How Top Universities in the World Evaluate Applications Beyond Academic Grades 

In my conversations with students and parents, it is clear that families at The Perse School (Singapore) are keen on different universities around the world, focusing on several specific destinations. It is important to note that universities, including top universities in the world, evaluate student applications in a variety of ways and look at different aspects of that application. 

To be straight about it, there is no rule or guideline or magic formula that will make the difference once a student’s grades are taken out of the application. Having said that, each region that I will be writing about in this article has varying degrees of expectations.  

So, let me dive into what universities look for in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK and the US. These are the typical destinations students and parents are focusing on through my discussions. 

How Different Countries Evaluate University Applications

Australia: Academic Results Matter Most 

Australia is the simplest. Basically, Australian universities only look at the final A Level results. Done! But one should stress that more prestigious universities will want higher results on those A Level examinations.  

Just a quick note, before we move on, Australia does not look at teacher recommendations or references. The following countries will take these into consideration. 

University Applications in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada: Strong Grades with Personal Insight 

Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore are very similar in their expectations and are probably the next easiest in the lineup of countries. Again, grades are the most important factor. Some universities may ask students to talk about student life in high school. Generally speaking, they may want a Personal Statement (500-800 words) addressing these questions:  

• Who you are (academically and personally) 

• Why you chose that university and course 

• What your career goals are 

This is, in some ways, a mix between what universities in the UK and the US ask. In the first two questions, universities are asking what a student’s academic strengths are, why they want to study that subject, their experience in IGCSE and A Level courses, what have they done beyond the pure content of the IGCSE and A level coursework (e.g. supercurricular activities).  

Supercurricular activities include books around the subject the student wants to study, webinars, online courses, books, journals, magazines such as The Economist), summer courses, internships, etc. The last question wants to understand how a student plans to utilise their university studies for a potential career. For this question, students should cite specific courses and programme at that specific university. 

In addition, universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada may also ask for a resume or academic CV. This is especially so for programmes in business, design, and engineering. The resume or academic CV should include an academic background, internships, and certifications. It may also contain extracurricular activities a student has done in or through their school. 

Some universities may ask for a teacher’s letter of recommendation, but it does not happen that often. 

UK University Applications: Academic Passion and Subject Commitment 

Universities in the UK do not only focus on academics, specifically looking at IGCSE and A Level predicted grades. Some UK universities do not look at IGCSEs, but students should not take this for granted.  

What they do focus on are what a student wants to study and why, what the student has done in school (IGCSE and A Level courses), and what they have done outside of school. For the latter, the student should talk about their supercurricular activities that give an overview of why they are passionate about that subject and why they want to study that subject for three years. 

These are the details that should go into a student’s Personal Statement. Generally speaking, 80% of the Personal Statement should focus on school and supercurricular activities, and 20% on extracurricular involvement. Many of the students I have advised have sometimes added 10% and even some cases, no mention of extracurricular content. The limit for the Personal Statement is 4,000 characters, inclusive of letters, spaces, and punctuation. Because this space is limited, students need to give specific references to what they have done and learnt that inspired them. 

The UK also requires one reference which is made up of a compilation of A Level teacher comments highlighting specific content in their subject area about the student and their performance. Again, the length is 4,000 characters. 

US University Applications: The Most Complex University Admissions System

Now, US university applications are the most complicated of all countries. Once they have looked at grades, test scores (SAT — although not all universities require or recommend submitting SAT scores — TOEFL, or IELTS for language proficiency), they look at the following factors:  

The students’ personal essay from one of the following prompts (these are current for the 2027 application season and may change in a couple of years) with a maximum of 650 words: 

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.  

• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?  

• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?  

• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?  

• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realisation that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.  

• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?  

• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. 

The University of California has its own application, and a student needs to respond to four (4) of the eight (8) following Personal Insight questions. (Please be aware these may also change in the coming years.) 

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. 

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. 

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? 

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. 

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? 

6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. 

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? 

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? 

Furthermore, depending on the university, a student may be required to write one, two or more Supplemental Essays specifically focused on that university. It is very important to note that these must be based on a student’s research of that university citing specific information about why they are applying to that university.  

Here are a few examples: 

1. What draws you to the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If Undecided, share more about one of your academic passions or interests. (150 words or fewer)  

1. This is about what that university offers 

2. Describe an experience you had outside the classroom that changed the way you think or how you engage with your peers. What was that experience and what did you learn from it? 

3. We are focused on developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. In your essay, share with us how you are prepared to contribute to these goals. This could include the people, places, experiences, or aspirations that have shaped your journey and future plans. 

4. Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate college or school (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? 

Beyond the essays for US universities including the University of California, US universities will be looking closely at both supercurricular and extracurricular activities that come in the form of a resume section of the application as well as summer programmes, competitions, awards, and honours. 

Based on the above information, it is very important that students strongly consider where they are going to focus on where they want to go to university. Do not underestimate that amount of work required and the difference in what each country and specific universities are looking for in their applications. I believe it is unwise to apply to multiple countries for several reasons.  

1. Students can only attend one university although they may apply to 10 to 12. 

2. The amount of research a student needs to do to target their energy on their applications to specific countries and for some like the US, the specific university. 

3. Academic performance is always the most important aspect of an application. 

Coming back to the question at the beginning of this blog — how do universities, including top universities in the world, evaluate applications beyond grades? There is no one answer. What is important is that students begin thinking now about where they want to study in the world, what universities fit their style of learning, and the kind of environment they want to live and study in — and then focus on putting together strong applications.  

As mentioned in the beginning, there is no formula to get into university. However, by putting together a strong application that is supported by strong grades and activities (both supercurricular extracurricular), students have a good chance of being accepted. It goes without saying that there are no guarantees in the admission process.  

Good luck! 
Hamilton Gregg 

About Hamilton Gregg 

Hamilton Gregg is a world-renowned university guidance consultant. He has 30 years of experience advising students and their parents on university pathways. He has worked in leading schools across Switzerland, Japan, and China, and currently supports The Perse School (Singapore) as we grow our Senior School and prepare for our A-Level pathway in August 2027. At The Perse, Hamilton works with students and parents to strategically prepare for competitive global universities.