How to Apply to US colleges from the Caribbean

If you’re from the Caribbean and thinking about applying to college in the U.S., you probably already feel overwhelmed. The deadlines, the essays, the applications, the financial aid forms, it’s a lot, especially when you’re figuring it out on your own.

We know how that feels because we’ve lived it.

We created KV Admissions for students like you. Whether you’re in Form 5 or already on a gap year, this guide will break things down step by step and show you where to start.

Let’s walk through the five key pieces of your U.S. college application.

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1. Building a College List

This is where your application starts. A good list can make your whole process easier. Many students apply to Ivy Leagues or schools they see online, but your list should fit your grades, goals, and budget.

✔ Look for schools that support international students

✔ Mix reach, match, and safety schools

✔ Focus on schools that offer funding to Caribbean applicants

Our module shows you how to build your list from scratch, with real examples and links that actually work.

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2. The Common App

Most U.S. colleges use the Common App. It looks simple, but the first time you open it, it can feel confusing. We’ll help you understand what to fill out and what matters most.

✔ Break down each section clearly

✔ Know what schools will actually see

✔ Avoid the small mistakes that can cost you later

If you’ve never done anything like this before, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

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3. Activities, Resume, and Recommendation Letters

Your grades are important, but they’re not the whole story. This is where you show what you do outside of the classroom. You don’t need to be student council president to stand out.

✔ Turn everyday life into strong resume content

✔ Learn how to list church, sports, chores, or work experience

✔ Request good recommendation letters, even from teachers with no U.S. experience

We’ll teach you how to talk about what makes you, you.

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4. The Personal Essay

This is where most students get stuck. Your essay doesn’t have to be dramatic. It just has to be real. You’re telling your story, not performing for someone else.

✔ Learn how to pick the right topic

✔ Understand what U.S. colleges are looking for

✔ Get guidance on structure, editing, and tone

Even if you’re not a “writer,” this module will help you find your voice.

—5. Financial Aid and Visas

Let’s be real. This part scares most people. But once you break it down, it’s not as bad as it seems. U.S. colleges do offer financial aid to international students, and yes, the visa process is something you can handle.

✔ Learn how to find scholarships and aid that apply to you

✔ Understand the CSS Profile and I-20 forms

✔ Know what to expect when applying for a student visa

This module helps you plan ahead so you don’t miss anything important.

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What We Offer:

We built these tools for students like us, smart, capable, and full of potential, but without guidance.

Here’s what you can get:

🌴 Full College Admissions (5 modules): $90 USD per month

🌴 Any individual module: $20 USD per month

Everything is made specifically for Caribbean students by people who understand where you’re coming from.

—Why We Started:

We were once sitting at home, trying to figure out what a “Common App” even was. We stayed up late watching YouTube videos, reading Reddit threads, and messaging friends for help.

Now we’re at Vanderbilt and the University of Pennsylvania. Not because we had everything handed to us, but because we asked questions, built a strategy, and supported each other along the way.

We built KV Admissions so you don’t have to guess or go through it alone.

Where you’re from should never limit where you can go.