How does USA college admission process compare to other countries?

I'm interested in applying to colleges both in the USA and elsewhere. Can anyone explain how the college admission process in the USA compares with that of other countries like Canada or the UK?

In the United States, colleges generally consider a holistic selection process. This means they look at multiple components of your application, including your grades, SAT or ACT scores (if required), extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and essays.

Contrarily, admissions processes in Canada and the UK can vary a bit.

In Canada, much of the focus is on your academic record, specifically your high school grades. While some universities and programs (such as arts or journalism) may require a portfolio or additional essays, standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are often not required. However, most Canadian universities require English proficiency exams for non-native speakers.

In the UK, the system is more focused and conditional. You usually apply for a specific course of study right from the start, and your acceptance may be conditional on your final grades. This means you get an offer, but you need to meet certain grade requirements to officially be accepted. The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is used to apply for university, i.e., you only need one application. Another difference is that UK universities put a heavy emphasis on subject-specific tests (like the Mathematics Admissions Test) and external exams (like A-Levels).

Another important difference to note is the timing. In the U.S., most applications are due around January of your senior year, with decisions arriving in March or April. In the UK, the application deadline is earlier (usually in mid-October or mid-January depending on the university), and offers can come on a rolling basis from late fall onwards. In Canada, deadlines vary widely - from as early as November to as late as March.

Remember, it's important to research each individual institution's application process, because requirements can vary widely even within the same country.