Student Center

Our Student Center is designed to help foreign students understand the US education system, and navigate both the academic institution and student visa application process. If your questions are not addressed in the Student Center, please feel free to call our office at (212) 571-6002 for more help!

Undergraduate Studies in the US

There are over 3,700 colleges and universities in the US which offer undergraduate degree programs, and each year more than half a million foreign students take advantage of these programs by pursuing their higher education in the US. With so many different options, there is something for everyone. However, finding the school that is right for you can be a confusing and daunting process.

Helping You Choose: To help you through the process, there are over 450 US educational information and advising centers worldwide equipped with knowledgeable staff members and resources. These centers are all supported by the US State Department. To find the center nearest you, please visit EducationUSA.

In addition, it is helpful to visit different colleges' websites to learn more about their specific programs and atmosphere when narrowing your list of schools. These websites also often list certain student contacts who will happily answer questions and talk to prospective students about their own experiences at a school. Communicating with actual students at a school, particularly ones from your same home country, can be one of the best ways to find out more about a place-what classes are really like, what the social atmosphere is like, and what the hardest things about adjusting to life there might be for an international student.

If you are able to take a vacation to the US, visiting a school is also one of the best ways to see if it would be a good fit for you. Most offer tours so you can get a feel of the campus atmosphere and visit housing facilities, the student union, libraries, and more.

Degrees: Many colleges and universities offer a Bachelor's Degree which generally takes 4 years to complete. Conversely, an Associate's Degree granted by a junior or community college generally takes only 2 years to finish. Associate Degree programs can be "terminal," meaning that they lead to specific careers upon graduation, or students may have the opportunity to transfer to a Bachelor's Degree program which they can complete in an additional 2 years.

One of the attractions of a US Bachelor's Degree program is its flexibility; you are able to take many courses in diverse subjects and design a unique course program to fit your interests. 

Types of Institutions

State Universities: State Universities are founded and subsidized by state governments and provide low-cost education to in-state residents. These universities tend to be quite large, with enrollments ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 students. Because their enrollments are so large, state universities generally accept a wider range of students.  However, admission requirements for international students may be higher than for US citizens.

Private Universities: Private Universities are funded by endowments, alumni gifts, research grants and student tuition. Tuition tends to be higher at private universities than at state institutions and enrollment tends to be lower, generally under 20,000 students. Some private colleges even have fewer than 2,000 students.

Community Colleges: Community colleges can be either private or public institutions and provide a two-year Associate's Degree to graduates. They also generally have good technical and vocational programs. A growing number of international students are choosing to study at community colleges. Tuition is generally lower at community colleges, and many offer transfer programs in coordination with state universities so that after you complete your 2 years you may enter your third year in a Bachelor's program.

Community colleges also generally have an "open door" admission policy meaning that anyone who wishes to enroll may do so if he/she meets the minimum requirements.

Distance Education:  An increasing number of institutions are offering web-based programs which allows a student to take courses remotely. This option allows students to study at a US institution without leaving their home country, but be advised that you will almost certainly have to appear on campus in the US for short periods if you choose this method.

The number of international students at an institution varies greatly from fewer than 10 to over 3,000. Schools often list the number of international students enrolled alongside other data in directories and on their websites. Knowing how many other international students will be on campus may be an important consideration to you: if there are only a few, you may be seen as a very interesting person to get to know, but it may also mean that a school has fewer resources and less support for international students.

Entrance Requirements

In order to be eligible for admission to a US college or university, all foreign students must meet certain requirements.  In general, students must hold a secondary education diploma or the equivalent examination results, must prove their English ability (usually through the Test of English as Foreign Language), and must provide US standardized admission test results. Also, universities do not usually accept international students who are under 17 years of age.

TOEFL

The ability to communicate well in English is essential to pursuing education in the United States successfully. Therefore, before admitting you to a degree program, institutions will require that you take an English language proficiency test. Although each school determines its own language admission standards, most require prospective students to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some schools may grant you conditional acceptance and expect you to enroll in English language courses before starting your degree program if your TOEFL score is low or will enroll you in their ESL (English as a Second Language) program. Community colleges also generally accept lower TOEFL scores than state or private universities. However, it may be difficult for you to obtain a student visa in some countries if you are unable to show English language proficiency.

