College Admissions Guide for International Students
Applying to Study in the U.S.
Typical Items Required to Apply:
(Specific requirements could vary from college to college – be sure to check college websites before applying.)
1. Application Forms
Check college websites first to find acceptable types of application forms.
Common Application
More info: https://www.commonapp.org/
Coalition Application
More info: https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/
For University of California (UC) campuses: apply via UC Application.
More info: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply-now.html
2. Secondary School Records & Senior Year Grades
• Official school transcript and the original or certified copy of the credential
• Final secondary school transcript and leaving exam scores
3. Counselor Recommendation and School Report Form
4. Teacher Evaluation
5. Standardized Tests
• Test-optional or test-blind for some colleges.
• Check college websites for latest updates on their standardized testing policies.
6. English Proficiency Testing Results
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- In North America, the TOEFL is probably the most widely known.
- Accepted by over 8,500+ institutions in more than 130 countries.
- Frequent test dates in many locations.
- Many high schools in the United States who enroll international students have become TOEFL test sites and now offer the TOEFL on their campuses. Otherwise, students must register at one of the many TOEFL sites around the country.
- Significant expense, around $160-$250 (average $200) each time, depending on the country.
More info: https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- The IELTS (pronounced “eye elts”) is best known in other parts of the world but is still recognized and used in North America.
- It is globally recognized by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.
- The IELTS USA test center network is comprised of more than 40 official test centers and venues located on US community college, university and language school campuses in major metropolitan cities across the country.
More info: https://www.ielts.org/
Duolingo
- A relatively new option that seems to be showing up more and more over the past few years.
- The Duolingo English Test is officially accepted by over 4,000 universities and institutions worldwide.
- Can be done on any device, including a cell phone
- Under $50
- Results appear in 48 hours.
- Remotely proctored.
- The test is adaptive, which means that the difficulty level of the questions adjusts to the test-taker’s ability level.
- One of the main advantages of the Duolingo English Test is its convenience and accessibility.
- Test-takers can take the test at any time, from anywhere in the world, and receive their results within 48 hours.
- Additionally, the test is affordable and typically costs less than other English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS – currently $59.
More info: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)
https://michiganassessment.org/
7. Documentation of Financial Support
• Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support Confirmation
• Submit documents confirming available funds for the annual costs of study (such as savings deposits, checking accounts, or a signed bank letter verifying the ability to pay educational expenses).
8. Copy of Data Page of Passport
Immigration & Visa Process Checklist for Admitted Students:
- Pay your college enrollment deposit.
- Make sure immigration documents are correct (I-20 Form).
The I-20 is a multi-purpose document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States. The I-20 is officially titled the “Certificate of Eligibility” because it allows an individual to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. - Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Fee.
- Check your passport dates.
- Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate to apply for a Visa (F-1).
- Schedule a Visa appointment.
- Prepare documents for the Visa interview.
- Schedule your travel to the US.
- Pass through Immigration at your US port of entry.
- Arrive and check in with your college.
Tips for International Students Applying U.S. Colleges & Universities
The College Essay
- The words should convey a sense of who you are – your own “voice”
- Dos
- Write your own personal statement.
- Be honest.
- Share new information.
- Show your knowledge of the college.
- Proofread.
- Don’ts
- Do not write what you think others want to read.
- Do not exaggerate or try to impress.
- Do not ramble or get off-topic.
- Do not rely on AI.
- Do not leave it until the last minute.
Interviews
- Opportunity to demonstrate communication skills in English.
- Talk about self in ways that can make you stand out.
- Two companies:
InitialView and Vericant make interviews to colleges. - Practice and get advice from professionals.
Extracurricular Activities
- US. colleges & universities look for more than academics.
- They want students who will contribute both in and out of the classroom.
- Join clubs and organizations.
- Get involved with fewer activities with greater commitment.
- Follow your passion and develop leadership.
- Spend your summer doing something significant – projects or programs that will add to your interests.
- Research, internships, community volunteer services, pre-college courses, work experiences, etc.
Financial Aid
- Some schools offer need-based financial assistance and/or merit scholarships.
- Check scholarship search sites and individual college websites for more information.
