Application guide for first year USA students

Application guide for first year USA students

To apply online in the USA, identify your goal (e.g., study, work, visit), find the appropriate government agency's online portal (e.g., EducationUSA for study, U.S. Department of State for visas), and complete the specific online application form (like the DS-160 for a visa). You'll need to gather required documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, financial forms, and a resume or CV. For study, you must apply to a SEVP-approved school and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee after acceptance. 

The United States has over 250 universities and colleges listed in the latest higher education rankings created by Times Higher Education, US News, and TopUniversities.

Whether it's the attraction of living the American dream, or simply the irresistible idea of finding success in "the land of the free and home of the brave", around 1 million international students choose to enrol at a university or college in the USA.

Find Masters in the US

But, how can you make sure that you will be accepted at one? Below I will run through some of the steps and approaches to selecting a university, and making sure that you have what it takes to be admitted.

US universities to consider for your studies
Here are some top US universities you should consider for your study abroad adventure:

University of California, Berkeley
Northeastern University
Kansas State University
Wichita State University
University of San Francisco
Boston University
Bay Path University
Columbia University
You can also choose an online Master's degree from universities based in the US. Here are just a couple of examples:

Walden University
Kettering University Online

Most universities give you the option to apply directly on their websites.
Be sure to read the requirements carefully when applying to American universities. Some will require standardised tests (e.g. GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT), and others will ask for different documents (writing samples, portfolio, list of patents) as part of the application process.
Most students apply to 3-5 universities to increase their chances of being admitted.
University application fees are usually between 75-100 USD, depending on the university. If you have trouble paying your admission fee, contact the university or programme directly.
Non-US students may be required to supply proof that their English-language skills are proficient enough to attend classes. Be sure to have your IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo certificates available.
The US doesn't currently have an application system for all universities. Local and international students should apply directly through the university. Use the links on the university websites, and follow the instructions carefully.

To ensure that you are able to effectively learn and participate in your classes, you will need to show that you have good enough English-language skills to apply for admission to a U.S. university. The minimum scores will depend largely on the programme and the university. Most U.S. universities will accept one of these tests 

Required university application documents
Different universities and programmes will require different documents. However, these are the items you are most likely to need if you apply to a university in the US:

Transcripts or records of grades (high school and/or university)
Résumé/CV
Test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
Proof of English-language proficiency
Motivation letter or statement of purpose
Application fee
Writing sample
Passport photo

 University application deadlines in the US
If you are applying for an undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree in the US, universities will typically offer two application deadlines - early admission and regular admission.

If you're applying for the fall (autumn) admission, early deadlines will be between October and November, the previous year.
If you're applying for the fall (autumn) admission, regular admission deadlines will be between February and March, the same year.
If you are applying for a post-graduate (Master's or PhD) degree, your American university application deadline will depend on the semester in which you are enrolling (spring intake or fall intake).

If you are applying for the fall admission, your deadline can be anywhere from January to March.
If you are applying for the spring admission, your deadline is probably anywhere between July and September, the previous year.

These deadlines can vary drastically depending on which programme you are applying for or which university you wish to attend. Be sure to contact the programme itself if you're not sure about the correct deadline.

Final steps after receiving the university acceptance letter
Congratulations on getting your acceptance letter!

If you aren't a US citizen, you will need to use your acceptance letter to apply for the F-1 student visa.
Be sure to take some time to apply for funding and scholarships. You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.
Check whether the university you applied to requires an enrolment fee to secure your spot there.
Celebrate your victory of being admitted at the university of your dreams!
Once you have finalized which US university to pick, the next plausible step is to arrange your student housing on time. And for that purpose, you can either opt for on-campus accommodation or go for a more popular option, off-campus accommodation. Whether you shift into student housing in Chicago or student accommodation in Dallas, you will find a safe and cozy place to live; moreover, freedom and independence to relish your student life to the fullest, which tends to be somewhat restricted in university dormitories. 

Study in the USA

The USA has the world's largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience at a United States college or university. Nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing. From the mid-1950's, when international student enrollment was only just reaching 35,000, international education in the USA has come a long way.

We look forward to helping students like you who are considering continuing education in the United States. You will find all the tools you need to compile your necessary research in deciding if the United States is the best place for you — we have gathered valuable information on educational, social, cultural and economic aspects of studying in the U.S.

Academic Excellence
The United States has one of the world’s finest university systems, with outstanding programs in virtually all fields. At the undergraduate level, excellent programs exist in traditional disciplines, as well as in professional fields. At the graduate level, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest minds in their field of study, with the chance to become involved with exclusive research and

educational opportunities. U.S. degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence.

Variety of Educational Opportunities

The United States is home to several thousand colleges and universities, boasting at least ten times as many campuses as in any other country. As a result, the higher education system in the U.S. has something for everyone. Some U.S. colleges and universities stress broad educational principles; others emphasize practical, employment-related skills; and still others specialize in the arts, social sciences or technical fields. This means that no matter what you plan on studying, you will have a wide variety of programs in your particular field from which to choose.

