USA Admission Guide
A Guide for International Students Applying to US Universities
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Introduction (1)
Finding the best fit schools for you (1-2)
What are admissions committees looking for? (3-5)
What do you need, and need to know, to apply? (6-8)
Resources (9)
Testing and advanced course study (9-11)
Requirements (11-12)
Commonly-used terminology (12-13)
Introduction
Applying to American universities is complex, and even more so for students navigating the process from abroad. There are many decisions to be made and unfamiliar terms to learn when researching schools, visiting campuses, and understanding application requirements. Some questions you might have include:
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What is the Common Application and how do I use it?
What is Early Decision and how do I know if I should apply early or in the regular round?
Which standardized tests (ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS) do I need to take?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, don’t worry! Much of the complexity can be relieved with the proper organization, research, planning, and guidance. The experts at IvyWise have written this guide to provide you with important information that will help you nd and apply to a US university where you will be successful and thrive.
Finding the Best Fit Schools for You
There are thousands of universities in the US and the most important part of the admissions process is
nding those that are the best ts for you. The myth that you must attend a highly ranked college in order to receive an excellent education is far from true! A school’s ranking often depends on many factors that have little to do with the classroom experience. For example, student selectivity, academic reputation, and alumni giving account for nearly half of a school’s US News & World Report ranking. We encourage our students to create their own rankings based on the academic, social, and nancial factors that are important to them.
There are many such factors to consider when creating your college list. Think about the school’s location and size, the specic programs and professors that you would want to study with, the availability of clubs and sports that interest you, and social offerings. What else do you think is essential to your college experience? Answering these questions will give you a unique list of criteria through which you can evaluate potential schools.
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Here is a brief questionnaire to help you get started:
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Which areas of the US are you considering?
Northeast
Southeast
Mid-Atlantic
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Northwest
Southwest
Urban
Suburban
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How often do you plan to return home?
______x per month
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West
Which types of location are you considering?
Rural
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Midwest
______x per year
What size school will suit you best?
Small (Under 3,000 undergraduates)
Large (Over 7,000 undergraduates)
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Medium (3,000-7,000 undergraduates)
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Are any of the following campus cultural issues important considerations for you?
Religion
Socioeconomic Level
Race
Other:___________
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Would you prefer a general or specialized curriculum?
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Do you plan to declare a major immediately? What do you want to study?
Liberal Arts
Engineering
Sciences
Business
Other:
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Will you be seeking outside funding for your education?
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What extracurricular activities and amenities (dorms, dining options, gymnasium, etc.) are important to you?
For a complete worksheet of questions to consider when choosing your colleges, check out Dr. Kat’s book The Truth About Getting In.
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What are admissions committees looking for?
When selecting a freshmen class, colleges are not looking for well-rounded students, they are looking for well-rounded student bodies made up of specialists. Colleges are also looking for consistency and commitment; it is better to be involved in a few activities that truly develop and express your interests, for a sustained period of time, than participating piecemeal in a multitude of activities. This applies to athletics, clubs, summer activities, hobbies, community service, employment, and even academic courses.
A successful college application will give the application reader a sense of who the applicant is, beyond the facts and gures. You are responsible for conveying the best and most accurate representation of yourself to the admissions committees at your targeted schools. A college application is no place for modesty – be proud of who you are and all that you have achieved, including your failures and weaknesses. Weaknesses and failures are great learning experiences, and universities will appreciate that you have challenged yourself and grown from these difculties.
To start, US universities may consider some or all of the following:
Academic Record
• Your secondary school courses and your marks in these courses
• Standardized test results (SAT or ACT, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL or IELTS)
• Class rank (where you stand in relation to your peers)
• Grade trends (whether your grades have improved, remained the same, or declined over your years of secondary school)
Personal Record
• Resume
• Personal essay(s)
• Letters of recommendation (from teachers and your secondary school counselor)
• Personal interview (on campus or with an alumnus)
A signicant number of US schools base admissions decisions on an applicant’s academic record. However, some of the most selective schools will also consider an applicant’s personal record. This is because a number of applicants with stellar academic records are applying for relatively few spots in a freshman class at a given university. Admissions ofcers at the most selective schools say that 80% of applicants are academically qualied to attend the school. But those universities accept less than 20% of their applicants each year. Who you are as a person can be nearly as important as your academic success.
Your academic record is the most important factor in the admissions process. The rst question an admissions ofcer is asking when he or she opens your application is, “Can this student do the work?” Your secondary school courses should reect a rigorous, yet appropriate, curriculum that is suited to your interests and talents. Regardless of whether your secondary school is public or private, you should challenge yourself as much as possible. Remember that it is important to not only take high-level courses that match your interests, but to do well in those courses. Selective US universities will not only consider your performance in those courses, but they will also look at your academic performance over time. They will want to see you achieve either:
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Consistently high marks in increasingly difcult courses, showing persistent hard work and a high level of performance
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An upward grade trend showing a consistent rise in your marks, as well as considerable effort and hard work, especially as the courses get more and more challenging. For example, if you are a Singaporean student, admissions ofcers will want to see your marks improve from the B3 or B4 range to A2 or A1
(ideally, A1 by the time you nish secondary school).
The next questions an admissions ofcer will be asking are: “Who are you? Will you make a valuable contribution to the campus community? What type of character traits do you possess?” These questions can be answered by your resume, essays, letters of recommendation, and your interview.
The resume you submit along with your application should include a list of all extracurricular activities, honors/awards, community service, employment or internships, summer experiences, and hobbies/interests that you have participated in throughout your years in secondary school. The resume allows admissions ofcers to see how you have contributed to your secondary school or local community in addition to your work in your classes. Remember, like courses and grades, US universities like to see consistency and commitment when it comes to your activities. It is better to be involved in three or four activities wholeheartedly over four years, than nine or ten activities supercially, changing from year to year.
Some schools require that students write one or more essays as part of their university application. Schools that use the Common Application require one personal statement and one activity essay, in addition to any essay questions that may appear on the university’s separate supplement. Learn more about the Common
Application in Section IV: “What do you need, and need to know, to apply.”
The Common Application Personal Statement is a 500-word-or-less essay that addresses one of six prompts created by the Common Application:
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Evaluate a signicant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
Indicate a person who has had a signicant inuence on you, and describe that inuence.
Describe a character in ction, a historical gure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an inuence on you, and explain that inuence.
A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice.
The Common Application Activity Essay is a 150-word essay that briey elaborates on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
In addition to these required Common Application essays, some universities have a separate supplement with additional essay questions. Here are some sample essay questions from 2012-2013 applications:
Yale:
In this second essay [in addition to the Common Application essay], please reect on something that you would like us to know that we might not learn from the rest of your application – or something that you would like to say more about. We ask that you limit your essay to fewer than 500 words. Before you begin, we
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encourage you to go to http://admissions.yale.edu/essay, where you will nd helpful advice.
Tufts:
Which aspects of Tufts’ curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short: “Why
Tufts?” (50–100 words)
There is a Quaker saying: “Let your life speak.” Describe the environment in which you were raised – your family, home, neighborhood or community – and how it inuenced the person you are today. (200–250)
Now we’d like to know a little bit more about you. Please respond to one of the following (200-250):
1. Doctor Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter, don’t mind.” We don’t mind. Who are you? Respond in the medium of your choice: prose, video, blog, digital portfolio, slam poetry... For media other than writing, please share a link (video can be submitted via YouTube but we recommend using a privacy setting) that is easily accessible.
