English Students: Can They Cross The Pond For University?

English students can go to university in America, but there are a few extra steps to take when applying as an international student. The application process varies from university to university, but generally, students will need to contact the international admissions office, submit a bundle of documents, and apply for a student visa.

Application process

The application process for US universities can be daunting, especially for international students. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Build Your College List:

The first step is to research and create a list of universities that match your interests and goals. Consider factors such as location, size, academic programs offered, and admission requirements. Your list should include a mix of reach, target, and safety schools, with a total of 8 to 12 universities.

Get Your Transcript Evaluated:

Contact the admissions offices of your chosen universities to inquire about their specific requirements for international students. Most universities will require an official report of your academic credentials, including high school transcripts and diplomas. This step will help determine if your previous education meets their enrollment standards.

Prepare Recommendation Letters:

Recommendation letters are an essential part of your application. Reach out to teachers, principals, or counsellors who can attest to your academic performance and provide insights into your character. These letters help round out your profile and give admission counsellors a more holistic view of your strengths.

Meet Language Requirements:

If English is not your native language, you will likely need to take a standardised test to demonstrate proficiency. Commonly accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic. Check with your chosen universities to ensure you meet their specific language requirements.

Standardised Tests:

In addition to language tests, US universities often require scores from standardised admission tests. For undergraduate admissions, this is typically the SAT or ACT, while postgraduate admissions may require the GRE or GMAT. Check with your universities to see which tests they accept and prepare accordingly.

Complete Application Forms:

You can now start the application process by obtaining and filling out the necessary forms. Most universities will have their own application portals, while some may accept applications through a centralised system like the Common App. This step usually involves submitting various documents, including transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, personal essays, and application fees.

Entrance Exams:

Many universities require prospective students to take entrance exams. Research and register for the specific exams required by your chosen universities.

Wait for Acceptance:

After submitting your applications, all that's left to do is wait for a response. Acceptance letters will start arriving, and you will be able to make an informed decision about which university is the best fit for you.

Financial Planning:

University in the US can be expensive, so it's essential to plan your finances. Research scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages offered by your chosen universities. International students may have access to needs-based financial aid or merit-based scholarships.

Student Visa:

Once you have accepted an offer from your chosen university, you can begin the student visa application process. The most common type of student visa is the F1 visa for academic studies. You will need to provide proof of sufficient funds, demonstrate strong ties to your home country, and undergo a visa interview.

Remember to start the application process early, as it can be time-consuming and may involve multiple steps. Good luck with your journey towards studying in the US!

Required documents

To study in the United States as an English student, you will need to submit several documents as part of your university application. While each university will have its own specific requirements, here is a list of commonly requested documents for international students:

College Admissions Essay:

Your admissions essay is an important part of your application, as it allows you to showcase your suitability for the course and your commitment to your chosen field of study. This is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and highlight any extracurricular activities, voluntary work, or other relevant experiences that align with your academic goals.

References:

Most universities will require at least two references from teachers or professors who can attest to your academic abilities and performance.

English Proficiency Test Scores:

As English is not your native language, you will likely need to provide test scores that demonstrate your proficiency in English. Accepted tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET), among others.

Standardized Test Scores:

For undergraduate admissions, you may be required to submit scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Alternatively, for postgraduate admissions, you may need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Academic Transcripts:

You will need to provide transcripts from your previous academic studies. For undergraduate admissions, this typically includes high school transcripts or the equivalent. For graduate admissions, you will need to submit transcripts from your bachelor's degree studies.

Personal Statement or Essay:

Many universities require a personal statement or essay that outlines your academic goals, interests, and motivations for applying to their institution.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV):

A resume or CV is often required for graduate admissions and may be recommended for undergraduate applicants as well. This document outlines your educational background, work experience, skills, and any other relevant achievements.

Copy of Your Valid Passport:

As an international student, you will need to provide a copy of your passport as proof of your identity and citizenship.

Proof of Finances:

US universities will want to ensure that you have the financial means to cover your tuition and living expenses during your studies. Thus, you will likely need to provide bank statements or other documentation demonstrating your ability to fund your education.

Application Fee:

There is typically an application fee associated with US university applications, which can vary depending on the institution.

It is important to note that these requirements may differ slightly between universities, so it is always best to review the specific requirements of the universities to which you are applying. Additionally, some universities may require interviews, either in-person or via video, as part of the admissions process.

Standardised tests

Undergraduate Admissions Tests:

• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): A logic-based exam that assesses critical reading, writing, and mathematical abilities. The SAT is widely accepted at accredited two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the US.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): This test evaluates English proficiency and is often required for international students to ensure they can succeed in US colleges.
• American College Testing (ACT): The ACT is a curriculum-based multiple-choice assessment that covers reading, English, mathematics, and science, with an optional essay section. It is widely accepted for undergraduate admissions.

