Applying to college is no small feat; but applying in a foreign country, where the bureaucratic systems are strange and unfamiliar, is an even greater challenge. We recently spoke with Nova Scholar about the best way to approach the process; they advised us on the exact steps you should take and the order in which to take them. This article will guide you through every stage, from researching colleges to packing your bags.
During our discussion with Nova Scholar, we also learned about the importance of building a strong academic profile beyond grades. They highlighted opportunities like the John Locke Essay Competition, which allows students to showcase their critical thinking and writing skills—qualities highly valued by top U.S. universities. Participating in such competitions not only strengthens your application but also demonstrates intellectual curiosity and initiative, traits that can set you apart in a competitive admissions process.
1. Finding the right school and program
With over 4000 universities across 52 states in the US, how to choose one could warrant an article in itself. To narrow down the selection, ask yourself the following questions:
· Academic:
Which colleges perform well in my subject?
What specific courses am I looking to take? Are they offered everywhere?
Who are the faculty? Are there any professors that particularly inspire me?
What are the facilities like?
Is the college known to be academically rigorous or a bit more relaxed?
· Location:
Do I want to be in a bustling city or somewhere quieter? Close to the beach or the mountains? What is the climate like?
Are there some locations that would make a trip home more convenient?
Do I want to be somewhere walkable? With public transport options?
Do I want to be somewhere multicultural and diverse?
What are the politics of the region?
Are there things to do in the region outside of my studies? Are there cinemas, music venues or art galleries?
What is the student accommodation like?
· Social and Emotional
Are there teams and societies that could be a right fit for me?
Are there sororities or fraternities that appeal to me?
Is the college known to have a party culture or are people more academically focused?
What are the student support services like?
· Cost and Funding
What are the tuition fees for international students?
Are there scholarships I am eligible for?
What is the cost of living like in the area?
The hierarchy of the categories is completely personal; no single aspect of college life is inherently more valuable than another. A helpful strategy may be to rank the categories (academic, location, social, and economic) in order of importance to you, then look for schools that meet your top priorities. It is inevitable that every school will fall short in some way. What matters most is deciding what you’re willing to compromise on and what is non-negotiable.
2. Understanding the admission requirements
There are a few requirements schools will have in common, and some that are specific to the program and university you are applying to. Let’s run through the most common requirements:
· Academic Transcripts
Transcripts of your secondary education to-date with your most recent examination results, if these are not in English, you must also organize an official translation of them.
· Standardized tests
Most schools will ask you to take the SAT / ACT.
· Proof of English Proficiency
If your education was not conducted in English, you will have to prove that your level of English is good enough to be able to complete a degree in it.
· Personal Statement / Essay
You will generally be required to write a personal essay, the topic of which is chosen by the specific institution, some colleges may ask you to write a supplementary essay which addresses your academic motivations more directly, asking questions like why that school specifically.
· Recommendation Letter
In most cases you will be required to provide a recommendation letter from someone who has a good gauge of your academic potential, work ethic and character more generally; this might be a teacher, a tutor or a mentor.
· Application form
These days, most application forms run through apps like the Common App or the Coalition App. These portals are designed for the process and are relatively straightforward to work with.
· Application fee
Most institutions will demand an application fee, typically ranging from $50-$100. In cases of financial hardship, it may be possible for this fee to be waived.
If you’re applying to an arts or music school then a portfolio of work may be required, and an interview might be part of the process for the most prestigious colleges.
3. Taking the tests
To apply to a US college, it is likely that you will need to take either the SAT or the ACT. This must be organized in your home country and you must leave enough time to sit the exam and have your results sent to colleges before the application deadline. It is recommended that you book tests at least 6 months in advance, and even earlier if you can. International test dates for the SAT are offered four times a year, in October, December, March and May. You can register for one of these dates through College Board, where you can also find information on the procedure of taking the SAT outside of the US, including the registration fee and how long you can expect to wait for your results.
4. Completing your application
Now that you have organized all of your supporting documents, have taken your exam and had your results back, it is time to complete your application. Pay attention to the application deadline for your chosen college, as these are often earlier for international students than for your domestic peers. When sending everything off, make sure to double check the accuracy of your documents; are there any typos in your personal essay? Have you forgotten to attach the translation of your transcript?
After this step you can take a break, pause for a moment and wait to hear back from your college(s) of choice! Best of luck!
5. Organizing your student visa
Congratulations on your offer and welcome back to the college-planning process! The hardest bit is done and you should be extremely proud of yourself for getting this far.
The next thing on the agenda is sorting out your student visa. To do so, you must organize an appointment with the US embassy in your home country. These appointments must be attended in-person so you may have to travel quite far across your country to get to the consulate. It is also important to note that appointment availability may be limited, so it is worth booking an appointment as early as you can just in case. Typically, you will be required to provide a number of pieces of evidence and documentation, including but not limited to your acceptance letter, proof of financial preparedness (whether this be your own funds or a scholarship), information on where you will be living in the US and your passport.
During your visa appointment or “interview” as it is often dauntingly referred as, you will be asked a number of questions on your motivations for moving to the US, your academic plans, your finances and what you intend to do post-graduation. It’s normal to feel nervous at this stage, the U.S. visa process can seem intimidating, and it’s true that the system doesn’t always feel welcoming. It’s important to keep in mind that the interview is just a chance for them to understand your plans and make sure you’re prepared. If you come ready with your documents and speak honestly about your goals, it will be completely fine. This is one step closer to studying at your dream college, and you absolutely deserve to be there.
When that is done, all you have to do is wait. The time for your visa to come back varies greatly depending on factors such as your nationality, and the business of the period when you applied. As it stands, the US embassy estimates that a student visa should be processed and delivered within 7-10 days.
6.Organize the logistics of the move
This is one of, if not the most fun step in the process, as it means the new life you are about to start is just around the corner. Some of the tasks such as applying for health insurance and getting any necessary vaccinations are perhaps on the mundane side, but others such as booking your flight, choosing your student accommodation and joining social media groups with other incoming freshmen are so exciting!
Asides from the obvious of packing clothes and things for your room, here is a reminder of a few pre-departure practicalities:
- Make sure your passport and visa are both valid
- Make sure you have completed all enrolment procedures with your school
- Check whether you can use your phone when you get there, or whether you need to buy a temporary e-sim to make the transition as smooth as possible
- Check that your debit / credit cards will work in the US, it is probably a good idea to have some US dollars in cash just in case
- Bring any prescription medication and the prescriptions themselves from your doctor at home
- Bring copies of your medical records
And that’s it, welcome to the next stage of your life! All that’s left to do now is to get there and get settled, I’m sure you’ll have a blast!