Pre-registration, which can be completed online, by mail, fax, or phone,  is required for the TOEFL exam. There are various deadlines for testing centers, so for site-specific information visit TOEFL. While both paper and computer-based forms of the exam are offered, the paper version is being phased out. If you wish to take the paper version, the deadline for registering is usually 6 weeks before the test.

If you are not a US citizen and are a non-native English speaker, but you have been educated in English for most of your life, you may qualify for a TOEFL waiver. Contact your American university about this, as most will not accept secondary school English grades as proof of English proficiency. 

The TOEFL test is broken up into four sections: listening, structure, reading, and writing, which includes a section in which you must write an essay. Each American institution decides which scores they will accept. 

Standardized Admissions Tests

In the US, most colleges and universities require scores for at least one standardized admissions test as part of their application. However, some institutions do not require international students to take these tests, and other schools (especially junior or community colleges) may not require admission test scores from anyone. The most common standardized tests are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I), the SAT II Subject Tests, and the American College Testing Assessment (ACT). These aptitude tests are used to measure an applicant's skill levels to judge his/her preparedness for undergraduate education.

SAT I

The SAT is given several times throughout the year at various worldwide locations. Pre-registration is necessary to secure an exam spot. More information about testing centers, dates and fees is available at CollegeBoard.  

SAT II Subject Tests

Many of the more competitive American schools require or encourage SAT II subject test scores as part of your application.  These supplemental exams test your knowledge in specific subject areas including:

Check with the schools to which you plan to apply to determine if SAT II subject tests are required or encouraged, and also if the schools specify which tests you should take or if you may decide.

The ACT

The American College Testing Assessment is given at locations worldwide. If the test is required for one of the schools you are applying to, be sure to pre-register and check the dates it is offered at your nearest testing center. The ACT is in general not as widely accepted by schools as the SAT, so check with the institutions to which you are applying to verify that they will take ACT results in place of SAT scores.

How You Can Pay for Your Education

Education in the US may appear to be expensive, but a US degree offers an excellent value for the money invested.

It is important to plan ahead when calculating how you are going to finance your education as many schools require that you include financial statements and guarantees as part of you application. In addition, when you apply for your student visa you must prove that you can meet all the costs of your studies in the US. If you have a family (a spouse and/or children), you will also have to prove that you can support them if they wish to accompany you to the US.

Expenses:  To calculate your expenses, you must take tuition and fees plus living costs into account. These vary widely from school to school and area to area, so it is important to do your research when deciding upon which schools to apply. 

Tuition and fees cover the cost of instruction plus services such as library use, student activities and health center membership. Some schools also require international students to pay for mandatory health insurance.

You will also have to buy books and supplies for your classes. Most colleges offer an estimate for these annual costs since they have on-campus bookstores. Textbooks can be quite expensive, so it is important to take these costs into account. Programs and courses in specialty fields such as art, architecture, and engineering will also require you to buy additional supplies.

Be sure to include transportation cost estimates in your annual budget in order to travel between the school and your home country. If you are planning to live off campus, you must also calculate your commuting costs.

Finally, it is necessary that you take any other personal expenses into account, including medical expenses and the cost of food, clothing, and other services.

Financing Your Education: You should start your financial planning at least a year before you intend to study in the US.

Find out how much money your parents and family can contribute to your education. Try to raise as much money as possible because most scholarships only cover partial tuition or living expenses and are often not available to first-year international students.

Financial Assistance: Scholarships and financial aid for international students are extremely competitive, and it is necessary to have an exemplary academic record to get one. Scholarships may be awarded for academic merit, special talents in athletics and the performing arts, and sometimes for community service or leadership qualities. Financial aid refers to need-based assistance which can come from multiple sources:

Putting Together a Successful Application

You should begin collecting initial information from schools 12 to 18 months before you want to begin your studies in the US to allow enough time to complete the entire application process and obtain a student visa. 

