Application Timeline - 10 to 12 Months Before
Request any forms and information again, if necessary
Although some schools will have the ability to accept most parts of your application online, inevitably there will still be some required mailings. If your school does not have online capability
.jpeg)
and you have not yet received the application forms you requested via mail from institutions in the U.S., send another letter repeating your request. International mail is slow and sometimes unreliable, so keep careful records of all dates in which you contact your schools of choice. Always use airmail when mailing materials to the United States.
Identify your references and supply them with required reference forms
Identify 2 or 3 teachers or other people who know you well and ask them to write recommendation letters for you. Let them know to what type of program you are applying, and give them sufficient time to prepare a good recommendation. It will be helpful for your references to have a written summary of your academic (and other relevant) accomplishments over the past few years.
For undergraduate applicants, your best references are teachers or counselors who know your academic performance and achievements. Family friends, religious counselors and others should be pursued only if they know you very well and can provide unique or significant information that is relevant to your academic goals and promise.
Graduate students should obtain letters from teachers or professionals in your field with whom you have worked. Your references should be able to attest to your academic promise, as well as your strengths and accomplishments in your field of study.
References should be authentic and original. If you send references with an application form, you should ask the person completing the reference to place it in a sealed envelope, with the reference’s signature over the sealed flap of the envelope. This assures the U.S. institution that no one has tampered with the documents inside.
Request transcripts from your school(s) – credential evaluation
Ask the schools and universities that you have attended to prepare your transcripts (documents which show the courses you have studied and the grades which you received in those courses).
As with references, transcripts must also be authentic. It is best if transcripts are sent directly to the U.S. institution from your school in an envelope bearing your school’s college seal.
Depending on what country you are from, and what the capabilities are of the schools to which you are applying, you may need to have your transcript, diploma or other credentials certified by a credential evaluator acceptable to your school. Credential evaluators review foreign credentials and certify their authenticity and their equivalence to US credentials, allowing the schools to which you have applied to make an appropriate decision on your application. Visit our credential evaluation section for more information.
Most institutions require undergraduate applicants to write an application essay; it is an important piece of the application packet. It should reflect who you are and what you feel is important. Try not to repeat information that you have provided in other parts of the application. Instead, work to make the essay unique and personal.
Graduate school applicants may be required to provide a statement of purpose in their application. A good statement of purpose will show that you are a focused student. You should demonstrate how your studies in the United States will serve as a logical stepping stone to your career plans. You should be as specific as possible about your research interests and experiences.
This written portion of your application will also demonstrate your command of written English skills. Ask a teacher for assistance if you have trouble expressing what you wish to say in English, and also to check for any mistakes you might make.
Please visit the Essay Writing Center for all the help you need with this important part of your application.
For your next steps, please visit our 10 Months Before Timeline.
Application Timeline - 10 Months Before
Retake entrance exams if scores were unsatisfactory
.jpg)
If your previous TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE or GMAT scores were not satisfactory, take the test again. These tests should be taken no later than January if you seek admission in August/September (December if you are applying to very competitive institutions), and no later than June if you seek admission the following January.
Line up all required financing
Before you can complete your acceptance to a US college or university and receive your F1 visa, you will need to prove to the school and to the consular official that you have the funds necessary for your stay. For many students, this is the most challenging part of the process. We have resources to help you research and plan, including budgeting, scholarships, loans and other financial aid matters. Visit the International Financial Aid section for more information.
Complete and mail applications
Make a checklist of the items required for submission with each application. Applications may vary slightly from one college to another, but they usually include the following:
A cover sheet identifying the contents of the application packet
The application fee - this fee is a non-refundable, one-time payment to the university, usually in the form of a check in U.S. dollars that can be cashed at a bank in the United States. Nearly all colleges and universities will require you to pay this fee in order for them to process your application.
The completed application form, which you will be required to submit personal information along with academic credentials. Some of these forms can be long and confusing, so take your time and seek assistance if needed when completing them.
Your application essay or statement of purpose. The theme is typically given to you by the university, but common themes include:
Your academic and personal background
Your personal abilities and/or academic goals
Why do you want to study in the U.S.?