2. What makes you happy?
3. Sports, science and society are lled with rules, theories and laws like the Ninth Commandment, PV=nRT,
Occam’s Razor, and The Law of Diminishing Returns. Three strikes and you’re out. “I” before “E” except after “C.” Warm air rises. Pick one and explain its signicance to you.
4. Celebrate your nerdy side.
5. If your classmates were to you honor you with a “senior superlative” in the yearbook, what would it be and why? Georgetown:
Note: Georgetown University does not accept the Common Application.
SHORT ESSAY: In the space available discuss the signicance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved (one-half page).
Compose two brief essays (approximately one page each) on the topics given below. Essays should be typewritten. Attach the required essays to the top of this page:
1. ESSAY ONE - ALL APPLICANTS: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.
2. ESSAY TWO - College Specic (see application supplement for details)
In addition to your resume and essays, admissions ofcers will be looking to your teachers, counselors, and others with whom you interact so they can make an accurate assessment of your character. Selective US universities require at least one letter of recommendation, and occasionally there will be additional requirements about the letter writer’s academic area, particularly if you plan to study in the science, technology, engineering, or math elds. Finally, some universities like to have a personal interview with applicants. This is an opportunity for the school or an alumni representative to meet you and learn more about you and your interest in that particular university. Keep in mind that the interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about that university. It is a chance for you to ask questions either of somebody who works at the school or from somebody who went there. Ask about life at the college, the availability of courses or facilities, or something that you have read about the school and want elaborated.
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What do you need, and need to know, to apply?
College applications are evaluated on what IvyWise Founder and CEO Katherine Cohen calls “Hard Factors” and “Soft Factors.” Most schools will base the majority of their admissions decisions on a student’s “hard factors,” which are part of a student’s academic record and include the high school transcript (course work, grades, GPA, and class rank) and standardized test scores. Selective schools will further evaluate applicants based on the student’s personal record, or “soft factors,” which are manifested in letters of recommendation, essays, extracurricular activities, and interviews.
Documents supporting “the Hard Factors”
The Application – Nearly 500 colleges in the US accept the Common Application. 58 colleges in the US accept the Universal Application. The Common Application and Universal Application allow applicants to ll out one standard application and submit it to multiple schools. Other colleges have their own application that you need to ll out and submit. Most schools prefer that you submit your application online, though you can often mail a paper version. Each school’s application requirements are unique, so it is important to read all instructions and pay attention to deadlines.
The Supplement – Many colleges that accept the Common Application and the Universal Application also require an application supplement that is unique to that particular college. Supplements can vary signicantly in length and content and can request one or more of the following:
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Additional demographic information
Your intended major or courses of study
Essays
Short-answer questions
Questions that are specic to your experience with and intentions at a particular school
Some schools also require an International Supplement. The Common Application provides one such form on its website (https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/DownloadForms.aspx).
The Application Fee – Most colleges charge a non-refundable application fee, usually ranging from $35 to
$75. Some schools may reduce or waive this fee if you submit your application electronically.
Ofcial Transcript – Your secondary school must provide an ofcial transcript to each college to which you apply. Generally, the transcript is how a university will assess your academic record and should show the courses that you’ve taken and the grades that you have received, as well as your grade point average and class rank, if applicable. This transcript also includes a prole of your secondary school, which will help a college interpret the academic environment and how you performed in it. If your transcript is in another language, you will need to have it translated by an approved translation service (such as the World Education
Service or the American Translators Association) and include a certicate of translation with your application.
Test Scores – Most schools will require either the ACT or the SAT, a specied number of SAT Subject Tests, and for international students, an English prociency test (either the IELTS or the TOEFL). Most colleges will take the highest score achieved in each section of a test, even if they occurred on different test dates. Some schools require that you achieve a minimum score on standardized tests, particularly the IELTS and TOEFL.
However, these policies vary by school so it is important to research the policies at each school on your college list.
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“The Soft Factors”
Letters of Recommendation – Most colleges will ask you to submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or other adult who knows you well. In addition, most schools will require a letter of recommendation from your school guidance counselor and some will ask for a letter from a peer.
Essays – College admissions committees want to know something about you that they cannot otherwise learn from the rest of your application. You should avoid writing an essay that lists or reiterates activities or information that can be learned from other areas of the application. A good essay can make an applicant come alive to an application reader, and transform a candidate from a series of numbers and statistics to a living, breathing human being.
Additional Components – If the colleges on your list offer interviews, then you should make every effort to schedule one. The interview is an excellent opportunity for you to express your interest in a school, as well as for you to ask questions and learn more about the school. Also, the person whom you meet with during your interview can be a valuable point of contact throughout the application process.
If you have an interest in music or the arts, it often makes sense to include an audition tape or portfolio. Some schools require that a specic form accompany the artistic submission. Each school has different requirements, so it a good idea to make a checklist including the specic application materials required or recommended at each school on your college list. IvyWise students receive a customized, comprehensive checklist that includes information on standardized testing requirements, interviews and visits, letters of recommendation, supplemental essays, deadlines, and more.
When to Apply
There are many different options when it comes time to submit your college application. Each school varies in the type(s) of admission it offers and each student should decide when to apply based on their individual needs and goals. You will want to consider the following types of admission:
Regular Decision (RD) – Regular Decision means that applications and supporting documents must be submitted by a set date in your senior year. The dates vary from November 30 through March 15, but most selective schools’ regular decision applications are due January 1, 15, or February 1. The college then takes action on all the applications and noties all students of its admissions decisions at the same time.
Notication dates are in the spring of senior year, usually around April 1. If accepted, you must notify the college by May 1 of your intent to accept or decline their offer of admission.
Early Decision (ED) – Early Decision is a good choice for students who have selected a denite top-choice college. When applying Early Decision, you sign a binding agreement that if accepted, you will denitely attend that school. By applying ED, you are telling a school that it is your rst-choice; students are often rewarded with an increase in the admit rate during this period. ED applications must be submitted in their entirety, usually between November 1 and November 15. Early Decision applicants are usually notied of their decision in December and can be either accepted, denied, or deferred to the regular decision round.
Some schools additionally offer an ED2 option for students who know that a particular college is their top-choice, but are not ready to apply by November. For ED 2, the same rules apply, but the deadline and notication dates are later than the ED dates. You may apply to only one school Early Decision, although you may often simultaneously apply to another school Early Action (with the exception of schools that are
Single-Choice Early Action) as well as to schools with regular and rolling admissions policies. Schools such as Boston University, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University, Middlebury College, and the University of
Pennsylvania offer Early Decision options.
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Early Action (EA) – The main difference between EA and ED, is that under EA, you are not required to attend the target school if accepted and you may continue to apply to other schools simultaneously. Given this, EA is a good decision for students who have decided that they denitely want to apply to a particular school or schools and who are ready to submit their applications in November. Students who apply Early
Action will hear in December if they have been accepted, denied, or deferred to the regular decision round.
Schools such as Boston College, Georgetown University, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago offer Early Action options.
