Savanna Hoffman
As an international student, the evaluation process for university applications can vary depending on the country and specific institution. While some universities evaluate international students similarly to domestic applicants, focusing on academic performance, there may be additional requirements and considerations. These can include English proficiency tests, credential evaluations, transcripts, standardised test scores, course requirements, and GPAs. Understanding the unique criteria and competitiveness of each university is crucial for international students to effectively navigate the application process and increase their chances of acceptance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Evaluation criteria | Academic records, extracurricular abilities, international experience, resume, high school transcripts, high school diploma, and more. |
| Evaluation services | NACES, AICE, WES, ECE, Shorelight |
| Comparison | US equivalents of international academic records |
| Time | Typically, transcript evaluation can take approximately three to four weeks, but each organization will have its own timeline. |
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What You'll Learn
Academic performance and transcripts
Academic transcripts, also known as mark sheets, statements of marks, or records of learning, are official records of a student's academic performance and progress at a school, college, or university. They are used by academic institutions, employers, and immigration offices to analyse an individual's academic record and determine their equivalents in the US or other local educational systems. This process is especially important for international students seeking admission to US colleges and universities, as it helps admissions committees accurately assess their qualifications and readiness for college-level work.
A credential evaluation service is often used to interpret international transcripts and ensure a fair evaluation process for international students. These services convert grades, understand different curricula, and determine the US equivalents of courses taken abroad. They also consider the accreditation and reputation of the institution that issued the transcript. Most evaluation services require high school transcripts and, in some cases, a high school diploma. Some organisations mandate that the original documents be sent directly from the issuing institution, while others allow students to submit them.
International students applying to US colleges and universities should carefully review the admissions requirements of each school, as they may vary. Most colleges require a Course-by-Course evaluation, which includes the US equivalence for each high school credential, unit, and grade average. Transfer students who have completed two years of university study may not need to include their high school grades in the evaluation. Additionally, demonstrating interest in the school and leveraging unique experiences and extracurricular abilities can enhance an international student's application.
It is important to select a certified credential evaluation service, such as those endorsed by the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Some colleges may specify a particular evaluation service, but if they do not, applicants can compare the offerings of different services in terms of cost and processing time. Overall, a comprehensive and precise transcript evaluation is crucial for international students to ensure their academic achievements are accurately recognised and assessed by US academic institutions.
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Standardised test scores
Standardised tests are a common method used by US colleges and universities to evaluate the applications of international students. These tests are designed to provide a common measure for comparing the abilities of students with diverse educational backgrounds and institutions. The tests also assess whether an international student has sufficient English skills to successfully complete their chosen academic programme.
There are several types of standardised tests that international students may need to take, depending on the course and institution they are applying to. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) are the two most common standardised tests for undergraduates. The SAT focuses on mathematics, grammar, and analytical writing skills, and students receive a score between 400 and 1600, with the average total score in the US being 1028. The ACT, on the other hand, is graded on a scale of 1 to 36, with 19.5 being the average composite score in the US.
For graduate programmes, the required standardised tests may vary depending on the field of study. For example, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is often required for business school or MBA programmes, while the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is typically needed for law school. Other examples include the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for medical schools and the Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT) for dental schools.
In addition to these field-specific tests, international students may also be required to take an English proficiency test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These tests evaluate a student's understanding of the English language and their ability to actively participate in university courses conducted in English.
It is important to note that each university or college will have its own minimum score requirements for these standardised tests. Therefore, international students should carefully review the admissions criteria of their chosen institutions to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
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English language proficiency
One example of such an evaluation is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a standardised exam that assesses an individual's proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The TOEFL is widely accepted and recognised by educational institutions in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. The University of Iowa, for instance, mandates that all incoming international students take an on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation, unless they meet certain exceptions, such as having a TOEFL score of 100 or higher on the internet-based test (iBT) or a score of 600 or higher on the paper-based test (PBT).
Another widely recognised English language proficiency test is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS exam, like the TOEFL, evaluates an individual's skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and provides a standardised score. Both the IELTS and TOEFL exams are commonly used by international students to demonstrate their English proficiency when applying to academic programs.