Graduate and Professional Admissions Tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Similar to undergraduate admissions, TOEFL is often required for graduate admissions to ensure English proficiency.
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): The GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is commonly required for graduate programs in liberal arts, science, and mathematics.
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): The GMAT evaluates basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills and is typically required for admission to business schools or MBA programs.
• Law School Admission Testing Program (LSAT): The LSAT measures reading and verbal reasoning skills and is used as an admissions factor for law schools.
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): The MCAT is a standardised multiple-choice exam that assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts. It is required for admission to medical schools.
• Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT): The DAT is a multiple-choice test that measures general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. It is required for admission to dental schools.

It is important to note that some universities may have additional admissions tests or placement tests beyond those mentioned above. Additionally, there may be variations in the specific sections and formats of these tests, so it is advisable to review the requirements of your desired universities and prepare accordingly.

Deadlines and fees

Deadlines:

The application deadlines for US universities can vary, but there are generally three types of deadlines: early decision, early action, and regular decision.

• Early decision deadlines are usually between November and January, and if you are accepted through early decision, you are legally bound to attend that university.
• Early action deadlines are typically in November, and you will receive a decision in December.
• Regular decision deadlines are usually in January, about seven months before the start of the academic year in August or September.

It is important to note that some universities also offer rolling admissions, where applications are reviewed as they are received, rather than by a specific deadline.

For the Fall 2025 intake, the application process typically starts in late September 2024, and the deadlines extend until January 2025.

Fees:

Most US universities charge an application fee, which can range from £25 to £75 or $41 on average. Additionally, there may be costs associated with standardised tests like the SAT or ACT, which cost between £90 and £150+ to sit. There may also be costs for English language tests like the TOEFL or IELTS if required.

Furthermore, US universities are known for their high tuition fees, and international students may be asked to prove that they have access to funds to pay for their degree. There are opportunities for financial aid and scholarships, but these are highly competitive, especially for international students.

It is important to carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each university, as they may vary. Starting the application process early is recommended to ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines and have a smooth application experience.

Student visas

Once you have received an offer of acceptance from a US university, the next step is to apply for a student visa. There are three main types of student visas, each with its own requirements and restrictions.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa and is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies at an accredited college or university. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic program, language-training program, or a vocational program that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You must also be enrolled as a full-time student and demonstrate English language proficiency or be enrolled in courses to achieve this. Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies and maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.

With an F-1 visa, you are permitted to work part-time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during your academic term. After the first year, F-1 visa holders may be eligible to work off-campus in certain circumstances, such as financial hardship. F-1 visa holders may also engage in off-campus employment in the following categories:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (for STEM graduates)

M-1 Visa

The M-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies or other non-academic programs. Similar to the F-1 visa, M-1 visa holders must be enrolled in a program certified by the SEVP and meet the same English language proficiency and funding requirements. However, M-1 visa holders cannot work during their studies, except for practical training or part-time work related to their studies after they have graduated. Any off-campus work should be approved by the Designated School Official and is limited to a maximum of six months.

J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is for foreign nationals participating in exchange programs that combine study and work. Examples include visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants. To be eligible for a J-1 visa, you must be approved to take part in a work-and-study-based exchange program funded by an educational or non-profit sponsor. On a J-1 visa, you may be authorised to work part-time on campus or off-campus with permission from the responsible officer mentioned on your DS-2019 form. The duration of work is limited to a maximum of 18 months, or 36 months for PhD students.

Application Process

To apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa, you will need to submit an I-20 form, while a DS-2019 form is required for a J-1 visa. These forms cover personal information, including full name, birth date, academic program, English proficiency, start date, and funding sources. After receiving the form, there are several steps to complete:

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online: $350 for F-1 and M-1 visas, $220 for J-1 visas
• Apply for your non-immigrant visa (online DS-160 form)
• Schedule your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate
• Complete the interview

During the interview, you may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay and provide an address you intend to return to once you have completed your degree. Successful applications typically take between five and seven working days to process.

Additional Information

It is important to note that the visa application process is handled by the US State Department, while the US Department of Homeland Security is responsible for entry into the country and enforcing international student regulations once a visa holder arrives in the US.

Additionally, to be eligible for any of the student visas, you must first be accepted by a SEVP-certified US institution. Even if an institution is SEVP-certified, it may not hold national or regional accreditation, so it is essential to check the accreditation status of your chosen institution.

Finally, while on a student visa, you may only be eligible to work on-campus or in a job related to your studies. J-1 visa holders must contact their responsible officer to determine their eligibility for work outside their program of study.

Frequently asked questions