You can request information from as many schools as you like. Many students end up applying to between 4 and 7 schools, but requesting information from more schools allows you to narrow your list after reading through course catalogs, handbooks and application materials.

The internet is another great resource since many schools have online versions of their course catalog, as well as online applications which are quicker than filling out paper forms that you must request from the school. If you do not have access to the internet, you may contact a school in writing to request application materials, or go to an internet café and send an email. Address your requests to the Office of International Undergraduate Admissions, and be clear and concise in your questions. You should request the forms at least 12 months before you plan to enroll.

Fees: Most universities charge a non-refundable application fee to cover processing costs. This is payable by either a US dollar check drawn on a US bank or an international money order obtainable from banks or American Express offices. It should accompany your application. Be sure to read the application materials carefully, to ensure that the school accepts your form of application fee payment.

Documents: When filling out applications, it is important that you read the instructions carefully. Although most ask for similar information, each application is slightly different. Pay attention to which official records a school requires to document your past education. These transcripts should generally be sent directly from your secondary school in a sealed envelope. Schools will either evaluate your records themselves, or ask that international applicants pay an outside credential evaluator to adjudicate the documents.

In addition, most schools require copies of your secondary school diploma, final examination results, or the results of any national leaving exam. Note that documents issued in a foreign language will need to be translated into English.

Test Scores: If you know which institutions you will be applying to when you take your SAT I, SAT II, and/or TOEFL, you may indicate which schools you would like your scores sent to at the time of the test. This is generally cheaper and easier than asking for scores to be sent later on. However, if you do not yet know where you will be applying when you take the exams, you can later request that the College Board and TOEFL services send your scores once you have narrowed your list. If you want to enroll in September, you should take your tests no later than the preceding January. Be sure to check individual deadlines because some schools may require that you take the tests earlier, closer to a year before you plan on enrolling.

Personal Statement: The personal essay is arguably the most important part of your college application as it allows you to show a school who you are and what is important to you. The school is then able to gauge what you could bring to its student body and decide if you fit the general characteristics that they look for in prospective students.

Questions may be specific or open-ended, but all schools gear their questions toward evaluating how a particular applicant might fit in at their institution. The essay also allows a student to showcase his/her writing abilities, organizational skills, academic achievements, and field(s) of interest. This is also a place to explain why you want to study in the US at a particular institution. Intellectual engagement, curiosity and maturity are all traits which admissions officers look for in essays. 

You should allow yourself enough time to write multiple essay drafts, so you can edit, revise, and polish it before sending it in. Be sure that you fully answer all questions asked. Admissions officers often look for applicants to include incidents, events, or anecdotes which should be as detailed as possible. Always be truthful to who you are - do not write about something because you think it is what a college wants to hear. The most important thing is to be honest and genuine about yourself and your reasons for applying.

Recommendations: Schools will generally request at least 2 letters of recommendation. These can be written by past teachers, principals, counselors, coaches or any authority figures who know you well. In choosing your recommenders, you should pick people who know you and your work well, and who will be able to assess how you will do in college.

Recommendations also carry a fair amount of weight in the application process. Therefore, it is important to tell your recommenders where you want to study and why, so that they may tailor their recommendations to particular schools. Make sure to allow them plenty of time to write the recommendation, so that they have time to reflect on your abilities and are not rushed. It is also courteous to give your recommenders stamped envelopes already addressed to the appropriate school admissions office.

Financial Statement: In order to ensure that you can cover all the expenses of attending a US institution, schools will include an Affidavit of Financial Support or Declaration and Certification of Finances form in their application packet. This must be signed by your parents (or whoever is financing your education) and must be certified by a bank or lawyer. Keep a copy of this form as you will need it to apply for your student visa.

If you know you will need financial assistance, indicate how much aid you will be applying for on the form. Schools generally require that you show you can cover at least the first year's expenses, while others want to see your plan for paying for all 4 years. While admission itself is generally needs-blind, in order to receive the appropriate certificate of eligibility from the school to obtain your visa you must be able to show how you are planning on paying for your US education.

