International Students: Applying To College As Freshmen

Applying to college as an international student can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. The application procedure can be intimidating, with many steps to follow and a lot of time needed to prepare. However, US colleges and universities offer world-class liberal arts degree programs, cutting-edge research facilities, and faculty with experienced professionals, making them a popular choice for international students. This guide will provide an introduction to the process of applying to college in the US as a freshman international student, covering topics such as researching institutions and programs, standardised testing requirements, application timelines, and financial considerations.

Application deadlines

As an international student, you can apply to college as a freshman. However, the application procedure can be intimidating and overwhelming. It is crucial to be on time for the application procedure, as failing to do so may result in your application being denied. The application timeline will depend on your top-choice schools' application deadlines. The application dates for each college or university in the United States are unique. It is essential that you are aware of these dates and submit your application well in advance.

The Fall intake is the primary intake for US universities, with most universities commencing their courses at this time. The Fall term usually starts in September or August and ends in December. The deadline for the Fall intake is usually in January. The Spring intake is the secondary intake, and not all universities open applications for this intake. The Spring term starts in January and finishes in May, and the deadline often concurs with the regular application deadlines. The Summer intake is usually very short, and the Winter intake is when only a few universities open their applications.

You should start the application process well ahead of the deadlines to account for unexpected delays. The plan should ideally start 18 months before you wish to study, but if you don't have that much time, you can still catch up. You will need to allow yourself sufficient time to thoroughly research the institution and/or program that will best serve your academic and professional goals. You will also need to meet application requirements such as writing personal statements and requesting recommendations from teachers. Additionally, as an international applicant, you might be subject to earlier deadlines for visa processes.

Standardised tests

The specific standardised tests you will be required to take will depend on the level of study and the program you are applying for. For undergraduate programs, the two most common standardised tests are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT). Most institutions will require a minimum SAT or ACT score, which varies across universities. The SAT is a digital test that focuses on mathematics, grammar, and analytical writing skills.

For graduate programs, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is frequently required for admission to business schools and Master's in Business Administration (MBA) programs. The GMAT evaluates your quantitative, verbal, analytical, and writing abilities. Another common graduate admissions test is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which assesses verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

Additionally, as an international student, you will likely be required to take the TOEFL exam to demonstrate English proficiency. Some schools may waive this requirement if you graduated from a school where English was the primary language of instruction.

It is important to note that some universities and colleges may have their own specific test requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the admissions office of your chosen institutions to clarify the necessary standardised tests. Starting the application process early will give you ample time to prepare for these exams and meet all the requirements.

English language proficiency

As an international student, applying to colleges in the US can be challenging, with many steps and a lot of information to consider. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the English language proficiency requirement. Most US colleges and universities require international students whose first language is not English to take standardised language tests as a measure of their English language proficiency and academic aptitude.

The specific English language proficiency requirements may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to, so it is important to check the requirements for each institution. Some universities, like UC San Diego, accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for admission to graduate programs. The university-wide minimum TOEFL score required for graduate admission is 85 for the internet-based test (iBT). However, some departments may have higher minimum score requirements, so it is important to check the specific departmental requirements.

Other English language proficiency exams that may be accepted by universities include the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), which is frequently required for undergraduate programs, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is commonly used for graduate admissions, including master's and doctoral programs. These exams assess a range of skills, including verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing.

Additionally, if you are applying to be a Teaching Assistant at a university, you may need to provide certification of your English language oral communication skills, regardless of the year you are in the program. This ensures that you have the requisite language skills to effectively teach and communicate with students.

It is important to start the college application process early, giving yourself enough time to research the requirements and prepare for any necessary exams. This includes finding out about application deadlines, which can vary for each university and program. By starting early, you can ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the requirements and increase your chances of a successful application.

Scholarships and financial aid

As an international student, you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to help fund your education. The availability and amount of financial aid for international students can vary depending on the country and the specific institution. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Scholarships:

Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, need, or a combination of both. They can be offered by the university itself or by external organisations and foundations. When researching universities, pay attention to the number of scholarships they offer and whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Some scholarships may be based on academic achievement, while others may consider factors such as leadership qualities, community involvement, or special talents.

Grants:

Grants are similar to scholarships and are usually need-based. They can be offered by universities, government organisations, or private foundations. Grants may be available specifically for international students, so be sure to research and apply for grants that match your profile.

External Financial Options:

In addition to scholarships and grants, explore external financial options such as international student loans. These loans are designed specifically for students studying abroad and can help cover tuition and living expenses. IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) is a great resource for finding information about international student loans and other financial aid opportunities.

Waivers:

Some universities may waive application fees for international students, so it is worth inquiring about this possibility. Additionally, look into potential fee waivers for other expenses, such as exam fees or student services fees.

Campus Employment:

Depending on the country and visa regulations, international students may be eligible to work on campus. On-campus jobs can provide a source of income to help fund your education and living expenses.

Country-Specific Opportunities:

Certain countries or regions may offer specific scholarships or financial aid programs for international students. For example, the Zolve Global Scholarship is aimed at students going to the US for their higher education.

Alumni Networks and Internships:

Alumni networks can be a valuable source of financial support, as they often provide networking opportunities and potential internships or job placements. Building relationships with alumni can open doors to scholarships, grants, or other funding options.

Remember to start your financial aid research early, as many scholarships and grants have specific application deadlines and requirements. Always be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and never provide personal financial information without verifying the legitimacy of the organisation.

Student visas

As an international student, you must obtain a student visa to study in the United States. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The most common types of student visas are:

• F-1 visas: These are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies.
• M-1 visas: These are for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.
• J-1 visas: These are for foreign nationals who have been approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, or research assistants.

To obtain a student visa, you will need to follow these general steps:

• Apply to a SEVP-approved school: The first step is to apply for enrollment at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). If accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019 : The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20 (for F and M visas) or a DS-2019 document (for J visas). This form is essential for maintaining your student status in the United States, even if your visa expires during your studies.
• Apply for a student visa: After receiving your Form I-20 or DS-2019, you may apply for your student visa (F, M, or J) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must present your Form I-20 or DS-2019 during your visa interview.
• Dependents: If your spouse and/or children will be living with you in the United States, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for visas (without paying the SEVIS fee).

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a student visa may vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you are working with. Therefore, it is always best to consult the instructions provided by the specific embassy or consulate for detailed information on the application process.

Frequently asked questions