Applying to an American university can seem a little overwhelming, with so much emphasis being placed on things like GPA scores (calculated from your own country’s academic system and the grades you have achieved) and demonstrating effectively your passion for the field you are applying to.
This is often assessed through a personal statement or essay which you write, explaining why you are interested in the course; in American admissions this is a very important part of the application. You should demonstrate relevant real-life examples which have contributed to your current knowledge of or interest in the field
Admissions Tests
Otherwise known as ‘aptitude tests’, these assess basic skills for study at university level and are taken by domestic students as well.
For undergraduate study in America, you may be required to take either the SAT or ACT. You should confirm with your desired institution which they would prefer you take.
For graduate study, you will have to take either the GRE or the GMAT. Previously the GMAT was for Business courses only, while the GRE was for all other graduate courses; however more and more universities are now accepting the GRE for admission to Business courses as well.
You will need to show that you are proficient in English to a certain standard to study in the US. This is evaluated through an English language test which you can take in your own country at a test centre.
The most common English language tests are IELTS and TOEFL which are widely accepted. Different universities will have slightly varying language test score requirements or accept certain language tests only. Certain subjects will also require slightly higher overall scores or higher scores in particular areas of these language tests; these are usually Law, Medicine and Journalism,
where strong English language skills are key to course material. Normally, the required minimum IELTS score for undergraduate study will be a 6.5 or a TOEFL score of around 80. Required scores to study at postgraduate level may likely be slightly higher given the step-up in course material. However, always confirm this with your university before booking your test so you can prepare accordingly. If you can choose, you should also consider the language test which suits your strengths.
As part of your application to an American university, you will need to provide several documents.
Ensure you have access to the following (providing either originals or translated copies where appropriate):
Interviews On some occasions international applicants will be interviewed by the institution they are applying to before a decision can be made regarding their admission. Do not worry if you are asked to do so; this is normal and simply means that they want to learn more about you. Interviews can be conducted in person in your country by a university representative who will report back to the admissions team at the university. Interviews may also be conducted over the phone or via Skype/Google Hangout.
Ensure you have a valid passport now while you are applying because you will need this to get a student visa for America.
Applying for a passport will take time and can be subject to delays.
When You’ve Been Accepted… Once you have been accepted at an SEVP-verified US institution, they will send you a version of their Form I-20, a paper document which confirms the details of your study with them. When you receive this, you must confirm that the details on this are correct.
Applying For Your Visa You must then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to apply for your actual student visa. Once your payment has been processed, you will be issued a receipt which you should print. You will need to apply for a specific type of student visa.
Next, you must submit a DS-160 form electronically, again printing the receipt you receive. You will also be required to pay a visa application processing fee and schedule a visa interview at the US embassy in your country. Your Interview When you attend your interview, it is best to take the following documents with you (these are the essential documents required for applying for a student visa, so check that you have access to these):
At your interview, you will be asked a few basic questions about your plans to study in America. Be honest! Again, focus on the educational benefits of studying in America for you, rather than the immigration aspect.
You should be told there and then whether you are eligible for a US visa, which will be sent to you soon afterward.