Transcripts may be needed to verify that you have attained what you have stated in your application form. They may include previous test scores or academic certificates.
Standardized test scores will often be required of you. Please visit our Standardized Tests section for more information on this important part of your admissions application.
Letters of recommendation, or references, are written about you by previous professors. In some cases, a reference may also be written by a recent employer.
Required financial statements, such as notarized financial forms from the institutions, ban letters, etc. You must be able to show proof that you can support yourself while living and studying in the U.S.
The schools that you wish to attend may ask that you submit other supporting material, such as pieces of your work (for art students), or documented evidence of your past work experience.
Make photocopies of the applications and begin to fill in the required information on the copy. Your finished application will be your initial introduction to the schools of your choice, and you want to make a good impression. Type or fill in your final application by hand neatly and carefully. If questions confuse you, seek guidance from your school, or from the advisors at a U.S. educational advising center.
Check to see if the application needs to be sent to a designated individual at the college or university to which you are applying. If not, send your completed application packet to the director of graduate admissions. Also, send a copy to the chairman of the department to which you hope to gain admission.
You will want to make copies of all applications and essays, keeping them in your folder, and mail originals to the institutions in the United States. Observe the deadlines! Applications must reach institutions before the application deadlines.
Make sure that your recommendations and school transcripts have been sent. Remind your references and school officials of the deadlines if necessary.
Upon receipt of your completed application, the college or university may begin corresponding with you. It is not unusual for institutions to request more information or resubmission of something you have already sent. Unless there is some delay with your application, you should expect a decision by April or May (if applying for August/September admission), perhaps even earlier.
If you have intelligently chosen the programs to which you applied, met the admission requirements and deadlines, weighed advice and made choices that are right for you, an institution will send you a letter of acceptance along with the document you will use to apply for your student visa.
Electronic Applications: An Additional Note
If you hope to apply to a U.S. college or university using an electronic application on the Internet, please note that not all schools have that capability, especially for graduate applicants. Sometimes only certain departments within a university can offer electronic applications.
As with paper applications, not all electronic applications are identical, although the information requested will be fairly consistent. These applications will take a lot of time and thought to complete. You are advised to download the applications you are planning to use, fill in the information in a rough draft first, then transfer the data to the on-line application before submitting it to the university.
Few academic institutions are equipped to transmit transcripts electronically; they are traditionally sent through the mail. The same is usually true of recommendations, which require the same proof of authenticity as transcripts (a sealed envelope with the school’s stamp or individual’s signature across the seal).
While electronic applications are convenient, remember that you may not be able to rely on the Internet for all parts of the admissions process, particularly with more competitive colleges and universities.
For your next--and final--steps, visit our 3 Months Before Timeline.
Test Preparation and Fees
Once you know which tests you have to take, it is important to find out when and where they are offered in your country. Telephone numbers and Web site addresses for each of these programs can be found online through www.google.com.
.jpg)
Millions of students are tested each year, so it is important that you register for your tests as soon as you know which ones are required. Early registration will ensure that you get a testing appointment, and that your scores will arrive in time to meet your application deadlines.
Before the Test
Regardless of which tests you are required to take, it is essential that you become familiar with the test itself.
Important questions to which you need the answers:
How much time is allowed to take the test?
What is the test format—paper or computer?
What sorts of directions are provided?
How many questions are on the test?
What types of questions are there (multiple choice, essay questions, etc.)?
Are you allowed to bring in a calculator?
Free publications and sample practice tests are available to help you become familiar with the questions used in the tests. First use the practice material included in most test bulletins before you determine what additional test preparation you may need. Sample questions are also available on some test Web sites, including:
TOEFL (www.toefl.org)
GRE (www.gre.org)
GMAT (www.gmat.org)
SAT (www.collegeboard.org)
MCAT (www.aamc.org/students/mcat/)
Visit our Test Prep. Center
Study Materials
In addition to the practice material included in most test bulletins, a variety of test program materials are available for purchase directly from the testing companies during registration, on the Web sites, at local bookstores, from participating USIS offices, and educational advising and bi-national centers. Test preparation materials produced by commercial publishers are also available at many bookstores. Additionally, many local educational institutions, American schools, and English-language speaking schools offer test preparation courses, as do commercial test preparation companies.