Rolling Admission – Colleges that use rolling admission assess and act on an application as soon as the application le is submitted in its entirety. Usually, the college will notify the applicant of an admission decision within weeks of receiving the completed application. The deadline for this type of admission is usually May 1, and these schools will usually continue to accept students until they reach their capacity enrollment; therefore, it is best to send in your application as early as possible. Schools such as DePaul
University, Loyola University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Michigan offer Rolling Admission.
Cost
While international students attending college in the US may qualify for scholarships, you will not be eligible for nancial aid at the majority of US higher education institutions. As part of the application process, US institutions require international students to prove that they or their families can afford the cost of attendance at the institution to which they are applying. Further, the US government will require documentation of the amount and source of this funding. When calculating the cost of attendance, families need to account for tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks, supplies, and transportation. US schools provide information about the cost of attendance. This information can typically be found on the admissions or nancial aid sections of the school’s website. In addition, at IvyWise, we tell families to use the ten percent rule – take whatever you think a year at a school will cost and add ten percent to cover the unexpected costs associated with college attendance, as well as ination.
Visit
At IvyWise, we advise our students to visit campuses in-person, whenever possible. This is even more important for international students. Visiting in-person, ideally while classes are in session, will allow you to talk with current students and professors, see dorms, dining halls, and other campus facilities in use, and gain an overall impression of the school’s atmosphere and community.
In addition, many applications have some version of a “why do you want to attend this college?” essay.
Firsthand impressions of a school will allow you to best answer this question, and prove your interest to the admissions committees at the schools on your college list. Some colleges also track interest, so by signing up for the tour and information session, scheduling an interview and following-up with a thank-you note, schools will have a record of you on le before you even apply.
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Resources
There are many publications and websites that can help guide your research as you examine your needs, desires, and aspirations for a higher education. IvyWise recommends The Fiske Guide, for its combination of comprehensive facts and gures, as well as personal anecdotes and descriptions of each campus. For international students especially, for whom visiting campuses in person isn’t always feasible,
Campus Tours (www.campustours.com) is a great source for virtual college tours, webcams, campus maps, college videos, and movies. College Prowler (www.collegeprowler.com), and Unigo (www.unigo. com) let you check out reviews by and submit your own questions to actual students. Another great option for international students, who are trying to visit several campuses during a short period of time, is College
Visits (www.college-visits.com). The site organizes group tours to specic geographic areas that cover several colleges and information sessions over the course of a few days. These trips are well planned and can be affordable.
The College Board and The Princeton Review both publish an annual guide of colleges and universities.
These books can be purchased online or in bookstores. Their respective websites, www.collegeboard.org and www.princetonreview.com are free and easy to use. Both sites offer a version of a college
“matchmaker” tool, which suggests schools that may be a good t based on your answers to prompted questions. The Princeton Review site also has a special section for international students, with related links on visa applications, academic and testing requirements, and application deadlines.
If you are looking for a more thorough college search engine, which will also steer you through the application process, check out www.applywise.com. In addition to providing expert advice, ApplyWise offers interactive exercises for a full understanding of the admissions process, and guides students through the application each step of the way.
Testing and Advanced Course Study
SAT/ACT
You will make the college admissions process easier on yourself in the long run by rst organizing the requirements and deadlines for testing and other components of the application. For international students, deciphering the differences between American standardized testing options is often a test in and of itself.
The SAT and the ACT are offered at locations throughout the world and it is important to check out each organization’s specic website (SAT: www.collegeboard.org and ACT: www.actstudent.org) to nd out specic dates and locations, and register. Spaces can ll up fast and registering early guarantees that you will be able to take the test on your preferred date. Most colleges require either the SAT or the ACT and you should read each college’s application materials carefully to determine its individual requirements.
The SAT is a predominantly multiple-choice test that attempts to predict a student’s rst-year college success. Composed of three sections, the SAT score is weighted evenly among reading/verbal, writing, and mathematics with the highest possible score for each section being 800, for a total possible score of
2400. IvyWise counselors recommend giving yourself three opportunities to take the SAT between second semester of junior year and rst semester of senior year. Most colleges will take the highest score achieved in each section, even if they occurred on different test dates.
The ACT is a single-format test in the academic areas of English, reading, mathematics, and natural sciences. Students receive a sub-score on each of these four sections, graded on a scale of 1-36, as well as an overall composite score.
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SAT Subject Tests
Similar to AP exams (see below), SAT Subject Tests test knowledge in one of 20 specic subject areas.
Like the SAT, these one-hour exams are scored out of a possible 800. You should read each college’s application materials carefully to determine its individual requirements: some schools require certain subjects, others require a certain number of tests in subjects of your choosing, while at other schools the tests are optional. In today’s competitive college admissions environment, students applying to the most selective schools often send in more than three SAT Subject Test scores. SAT Subject Tests can be taken throughout your time in high school and need not be saved for your upper years. The experts at IvyWise suggest that the best time to take a subject test is right after you have completed your coursework in that subject. These subject tests are offered at international sites and more information can be found on the
College Board website.
TOEFL/IELTS
In addition to standardized testing required for admissions consideration, international students may also need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). If you are planning to study in the United
States, Canada, or other countries where English is the primary language of instruction, you should read each college’s application materials carefully to determine its individual requirements. Some schools will accept your English prociency solely on the basis of having taken the SAT or ACT, while others will want to see the TOEFL in addition to these other tests. The TOEFL consists of a mixture of ll-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and essay-style questions and can be taken online at accredited testing sites throughout the world. For dates and locations visit www.ets.org/toe.
Although the TOEFL is more widely known, most schools will also accept the IELTS (International English
Language Testing System) to demonstrate English language prociency. Schools have different policies regarding minimum scores, and you can visit the websites of the colleges you are applying to in order to determine their individual policies. The IELTS is broken into four sections (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), and takes two hours and forty-ve minutes. Available in more than 800 locations throughout the world, and offered 48 times per year, specic dates and locations for the IELTS can be found at www.ielts. org. AP (Advanced Placement)
The AP (Advanced Placement) program offers high-school students the opportunity to take college-level classes (or study independently) to prepare for an exam in any of 34 subject areas. The exams, held in
May of each year, are scored on a scale of one through ve, with several colleges offering comparable credit for scores of three or higher. AP courses are currently offered in more than 100 countries. The 2012 fee for exams administered outside of the United States and Canada is $117 per exam. While AP exams are not required for college admissions, they are an increasingly competitive factor in representing academic dedication and intellectual challenge. For more information on AP exams, visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.
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IB (International Baccalaureate)
Comparable to AP coursework, and offered in international American school curricula, the International
Baccalaureate offers students college-level study in multiple subjects. While with AP courses and tests students prepare for a specic exam in a single focused subject (and can take as many or as few of these courses and exams as they want), the IB diploma program consists of six courses in six different subjects
(three higher level subjects and three standard level subjects), as well as three core requirements (the extended essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and creativity, action, service (CAS)). At the completion of the program, which is spread over two years, written examinations are completed and diplomas are awarded accordingly for students who score a total of 24 to 45 points. Each subject is scored on a one to seven point scale, with up to three additional points awarded for combined results on the extended essay and TOK, and satisfactory participation in CAS. Many colleges grant credit (each point translates to a college credit hour) for completing the IB program, or will waive the requirement of lower-level core courses. For more information on the IB program, visit www.ibo.org.
