The English Language...

When you apply as an international do you have to make sure you follow american spelling…
example…we spell it as colour…american- color
Does it matter in the essays?

<p>If your British spelling is already perfect, stick with that. But I think the psychological plus of spelling in a way that the adcom "won't notice" would be worth trying for. If they don't notice the spelling, they can focus better on your content.</p>

<p>My $.02 - just keep your own spelling. If it's the way you were taught all your life, there's no need to supress it now. Admissions officers are used to reading essays from internationals. I highly doubt that spelling choice really stands out either way, but if anything, they might wonder why an international applicant is using American conventions instead of their own.</p>

<p>British spelling is much cooler anyway. Just leave it.</p>

<p>If you are British or from a Commonwealth country--stick to British spelling. Otherwise if you are, for example, Finnish or Japanese, then might as well use American spelling unless that makes you feel insecure in your writing.</p>