Self-study materials come in books, audiocassettes, or CD-ROM versions. Courses usually involve a book and practice tests, as well as classroom instruction. For some computerized tests, like the GMAT, you can make an appointment to visit a testing site and take a practice test for a fee.
Receiving Your Scores
If you score poorly on a test, you can take the test again. Some tests send out all previous scores on a score report to an institution, but some do not. You can find out the score reporting policy for the test you are taking and if it is possible to cancel a poor score. Some schools average all of your scores, some just look at the highest score, and some consider only the most recent. Contact the university directly to determine their policy.
Test Fees
Each testing company charges a fee to take a standardized test. In most cases, payment of the fee allows you to send your test scores to a limited number of schools. For an additional fee, you may have extra copies of your reports sent to other institutions. Test fees vary by programs. They usually range from $22.50 (USD) to $160 (USD), but are subject to change each year.
Before taking a standardized test, check out our Test Tips.
Creating a Budget
.jpg)
You will be required to prove to the university and the consular officer (the person at the U.S Consulate who issues visa stamps) that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. Take a close look at the budget you prepared for yourself based on estimated expenses.
Making a Budget
Keep your family involved. Especially if your family is paying for part or all of your college expenses, you will want to work with them when creating your budget. Make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to who will pay for what, how much money will be distributed, and how much leeway you’ll have in making financial decisions.
Keep your family involved. Especially if your family is paying for part or all of your college expenses, you will want to work with them when creating your budget. Make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to who will pay for what, how much money will be distributed, and how much leeway you’ll have in making financial decisions.
List all of your income. In your budget, you will want to list all of your potential categories and amounts of income. For example, for college students this usually includes: financial aid such as scholarships, grants, work study, and student loans, savings, contributions from parents, and income from a part-time job.
List all of your expenses. Next, you will want to list all of your potential categories and amounts of expenses. If you are not sure what your expenses are, you might try tracking them for a week, a month, or more. Recording everything you spend can be a great way to determine areas to cut out.
Use this list to help you think about all the possible expenses you may have:
Tuition
Rent/housing
Meals (board)
Health insurance
Books/technology fees
Transportation
Communications
Clothing/personal items
Family expenses
Personal expenses
Recreation and travel
Taxes
Plan for emergencies. Life can never be completely planned. If your car breaks down or you get sick, you’ll be grateful that you have money saved up in case of emergency and you won’t have to rely on credit.
Save up for big expenses. If you’re planning a spring break trip with your friends, or have your eye on a new couch for your apartment, you’ll need to start saving up for that expense as soon as you know about it. You consider reworking your budget to attempt to increase the amount you save every month.
Make sure your budget balances. Finally, total your income and your expenses, and make sure your budget "balances." This means that you’re not spending more than you’re making. You want to either break even or (preferably) have some money left over. If your budget doesn’t balance, you’ll need to reduce your expenses and/or figure out a way to bring in more income.
International Student Budgets
The estimates that appear on the I-20 or ISAP-66 are usually accurate, and international students are expected to have funds to cover the full amount shown. It is not possible to arrange for more financial aid once you arrive at a school. If you are a graduate student and are awarded an assistantship, be sure that you understand what it will include and what you will be expected to pay for out of your own pocket. If you will receive a scholarship or fellowship, determine ahead of time what portion is taxable and include the necessary taxes in your budget.
A Note About Financial Aid Awards
Financial aid awards are typically paid to you via check and your U.S. bank account will have to be established before you will be able to cash a check. If you are receiving a scholarship or assistantship from your U.S. university, keep in mind that these awards are usually taxed. It is particularly important for you to realize that if you do get an assistantship you will not be paid for your first month's work until you have completed the month. Be sure you have enough money to support yourself for at least the first month until you receive your check.
How Much Money Will You Need?
You can get a general idea about school-related expenses by looking at catalogs or application information provided by the university. There are some factors to consider when determining the things for which you need to budget.
