Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students. Yet, many international students and parents are confused and overwhelmed by the US university system and admissions process.
If you or your child is considering studying in the US, here are some important facts you need to know before making the decision to apply:
Most international students and their parents are familiar with US universities like Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford. Yet, there are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, all offering a very high standard of educational experience. International students can improve their chances of studying in the US by building a college list.
“Free Rides” for international students are rare. In truth, the majority of US universities do not offer any financial aid or scholarships for international students. Of the colleges that do offer financial assistance, most will expect nearly all international students to contribute at least some funds towards their educational expenses. The amount you and your family will be expected to contribute will not be based solely on what you and your family feel comfortable paying, but rather on the college’s detailed examination of your family’s income, assets, and other financial factors as well as your merits.
US universities often consider much more than grades and test scores when making admission decisions. Many colleges will look beyond the “hard numbers” on a student’s application. They may ask for recommendation letters from your teacher to get a sense of your intellectual curiosity and potential for academic success. Admissions officers will look for insights into who you are and what you’ll bring to that community. How do you spend your time outside of school? Have you made a difference in your local community? Do you have a particular interest or passion that you’ve pursued on an on-going basis?
Attending college far from home can be scary, but all US universities and colleges offer support services to help international students adjust to life in the US. When offered, these special programmes bring all new international students to campus a few days before classes start to help students get familiar with the campus and surrounding community and what will be expected academically. Additionally, the International Students Office can help parents learn about special housing for international students, employment options while studying in the US, and post-graduate opportunities.
Don’t be shy about contacting the Admissions Office! More than one student has told me that they were worried that asking too many questions might negatively affect their admissions decision. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many colleges give preference to applicants who they know have made an effort to be in touch with admissions and learn about the college.
Finally, an excellent resource for international students who are considering attending college in the US is Education USA. Developed by the US government specifically to assist international students with college planning, this website offers an incredible wealth of information about choosing and applying to US universities, student visas, and financial aid for international students.