International Students: Online Or Paper Applications?

do international students fill out applications on line or paper

International students can apply to universities either online or through paper applications. The application process varies depending on the university and the student's country of residence. Some universities, such as NYU, have the same application process for both domestic and international students, where they use the Common Application. Other universities, like the University of Texas, have specific requirements for international students, such as submitting test scores and paying a non-refundable application fee. Additionally, international students may need to provide financial aid applications, like the CSS Profile, to demonstrate their economic situation and eligibility for financial aid.

Characteristics Values
Application method Online application
Application requirements Common Application or Coalition Application, personal statement, official high school transcript, academic letter of recommendation, SAT/ACT scores, proof of financial support, etc.
Application fee Non-refundable fee ranging from $90 or payment by check or money order
Self-reporting scores Accepted via admissions portal with a PDF copy of score reports
Letters of recommendation Up to two optional letters accepted from mentors, teachers, or people who know the applicant well
Scholarship application Not required at some institutions, as all students are automatically considered for scholarships
English language proficiency Submission of TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores
Fee waivers Available for domestic students from low-income families, but not typically for international students

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International students can apply online to universities such as NYU, Cornell, and the University of Texas

At Cornell, international applicants are evaluated for admission with consideration of their ability to pay educational costs, and they must apply for financial aid when they apply for admission. Cornell also requires international applicants to demonstrate English proficiency through U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, having English as their native language, or submitting an English proficiency exam score.

It is important to note that each university may have specific requirements and application processes for international students, so it is recommended to refer to the official websites for detailed instructions. The information provided here is based on the current information available on the respective university websites.

Overall, international students can apply online to universities such as NYU, Cornell, and the University of Texas, and each university has its own specific requirements and processes for international applicants.

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The Common Application is used by many US universities for international students

The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is a centralised application system used by over 1,000 colleges and universities worldwide, including many US universities. The platform simplifies the admissions process for both domestic and international students, allowing them to apply to multiple colleges at once.

The Common App was started by 15 colleges that wanted to "pool" their applications into one easily navigated application site. Today, it is used by almost 900 colleges and universities across all 50 US states and 20 other countries. Each year, it serves more than a million US and international students.

The Common App streamlines the application process by allowing students to fill out their personal details, education history, extracurricular activities, and demographic data in one place. It also provides a convenient checklist for each college, ensuring that students submit all the required information. Students can also use the Common App to find out about each college's standardised testing requirements, admissions fees, and essay requirements.

Some well-known universities that use the Common App include Harvard University, Cornell University, Yale University, Princeton University, and Brown University. It is also used by New York University (NYU), where all students, including international applicants, apply using the Common App.

In addition to the Common App, there are other platforms accepted by some schools, such as the Coalition Application and the Common Black College Application. However, many schools that use these platforms also use the Common App, and students are advised to choose the platform that works best for them and their list of schools.

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Supporting documents are often required, such as proof of finances

International students applying to universities often have the option of filling out their applications online. For instance, all students applying to NYU use the Common Application, which is an online form. However, supporting documents are usually required to be submitted alongside the application form. These supporting documents are often country-specific and may include proof of finances, identity, and qualifications.

In the case of NYU, international applicants are required to submit supporting documents such as proof of finances, which can include official letters or certificates that confirm sources of funding, such as savings, parental support, scholarships, or any combination of these. Similarly, students applying to study in the UK are required to provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and pay for their courses. This may include evidence of savings, parental support, scholarships, or other sources of income.

Additionally, for students applying for a US student visa, a consular officer may request evidence of how the applicant intends to pay for their educational, living, and travel costs during the visa interview. This could include proof of financial support from parents or other sources. Applicants may also be required to submit a copy of their I-94 card if they are already in the US at the time of their admission.

It is important to note that the specific supporting documents required may vary depending on the country and university an international student is applying to. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the requirements and guidelines provided by the university and the relevant government agencies.

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Some universities may require an interview as part of the application process

International students applying to universities often fill out applications online. For instance, international applicants to NYU use the Common Application, which is also used by over 1,000 colleges in the US.

Some universities require an interview as part of the application process. This is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know a student beyond their academic profile and achievements. Interviews may be conducted by an alum or admissions officer and can be used to evaluate a candidate, help with academic and career planning, or discuss a portfolio. For instance, Moore College of Art and Design and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design hold portfolio review interviews. Religious institutions like Gordon College and Yeshiva University may discuss an applicant's religious beliefs and their commitment to the community during the interview.

Ivy League schools are among the highly selective colleges that require interviews. However, the interview is unlikely to have a strong impact on the admissions decision unless the candidate makes an extremely negative impression. Interviews can also be beneficial for applicants as they can help determine if the school is the right fit for them. Due to the pandemic, many colleges that previously held in-person interviews are now conducting them online, and some schools are requesting video portfolios instead of interviews.

It is important to note that interview policies can change over time, so it is recommended to check the admissions websites of the specific universities for the most up-to-date information.

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English proficiency is usually required and can be demonstrated through various exams

English proficiency is a requirement for international students applying to universities in English-speaking countries. This is because a good grasp of the English language is essential for academic success, as well as for daily life outside the classroom.

There are several English proficiency tests available, each measuring a candidate's language ability in different ways. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world's most popular English proficiency test, with over 11,000 recognising organisations worldwide. The IELTS Academic exam is the more common choice for international students, testing their fluency in academic English. The test is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each section is scored individually on a scale of one to nine, with one being the lowest and nine the highest. The total score is reported as a band. IELTS scores are valid for two years.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is another widely recognised English proficiency test, especially in American universities. It is designed to measure the English proficiency of non-native speakers, specifically in an academic setting. The test evaluates a candidate's ability to communicate with peers, listen to lectures, and prepare for exams. There is no standard passing score for the TOEFL; instead, universities set their own predetermined scores for applicants. The TOEFL is scored out of 120 points, with each section worth 30 points.

The Cambridge English Qualifications are a set of exams developed by Cambridge University as a universally accepted standard for English proficiency. The qualifications include KET, PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE, which increase in difficulty from elementary to advanced levels. Unlike other tests, the results from Cambridge English Qualifications are valid for life. The Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency test, for example, costs 362 euros (approximately US$389) in the Netherlands and around US$72 in India.

Other English proficiency tests include the TOEIC, which focuses on workplace communication, and the CELPIP, which is a primary English proficiency test in Canada. The Duolingo English Test is a more affordable option that is gaining acceptance by universities.

It is important to note that each university has its own requirements for English proficiency scores, and it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your chosen institution.

Frequently asked questions

International students can fill out applications online. The Common Application is used by many universities, including NYU, Cornell, and the University of Texas. However, some applications may require supporting documents to be submitted on paper.

Supporting documents include things like a resume, letters of recommendation, and official translations of your credentials. These can be submitted online or on paper, depending on the university's requirements.

Yes, international students may need to fill out financial aid applications, such as the CSS Profile or the ISFAA, to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid. These forms can be found online and may require additional paper documentation.

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