A (Advanced) Levels
Another advanced study option in many international curricula are A Levels. Offered in several countries worldwide, in over 45 different subjects, A Level course achievements are widely recognized at US higher education institutions. Usually studied over a two-year period, and usually studied by students in their nal two years of secondary education, A Levels are made up of two levels of study, the rst year, AS, and second year, A2. A Levels are graded on a scale from A* to E: A* awarded to students who achieve an A at
A level and also achieve 90 percent or more across all A2 units, A (80-100), B (70-79), C (60-69), D (5059), E (40-49). Like AP courses, A Level courses have strict guidelines and syllabi to ensure appropriate preparation for the eventual exam, and if completed successfully, could lead to college credit. For more information on A Levels, and the ofcial guide including grading, visit www.ofqual.gov.uk/for-students-andparents.
Requirements
Translations
If your high school transcript is not in English, it is important that you translate your academic records linguistically, as well as in terms of American education (grade and course) equivalencies. American colleges and universities will need to be able to interpret your credentials accurately in comparison to all of their other applicants. In most cases, you will need to send both the original and the translated copy of your high school transcript. Some schools will require that you hire a translator to ensure that you are providing an unbiased and accurate translation. Be sure to check with each school you are applying to for their individual requirements. To get an idea of how your grades and GPA will convert to an American scale, the World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org offers free translations for more than 120 countries.
Visas and Documentation
In order to attend an American college or university, you will need to obtain a student visa. However, you cannot apply for your student visa until you have been accepted for enrollment at an SEVP (Student and
Exchange Visitor Program) certied institution. When applying for a student visa, be sure to have all of the required forms and documentation ready (for a complete list visit travel.state.gov).
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The school at which you will be enrolling will be your sponsor for study in the US, and as such, will need to submit a Form I-20 to the US Government on your behalf. This form certies that you have satised all admissions requirements, have enrolled and will be pursuing a specic degree, and have sufcient nancial support to study and live in the US for the duration of your course of study. According to NACAC (National
Association for College Admission Counseling), in reviewing your visa application, the US government is looking to answer the following questions when assessing your application:
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Are you a real student?
Do you intend to return to your home country after college?
Do you have enough money to support yourself while in the United States (without getting a job, which is illegal for nonimmigrant students)?
In addition to your application, you will need to schedule an in-person interview with the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Many of these centers have long waits, and it is a good idea to contact the ofce early in the college application process. NACAC recommends that you arrive to your interview prepared to answer the following questions:
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Why do you want to study in the United States?
Why did you choose (name of college)?
Why did you choose this major? What jobs will this prepare you for?
How will studying in the United States prepare you for a job here at home?
What have you been involved in that shows your commitment to your home country?
How will you pay for the college fees and living expenses in the United States?
Other questions about the United States, your educational plans, your career plans, and your nances.
For specic requirements, see the ofcial website at travel.state.gov.
Commonly Used Terminology in U.S. Higher Education
ACT – A standardized test used by college admissions ofcers to evaluate prospective students. The test has four sections: English, Math, Science, and Reading and is scored out of 36 points. You can learn more at www.actstudent.org. Advanced Placement (AP) – A program coordinated by the College Board whereby high schools offer collegelevel courses with specic curricula in a large number of academic elds. Participating students have the option of taking an AP exam at the end of the course to demonstrate knowledge and potentially earn college credit. Bachelor’s Degree – A diploma earned after successfully completing a required course of study at a college or university. The degree usually takes four years and is abbreviated B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of
Science).
Class Rank – A student’s place based on a rank ordering of students in a class by grade point average (GPA).
Common Application – An online application for admission that is accepted by nearly 500 participating US universities. It can be accessed online at www.commonapp.org. Some colleges also require a school-specic supplementary form.
Concentration – A specic focus in an area of studies that is a subset of (or related to) your major.
Core Curriculum – A group of specially designed courses in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences designed to give students a strong foundation in general education.
Early Action – An application option that typically allows students to apply by November 1 or November 15 and receive an admission decision by December 15 that does not bind the student to attend if admitted.
Early Decision – An application option that typically allows students to apply by November 1 or November 15 and receive an admission decision by December 15 that commits the student to attend if admitted.
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Extracurricular Activities – Activities (such as athletics, community service, jobs, internships, and clubs) in which you participate outside of academic courses.
FAFSA – Abbreviation for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is used to determine eligibility for federal nancial aid.
Financial Aid – Money given to students by a school or the US government to help cover the cost of college
(international students generally are not eligible for nancial aid).
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior – The four grades of American high school and college. In high school, freshmen are 9th graders (age 14-15), sophomores are 10th graders (age 15-16), juniors are 11th graders
(age 16-17), and seniors are 12th graders (age 17-18). In college, freshmen year is the rst year, followed by sophomore, junior, and senior years.
General Education (Gen Ed) Requirements – Courses selected from several divisions required for a college degree. These are usually completed during the rst two years of college, before moving on to focused course work in major or minor areas.
Graduate/Professional School – A program in which a student can continue his or her education after a
Bachelor’s Degree. Professional schools train students in the elds of law, medicine, dentistry, business, pharmacy, etc. Graduate schools offer study in the elds of engineering, physics, education, math, etc.
Internship – A job (often unpaid) at a company or organization with an emphasis on acquiring experience in an occupation, profession, or pursuit (dictionary.com).
Liberal Arts – An academic program that includes the sciences, social sciences, languages, arts, and mathematics, as distinguished from professional or vocational programs that focus on training for careers such as engineering, business, and nursing.
Major – The subject in which a student concentrates to earn a degree. For example, biology majors will have a degree in biology. Note: there are no set majors for prelaw, dental, medicine, and veterinary degrees graduate work is necessary for each of these disciplines.
Minor – A secondary area of concentration, which may or may not be required by an institution.
Regular Decision – An application option that involves applying by a late fall or early winter deadline in exchange for an admission decision the following spring.
Rolling Admission – An application option by which colleges review and make decisions about applications as they are received. The application cycle usually opens in early fall and may extend into the spring or until the freshmen class is lled.
SAT– The most widely taken standardized test for college admission. The test contains three parts: writing, critical reading, and math and is scored out of 2400 points. You can learn more at http://sat.collegeboard.org/ home. SAT Subject Test – SAT Subject Tests are standardized tests used to demonstrate prociency or knowledge in one of 20 specic subject areas. You can learn more about SAT Subject Tests at http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject. Student:Faculty Ratio – The number of professors per number of students at a college or university. For example, if a college had 2,400 students and 100 full-time professors, the student:faculty ratio would be 24:1.
Transcript – A copy of a student’s cumulative record, requested by all colleges and universities for admission purposes. Underclassman – A student who is a freshmen or sophomore (rst or second year) in high school or college.
Undergraduate – A college student who has not yet received a Bachelor’s Degree.
Upperclassman – A student who is a junior or senior (third or fourth year) in high school or college.
Waitlist – A group of students held in reserve after a college makes its admissions decisions. If openings occur, students on the waitlist may be offered admission.
Yield – The percentage of students offered admission to a college who subsequently enroll.
