Applying To a US University

There are certain procedures that you must follow when Applying to a US Universty. Essentially the process is the same for most schools, but there are a few twists that international students must consider. Also there are some common mistakes that international students typically make, often at their own peril.

Research and Inquiries

First, begin with a general inquiry, preferably using the Internet. In the modern era, almost everything you need to know about a school and its process would be outlined on the school’s web page. However, sites are not uniform, and some are more user friendly than others.

If you are unclear about anything, or wish information on scholarships, or application fee waivers, or anything, send an email inquiry. Avoid postal letters! We have seen many flattering letters from international students who mistakenly believe that the said letter is equivalent to an application. Grave mistake! Use the forms! You are much more likely to get quick responses from a university when you are a live, actual applicant.

Admission Fee and Transcripts

Second, pay your application fee and have your transcripts sent. Universities are not fond of hypothetical inquiries. It is a common mistake that international applicants make. Sending a resume or a description of your credentials to ask “what is your chance” will not normally get an enthusiastic or timely response.

Universities generally believe you are a serious applicant when you invest the application fee. By US standards, it is a small investment of usually $25-75. If you are applying to several universities that can be a limiting factor. We discuss ways to address the admission fee problem with the strategic approaches.

Transcripts delay applications processes more than anything else. Since you must request all transcripts from every secondary and post secondary institution, and depend on them to forward it, you will have to be vigilant to follow up with that institution.

Similarly, you will have to keep checking on the status of your application with your prospective institution and not take anything for granted. Keep in mind that some institutions will conditionally admit you with certified copies of your transcripts and exam results. However, before you are eligible for an I-20, most will require that you have the originals sent from the source schools.

Standardized Test

Third, test scores should be completed well in advance and directed to your schools of choice. In most cases, TOEFL, SAT or ACT, or GMAT or GRE if you are post grad, will be needed. As a general rule, TOEFL minimums of 79 (web), 213 (computer) or 550 (paper), will be enough for most schools.

The academic test requirements vary widely depending on the competitiveness of the school. However, if you have completed at least 12 credit hours of post secondary education with good standing in an accredited institution that can typically win you admission as a transfer student.

Beware

Finally, there is one possible quirk to note. Some institutions will require you to submit financial information prior to admitting you. We completely disagree with that approach and would even advocate that prospective students avoid any such institution. It is not that they are disreputable, but we think it signals a rigid philosophy towards international students and forecasts similarly rigid approaches to other processes where discretion can be exercised.  Essentially, they ask you to prove you can pay, before you can be admitted.

Generally, the steps above are all that is required. Whenever possible, do an online transaction or inquiry, and if documents are to be mailed, use express companies to insure delivery.

Before we leave the subject of Applying to a US university here is a basic strategy that will serve to make your task a lot easier. This strategy helps you hedge your bets and stretch your venture capital. Read Strategically Applying to US Universities to learn more about this application strategy.

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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

Daxupatel November 20, 2011 at 12:50 pm

How many persentage will i have to get for visa right now i m in 12th science. March 3 2012 my board exam there so help me out. And what is process i have to do

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Debra Dowgill November 17, 2011 at 8:05 am

My son applied to go to Holy Names University in California. We paid the admissions fee, sent the SAT results and all of his original certificates as was requested to process his application. We were applying for a scholarship and got part funding but as we were unable to fund the rest he was unable to take the place at the university. They now will not return his certificates and have informed us that they are the property of the university and will be destroyed after two years. They say that they cannot return them due to student privacy laws as they need to ensure that my son is the one that actually receives them. Is this correct and if so is there any way around it? We are from the UK and he is hoping to go to university here next year so it is important that he has his original certificates back.

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Tsering Dolkar Sherpa November 8, 2011 at 1:15 pm

hi,
I am Tsering recently I have got my i-20 so what should be my next step please help me.

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Dipak Debnath November 1, 2011 at 8:16 pm

I want to studing in America.
How can I get American visa???
please help me for my good Future.

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neville November 2, 2011 at 12:37 am

Hi Dipak,
Yes everyone wants a visa, but before you can get one there are few things you need to do first. Luckily you’ve come to the right place. If you have not already done so spend some time reading on selecting the right US University. After you have chosen a couple then you must apply to the Universities. Then only if you get accepted can you start the road towards getting a US Visa. Please see our Applying and Visa sections of the site for details on the process. Good Luck and let us know if you have other questions.

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Victor Parry Barney September 13, 2011 at 5:27 pm

I have acquired a Diploma in Business Administration (Marketing option) at the Institute of Professional Studies, Ghana (West Africa) and will want to apply for a university in the states. what are my requirements? Will the transcript be enough for the application?

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Dodeh R. Jones August 20, 2011 at 8:52 pm

A simple wisdom through pen and paper is stronger them a big gun/weapon

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A.K.M JAKARIA May 14, 2011 at 9:15 am

I AM B.A-HONS,MASTERS IN ENGLISH,BANGLADESHI AND WORKING IN A COLLEGE AS A LECTURER IN ENGLISH FROM 5 YEARS.NOW I WANT TO STUDY IN U.S.A. BY HAVING SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID FROM THIS UNIVERSITY.PLEASE GET A ADMISSION AND GRANT SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID. THANK YOU.

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Richardson Nyanful January 5, 2011 at 9:29 am

help me study in usa to enlighten my future

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JEAN October 11, 2010 at 9:33 pm

am a kenyan, can i get admission to american universities?

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Umair Sattar July 17, 2010 at 7:46 am

How can I Get addmission in American Universities.
Actually i m Asian

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claris yufenyuy April 20, 2009 at 12:57 pm

wanted to apply to attend the seminar but was late to apply and for those who have succeeded in applying ,they should take it seriously.may God bless us all

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Lekeanyi Kenneth April 5, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Some students find it difficult to take English Language Tests, since the services may be limited to them. Addition to that, internet classes can be such expensive to some students from developing countries.
Some students from Anglo-Saxon Universities thought it unwise to still take English Language Examination since their entire studies have been in English

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