country, and lean on mentors who understand both local systems and US expectations.