Definitions sourced from The Truth About Getting In (Katherine Cohen, Hyperion); Admission Matters (Springer, Reider,
Franck, Jossey-Bass)
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Introduction (1)
Finding the best fit schools for you (1-2)
What are admissions committees looking for? (3-5)
What do you need, and need to know, to apply? (6-8)
Resources (9)
Testing and advanced course study (9-11)
Requirements (11-12)
Commonly-used terminology (12-13)
Introduction
Applying to American universities is complex, and even more so for students navigating the process from abroad. There are many decisions to be made and unfamiliar terms to learn when researching schools, visiting campuses, and understanding application requirements. Some questions you might have include:
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What is the Common Application and how do I use it?
What is Early Decision and how do I know if I should apply early or in the regular round?
Which standardized tests (ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS) do I need to take?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, don’t worry! Much of the complexity can be relieved with the proper organization, research, planning, and guidance. The experts at IvyWise have written this guide to provide you with important information that will help you nd and apply to a US university where you will be successful and thrive.
Finding the Best Fit Schools for You
There are thousands of universities in the US and the most important part of the admissions process is
nding those that are the best ts for you. The myth that you must attend a highly ranked college in order to receive an excellent education is far from true! A school’s ranking often depends on many factors that have little to do with the classroom experience. For example, student selectivity, academic reputation, and alumni giving account for nearly half of a school’s US News & World Report ranking. We encourage our students to create their own rankings based on the academic, social, and nancial factors that are important to them.
There are many such factors to consider when creating your college list. Think about the school’s location and size, the specic programs and professors that you would want to study with, the availability of clubs and sports that interest you, and social offerings. What else do you think is essential to your college experience? Answering these questions will give you a unique list of criteria through which you can evaluate potential schools.
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Here is a brief questionnaire to help you get started:
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Which areas of the US are you considering?
Northeast
Southeast
Mid-Atlantic
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Northwest
Southwest
Urban
Suburban
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How often do you plan to return home?
______x per month
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West
Which types of location are you considering?
Rural
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Midwest
______x per year
What size school will suit you best?
Small (Under 3,000 undergraduates)
Large (Over 7,000 undergraduates)
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Medium (3,000-7,000 undergraduates)
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Are any of the following campus cultural issues important considerations for you?
Religion
Socioeconomic Level
Race
Other:___________
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Would you prefer a general or specialized curriculum?
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Do you plan to declare a major immediately? What do you want to study?
Liberal Arts
Engineering
Sciences
Business
Other:
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Will you be seeking outside funding for your education?
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What extracurricular activities and amenities (dorms, dining options, gymnasium, etc.) are important to you?
For a complete worksheet of questions to consider when choosing your colleges, check out Dr. Kat’s book The Truth About Getting In.
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What are admissions committees looking for?
When selecting a freshmen class, colleges are not looking for well-rounded students, they are looking for well-rounded student bodies made up of specialists. Colleges are also looking for consistency and commitment; it is better to be involved in a few activities that truly develop and express your interests, for a sustained period of time, than participating piecemeal in a multitude of activities. This applies to athletics, clubs, summer activities, hobbies, community service, employment, and even academic courses.
A successful college application will give the application reader a sense of who the applicant is, beyond the facts and gures. You are responsible for conveying the best and most accurate representation of yourself to the admissions committees at your targeted schools. A college application is no place for modesty – be proud of who you are and all that you have achieved, including your failures and weaknesses. Weaknesses and failures are great learning experiences, and universities will appreciate that you have challenged yourself and grown from these difculties.
To start, US universities may consider some or all of the following:
Academic Record
• Your secondary school courses and your marks in these courses
• Standardized test results (SAT or ACT, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL or IELTS)
• Class rank (where you stand in relation to your peers)
• Grade trends (whether your grades have improved, remained the same, or declined over your years of secondary school)
Personal Record
• Resume
• Personal essay(s)
• Letters of recommendation (from teachers and your secondary school counselor)
• Personal interview (on campus or with an alumnus)
A signicant number of US schools base admissions decisions on an applicant’s academic record. However, some of the most selective schools will also consider an applicant’s personal record. This is because a number of applicants with stellar academic records are applying for relatively few spots in a freshman class at a given university. Admissions ofcers at the most selective schools say that 80% of applicants are academically qualied to attend the school. But those universities accept less than 20% of their applicants each year. Who you are as a person can be nearly as important as your academic success.
Your academic record is the most important factor in the admissions process. The rst question an admissions ofcer is asking when he or she opens your application is, “Can this student do the work?” Your secondary school courses should reect a rigorous, yet appropriate, curriculum that is suited to your interests and talents. Regardless of whether your secondary school is public or private, you should challenge yourself as much as possible. Remember that it is important to not only take high-level courses that match your interests, but to do well in those courses. Selective US universities will not only consider your performance in those courses, but they will also look at your academic performance over time. They will want to see you achieve either:
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Consistently high marks in increasingly difcult courses, showing persistent hard work and a high level of performance
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An upward grade trend showing a consistent rise in your marks, as well as considerable effort and hard work, especially as the courses get more and more challenging. For example, if you are a Singaporean student, admissions ofcers will want to see your marks improve from the B3 or B4 range to A2 or A1
(ideally, A1 by the time you nish secondary school).
The next questions an admissions ofcer will be asking are: “Who are you? Will you make a valuable contribution to the campus community? What type of character traits do you possess?” These questions can be answered by your resume, essays, letters of recommendation, and your interview.
The resume you submit along with your application should include a list of all extracurricular activities, honors/awards, community service, employment or internships, summer experiences, and hobbies/interests that you have participated in throughout your years in secondary school. The resume allows admissions ofcers to see how you have contributed to your secondary school or local community in addition to your work in your classes. Remember, like courses and grades, US universities like to see consistency and commitment when it comes to your activities. It is better to be involved in three or four activities wholeheartedly over four years, than nine or ten activities supercially, changing from year to year.
Some schools require that students write one or more essays as part of their university application. Schools that use the Common Application require one personal statement and one activity essay, in addition to any essay questions that may appear on the university’s separate supplement. Learn more about the Common
Application in Section IV: “What do you need, and need to know, to apply.”
The Common Application Personal Statement is a 500-word-or-less essay that addresses one of six prompts created by the Common Application:
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Evaluate a signicant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
Indicate a person who has had a signicant inuence on you, and describe that inuence.
Describe a character in ction, a historical gure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an inuence on you, and explain that inuence.
A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice.
The Common Application Activity Essay is a 150-word essay that briey elaborates on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
In addition to these required Common Application essays, some universities have a separate supplement with additional essay questions. Here are some sample essay questions from 2012-2013 applications:
Yale:
In this second essay [in addition to the Common Application essay], please reect on something that you would like us to know that we might not learn from the rest of your application – or something that you would like to say more about. We ask that you limit your essay to fewer than 500 words. Before you begin, we
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encourage you to go to http://admissions.yale.edu/essay, where you will nd helpful advice.
Tufts:
Which aspects of Tufts’ curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short: “Why
Tufts?” (50–100 words)
There is a Quaker saying: “Let your life speak.” Describe the environment in which you were raised – your family, home, neighborhood or community – and how it inuenced the person you are today. (200–250)
Now we’d like to know a little bit more about you. Please respond to one of the following (200-250):
1. Doctor Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter, don’t mind.” We don’t mind. Who are you? Respond in the medium of your choice: prose, video, blog, digital portfolio, slam poetry... For media other than writing, please share a link (video can be submitted via YouTube but we recommend using a privacy setting) that is easily accessible.