Deadlines and Submission: Deadlines vary from school to school, so be sure to check with each individual institution to make sure you get in all your application materials on time. The majority of application deadlines fall between January and March, but some schools have cutoffs as early as November. In general, it is good to get your application in as early as possible.

Some universities offer "Early Decision" admission. The deadline for submitting an early decision application is usually in November. By applying during the early decision period you are making a commitment to a school, saying that if they accept you, you will go there. You may only apply to one school for an Early Decision (some schools offer Early Action which is slightly different and allows you to apply to more than one school).

Interviews: Some schools are able to interview international candidates. International students will not be at a disadvantage if they are unable to be interviewed, however, due to lack of personnel in a particular country. Interviewers are usually alumni from a school who happen to reside in a different country.

The Common Application: More and more schools are moving toward using a standardized application form which can be found online at The Common App. More than 400 institutions now accept the Common App. The standardized application simplifies the application process because you can send it to multiple schools, however it does not allow you to tailor your application to individual schools or an institution's own forms. Admissions committees weigh common applications and school-specific applications equally.

Acceptance: You should hear back from most schools in April, though each school has its own individual dates. If accepted to the school you wish to attend, you should let them know as soon as possible that you want to accept their offer. Conversely, you should notify any schools to which you were admitted that you choose not to attend so that they may give your spot to someone on the wait list.

Sample Application Timeline

August

September-December

January-April

April-June

June-August

Transferring to a US University

The US education system makes it possible to transfer from one US institution to another, or in some cases from an international school to a US university. Many students are choosing to attend a community college and then transfer to a 4-year school to obtain a Bachelor's degree.

Most schools require that you have at least one year of college completed before transferring, and most institutions require that you spend at least 2 years at an institution in order to receive your degree. Therefore, most students transfer for their second or third years.

In terms of transferring credits from one school to another, you should contact the institution that you wish to attend to find out their transfer credit policy. There are often rules regarding how many credits can be transferred, and often some classes taken at the original institution may be lost in the process. Therefore, it may often take extra time or a heavier course load for you to graduate. You should contact the new institution to see exactly which courses/credits can be applied toward graduation and a degree.

For students trying to transfer from international schools to the US, it may be more difficult to transfer credits because the education and degree structure is often quite different. Contact the US university you wish to attend to better understand the transfer process for international students.

Note that you may not get a definitive answer on how many credits are actually transferable until AFTER you have enrolled at the new institution and meet with your department head.

The Transfer Application Process

The transfer process takes time so you should begin the process at least 12 months before your intended enrollment date. The application for transfer students generally differs from the one prospective freshman must submit. Colleges want to know two main things: why you wish to transfer to their institution, and what classes you have taken/are currently taking at your current school. In addition, you will need to include most other documents that are required for the freshman application.

Applying for a Student Visa

Most students go to the US on an F-1 academic visa. A small number will need an M-1 if going to complete hands on technical training or vocational work, or a J-1 exchange visitor visa if sponsored on an exchange program.

Visa application instructions vary from country to country, and your nearest US educational information or advising center will be able to give you more specific information. For a general overview of the F-1 visa, please visit Student Visas.

To find your nearest US embassy or consulate visit US Department of State-Embassy. Often your specific embassy's website will have more information regarding the visa interview and application process, including the fee structure and all necessary forms.

Be sure to start the visa application process as soon as you can. Also, assemble a list of supporting documents which will be helpful during your interview if one is required.

Application Procedure

After you have been admitted to a school, the institution will send you the appropriate I-20 form (I-20 A-B for F visas and I-20 M-N for M visas). If you are being sponsored by an exchange program you will receive a form DS-2019. In order to receive the form, you must have satisfactorily certified your financial viability to the institution. When you receive the form, check that your name is spelled as it is on your passport, that all other personal information is correct, that a college official signed it, and ensure that the "reporting date" has not already passed. If it has, the form is expired and you will need a new one.

