Applying to a College or University

After researching your schools of interest thoroughly, you should have a list of several schools where you want to apply. (It is better to be accepted to more than one, and have a choice, than to apply to one or two and not be accepted to them.)

The colleges you apply to will require the following things from you:

The College Application Form

When you write to a school or visit its website, you should request an application and information about financial aid. Filling out this application may be a difficult and time-consuming process, but you should fill out the form carefully and comprehensively. Forgetting to fill out the form completely can cost you valuable time in the enrollment process. And submit your application as early as possible to ensure you do not miss any deadlines.

The Application Essay

You will probably also be asked to write an essay explaining your reasons for wishing to study at the school you are applying to. This essay is extremely important -- do not underestimate it. It can reveal much about you that the straightforward application form does not, and it provides an excellent opportunity for you to show yourself as an individual with a colorful background and unusual circumstances. Many schools place considerable importance upon this essay, and they may accept some students based upon a show of strength or intelligence in their essays who would not be academically qualified otherwise. The Insiders Guide to the Colleges describes the essay’s role as "crucial, especially at the more selective colleges."

Recommendations

When submitting recommendations, be careful about whom you choose to write on your behalf, especially if you are applying to more competitive programs. Choosing relatives and friends to write about you probably is not a good idea; although they may say wonderful things about you, their opinions do not hold much weight. Instead, choose teachers or employers, and if you know the school principal or the town mayor, it certainly would not hurt to have them supporting you as well. Also, be certain to choose people who will speak explicitly, as well as generously on your behalf. A vague description may not be helpful, even if it is generally positive.

Transcripts

Since you are an international student, and the U.S. school knows little about you, the school must place a lot of importance upon your previous school transcripts. If you have taken courses at other schools or colleges, be certain to have those transcripts forwarded to the schools you are applying to also. Be sure to have all your transcripts forwarded well in advance of any deadlines.

Some schools simply will not accept you if your school record is not a good one, but do not forget that other factors, such as your essay and your SAT scores, influence your enrollment as well.

Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, GRE

The schools will also probably request your test scores for the SAT or ACT (or GRE for graduate programs), which are standardized college entrance exams. For more information on these tests, see Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, GRE.

Language Skills: TOEFL

Unless English is your native language, you will probably be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to prove your fluency with English. For more information on TOEFL, see Language Skills: TOEFL