Study Overseas

It is extremely important that you follow the procedures when applying to a US institution. Your application is often the institutions first impression of you. Therefore, it's extremely important that you do your homework in order to complete the form properly and also take the opportunity to promote yourself to the max.

Application Form

Your application form should be neat and clear to create a good impression. Unless it specifically asks you to complete the forms by hand, use a typewriter or word processor. You should fit your information into the application form provided and only use additional pages where necessary. Keep your personal information consistent, and always spell your name the same way on all documents. This will help schools keep track of your application materials more easily. Remember that 16 U.S. universities handle thousands of student records annually. Do not worry about providing a Social Security Number ” either leave the section blank or write "none," according to the instructions. Avoid abbreviations; it is better to write the names and addresses of your schools, employers, examinations, and awards in full. Always provide information about your education or employment experiences in a logical order that is either chronological or reverse chronological order, as required. You will be asked when you want to study, what level (usually "freshman" or "transfer"), and the degree you hope to receive. Remember that it is acceptable for you to write "undecided" on the section asking about proposed major.

Application Fees

Almost all universities charge a non-refundable application fee that covers the cost of processing your application. It must be paid in U.S. dollars either by a dollar check drawn on a U.S. bank or an international money order obtainable from banks or American Express offices. Check the school's application form, website, or catalog for the current cost.

Academic Credentials

Each college will specify the types of official records it requires to document past education. In American terms, these are called transcripts and include a list of classes that you have taken at secondary school, when they were taken, and the grades you received for each class.

The U.S. college may furnish special forms on which school authorities are asked to write your grades and your academic performance relative to other students in your secondary school. If such forms are not provided, your school still will be expected to submit official documents that provide this kind of information on letterhead paper with the school stamp. If the admissions officer requests an explanation of the grading and class ranking system or descriptions of classes taken or subjects you have studied, this information should be furnished by an official of your school, if possible. U.S. admissions officers prefer that transcripts of previous educational work be sent with your application in an envelope sealed by your school or sent directly from the school.

U.S. colleges either will evaluate your grades and documents themselves, or they sometimes require international applicants to pay an outside company, called a credential evaluator, to evaluate your documents.

In addition to a transcript, you must also send certified copies of the originals of secondary school diplomas, certificates, final examination results, or records of your performance in any national or leaving examinations administered in your home country. Do not send original documents unless there is no alternative; usually they cannot be returned. Copies should be certified with an official seal from the school, or certified by a public official authorized to certify such documents.

If English translations are necessary, you may use the services of a professional translator, or you may translate the document yourself. Such translations must also be certified by an acceptable agency. Some EducationUSA information and advising centers translate and certify documents to assist you with the application process. There may be a charge for such services. Do not attempt to convert your school results and courses into American terms. Instead, try to provide as much background information as possible on the grading system used and the types of diplomas, certificates, or awards granted.