Once you have your valid I-20 or DS form, you may apply for your student visa. The visa interview is generally short, around 3 minutes, so be prepared to be both brief and convincing when speaking with the consular officer. Remember, never lie about your visa application.

The consular officer must be convinced of 3 things:

If your visa application is denied, the consular officer must give you a written explanation of the refusal. You have the right to apply again, but be sure to prepare more carefully, as you must show fresh evidence sufficient to overcome the initial denial.

Graduate Education in the US

There are two graduate degrees offered by programs in the US: a Master's and a doctoral degree. Both involve a combination of coursework and research.  Graduate studies provide more in-depth training in a specialized field in comparison to undergraduate work. Therefore, graduate students must already have a solid foundation in their field of choice. Discussion, presentations, research papers, and exams are all important components of graduate education. 

Degrees: An Academic Master's Degree offers intensive study in the arts or sciences.  An M.A (Master of Arts) or M.S. (Master of Science) is generally awarded in traditional branches of the arts, sciences, and humanities or in technical fields such as engineering or agriculture.  Original research, research methodology, and field investigation are all stressed in graduate education. These degrees can generally be completed in 1-2 years.

A Professional Master's is designed to lead a student from an undergraduate degree into a specific profession. Such programs generally do not have an associated doctoral program but rather prepare you to apply for jobs.  These degrees can generally be completed in 1-3 years.

Doctoral degree programs are designed to train research scholars, many of whom go on to become faculty members at various institutions.  After 3-5 years and the completion of all coursework, a student will take a comprehensive examination which will assess the student's ability to use his/her knowledge in an innovative way. As part of the intensive program, students also complete their own original research in order to write a dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor.  The student must then defend the dissertation in front of a panel of experts from his/her particular field. To earn a doctoral degree it may take anywhere from 5-8 years after the completion of a Bachelor's degree.

Helping You Choose

Like with undergraduate programs, there are myriad schools which offer graduate programs, and it may be difficult to decide where to apply or even what type of degree you desire. US educational information and advising centers, which are run by the US Department of State, are wonderful resources for those interested in pursuing grad school as well as for those contemplating an undergraduate degree. 

The advisers at these centers can help you through every step of the application and education process, from understanding the equivalency between the US educational system and your home country's system to exploring how your graduate degree can help you find work in your home country once you complete it.

To find the advising center nearest you, please visit EducationUSA.

In choosing a graduate program it is important to find a department and/or faculty members who match your interests at an institution.  Speaking with your current faculty if they are familiar with US programs, using schools' websites, and consulting print directories are all good starting points for narrowing your list of schools.  Doing good advanced research about a school's faculty and research strengths can help you find a good match for pursuing your professional goals and may also help you obtain financial assistance in the form of a fellowship or assistantship. 

When narrowing your list of places to apply, make sure you only choose schools which you can financially afford, for which you have all the requirements and qualifications, and where you feel you would be a good match with your desired department. 

Funding Your Graduate Studies

Universities generally require that international students show how they plan to cover their education expenses as part of their application packet. Therefore it is best to arrange any US based financial aid before you leave home.  Often grant and scholarship deadlines are quite early, so it is important to plan ahead.

Costs include tuition and fees as well as living costs including housing, transportation, and basic needs and services. In general tuition is higher at private institutions than at public universities (though international rates at public universities are generally higher than for in-state residents), but remember to also take into account the school's location in terms of living expenses. 

If you and/or your parents cannot cover all of your education expenses and you cannot find a financial sponsor, you will have to apply for financial aid.  These include grants and scholarships, both of which are extremely competitive. Be sure to finish your aid applications far in advance so that they are polished and submitted on time.  Advising centers may also be able to give you information regarding ways of receiving funding from government programs or other institutions in your home country

The Fulbright Program run by the US government offers awards for graduate studies and encourages mutual understanding between the US and the other countries of the world.  The program offers many types of awards, though availability varies from country to country. Please visit Fulbright for more information, or contact your local US embassy or consulate.

Many US universities will also offer financial aid to graduate students, but aid varies by field of study, level of study, and institution.

