Approximately 30% of all international students choose to study in the USA. A combination of world-class institutions, state-of-the-art facilities, an excellent academic reputation and a diverse mix of cultures from all over the world makes it the number one destination for international students. Plus, due to its size, there's plenty of choice.
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The application cycle for international students applying to study in the USA can be a lengthy one. It is advisable to start the process at least twelve months before your studies are due to begin to avoid making mistakes and missing deadlines. Staying organised is essential - print out regular checklists of the different application steps so you know what you have done, and what is still left to do.
Applying to between five to ten colleges or universities is normally advised. Where possible try and make your choices a balanced mixture of ‘dream’, ‘probable’ and ‘safety net’ institutions.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements tend to vary between institutions. It is always advisable to check the websites of any colleges and universities you are interested in applying to, to ensure you are on the right track. If you are still unsure, contact the international/admissions department to ask further questions; they will be more than happy to help. Always ensure your emails are polite and presentable - bad manners, spelling mistakes and abbreviations will not make a good first impression on the people who will potentially be deciding if you are the right applicant for their institution.
How to apply
For the USA, there are three main methods of applying to colleges and universities - Standard Applications, the Common Application and Early Action/Early Decision.
Whichever method you decide upon, always keep copies of all documents, transcripts and certificates you have supplied with your applications.
It is normal procedure for international students to apply directly to their chosen institutions, either using a print or online application. Applications can usually be accessed via the institution website. Typical applications require:
Accompanying materials usually required by institutions include:
Additional materials may also be required, for instance, some universities may wish to see a portfolio of your relevant work. You should ask the institution you are applying to about which documents they require.
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organisation, which offers an alternate application method for students. Through the Common Application students can apply to any of the 456 member institutions using a centralised application form. The member institutions include a mixture of public and private colleges. You can view a list of all members on the Common Application website.
Common Applications can be completed either online or on paper. The application requires:
Additional materials may also be required. The above information is a guideline only.
To learn more about the Common Application, visit - www.commonapp.org
If you have a specific institution that you would like to apply to, you could consider an early application. Early application comes in two forms.
The first, Early Action, requires an application usually around October/November. Early Action applications can only be made to a single college or university, but you may apply to others through standard applications. With early action, if an institution accepts you, you can accept immediately or wait until the following spring to accept.
However some colleges now offer a single-choice Early Action plan, which prohibits students from applying to other institutions through standard applications. It is highly advisable to visit the college/university website to ascertain what their policies are for early applications.
Early Decision also requires an application in November. Early Decision applications differ from Early Action in that, if you apply early and are accepted, you have entered a binding agreement with the institution and cannot apply anywhere else.
Applicants who apply through Early Action/Early Decision are usually notified about acceptance by December or January.
English language requirements
If your native language is not English, or your current education is not being taught in English, you will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language to be accepted into many US institutions.
To demonstrate proficiency in the English language, you will be required to take one or more of the following tests:
Language requirements vary for different courses and levels of study, so contact the college or university directly to ascertain their English language test requirements.
Last updated: 15 December 2011
