Tips For International Students Applying To US Colleges
For any high school senior, applying to colleges can be overwhelming. Between writing essays, getting recommendation letters from teachers and counselors, prepping for and taking the SATs and ACTs, it can be a juggling act. For international students applying to U.S. colleges the process can be even more overwhelming. We’ve compiled a short list of things for international students to keep in mind as they move closer to applying to colleges and universities in the United States to make the process a little less daunting.
1. Research Your Options
Don’t just apply exclusively to well-known U.S. colleges and universities. Make sure to apply to a lot of schools-- your top choices along with a couple backup options. Be sure to do thorough research on the colleges and universities you are applying to in order to ensure they align with your academic and professional goals. Depending on your academic goals for both college and post-college, you should look into the types of schools to find out which environment is best for you. For example, liberal arts colleges tend to have a smaller student body and an emphasis on science and liberal arts. Also, these schools may have more general education requirements that are outside of your major so that you gain a broader education by the time you graduate. On the other hand, research universities have a focus on research (the name gives it away) and it is common for students to participate in opportunities led by professors.
2. Do TOEFL not IELTS
As an international student you will be required to do either TOEFF (Test of English As A Foreign Language) or IELTS(International English Language Testing System) in order to check your proficiency in English. Where the IELTS is more catered towards UK and Australian universities, international students applying to American schools should make the TOEFL their priority. Be sure to check out the minimum score requirements for the schools you are applying via their admissions department prior to testing.
3. Know The Tests and Prep Early
Other than the TOEFL and IELTS, most U.S. colleges and universities will require international students to submit ACT and/or SAT scores as part of the application process. The SAT and ACT have been used to ensure that students have the critical thinking and reasoning skills they need to do well in college. It is very important to stay up-to-date on schools’ testing policies because they are always subject to change. Ivy Link believes the best way to decide whether you should take the SAT or ACT is to learn about the content and format of the test. We suggest taking a practice test to see which you do better on. You can find more information on mock testing via Ivy Link on our website.
4. The Essay Matters
Admissions committees won’t just be looking at your test scores and grades when considering you as a prospective student. A spectacular application to a top school could be sullied by a mediocre essay. On the other hand, terrific essays can help a student on the fence. The essay is a way for the admissions committee to get to know you on a personal level and to see if you are the right fit for their student body. For tips on writing a compelling essay check out our blog or schedule a consultation. Be sure to read a lot of sample essays and if you are a non-native English-speaking international student be sure to have your essay proofread and if possible get input from English-speaking friends and family.
5. Student Visa
This tip applies to students that have already been admitted, but it's worth having a plan far in advance since the process can be time-consuming and schools need to verify that you have a visa before offering a financial aid package. Also, due to COVID-19 it’s a great idea to stay up-to-date on the latest news affecting international students. You can find helpful information on studying in the states and the pandemic on the Homeland Security website here.
6. Research your financial aid options
Many schools will usually only offer international students financial aid after they show proof they have obtained a student visa. Because colleges and universities may offer less money to international students, make sure that you take extra time to compare your financial aid packages and look into various scholarships. You can find more information on scholarships and financial aid for international students on many sites online like International Student.
Always consult with a school’s admissions department for specific deadlines and requirements for international students. They can best inform you on the application process and what an international student applying to their institution needs to submit to be considered for admission to their student body. Good luck!
Want help with your applications? Ivy Link advisors have helped international students gain admissions to top U.S. and international universities for over ten years. Click below to schedule a consultation.