2. What makes you happy?
3. Sports, science and society are lled with rules, theories and laws like the Ninth Commandment, PV=nRT,
Occam’s Razor, and The Law of Diminishing Returns. Three strikes and you’re out. “I” before “E” except after “C.” Warm air rises. Pick one and explain its signicance to you.
4. Celebrate your nerdy side.
5. If your classmates were to you honor you with a “senior superlative” in the yearbook, what would it be and why? Georgetown:
Note: Georgetown University does not accept the Common Application.
SHORT ESSAY: In the space available discuss the signicance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved (one-half page).
Compose two brief essays (approximately one page each) on the topics given below. Essays should be typewritten. Attach the required essays to the top of this page:
1. ESSAY ONE - ALL APPLICANTS: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.
2. ESSAY TWO - College Specic (see application supplement for details)
In addition to your resume and essays, admissions ofcers will be looking to your teachers, counselors, and others with whom you interact so they can make an accurate assessment of your character. Selective US universities require at least one letter of recommendation, and occasionally there will be additional requirements about the letter writer’s academic area, particularly if you plan to study in the science, technology, engineering, or math elds. Finally, some universities like to have a personal interview with applicants. This is an opportunity for the school or an alumni representative to meet you and learn more about you and your interest in that particular university. Keep in mind that the interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about that university. It is a chance for you to ask questions either of somebody who works at the school or from somebody who went there. Ask about life at the college, the availability of courses or facilities, or something that you have read about the school and want elaborated.
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What do you need, and need to know, to apply?
College applications are evaluated on what IvyWise Founder and CEO Katherine Cohen calls “Hard Factors” and “Soft Factors.” Most schools will base the majority of their admissions decisions on a student’s “hard factors,” which are part of a student’s academic record and include the high school transcript (course work, grades, GPA, and class rank) and standardized test scores. Selective schools will further evaluate applicants based on the student’s personal record, or “soft factors,” which are manifested in letters of recommendation, essays, extracurricular activities, and interviews.
Documents supporting “the Hard Factors”
The Application – Nearly 500 colleges in the US accept the Common Application. 58 colleges in the US accept the Universal Application. The Common Application and Universal Application allow applicants to ll out one standard application and submit it to multiple schools. Other colleges have their own application that you need to ll out and submit. Most schools prefer that you submit your application online, though you can often mail a paper version. Each school’s application requirements are unique, so it is important to read all instructions and pay attention to deadlines.
The Supplement – Many colleges that accept the Common Application and the Universal Application also require an application supplement that is unique to that particular college. Supplements can vary signicantly in length and content and can request one or more of the following:
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Additional demographic information
Your intended major or courses of study
Essays
Short-answer questions
Questions that are specic to your experience with and intentions at a particular school
Some schools also require an International Supplement. The Common Application provides one such form on its website (https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/DownloadForms.aspx).
The Application Fee – Most colleges charge a non-refundable application fee, usually ranging from $35 to
$75. Some schools may reduce or waive this fee if you submit your application electronically.
Ofcial Transcript – Your secondary school must provide an ofcial transcript to each college to which you apply. Generally, the transcript is how a university will assess your academic record and should show the courses that you’ve taken and the grades that you have received, as well as your grade point average and class rank, if applicable. This transcript also includes a prole of your secondary school, which will help a college interpret the academic environment and how you performed in it. If your transcript is in another language, you will need to have it translated by an approved translation service (such as the World Education
Service or the American Translators Association) and include a certicate of translation with your application.
Test Scores – Most schools will require either the ACT or the SAT, a specied number of SAT Subject Tests, and for international students, an English prociency test (either the IELTS or the TOEFL). Most colleges will take the highest score achieved in each section of a test, even if they occurred on different test dates. Some schools require that you achieve a minimum score on standardized tests, particularly the IELTS and TOEFL.
However, these policies vary by school so it is important to research the policies at each school on your college list.
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“The Soft Factors”
Letters of Recommendation – Most colleges will ask you to submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or other adult who knows you well. In addition, most schools will require a letter of recommendation from your school guidance counselor and some will ask for a letter from a peer.
Essays – College admissions committees want to know something about you that they cannot otherwise learn from the rest of your application. You should avoid writing an essay that lists or reiterates activities or information that can be learned from other areas of the application. A good essay can make an applicant come alive to an application reader, and transform a candidate from a series of numbers and statistics to a living, breathing human being.
Additional Components – If the colleges on your list offer interviews, then you should make every effort to schedule one. The interview is an excellent opportunity for you to express your interest in a school, as well as for you to ask questions and learn more about the school. Also, the person whom you meet with during your interview can be a valuable point of contact throughout the application process.
If you have an interest in music or the arts, it often makes sense to include an audition tape or portfolio. Some schools require that a specic form accompany the artistic submission. Each school has different requirements, so it a good idea to make a checklist including the specic application materials required or recommended at each school on your college list. IvyWise students receive a customized, comprehensive checklist that includes information on standardized testing requirements, interviews and visits, letters of recommendation, supplemental essays, deadlines, and more.
When to Apply
There are many different options when it comes time to submit your college application. Each school varies in the type(s) of admission it offers and each student should decide when to apply based on their individual needs and goals. You will want to consider the following types of admission:
Regular Decision (RD) – Regular Decision means that applications and supporting documents must be submitted by a set date in your senior year. The dates vary from November 30 through March 15, but most selective schools’ regular decision applications are due January 1, 15, or February 1. The college then takes action on all the applications and noties all students of its admissions decisions at the same time.
Notication dates are in the spring of senior year, usually around April 1. If accepted, you must notify the college by May 1 of your intent to accept or decline their offer of admission.
Early Decision (ED) – Early Decision is a good choice for students who have selected a denite top-choice college. When applying Early Decision, you sign a binding agreement that if accepted, you will denitely attend that school. By applying ED, you are telling a school that it is your rst-choice; students are often rewarded with an increase in the admit rate during this period. ED applications must be submitted in their entirety, usually between November 1 and November 15. Early Decision applicants are usually notied of their decision in December and can be either accepted, denied, or deferred to the regular decision round.
Some schools additionally offer an ED2 option for students who know that a particular college is their top-choice, but are not ready to apply by November. For ED 2, the same rules apply, but the deadline and notication dates are later than the ED dates. You may apply to only one school Early Decision, although you may often simultaneously apply to another school Early Action (with the exception of schools that are
Single-Choice Early Action) as well as to schools with regular and rolling admissions policies. Schools such as Boston University, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University, Middlebury College, and the University of
Pennsylvania offer Early Decision options.
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Early Action (EA) – The main difference between EA and ED, is that under EA, you are not required to attend the target school if accepted and you may continue to apply to other schools simultaneously. Given this, EA is a good decision for students who have decided that they denitely want to apply to a particular school or schools and who are ready to submit their applications in November. Students who apply Early
Action will hear in December if they have been accepted, denied, or deferred to the regular decision round.
Schools such as Boston College, Georgetown University, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago offer Early Action options.
