In many countries, university admissions are based solely on application review.

In the US, most universities have their own admissions policies and deadlines. The US Department of Education is not involved in the admissions process.

Typically, universities in the US accept applications from November to February. They announce admissions results between March and June. In reality, getting into a US university isn't as stressful or a matter of luck as in Vietnam, because in the US it's a long-term process with many opportunities to improve your grades.

To get into prestigious universities, students typically have to take two standardized tests: the SAT (testing reading, writing, and math skills) and the ACT (testing science knowledge). Because these tests are held multiple times a year, students can retake them to improve their scores (students can even take the SAT as early as 11th grade). The results of the SAT and ACT can be used to apply to all universities.

For typical universities, they select students based on their academic performance throughout the year (some schools encourage students to submit SAT or ACT scores, but it's not mandatory). The common factor across schools is academic achievement; test scores are only one part of the admissions process. Factors like essays and letters of recommendation are very important (especially for top-tier schools).

In the UK, applicants can apply to UCAS, an admissions organization responsible for receiving university applications from applicants and forwarding them to universities and colleges across the UK. After graduating from high school, applicants can choose from a maximum of five universities. Some universities also conduct individual interviews to assess the applicant's commitment to studying there.

French universities do not hold entrance exams, but admissions are very limited. Applicants must register their preferences for universities through the admissions website admission-postbac.fr. This site accepts applications from January to March. Some universities also require applicants to submit additional documents including academic transcripts, application letters, or take a test. This is a way for universities to select applicants as soon as they receive applications.

Meanwhile, South Korea, home to one of the world's most rigorous entrance exams, announced it will hold its university entrance exam twice a year, starting in 2014. The exam will also reduce the number of subjects by half and be conducted at two different levels. The elimination of the second foreign language exam and the Chinese language sections is also being considered.

According to Tuoitre - LY