The College Admissions Process: International Students
By Josiah Enos, Associate College Counselor
Imagine traveling thousands of miles to a new country, a new school, and a new home. This is the journey that thousands of international students make each year, as they take a huge step toward furthering their education. This is the final step within what has been a very comprehensive process. Students have spent countless hours on applications, interviews, and essays, not to mention all the time invested in their high school education and extracurricular engagements.
While some of this might sound familiar to you, let’s jump into what is different within the international admissions process, unpacking exactly what is involved in the transition to higher education within the United States.
Admission Requirements:
Many aspects of the admissions process for international students are very similar to what students in the United States experience; however, there are some key differences.
One great example is the English language proficiency exam that international students must take. Exams like TOEFL, Duolingo, and the IELTS exam are among the most recognized tests, though each test is scored differently. It is important to check with the universities to which you are applying to see what score they require, as well as to see what tests they accept. This is an important step within the admissions process and has the potential to bring everything to a standstill, so careful planning is essential.
Additionally, the ACT or SAT tests are also commonly required. As a bonus, these tests have the potential to exempt you from the required English proficiency tests, though once again, this is dependent on the university. Altogether, international students will be asked to submit their ACT/SAT test scores, English proficiency test scores (when applicable), high school transcripts, the application itself, and any additional required essays or personal statements.
Immigration: Student Visas
Student visas grant international students the opportunity to study and live within the United States. Most students will apply for the F-1 visa, which grants students the ability to study in the United States for a wide range of educational training.
There are a number of requirements to be considered for this visa. Students must have applied and have been accepted to a SEVP-approved university. Students must also be enrolled as full-time students, meaning they must be registered for at least 12 credit hours. Additionally, programs must be completed in person, so being enrolled at an online university is not an option.
Another element within the F-1 visa application is English proficiency, as students must demonstrate that they are proficient in the language, or can be registered for courses that will help achieve this goal. Students must also prove that they have the financial means to fund their education. To do so, students will be asked to provide the admissions team with bank and income statements.
The final two F-1 visa requirements state that students must demonstrate an intent to return to their home country after the completion of their studies and that they must apply for this visa while they are living outside the United States. Upon the completion of the admissions process, students will be issued an I-20 document from the university. Students will then take this document to their student visa interview at a United States consulate, which is where these visas are issued. A great resource is the International Admissions team at the universities you are applying to, so make sure to ask any questions that you may have!
Additionally, this website also provides a ton of great information.
Financial Aid: What International Students are Eligible for
As I mentioned in the previous section of this article, international students are responsible for demonstrating the ability to fund their education. Let’s jump into what options there are in terms of financial aid.
As international students are not United States citizens, they are not eligible for federal student loans. Federal and state grants are also not available to the international student population. So what options do you have? Universities have a wide assortment of financial aid options, in the form of scholarships and grants! It is worth reaching out to the university financial aid office to identify what options are available at that specific school.
There are other options that are worth considering as well, such as private loans. It is important to note that some loans require a co-signer, and depending on the institution you choose, they may request that co-signer be a citizen of the United States. It is also worth checking with your government, as it is possible that there are scholarships and grants available. These vary from country to country.
Finally, there are employment opportunities available at some schools! It is important to keep track of the requirements as you don’t want to jeopardize your visa status by accidentally violating policies surrounding employment. For instance, there are limits on where international students are able to work, as well as a limit on how many hours per week they are permitted. With an F-1 visa, students are typically only able to work on campus, unless they are taking part in Curricular Practical Training. This would grant you the opportunity to work off-campus, though it must be in a field closely related to your field of study.
The admissions process for international students is a complicated one, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! The International Admissions staff can help guide you throughout the process and there are a number of great resources available online as well. Take your time, plan well, and start this process early! This will greatly reduce the chance of missing items and relieve the stress and anxiety that can easily accompany this process.