Rolling Admission – Colleges that use rolling admission assess and act on an application as soon as the application le is submitted in its entirety. Usually, the college will notify the applicant of an admission decision within weeks of receiving the completed application. The deadline for this type of admission is usually May 1, and these schools will usually continue to accept students until they reach their capacity enrollment; therefore, it is best to send in your application as early as possible. Schools such as DePaul
University, Loyola University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Michigan offer Rolling Admission.
Cost
While international students attending college in the US may qualify for scholarships, you will not be eligible for nancial aid at the majority of US higher education institutions. As part of the application process, US institutions require international students to prove that they or their families can afford the cost of attendance at the institution to which they are applying. Further, the US government will require documentation of the amount and source of this funding. When calculating the cost of attendance, families need to account for tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks, supplies, and transportation. US schools provide information about the cost of attendance. This information can typically be found on the admissions or nancial aid sections of the school’s website. In addition, at IvyWise, we tell families to use the ten percent rule – take whatever you think a year at a school will cost and add ten percent to cover the unexpected costs associated with college attendance, as well as ination.
Visit
At IvyWise, we advise our students to visit campuses in-person, whenever possible. This is even more important for international students. Visiting in-person, ideally while classes are in session, will allow you to talk with current students and professors, see dorms, dining halls, and other campus facilities in use, and gain an overall impression of the school’s atmosphere and community.
In addition, many applications have some version of a “why do you want to attend this college?” essay.
Firsthand impressions of a school will allow you to best answer this question, and prove your interest to the admissions committees at the schools on your college list. Some colleges also track interest, so by signing up for the tour and information session, scheduling an interview and following-up with a thank-you note, schools will have a record of you on le before you even apply.
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Resources
There are many publications and websites that can help guide your research as you examine your needs, desires, and aspirations for a higher education. IvyWise recommends The Fiske Guide, for its combination of comprehensive facts and gures, as well as personal anecdotes and descriptions of each campus. For international students especially, for whom visiting campuses in person isn’t always feasible,
Campus Tours (www.campustours.com) is a great source for virtual college tours, webcams, campus maps, college videos, and movies. College Prowler (www.collegeprowler.com), and Unigo (www.unigo. com) let you check out reviews by and submit your own questions to actual students. Another great option for international students, who are trying to visit several campuses during a short period of time, is College
Visits (www.college-visits.com). The site organizes group tours to specic geographic areas that cover several colleges and information sessions over the course of a few days. These trips are well planned and can be affordable.
The College Board and The Princeton Review both publish an annual guide of colleges and universities.
These books can be purchased online or in bookstores. Their respective websites, www.collegeboard.org and www.princetonreview.com are free and easy to use. Both sites offer a version of a college
“matchmaker” tool, which suggests schools that may be a good t based on your answers to prompted questions. The Princeton Review site also has a special section for international students, with related links on visa applications, academic and testing requirements, and application deadlines.
If you are looking for a more thorough college search engine, which will also steer you through the application process, check out www.applywise.com. In addition to providing expert advice, ApplyWise offers interactive exercises for a full understanding of the admissions process, and guides students through the application each step of the way.
Testing and Advanced Course Study
SAT/ACT
You will make the college admissions process easier on yourself in the long run by rst organizing the requirements and deadlines for testing and other components of the application. For international students, deciphering the differences between American standardized testing options is often a test in and of itself.
The SAT and the ACT are offered at locations throughout the world and it is important to check out each organization’s specic website (SAT: www.collegeboard.org and ACT: www.actstudent.org) to nd out specic dates and locations, and register. Spaces can ll up fast and registering early guarantees that you will be able to take the test on your preferred date. Most colleges require either the SAT or the ACT and you should read each college’s application materials carefully to determine its individual requirements.
The SAT is a predominantly multiple-choice test that attempts to predict a student’s rst-year college success. Composed of three sections, the SAT score is weighted evenly among reading/verbal, writing, and mathematics with the highest possible score for each section being 800, for a total possible score of
2400. IvyWise counselors recommend giving yourself three opportunities to take the SAT between second semester of junior year and rst semester of senior year. Most colleges will take the highest score achieved in each section, even if they occurred on different test dates.
The ACT is a single-format test in the academic areas of English, reading, mathematics, and natural sciences. Students receive a sub-score on each of these four sections, graded on a scale of 1-36, as well as an overall composite score.
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SAT Subject Tests
Similar to AP exams (see below), SAT Subject Tests test knowledge in one of 20 specic subject areas.
Like the SAT, these one-hour exams are scored out of a possible 800. You should read each college’s application materials carefully to determine its individual requirements: some schools require certain subjects, others require a certain number of tests in subjects of your choosing, while at other schools the tests are optional. In today’s competitive college admissions environment, students applying to the most selective schools often send in more than three SAT Subject Test scores. SAT Subject Tests can be taken throughout your time in high school and need not be saved for your upper years. The experts at IvyWise suggest that the best time to take a subject test is right after you have completed your coursework in that subject. These subject tests are offered at international sites and more information can be found on the
College Board website.
TOEFL/IELTS
In addition to standardized testing required for admissions consideration, international students may also need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). If you are planning to study in the United
States, Canada, or other countries where English is the primary language of instruction, you should read each college’s application materials carefully to determine its individual requirements. Some schools will accept your English prociency solely on the basis of having taken the SAT or ACT, while others will want to see the TOEFL in addition to these other tests. The TOEFL consists of a mixture of ll-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and essay-style questions and can be taken online at accredited testing sites throughout the world. For dates and locations visit www.ets.org/toe.
Although the TOEFL is more widely known, most schools will also accept the IELTS (International English
Language Testing System) to demonstrate English language prociency. Schools have different policies regarding minimum scores, and you can visit the websites of the colleges you are applying to in order to determine their individual policies. The IELTS is broken into four sections (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), and takes two hours and forty-ve minutes. Available in more than 800 locations throughout the world, and offered 48 times per year, specic dates and locations for the IELTS can be found at www.ielts. org. AP (Advanced Placement)
The AP (Advanced Placement) program offers high-school students the opportunity to take college-level classes (or study independently) to prepare for an exam in any of 34 subject areas. The exams, held in
May of each year, are scored on a scale of one through ve, with several colleges offering comparable credit for scores of three or higher. AP courses are currently offered in more than 100 countries. The 2012 fee for exams administered outside of the United States and Canada is $117 per exam. While AP exams are not required for college admissions, they are an increasingly competitive factor in representing academic dedication and intellectual challenge. For more information on AP exams, visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.
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IB (International Baccalaureate)
Comparable to AP coursework, and offered in international American school curricula, the International
Baccalaureate offers students college-level study in multiple subjects. While with AP courses and tests students prepare for a specic exam in a single focused subject (and can take as many or as few of these courses and exams as they want), the IB diploma program consists of six courses in six different subjects
(three higher level subjects and three standard level subjects), as well as three core requirements (the extended essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and creativity, action, service (CAS)). At the completion of the program, which is spread over two years, written examinations are completed and diplomas are awarded accordingly for students who score a total of 24 to 45 points. Each subject is scored on a one to seven point scale, with up to three additional points awarded for combined results on the extended essay and TOK, and satisfactory participation in CAS. Many colleges grant credit (each point translates to a college credit hour) for completing the IB program, or will waive the requirement of lower-level core courses. For more information on the IB program, visit www.ibo.org.
