Undergraduate Admissions and Testing at US Colleges and Universities

Getting into an American college or university requires quite a bit of effort to demonstrate a student's commitment, suitability, competency and preparedness, including:

• Following specific steps along a pre-defined timeline
• Preparing well in advance in order to meet deadlines
• Diligent filling out of paperwork
• Taking assessment tests
• Compiling necessary records
• Communicating with government offices in both the student's home country and the US
• Following up on each step to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible

Completing each step carefully and thoroughly does not guarantee admission, but demonstrates a respect for the opportunity and sincere desire to succeed as a student in the US... both of which go a long way toward formal acceptance into an undergraduate program.

Undergraduate Admission Application Timeline

International students should allow a minimum of a year before they wish to arrive in the US to plan, prepare and complete the application process, including obtaining the necessary student visa. Those who plan ahead 18 months or more are likely to have a much wider range of choices in programs.

More than a year prior to the beginning of the target academic year (usually August / September), students should:

1. Compile preliminary list of schools - Choose 10-20 schools of interest and research them online or by requesting catalogs.
2. Note key deadlines - The required dates when completed applications and financial aid forms must be submitted will determine the date by which any standardized tests for admission must be taken in time for results to be received by the deadline.
3. Research financial assistance opportunities - Apply for grants, scholarships and other means of assistance from home countries, international organizations and private sources

Between September and December:

1. Select preferred schools - Narrowing down choices to 5-10 schools is advised, since applications can be time consuming and usually involve a fee. Be sure to note application deadlines, especially for early admission / early decision dates.
2. Obtain application forms - Request, download, or find online applications and financial aid forms. Make note of application fees. When filling out the forms, students' names should be spelled the same way on every document to avoid duplicate records that can cause confusion and delays. A Social Security Number is not required. Avoid abbreviations. It is acceptable to indicate "undecided" as the proposed major.
3. Register for and take standardized tests - Schedule the dates for any standardized tests required by US colleges or universities, such as the TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II, and/or ACT. These forms are available online or by request from the school that requires them. Deadlines for registration are 5-6 weeks before the test date. Sending the scores at test time, rather than at a future date, will save time and money.
4. Request transcripts - Order official transcripts from secondary and postsecondary schools. Schools providing transcripts must submit them on letterhead with the school stamp, in a sealed envelope or sent directly from the school.
5. Request letters of recommendation - Provide teachers, principles, school counselors and / or tutors with forms (provided as part of the admissions packet) with which they can submit letters of recommendation. It is considered common courtesy to provide stamped, addressed envelopes, and allow plenty of time for them to write and send recommendations. It is a good idea to ask them to sign the sealed flap of the envelope.
6. Submit applications - Complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications, and associated fees. Include photocopies of standardized test results, as some universities can begin processing the application with just a photocopy in hand. Be sure to keep copies of all forms, records and documents.
7. Follow up - Make sure the application forms, transcripts, test scores and reference letters have been received. The actual evaluation of grades and documents may be done by the universities themselves, or they may pay a credential evaluator to assess international students' documents. A few examples of credential evaluators in the US include: AACRAO: American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Educational Credential Evaluators, California University FCE, Global Credential Evaluators, and World Education Services. Others can be found through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) membership list.

Between April and June:

1. Receive notification- Letters of approved or denied admission are received. Information on orientation, housing and health insurance follows.
2. Formally decide - Make final school selection and notify admissions office including completing and returning any forms and / or required deposits. Notify schools not chosen so they can open up the slot to other students, and return unused student visa Certificates of Eligibility.
3. Prepare financially - Make arrangements to transfer funds to a US bank along with money to cover travel and expenses.
4. Obtain SEVIS Form I-20 - Universities and colleges employ Foreign Student Advisors to assess whether admitted students meet student visa requirements, and provide SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant [F-1] Student Status (or Form DS-2019). Advisors will only issue a certificate of eligibility for a student visa if sufficient income is documented with a completed Declaration and Certification of Finances or Affidavit of Financial Support.
5. Make living arrangements - Complete forms for housing, meals, health insurance and other university services.

Between June and August:

1. Complete SEVIS requirements - Fill out the SEVIS Form I-901 using information from Form I-20 or DS-2019, and pay the required SEVIS fee as soon as possible.
2. Apply for student visa - Once the payment receipt for the I-20 and SEVIS I-901 is received, promptly apply to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a visa. This can be time consuming, so should be done as early as possible from the planned date of departure.
3. Make travel arrangements - StaTravel is a travel agency operated by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) which offers discount rates on travel for students worldwide.
4. Confirm travel plans and orientation details - Communicate finalized travel plans to the school's International Student Office, and verify student orientation details.

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