Public vs. private schools
Tuition rates vary tremendously from school to school. Public schools (also called state colleges or universities) are generally, but not always, less expensive than private institutions. Some private schools, however, may be able to offer scholarships to international students that state schools can not. Two-year or community colleges are typically less expensive than colleges and universities offering bachelor’s and graduate degrees.
Urban vs. rural environments
The cost of the living in different parts of the United States can vary tremendously. In general, living in urban areas (in or near a big city) is more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas. Renting an apartment in a big city can cost twice as much as it does in a smaller town because there is such a high demand for housing in large U.S. cities. Likewise, food, transportation, clothing, entertainment and other living expenses may be more expensive in a city.
Financing Your Education
Careful planning is both necessary and wise. You will be required to prove to the university, to the consular officer (the person at the U.S. Consulate who issues visa stamps), and perhaps to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (housing, food, clothing, etc) and health insurance, as well as university's tuition and fees.
So how much money will you need? You can get a general idea about expenses by looking at catalogs or application information provided by the university. Remember, however, that tuition rates vary tremendously. State (public) universities are generally, but not always, less expensive than private institutions. Some private institutions may be able to offer scholarships that state schools can not. Two-year or community colleges are usually less expensive than colleges and universities offering bachelor's and graduate degrees.
The cost of living in different parts of the United States also varies. In general, living in urban areas (in or near a big city) is more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas. Renting an apartment in a big city can cost twice as much as it does in a smaller town because there is such high demand for housing in large U.S. cities. Likewise, food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be more expensive in a city.
Creating a Budget
Budgeting is a continuous process. At this stage, work on a "big picture" budget that will include tuition, room and board, transportation, and living expenses. Later you can be more specific, taking into consideration all the additional expenses of moving and settling in. One very important factor in the "big picture" budget is health insurance, which can be as little as $1,000 annually for an individual or as much as $5,000 for a family. Learn More
Sources of Financial Aid
Locating financial aid for international students is sometimes not the easiest task, however we have compiled the most popular and common places that students can find international financial aid and put them into one easy to read resource page. Learn More
International Student Loans
Loans are available to international students that are planning to study in the USA, as long as they are planning to attend an approved school and have a US Citizen or permanent resident who can co-sign the loan with them. Learn More
International Scholarships
There are hundreds of resources available online that offer scholarships or access to search for scholarships, but not all are legitimate and some are there just to scam students. Learn how to spot a scholarship scam and locate the resources that are tried and trusted. Learn More
Computer Based Tests
Computer-based testing is now available for several admissions tests throughout the United States, Canada and most locations around the world. This way of testing is important because it can measure different skills or sets of knowledge in order to provide new and better information about your abilities. Colleges and universities receive computer-based test results more quickly than those from paper-based test, and they can make their admissions decisions more quickly.
Computer-based testing provides you with several important benefits:
Testing is offered year-round in most locations.
Tests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served bases.
Testing environments are more comfortable and individualized
A word processor may be used for writing essays more quickly. (This is optional for the TOEFL and GRE.)
You may have access to immediate viewing of unofficial scores on the computer screen (except for essays).
You can take a computer-based test even if you have minimal or no previous computer experience. Instructions provided in a basic computer tutorial before the test will give you the experience you need to take the test using a mouse. You may spend as much time as you need to on the tutorial to ensure that you are comfortable with the computer and with the test before the official timed exam. Visit the testing program Web sites to learn more about the tutorials.
Types of Computer-Based Tests
There are two types of computer-based tests: linear and adaptive. A linear test is a full-length exam in which the computer selects different questions for you without consideration of your performance level. It consists of a full range of test questions – from easiest to most difficult – but not always in order. The linear test is scored in the same way as a paper-based test.
A computer adaptive test is one in which the computer selects the range of questions based on your performance level. These questions are taken from a very large pool of possible questions categorized by content and difficulty.
When you take a paper-based test, you will find that you are asked to answer questions ranging from easy to hard. In a computer-based adaptive test, each test-taker receives questions that are at the right level of difficulty for his or her ability. These tests begin with a question that is of medium level of difficulty for most test takers. After each question is answered, the computer uses the answer and all previous answers to determine which question will be answered next. The next question is one that best follows the previous performance. This means that different test takers – even in the same room on the same day—will receive different questions.