A (Advanced) Levels
Another advanced study option in many international curricula are A Levels. Offered in several countries worldwide, in over 45 different subjects, A Level course achievements are widely recognized at US higher education institutions. Usually studied over a two-year period, and usually studied by students in their nal two years of secondary education, A Levels are made up of two levels of study, the rst year, AS, and second year, A2. A Levels are graded on a scale from A* to E: A* awarded to students who achieve an A at
A level and also achieve 90 percent or more across all A2 units, A (80-100), B (70-79), C (60-69), D (5059), E (40-49). Like AP courses, A Level courses have strict guidelines and syllabi to ensure appropriate preparation for the eventual exam, and if completed successfully, could lead to college credit. For more information on A Levels, and the ofcial guide including grading, visit www.ofqual.gov.uk/for-students-andparents.
Requirements
Translations
If your high school transcript is not in English, it is important that you translate your academic records linguistically, as well as in terms of American education (grade and course) equivalencies. American colleges and universities will need to be able to interpret your credentials accurately in comparison to all of their other applicants. In most cases, you will need to send both the original and the translated copy of your high school transcript. Some schools will require that you hire a translator to ensure that you are providing an unbiased and accurate translation. Be sure to check with each school you are applying to for their individual requirements. To get an idea of how your grades and GPA will convert to an American scale, the World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org offers free translations for more than 120 countries.
Visas and Documentation
In order to attend an American college or university, you will need to obtain a student visa. However, you cannot apply for your student visa until you have been accepted for enrollment at an SEVP (Student and
Exchange Visitor Program) certied institution. When applying for a student visa, be sure to have all of the required forms and documentation ready (for a complete list visit travel.state.gov).
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The school at which you will be enrolling will be your sponsor for study in the US, and as such, will need to submit a Form I-20 to the US Government on your behalf. This form certies that you have satised all admissions requirements, have enrolled and will be pursuing a specic degree, and have sufcient nancial support to study and live in the US for the duration of your course of study. According to NACAC (National
Association for College Admission Counseling), in reviewing your visa application, the US government is looking to answer the following questions when assessing your application:
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Are you a real student?
Do you intend to return to your home country after college?
Do you have enough money to support yourself while in the United States (without getting a job, which is illegal for nonimmigrant students)?
In addition to your application, you will need to schedule an in-person interview with the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Many of these centers have long waits, and it is a good idea to contact the ofce early in the college application process. NACAC recommends that you arrive to your interview prepared to answer the following questions:
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Why do you want to study in the United States?
Why did you choose (name of college)?
Why did you choose this major? What jobs will this prepare you for?
How will studying in the United States prepare you for a job here at home?
What have you been involved in that shows your commitment to your home country?
How will you pay for the college fees and living expenses in the United States?
Other questions about the United States, your educational plans, your career plans, and your nances.
For specic requirements, see the ofcial website at travel.state.gov.
Commonly Used Terminology in U.S. Higher Education
ACT – A standardized test used by college admissions ofcers to evaluate prospective students. The test has four sections: English, Math, Science, and Reading and is scored out of 36 points. You can learn more at www.actstudent.org. Advanced Placement (AP) – A program coordinated by the College Board whereby high schools offer collegelevel courses with specic curricula in a large number of academic elds. Participating students have the option of taking an AP exam at the end of the course to demonstrate knowledge and potentially earn college credit. Bachelor’s Degree – A diploma earned after successfully completing a required course of study at a college or university. The degree usually takes four years and is abbreviated B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of
Science).
Class Rank – A student’s place based on a rank ordering of students in a class by grade point average (GPA).
Common Application – An online application for admission that is accepted by nearly 500 participating US universities. It can be accessed online at www.commonapp.org. Some colleges also require a school-specic supplementary form.
Concentration – A specic focus in an area of studies that is a subset of (or related to) your major.
Core Curriculum – A group of specially designed courses in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences designed to give students a strong foundation in general education.
Early Action – An application option that typically allows students to apply by November 1 or November 15 and receive an admission decision by December 15 that does not bind the student to attend if admitted.
Early Decision – An application option that typically allows students to apply by November 1 or November 15 and receive an admission decision by December 15 that commits the student to attend if admitted.
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Extracurricular Activities – Activities (such as athletics, community service, jobs, internships, and clubs) in which you participate outside of academic courses.
FAFSA – Abbreviation for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is used to determine eligibility for federal nancial aid.
Financial Aid – Money given to students by a school or the US government to help cover the cost of college
(international students generally are not eligible for nancial aid).
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior – The four grades of American high school and college. In high school, freshmen are 9th graders (age 14-15), sophomores are 10th graders (age 15-16), juniors are 11th graders
(age 16-17), and seniors are 12th graders (age 17-18). In college, freshmen year is the rst year, followed by sophomore, junior, and senior years.
General Education (Gen Ed) Requirements – Courses selected from several divisions required for a college degree. These are usually completed during the rst two years of college, before moving on to focused course work in major or minor areas.
Graduate/Professional School – A program in which a student can continue his or her education after a
Bachelor’s Degree. Professional schools train students in the elds of law, medicine, dentistry, business, pharmacy, etc. Graduate schools offer study in the elds of engineering, physics, education, math, etc.
Internship – A job (often unpaid) at a company or organization with an emphasis on acquiring experience in an occupation, profession, or pursuit (dictionary.com).
Liberal Arts – An academic program that includes the sciences, social sciences, languages, arts, and mathematics, as distinguished from professional or vocational programs that focus on training for careers such as engineering, business, and nursing.
Major – The subject in which a student concentrates to earn a degree. For example, biology majors will have a degree in biology. Note: there are no set majors for prelaw, dental, medicine, and veterinary degrees graduate work is necessary for each of these disciplines.
Minor – A secondary area of concentration, which may or may not be required by an institution.
Regular Decision – An application option that involves applying by a late fall or early winter deadline in exchange for an admission decision the following spring.
Rolling Admission – An application option by which colleges review and make decisions about applications as they are received. The application cycle usually opens in early fall and may extend into the spring or until the freshmen class is lled.
SAT– The most widely taken standardized test for college admission. The test contains three parts: writing, critical reading, and math and is scored out of 2400 points. You can learn more at http://sat.collegeboard.org/ home. SAT Subject Test – SAT Subject Tests are standardized tests used to demonstrate prociency or knowledge in one of 20 specic subject areas. You can learn more about SAT Subject Tests at http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject. Student:Faculty Ratio – The number of professors per number of students at a college or university. For example, if a college had 2,400 students and 100 full-time professors, the student:faculty ratio would be 24:1.
Transcript – A copy of a student’s cumulative record, requested by all colleges and universities for admission purposes. Underclassman – A student who is a freshmen or sophomore (rst or second year) in high school or college.
Undergraduate – A college student who has not yet received a Bachelor’s Degree.
Upperclassman – A student who is a junior or senior (third or fourth year) in high school or college.
Waitlist – A group of students held in reserve after a college makes its admissions decisions. If openings occur, students on the waitlist may be offered admission.
Yield – The percentage of students offered admission to a college who subsequently enroll.
Definitions sourced from The Truth About Getting In (Katherine Cohen, Hyperion); Admission Matters (Springer, Reider,
Franck, Jossey-Bass)
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