Ibrahim Gardner
Applying to universities in the United States as a foreign student can be a daunting task. The application procedure can be intimidating, and there are many different processes to navigate. One of the most important aspects is admissions, which often includes demonstrating English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. These exams are a measure of your academic aptitude and English language skills and are required by most U.S. colleges and universities. In addition to these tests, international students may also need to take standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT and submit recommendation letters. It is important to research and target colleges that fit your academic and personal profile and start the application process early.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| English Language Proficiency Tests | TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, SAT, ACT, GRE |
| Visa Requirements | F1 visa for academic degree or English language course |
| Application Deadlines | Early decisions: mid-October or early November |
| Application Process | The Common Application, recommendation letters, financial aid applications |
| University Rankings | QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, U.S. News & World Report |
| Scholarships | Financial aid, merit-based, needs-based |
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What You'll Learn
English proficiency tests: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
As English is the primary language of instruction in most U.S. colleges and universities, international students are often required to demonstrate proficiency in English through language tests as part of the application process. These exams serve as a measure of your academic aptitude and English language proficiency. The two most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests are IELTS and TOEFL, and another option is the Duolingo English Test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS assesses your English language skills in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It provides a score on a scale of 1 to 9, indicating your level of proficiency.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL evaluates your ability to understand and use English in an academic setting. It consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test is scored out of 120 points.
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is another option for demonstrating English proficiency. This test is taken online and assesses your English language skills through a variety of tasks. The results are provided immediately after the test, and you can send your scores to universities of your choice.
It is important to note that the requirements and accepted tests may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific requirements of your desired institutions.
Additionally, there are other standardized tests that may be required for admission to U.S. universities, such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT, or GRE, depending on the level of study and program you are applying for. These tests assess a range of skills, including verbal, mathematical, and analytical abilities.
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Undergraduate admissions tests: SAT or ACT
As a foreign student, you may be required to take an English as a second language test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These exams assess your English language proficiency.
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is frequently required for entrance to undergraduate programs. The ACT and SAT share the same goal: to gauge a prospective student's readiness for college. Colleges do not prefer one test over the other. The SAT is offered by the nonprofit College Board, which also offers Advanced Placement exams and other testing services. The nonprofit ACT organisation is more limited in scope, focusing largely on its namesake test.
The SAT is broken down into two sections: a 64-minute reading and writing section and a 70-minute math section. The ACT, on the other hand, lasts two hours and 55 minutes, though there is an optional 40-minute writing test that would extend the duration of the exam to a little over three and a half hours. The ACT consists of a 35-minute reading test, a 45-minute English test, a 60-minute math section, and a 35-minute science test.
It is recommended that students take each test at least once. It is also suggested that students research the average scores of accepted applicants to the schools they are applying to, and submit their scores if they are at or above that level.
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Postgraduate admissions tests: GRE
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised test used by many graduate schools in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries as part of their admissions process. The test is intended to measure graduates' abilities in tasks of a general academic nature, regardless of their field of specialisation. The GRE assesses verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is a commonly used test for graduate admissions, including master's and doctoral programs.
The GRE is composed of two types of tests: the General Test and the Subject Tests. The General Test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The Subject Tests measure knowledge in a particular field. The Subject Tests are intended for students with an undergraduate major or extensive background in one of the following disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
The importance of a GRE score can vary from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor. The test is scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1-point increments, and you cannot pass or fail. However, universities and departments may require specific scores. The GRE costs $205 to take, but the fee is reduced under certain circumstances, and financial aid is provided to those who can prove economic hardship. The test can be retaken once every 21 days and a maximum of five times over a 12-month period.
The GRE is a widely recognised postgraduate admissions test, and 81% of test-takers are accepted into a graduate program where they submit their scores. The test is a common requirement for graduate admissions, especially for master's programs, and is used to assess a candidate's suitability for graduate-level study. The test is also accepted by some law schools as an alternative to the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
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Funding and scholarships
As an international student, you won't be eligible for funding intended for US nationals. However, US universities value internationalization, so there are still funding opportunities available.
Scholarships
There are a variety of scholarships available for international students, some funded by the US government, some funded by private organizations, and some funded by specific institutions.
Government-Funded Scholarships
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a popular government-funded scholarship for international students, offering scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The program is open to international students in all fields excluding medicine. Approximately 4,000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year.
Other government-funded scholarships include:
- Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
- Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
- USDA/1994 Tribal Scholars Program
University-Funded Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These include:
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program
- Clark University Global Scholars Program
- Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program
- Harvard University Scholarships
- Michigan State University International Scholarships
- New York University Wagner International Scholarships
- University of Arkansas International Scholarships
- University of Iowa Scholarships for International First Year Students
- University of Minnesota International Scholarships
- University of Oregon International Scholarships
- University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program
Private Organization Scholarships
There are also many scholarships funded by private organizations. These include:
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- American Association of University Women Fellowships
- ACI Foundation Scholarship
- Onsi Sawiris Scholarship
- Rotary Peace Fellowships
- Boston University Presidential Scholarship
Other Funding Opportunities
In addition to scholarships, there are other funding opportunities available to international students. For example, some US universities offer need-blind admission, and both private and public institutions may waive application fees in some situations.
You can also consult with your university and/or academic department to take advantage of any special funding opportunities they may offer. Academic departments may have funds allocated to assist international students with exceptional need and/or talent.
There are also free scholarship databases that provide information on funding opportunities for international students, such as International Student and Fastweb.
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Visas
If you are applying for an academic degree or English language course, you can be issued with an F1 visa – the most common visa for international students. With some exceptions, you will be required to return to your home country within 60 days of completing your degree. You will have to pay a visa application fee and must have been accepted at a US university when you make the application. The visa is only valid for study at that specific university, so transferring to another university will require additional paperwork. You will have to attend a visa interview and will be required to prove that you have sufficient funds to support your stay, and that you have strong ties to your home country. The visa does allow you to work in the US during your studies.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) does not regulate how well an international student must speak English to study in the US. However, as English is the primary language of the United States, many SEVP-certified schools require a certain level of English proficiency for admittance. Since these language requirements are often part of the overall school admissions process, the requirements are specific to each school.
The two most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The TOEFL is the more widely accepted of the two, but it is still a good idea to check with the admissions office of your chosen universities to confirm which tests they accept. You will need to have a good strategy for TOEFL prep (or whichever exam you choose) to maximise your score for admissions.
The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level and how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. The IELTS assesses your English language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, providing a score on a scale of 1 to 9, indicating your level of proficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
The two most commonly accepted English language tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The IELTS test assesses your English language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and provides a score on a scale of 1 to 9. The TOEFL test, which is the most widely accepted, evaluates your ability to understand and use English in an academic setting and consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test is scored out of 120 points. Other English tests accepted by some universities include the Duolingo English Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
You should aim to complete your English test around a year before you want to start university, usually in August. This will ensure your test results are available when submitting your applications.
The score you need will depend on the university and the course you are applying for. Highly competitive institutions typically require a higher score. For example, the University of Arizona requires a minimum score of 70 on the TOEFL for most bachelor's degree programs. The English test is not about getting a "perfect score". Instead, it helps admissions officers assess whether you can comfortably speak and study in English.
As a foreign student, you may need to take standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs, or the GRE for postgraduate programs. You may also need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) if you are applying to business school.
Aside from taking the necessary tests, you will need to research and target colleges that are the best fit for you academically and socially. You will also need to prepare the necessary documents, which may include transcripts, recommendation letters, and financial aid applications. You may also need to prepare for a visa interview and prove that you have strong ties to your home country and sufficient funds to support your stay.