Since adaptive test questions are selected according to performance on previous questions, you spend less time than you would on a paper-based test on questions that are either too easy or too hard. If you make a careless error and answer incorrectly or if you answer correctly by making a lucky guess, the questions you later receive may not be appropriate to your knowledge or skill level. You cannot skip ahead or go back like you can on a paper-based exam.
If you are uneasy because you are accustomed to reviewing an entire test, or section of a test, before filling in any answers, you might find it helpful to practice with a test preparation software program that simulates the test.
For more information on idividual tests, visit our Test Preparation section.
Test Tips
Each standardized test is different, and it is important that you understand the appropriate strategies for taking each test. This information is available in testing bulletins and on the testing Web sites.
Before the Test
Prior to taking the test, familiarize yourself with how the test works. What kinds of materials, questions and directions are contained in it? Most exams are broken down into separate sections with different subject matter and/or question formats. Become familiar with the formats and requirements of each section of the test.
Read all test directions carefully. The directions explain exactly what is required in order to answer each type of question.
Practice! The more you practice, the more familiar you will be with the test format. You will also be more likely to recognize careless errors. Try using practice tests under realistic testing conditions.
Find out if there is a score penalty for wrong answers, so you’ll know whether to guess or skip answers that you don’t know.
The Day Of
Make sure you get a full night’s sleep the night before the test. Don’t try to pull an all-nighter cramming for the test. You’ll want to be well-rested for the test.
Remember to eat a good breakfast the morning of the test. Avoid sugary foods; high-protein foods such as eggs are often best for aiding concentration and minimizing fatigue.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Bring two sharpened number two pencils with you. Make sure they both have good erasers and bring a sharpener.
Visit the restroom 15-30 minutes before the start of your test. Do not drink water or other beverages for an hour before the test, because a full bladder will negatively affect your concentration.
During the Test
Read all test directions carefully. The directions explain exactly what is required in order to answer each type of question.
Read each test question carefully and thoroughly. Before answering a question, determine exactly what is being asked. Never glance over a question or the possible answers, as superficial reading, or skimming, may cause you to miss important information.
Time management is key. Calculate the amount of time you have to answer each question and try to avoid getting stuck on any one question. You might want to take a minute at the beginning of the test to scan through the questions, so you’ll know what to expect.
Consider all answer choices before selecting your final answer. If one of the possible answers is an "all of the above" choice, make sure there isn’t more than one correct answer. If you see there are at least two correct answers, choose "all of the above."
Eliminate any answers that you know are incorrect. Eliminating a few wrong answers can increase the chances of a random guess being correct.
Answer the easiest questions first. Most tests are arranged in order of difficulty, but you might find that later questions are easier for you. If you’re stuck on a question, move on to the next one; you can always return to the question later.
If you have time left over at the end of the test, review your answers. Don’t second guess yourself, however! Keep an eye out for careless errors, and double check that you wrote all of your answers in the correct locations.
Don’t panic. If you start getting anxious, take a few deep breaths. Don’t worry about other people finishing before you.
A Reminder About Score Reports
Most U.S. colleges and universities have admissions deadlines for the fall semester that run from November through February. Paper tests are given on set days at set locations. Sending test scores to the institutions for paper tests may take 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the test. Computer-based tests are given year-round by appointment in most metropolitan locations worldwide and in temporary sites elsewhere. Score reporting for computer-based tests can take 10 days to 3 weeks.
* Many test takers mistakenly wait until the last minute to sign up for their tests. Never make that mistake—your scores need to arrive in time for your application deadlines. Register early!
What is Credential Evaluation?
The United States is one of the largest education markets in the world and receives a massive inflow of international students. The diversity of applicants and their respective education systems requires a common ground for evaluating educational credentials.
That being said, how does a school recognize the credentials of a foreign student? That is where credential evaluators come in to play. Credential evaluators play a crucial role in this educational transition for students planning to study overseas. Credential evaluators work on a well-formulated ethical standard and serve people who have completed part or all of their education outside their host country and who are seeking further education abroad (or even professional licensure or employment).
