<p>Hi there –</p>
<p>It seems you’re very confused about the US application process (I say this in the nicest way possible, sorry if it comes of as harsh!)</p>
<p>The Common Application is nothing like UCAS. For the most part (now there are exceptions) in the USA you apply to the college or university itself, not a major. Secondly, you are not limited to five courses, and may apply (theoretically) to as many as you want.</p>
<p>If you’re applying to Harvard-caliber schools you will not just have to do a common essay, but also a fairly rigorous supplement for each college. It’s very important to note that the admissions criteria are very different from the UK even, say, Oxbridge.</p>
<p>A large part of your application will have to do with you extra-curricular activities, and what your essays convey about you as a person. While you can certainly do a UCAS style essay, you ought to answer the question in the context of something more general, like, ‘what’s a dilemma you’ve faced’, or something.</p>
<p>Honestly, there’s a ton you need to understand about the US admissions process. I suggest reading this site for about 2 hours to get a feel for it, do some Googling, and also check out the Harvard Club UK’s website, I think they have important information specifically for those applying from the UK, that is how to present A-levels, GCSEs and all.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>