Cutting-Edge Technology
Universities in the U.S. pride themselves on being at the forefront of technology, research and techniques, and in making the best possible equipment and resources available to their students. Even if your field does not directly involve science or engineering, you will have opportunities to become skilled in using the latest technology to conduct research, as well as obtain and process information. You will find ways to stay connected with researchers, teachers and experts in your field all over the world.

Opportunity for Research, Teaching and Training
You may be able to gain valuable experience through teaching and/or research while you help to finance your education in the U.S., particularly if you are a graduate student. Many graduate programs offer training and teaching opportunities that enable students to become teaching assistants to undergraduates and/or research assistants on special projects exploring different aspects of your field of study.

International students are some of the most valued teachers and researchers in U.S. universities because they bring new skills and ideas to the classroom and library or laboratory. This practical component of your education will prove useful in your future career, and may give you insights into your field that would not be possible through course study alone.

Flexibility
Although many programs are highly structured in that specific coursework requirements must be met, you will generally be able to find a wide variety of course choices to meet those requirements. For example, liberal arts coursework for an undergraduate program will include classes in languages and mathematics, but you will be given a wide variety of classes which fit those requirements, and the freedom to decide which classes best match your interests.

At the advanced stages of a degree, or if you are pursuing a graduate degree, you will be able to tailor your coursework to fit your specific academic goals, needs and interests. When you choose topics for independent study for a graduate thesis or dissertation, you can emphasize ideas that are important to you, your field and your country.

Support Services for International Students
Studying in the United States is a rewarding experience, but navigating your way through day-to-day issues can be a challenge. Many international students find that the college and university international student office is a great resource when it comes to adapting to a culturally and academically different environment. The mission of the international student office is to assist students like you, and there is often a wide range of student services that they provide

An orientation program upon your arrival is just the start of the many programs and benefits of the university international student office - throughout your time in the U.S., they can help answer questions you may have regarding your visa status, financial situation, housing, employment possibilities, health concerns and more.

If you choose to complete your degree in the United States, this office often provides resume and employment assistance as graduation nears. The international student office will be an invaluable source of information and help as you make the transition into academic and cultural life in the United States.

Global Education and Long-Term Career Prospects
Experience in an international setting is a marketable commodity. Many employers seek the wide range of knowledge, adaptability and experience that international students acquire by studying in the United States. Companies in the U.S. are increasingly seeking to become a strong presence in the global marketplace. They

often look to hire employees who not only have multi-cultural language skills, but those who can also help communicate, negotiate and conduct business across different cultures.

The United States is not the only country seeking strong candidates when hiring; international students are in high demand elsewhere, as well. In recent years, international companies have become much more proactive in recruiting from the pool of strong international student graduates. Your long-term career prospects can be enhanced by your experiences through the development of self-confidence, independence and cross-cultural skills - attributes which are in high demand with employers worldwide.

Campus Life Experience
When you continue your studies in the U.S., you are making a choice to broaden not only your educational opportunities, but your cultural experience, as well. Whether you attend a small, private college in a small town or a university situated in the middle of a large urban area, most universities offer a variety of student clubs and organizations to match the wide array of student interests. You can have the opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture, meeting new people and making new friends, through different organizations and associations.

International students often find that the international student office is a good starting point for campus offerings, as well as the campus student center. Your time studying abroad can be enriched by taking part in the social and cultural scene surrounding you, and you will likely find that U.S. campuses provide a rich variety academic, cultural and athletic activities that add new dimensions to your life.

The United States has over 310 million people and offers international students a unique experience from buzzing, highly dense cities to unpopulated open spaces and pristine natural beauty. If you are curious about what your state has to offer, learn more about all 50 states in our USA State Guide. Here we’ve done the research for you so that you can learn about the state’s economy, internship opportunities, climate, activities, and more..

USA School Search
The International Student USA School Search is unique because it is built and maintained with you, the international student, in mind. If you have any feedback or ideas to improve it, please let us know.

US Layers Uniquely Comprehensive
Many sites show you only their advertisers – schools that pay them to recruit students. We show you our advertisers too – they pay the bills – but our search includes all of the US schools that accept international students, over 3,000 colleges and universities.

US Target Uniquely Targeted
Some sites include many more schools, over 7,000, because they also show colleges that accept only US students. For international students all of these extra schools make the search useless – our USA School Search shows only those schools that accept international students.

US Gear Uniquely Functional
Search our database of schools by those criteria that matter most to you: degree programs, tuition range, location, public vs. private, religious affiliation, sports conferences or many more criteria.

Now that you know about all 50 states through our USA State Guides, check out our Study Guide by Subject where you can learn more about the different fields of study, top schools, internship opportunities, the US education system and more. Please also follow us on Facebook and Twitter if you want more regular international student updates!

Posted on 2025/09/10 09:33 AM