Credential Evaluators generally offer 3 types of evaluations:
1. Course by Course Credential Evaluation
The course by course credential evaluation report identifies and describes each diploma/certificate and provides an equivalency for each document. It indicates a description of periods of education, courses, credit hours, grades and degrees, as well as overall academic performance in terms of the educational system in the United States (or your host country). The United States typically uses semester credits and a grade point average, or GPA, on a 4.0 scale.This type of report is generally required for college admissions, determining transfer credits or when applying for an advanced degree, as well as for professional licensing and certification matters.Documents required in this case include, but are not limited to, originals or certified copies of school transcripts (mark sheets) showing subjects studied, grades and credit hours earned for each course of study.
2. Educational Credential Evaluation (document by document)
The document by document credential evaluation report describes and lists the educational institution(s) attended and the education credential(s) earned in a foreign country and states their U.S. equivalence (e.g. Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, etc.). This type of credential evaluation is most common for use in employment, immigration matters and university admission when transfer credit is not expected.The documents required in this case include (but are not limited to) originals or certified copies of all original academic documentation – diplomas, certificates and/or transcripts (indicating graduation date and major) with English translations if necessary.
3. Professional Work Experience Evaluation
The professional work experience credential evaluation is provided for immigration purposes most commonly for those applying for H-1B visas in the United States. This credential evaluation report evaluates both an individual’s professional work history and educational credentials in order to establish a Bachelor’s degree equivalency. This type of credential evaluation cannot be used for educational or licensure purposes.The documents required in this case include, but are not limited to, certified copies of all original academic documentation – diplomas, degree, certificates and/or transcript (indicating graduation date and major) with English translations, a detailed resume indicating each position held, with a description of job duties and responsibilities, start and end date of each position and project, including tools and skills used and employer’s name and geographical location. Also, reference letters of employment from each employer, indicating job title, start date, end date, and job descriptions (basically attesting to the basic facts of the employment summary).Many credential evaluation agencies also provide professional resume writing services.
Some credential evaluators may also have a CPA Board Evaluation for those applying for state Certified Public Accounting exams, amongst other evaluations.
Forged or altered documents are handled very seriously by U.S. credential evaluator since establishing the validity of academic credentials is the most important purpose of the evaluation process. Credential evaluators communicate any doubt to the institution that issued the document to verify it. If the institution confirms that the document is not authentic, the receiving U.S. institution may be notified along with it being entered into various records.
Most acclaimed credential evaluation agencies have a rigorous application procedure with excruciatingly detailed document requirements. This only further reinforces the credibility of the credential evaluator and also that of the applicant.
There is no government agency that specially monitors these foreign credential evaluation services and therefore most of them are affiliated with various associations. Affiliation with a selective association is an important indication of the quality of work accomplished by a credential evaluation service and an assurance that the evaluations it performs will be reliable.
Test Overview
2.jpg)
Most U.S. colleges and universities will require that both undergraduate and graduate students applying for admission take one or more standardized admission tests. They are intended to provide a common measure for comparing the abilities of students who come from a variety of educational backgrounds and institutions. Scores from these tests will be sent with your application packets, along with your college applications, essays, references, transcripts, work experience and other information you prepare for consideration.
Universities generally determine the ability of an international student after reviewing all of the criteria above, including whether his or her English skills are sufficient to successfully complete their academic program. Some schools may place more weight on students’ test scores than others. Various factors complicate the interpretation of standardized test scored for international students. For example, the degree of English proficiency may affect test performance. Moreover, school officials must consider the cultural and educational backgrounds of international students, since the tests were developed for students who were educated in the United States.
The level of skills required for success in undergraduate or graduate studies varies by field or department. Institutions often look the separate components of test scores because there may be significant differences between them. For example, one student might score low on the verbal measure but high on a math measure of a test, while another student might score the opposite. An English department and an engineering department would consider these students differently.
Institutions might also look at separate measures on English proficiency tests such as grammar, listening, reading, speaking and writing. Some departments might consider it crucial to have high scores in listening and speaking; others might feel it is important to have high scores in reading and writing. Since may graduate students serve as teaching assistants, some departments expect graduate students to have high verbal scores.
Types of Standardized Tests
Most undergraduate and graduate programs will require the TOEFL exam for all international students to ensure that they have adequate proficiency in English to succeed in U.S. colleges. All standardized tests listed here are given in English.
For undergraduate admissions, required standardized tests usually include:
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
American College Testing (ACT)
For graduate and professional admissions, required tests usually include:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) – for liberal arts, science, math
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) – for business schools/study for MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) programs
Law School Admission Testing Program (LSAT) – for law schools
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) – for medical schools
Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT) – for dental schools
Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
Optometry Admission Testing Program (OAT)
Some schools may also require additional admissions tests not listed above, placement tests to determine where to place you in the program of study (introductory-level classes or advanced), or tests that they have developed locally for their institutions.
Read our full Test Preparation section for more details on each of the tests listed above.
Standardized Tests
.jpg)
Most U.S. colleges and universities will require international undergraduate and graduate students to demonstrate their knowledge and English language proficiency as part of the admissions process through standardized tests. These tests are valuable as a common measure of the skills and abilities of people from different educational backgrounds. Your scores on these tests will play a role in determining whether or not you are admitted to your schools of choice, so learn as much as you can about them before you have to take them.
Admission Test Overview
Which test/s will you be expected to take as an undergraduate? A graduate student? Click here for a comprehensive list of possible types of standardized tests.
Test Preparation and Fees
You need to plan in advance to take a standardized test, pay a fee and always come prepared to do your best.
Computer Based Standardized Testing
Many tests are now offered on computer. Learn what types of computer-based testing is offered and how it can help you.
Tips to Ensure Test Success
Read our test tips and strategies to ensure that you will take a successful test.
Application Timeline - 3 Months Before
Make your final decision
Keep an eye on your mail for notifications from colleges. You should receive admissions decisions by March or April, and notifications of financial aid awards should arrive by the end of April.
Waitlist:If you are put on a waitlist, remember that this is not a rejection. Keep watching your mail; you should receive a decision by May. In the meantime, keep your options open and check out schools that have late or rolling application dates.
After you receive information about the financial aid offered by each of the schools to which you have been accepted, consider each package carefully. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to contact the financial aid office of the college for more information. Financial aid is a key factor in deciding where you will attend.
Once you’ve decided where you’ll be attending, make sure you notify all schools of your intent by May 1. Remember to send your deposit to your chosen school and ask your guidance counselor to send your final transcript to the college in June.
After you accept an offer, you should receive information from the college about course scheduling, orientation sessions, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms. Make sure you complete all required paperwork by the appropriate deadlines.
Apply for your student visa
Once you have been admitted to a US college or university, that school will send you an I-20, and you can use that to begin the process of applying for your visa. The first step is to complete the online application When you apply for a visa, the consular officer may want to see the following:
An I-20 or IAP-66 form from an accredited college or university
Original documents evidencing your educational credentials for the previous four years
Your test scores from the standard entrance exams that you have taken, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE or GMAT
Financial documents which show that you have sufficient funds in a bank to pay for the first year of your studies in the United States. In addition, you should be able to prove the sources of your academic funding for subsequent years of study. It is not sufficient to show assets. You must be able to prove income generated by assets, family business or property.
Please visit our Student Visa pages to find out all the information about what to do and how to get your visa.
Research health insurance options for your time abroad
With only three months to go before your departure to the U.S., you should be investigating and purchasing health insurance. Please visit International Student Insurance for all the comprehensive health insurance information you will need about insurance products in the United States.
Make travel arrangements for when you arrive in the U.S.
You need to make all the arrangements to fly to the U.S., schedule someone to meet you and pick you up at the airport and arrange temporary accommodation for your first night in the USA. Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 days before your school’s orientation will begin, as this will give you time to get familiar with your new surroundings and acclimated to life in a new country.
Our Travel Section contains all the tools you will need to book flights, make connections, reserve a hotel room, and more.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)