Assistantships are also highly competitive and are generally based off prior academic achievement and potential in the field of study rather than need only.

General Information on Financial Aid for International  Students

eduPass

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Scholarship Search Site - Some Awards for International  Students

Fastweb

Graduate Scholarship Awarding Bodies:

National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council

National Endowment for the Humanities

National Science Foundation

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Admission Requirements

To attend a graduate program in the US you must possess a strong academic background, a good command of English, adequate admissions test scores (varies from school to school), and the ability to finance your education.  You must already have obtained your first academic or professional degree which generally takes 4 years in the US. Check with advisers and individual institutions to see if your degree fits a school's requirements. In general, schools also require that you earn at least a B average in your undergraduate courses.  Proven research ability and relevant work experience also increase your chances of being admitted.

English proficiency is a must for attending grad school in the US You must be able to read, write, and communicate orally in English with a high degree of proficiency.  To demonstrate your level of proficiency you should take TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language.  English proficiency standards vary from school to school. If you are a non-native English speaker but were educated in English for most of your life you may be able to waive your TOEFL. Visit TOEFL for more information.

Graduate admissions tests include the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) general test, GRE Subject Tests in particular fields, the GMAT for business schools, and the MAT (Miller Analogy Test) which is required in some fields like education and psychology. Other professional schools (law, medicine, dentistry, etc.) have specialized entrance exams. There is no general rule regarding admissions test since entrance requirements/scores vary by school and department.

You should plan to take the exams required by the schools you are applying to at least a year in advance of when you wish to enroll. 

Preparing Successful Applications

You should begin collecting initial information from schools 12 to 18 months before you want to begin your studies in the US to allow enough time to complete the entire application process and obtain a student visa. 

You can request information from as many schools as you like. Many students end up applying to between 4 and 7 schools, but requesting information from more schools allows you to narrow your list after reading through course catalogs, handbooks, and application materials.

The internet is another great resource since many schools have online versions of their course catalog as well as online applications which are the quicker than filling out paper forms that you must request from the school.  If you do not have access to the internet you may contact a school in writing to request application materials or go to an internet café and send an email. You should request the forms at least 12 months before you plan to enroll.

Fees: Most universities charge a non-refundable application fee to cover processing costs.  This is payable by either a US dollar check drawn on a US bank or an international money order obtainable from banks or American Express offices.

Documents: In filling out applications it is important that you read each carefully. Though most ask for similar information, each application is slightly different.  Pay attention to which official records a school requires to document your past education.  These transcripts should generally be sent directly from your secondary school in a sealed envelope.  Schools will either evaluate your records themselves or ask that international applicants pay an outside credential evaluator to adjudicate your documents.

In addition, most schools require copies of your secondary school diploma, final examination results, or the results of any national leaving exam.  If any documents need to be translated into English, either you or an accredited translation group may do so.

Test Scores: If you know which institutions you will be applying to when you take your GRE, GMAT, and/or TOEFL, you may indicate which schools you would like your scores sent to at the time of the test. This is generally cheaper and easier than asking for scores to be sent later on.  However, if you do not yet know where you will be applying when you take the exams, you can later request that the scores be sent once you have narrowed your list.  If you want to enroll in September you should take your tests no later than the preceding January. Be sure to check individual deadlines since some may require you to take your tests earlier.  

Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose: The personal essay is your opportunity to show a school who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is the place to show your commitment to your field of study in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner and to outline your views and aspirations. The admissions committee wants to see that you will be a good match for their department or program.

Questions to address in your essay:

Drafting is an important part of the essay-writing process. You should allow yourself enough time to write multiple versions and to edit, revise, and polish it before sending it.  Be sure that you fully answer all questions asked.  Admissions officers often look for applicants to include incidents, events, or anecdotes which should be as detailed as possible.  Always be truthful to who you are; do not write about something simply because you think it is what a college wants to hear.  The most important thing is to be honest and genuine about yourself and your reasons for applying.

