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The biggest mistake most students make (and I have had long - 30–90 minute talks with over a dozen Ivy applicants every year for the past 10+ years) is that they are applying to some idea of “the Ivy League” and not to a specific school/program for very specific and personal reasons.And not only will that likely lead to a less positive and enriching academic experience, it will likely also show in the application and affect chances for admission.The Columbia admissions talk from a few years ago featured this advice: It is best not to put in your Columbia application you have always dreamed of studying in New Haven. Obviously that kind of generic “apply to the Ivies” approach is well-known and frowned upon by the individual colleges (and schools) that make up the Ivy League.The most common mistake in applying to the “Ivy League” is apply to the “Ivy League” rather than applying to an individual college or program because that school or program offers something - location, research opportunities, focus of department, size, vibe etc. - that will engage you and help you achieve your life goals.

According to places I've spent considerable time:India - Yes. Almost always.US - No. (Exception was Columbia's application, which 'preferred' a photo.)Philippines - Yes. Some exceptions.Qatar - No.

That depends upon which college you apply. There are colleges which accept self-report of your standardized test scores and require you to submit your official test scores, only if you are admitted and you select to join them.Visit online admission blogs of your target college to conclude on this, especially their officially policy guidelines for sending standardized test scores.Example - Applicants May Now Self-Report ACT and SAT Test Scores to Columbia.Applicants May Now Self-Report ACT and SAT Test ScoresApplicants to Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science are invited to provide self-reported ACT and SAT test scores on their application to Columbia. Only admitted students who choose to enroll at Columbia must have their official scores sent by the testing agency.You are able to self-report your ACT and SAT scores in one of two ways:Input your scores in the testing section of either the Common Application or the Coalition Application.Update your scores after you apply on your Columbia application status page.We are also able to accept score reports directly from your school via email or mail, if school policy allows.Please note that our office will verify scores for all enrolling students, and any discrepancies between official and self-reported scores may jeopardize a student's place in the class.Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores