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ADMISSION PROCESS IN THE U.S.
In order to get admitted to a U.S. college or university, students have to meet certain criteria and requirements, regardless of whether studies are within an undergraduate or graduate program. Each institution sets its own admission standards depending on the field of study, program level, and each individual applicant. It’s important to know that entry requirements are subject to change at the time you start filling out the application form.
It is also important to remember that athletic recruitment and sports scholarships follow a slightly different timeline than regular applications, so it is better to start the application process 1-1.5 years before the actual enrolment deadline.
Although admission policies vary from school to school, below is a general list of documents that international students might be required to provide in order to obtain an I-20 and be officially accepted to a post-secondary institution in U.S.:
PROOF OF IDENTITY
You will be asked to provide a valid passport (a scan of the photo identification pages). Note, your passport should be valid for more than 6 months at the time you submit the application.
ACADEMIC RECORDS
You will be required to submit full official transcripts of all your relevant academic qualifications:
- Official transcript of your last three years of high school or any other college/university you have attended
- Certified copy of high school graduation certificate/diploma (if available at time of application)
- High school Grade Point Average (GPA) may be required in some cases
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Most courses and universities in the U.S. require students to take one of the following standardized tests:
- SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test) or
- ACT (American College Testing)
- SAT II Subject Tests (a few universities may require taking this)
Each school sets a minimum SAT and ACT score that a student must achieve in order to gain admission.
International students are also required to take an English proficiency tests:
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) the minimum score required by most universities is 525 for paper-based version or 61 for Internet-based version.
- An overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) band score of 5.5 or above.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) may be accepted by some institutions
Please note that proficiency levels are determined by the institution, and may require higher scores, depending on the major of study.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
- TOEFL – The minimum score required by most universities for admission is 570 for paper-based version, 80 for internet-based version and 230 for computer-based version.
- IELTS – A minimum overall band score of 6.5 or above.
Some graduate programs may require taking GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) tests.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation letters play an important part in admission especially in courses that may lead to a master’s or doctoral degree. Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving you the reference letter on your behalf.
It is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your application package, as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
ESSAYS/STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular program, the suitability of education and experience for your chosen field, and your personal interests and goals. The essay or statement of purpose may help you in obtaining both admission and financial aid (if applicable).
PROOF OF FINANCES
- A bank statement (not older than 3 months prior to the application date) – You will be required to submit an official bank statement demonstrating your financial capacity to support your education in the U.S. It must show evidence of being able to pay at least 1 year of tuition fees plus living expenses. Furthermore, bank statements must be translated in English language and converted to U.S. dollars, if shown in foreign currency.
- Affidavit of Financial Support Form – Required only if the bank statement belongs to anyone other than the applicant.
INTERVIEW
Some universities and colleges arrange interviews with prospective students. The interview could be with college representatives, admissions counselors, or alumni of the institution, and may take place on campus or via Skype/telephone. These interviews are usually more informal and do not require much preparation in advance.