Recommendations: Schools will generally request at least 2 recommendations.  These should  be written by past professors, though employers are also allowable, especially if you are not a recent graduate. In choosing your recommenders, you should pick someone who knows you and your work well, and who will be able to assess how you will do in graduate school.

Recommendations also carry a fair amount of weight in the application process. Therefore it is important to tell your recommenders where you want to study and why, so that they may tailor their recommendations to particular schools.  Make sure to allow them plenty of time to write the recommendations so that they have time to reflect on your abilities and are not rushed in writing them.  It is also courteous to give your recommenders stamped envelopes already addressed to the different schools you are applying to.

Financial Statement: In order to ensure that you can cover all the expenses of attending a US institution, schools will include an Affidavit of Financial Support or Declaration and Certification of Finances form in their application packet.  This must be signed by your parents or whoever is financing your education and must be certified by a bank or lawyer.  Keep a copy of this form as you will need it to apply for your student visa.

If you know you will need financial assistance, indicate the fact that you will be applying for aid on the form.  Schools generally require that you show you can cover at least the first year's expenses while others want to see your plan for paying for the duration. While admission itself is generally needs-blind, in order to receive the appropriate certificate of eligibility from the school to obtain your visa you must be able to show how you are planning on paying for your US education.

Deadlines and Submission: Deadlines vary from school to school so be sure to check with each individual institution to make sure you get in all your application materials on time.  The majority of application deadlines fall between January and March, but some schools have cutoffs as early as November.  In general it is good to get your application in as early as possible.

Interviews: Few schools are able to interview international candidates.  International students will not be at a disadvantage if they are unable to be interviewed, however, due to lack of personnel in a particular country.

Acceptance: You should hear back from schools by the end of April. You should let those you choose not to attend know so that they may give your spot to someone else.  Also be sure to let your school of choice know that you would like to accept their offer, since they will probably only hold your spot for a certain period of time.

Sample Application Timeline

August

September-December

January-April

April-June

June-August

Applying for a Student Visa

Most students go to the US on an F-1 academic visa. A small number will need an M-1 if going to complete hands on technical training or vocational work or a J-1 exchange visitor visa if sponsored on an exchange program. The J-1 visa covers graduate students who are coming to the US under an educational exchange program such as the Fulbright.

Visa application instructions vary from country to country, and your nearest US educational information or advising center will be able to give you more specific information. For a general overview of the F-1 visa, please visit Student visas.

To find your nearest US embassy or consulate visit US Department of State-Embassy. Often your specific embassy's website will have more information regarding the visa interview and application process including the fee structure and forms.

Be sure to start the visa application process as soon as you can. Also, assemble a list of supporting documents which will be helpful during your interview if one is required.

Application Procedure

After you have been admitted to a school the institution will send you the appropriate I-20 form. If you are being sponsored by an exchange program you will receive a form DS-2019. In order to receive the form you must have satisfactorily certified your financial viability to the institution. When you receive the form check that your name is spelled as it is on your passport, that all other personal information is correct, that a college official signed it, and ensure that the "reporting date" has not already passed. If it has, the form is expired and you will need a new one.

Once you have your valid I-20 or DS form you may now apply for your student visa. The visa interview is generally short, around 3 minutes, so be prepared to be both brief and convincing. Never lie about your visa application.

The consular officer must be convinced of 3 things:

If your visa application is denied, the consular officer must give you a written explanation of the refusal.  You have the right to apply again, but be sure to prepare more carefully this time as you must show fresh evidence sufficient to overcome the initial denial.

Professional Schools

Medicine

It is very difficult and highly competitive for foreign nationals to study medicine in the US. Typically fewer than 3 percent of international applicants are admitted to US med schools (less than half of US citizen applicants are accepted), and the majority of those international students had completed their undergraduate studies in the US. All applicants must submit MCAT test scores.

Law

The first professional degree in law, the J.D., is generally not appropriate for foreign nationals because the program prepares students to practice in the US which will not easily transfer to use in other countries. Graduate legal education on the other hand can prove quite useful for international lawyers who already have a first professional law degree.