In addition to standardised tests, educational institutions may employ other methods to assess English language proficiency. Written tests, such as essays or long-answer questions, can evaluate a student's proficiency in writing and their ability to express thoughts and ideas coherently and complexly. Oral tests are also used to assess spoken language skills, including fluency, pronunciation, intonation, and overall speaking proficiency. These tests help educators gauge a student's ability to actively participate in class discussions and presentations.
For younger students who are not preparing for official exams, teachers may focus on reinforcing classroom content and utilising alternative assessment forms to help students review and retain information. These can include written, oral, and general proficiency tests tailored to meet the specific needs of the students and provide targeted support to enhance their English language skills.
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Course requirements and academic rigour
Academic rigour and course requirements are key components of the admissions process for international students. Academic rigour refers to the perceived difficulty of a course, with courses like AP, IB, and AICE classes recognised for their rigorous nature. Students who take on these challenging courses demonstrate their willingness and capacity to push themselves academically. Colleges and universities seek applicants who are likely to succeed within their curriculum, and those who have taken rigorous courses are seen as better prepared for the demands of college.
However, it's important to balance rigour with well-being. While challenging courses are admirable, a transcript full of low grades in rigorous courses may not be beneficial. Students are advised to take on rigorous courses they can reasonably handle, maintaining a balance that doesn't compromise their mental health.
When evaluating international students, admissions officers consider various factors, including academic records, transcripts, and credentials. Credential evaluations compare an international student's academic records from their home country to their US equivalents, ensuring a standardised evaluation process. This may include evaluating high school transcripts, diplomas, and the US equivalence of each credential, unit, and grade.
Additionally, international students can stand out by showcaseing their unique experiences, extracurricular abilities, and how they will contribute to the campus community. Demonstrating interest in the school through interactions on social media, attending webinars, and connecting with admissions officers can also positively impact the evaluation process.
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Resume and application
As an international student, you should understand the evaluation process and criteria for accepting international students, as these vary across US colleges and universities. Colleges and universities evaluate several pieces of information in the US admissions process. One of the key components is a credential evaluation, which compares your academic records from your home country to their US equivalents. This allows institutions to evaluate your academic records using the same criteria as for domestic students. Credential evaluations typically include high school transcripts and, sometimes, a high school diploma.
Now, let's focus on the resume and application aspect of your question.
Your resume is a crucial component of your application, as it is often your first impression on potential employers or admissions officers. Here are some tips for crafting a strong resume as an international student:
- Understand the Resume Format: In the United States, resumes are typically one page and summarize a candidate's work history, while CVs provide more detail and may be longer. If you're applying for a job in the US, opt for a concise resume format unless specifically asked for a CV.
- Objective Statement: Start your resume with a concise objective statement – one or two sentences describing your goals and skills. This is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you're a good fit for the role or programme.
- Work Experience: List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, focusing on the most relevant roles. Include your job title, employer, dates, and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements. If you're light on work experience, highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer positions, leadership roles, and awards.
- Education: Include your educational background, such as your high school credentials and university degree (or equivalent). Mention your GPA and test scores if they are above average. If applying for graduate school, detail your research, papers, and conferences.
- Skills: List any technical skills, soft skills, and language abilities. These could include CRM software proficiency, teamwork, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
- Visa Status: If applying for a job, include your visa status, expiry, and work restrictions. This reassures employers that you're legally able to work in that country.
- Proofreading: Have a native English speaker review your resume for language errors and suggestions for improvement. You can also use online tools like Grammarly.
- Template: Use a template to ensure a professional-looking resume. Microsoft Word offers free templates that can guide your layout and content.
Remember, your resume should reflect your unique experiences, abilities, and goals. Highlight what sets you apart and demonstrate how you can contribute to the campus community or workplace.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to get your academic records evaluated by a credential evaluation service. This service will compare your marks from your home country to their US equivalents, allowing universities to evaluate your academic records on the same grounds as domestic students.
A credential evaluation service is a third-party organisation that is not connected to any one university. They specialise in evaluating international transcripts and degrees.
The credential evaluation service will provide a report that identifies the institution(s) attended, dates of attendance, credential(s) earned, and the United States educational equivalent. It will also list individual courses taken with semester units, individual grade equivalents, and an overall grade point average.
Make sure the service is certified by the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Some colleges will request a particular evaluation service, so check the requirements before choosing.
The process can take around two to three weeks, but this may vary depending on the service and the number of applications they are processing.
