Being an international student studying in the USA can be pretty challenging. The application process can be hectic but don't worry. We are here to guide you completely on the Undergraduate Application Process for International Students. From choosing a university to language tests, we have a thorough guide for you, from application requirements to departure. So let's get started!

1-Research Universities and Choose a Degree

Finding a suitable college or university is the first thing to consider for an international student who wants to study in the USA. You must consider the type of program and field you want to pursue when considering the US undergraduate application process for international students. You can select the correct field by thinking about your goals and objectives for the future. Some universities allow you to explore multiple fields by enrolling as an undeclared major. This helps you to find your area of best interest.

You can go for university rankings to help you select the right university. Once you have decided on your field and made the list of universities to apply to, you can start applying to those colleges. You can contact their admission officers for information regarding the international students' admissions, the admission costs, and required documents.

2-Application Timeline for International Students

You can begin your term in either the fall term, which starts in August/September, or the spring term, in January. Some colleges and universities also offer summer terms for short-term programs. The timeline for the UG application process is different for every student, and it depends upon your college and degree choice. But always start your application process early to save yourself from unexpected delays.

3-Necessary Standardized testing:

An international student needs to have specific tests cleared to get admission into an American university. For undergraduate admission, one will require to clear one of the two tests:

1)    SAT

2)    ACT

These two tests are conducted as a readiness measure for college students. These tests check the academic performance and communication skills of a student. SAT is conducted for evaluating analytical skills, while the ACT is for assessing communication skills.

4-Language tests for International Students

Most US universities require a lower score on the English language test for undergraduate students. However, certain universities prefer some specific language tests. The minimum score requirement depends upon the university and degree program. So you can check for the requirements of your university and degree program. Here are some of the basic English language tests that can take:

1. IELTS_International English Language Testing System Exam
2. C1 Advanced
3. TOFEL_Test of English as a Foreign Language
4. PTE Academic

These tests evaluate your reading, speaking, and writing skills. Each country has certified centers for conducting English language tests.

5-Transcript Evaluation

For foreign students, some universities have a transcript evaluation process. It is done to evaluate the academic records. It is vital to have transcripts of your academic records evaluated by a certified agency. A transcript evaluation is necessary as it gives credibility to your academic records stating that all of your courses are studied and recognized by the universities you may apply to attend.

6-College Essays

Many universities use a very holistic process for admission. They also consider your personality and motivations in the admission process. You give them a picture of yourself through your essay. So you must write wisely, as your essay must show your decent writing style and your significant values. Some schools have their own essay prompt instead of a normal application process. Some colleges may ask additional essay questions. So never overlook any such queries. College essays are an essential criterion for considering a student. Many students do not focus on it that much and are overlooked by the university.

7-Letter Of Recommendation

The last important document required for the college application process is a letter/s of recommendation. Some colleges don't ask for any, while others may want two or three. Your recommendation letters should demonstrate your personal and academic qualities. You can invite your teachers, school counselor, or principal to submit their letters through an online application. As with your essays and other parts of your application, they should provide insights into your strengths and skills as a student and your personality and character.

8-Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Suppose you have limited resources to pay for your undergraduate degree. In that case, you must not forget to ask the college advisors about the kinds of grants, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships eligible for foreign students in the US. There are usually two types of grants available, need-based and merit-based, so you can apply for either. Furthermore, do not leave out a college by just looking at its fee structure. You must look for scholarships and grants for international students in America in that university to help you cover your degree expenses.

9-Apply to the Colleges in the US

Now that you have completed your application, you can apply to the colleges and universities of your choice. You can read their international student policies and can send an online application along with the documents. Check your application in case of any errors, and make sure that you have attached all the necessary documents.

10-Accepting the University Offer

More than one university you have applied to can send you admission offers. In case you have more than one option, then decide carefully. Look at your best interests and goals. Take a look at what each one had to offer and then make your decision. You can also check for fees and scholarships that each can offer.

11-Apply for Student Visa

When you are accepted by one of the universities, you need to acquire a student visa. The university you have been accepted to will provide you with an I-20 or DS-2019 document to determine your visa type. The type of document they give will determine the type of your student visa, J-1, M-1, or F-1. You can contact any university advisor to help you with the visa for further support. For acquiring the Visa process, First, pay a 350$ online fee for SEVIS I-901 and keep the receipt safe with you. Then apply for a student visa. They will call you for the interview, so be prepared for a visa interview at the US embassy in your country.

12-Prepare for departure

After receiving your visa, now is the time to celebrate with your family and prepare for departure. Make your travel arrangements; you can also attend a pre-departure orientation at any USA Education Center. Gather all the necessary documents for your arrival. You can also check for pre-departure information at your university's website to guide you to local temperatures, health insurance, transportation, and housing. This was all about guiding you to the undergraduate application process for international students. Good luck with your application. For more information, you can contact us.