Application FAQs

1. How does the admissions process work?

First off, always remember that admission deadlines in the U.S. are strictly observed. For best results, plan to begin the application and admissions process for an undergraduate degree at least one year prior to the intended entry date. When you have selected several prospective schools, you can request application materials to be sent to your home from this website. Upon receiving these materials, study them carefully to make sure you understand what is required. Application materials often differ from institution to institution, as do specific requirements for admission. Be sure to pay special attention to the requirements for international students, which may differ from those for U. S. applicants. Generally, the undergraduate admissions process involves:
· Completing the application
· Providing valid scores for the required standardized tests
· Submitting academic records
· Writing an essay or statement of purpose
If you are applying for a performing or visual arts program, you may also be required to submit a tape or portfolio of your work. Submit all required materials and fees to the schools' admissions office no later than the posted application deadline. An admissions officer will review and evaluate the materials. You will be notified of the results by letter. If you are accepted into the school, an I-20 will be issued to you from the school. The I-20 is the document that enables you to apply for a student visa. If you are accepted in the school, you should notify the admission office promptly whether you intend to enroll.

2. What are the typical requirements for attending an U.S. college or university?

A typical undergraduate or graduate admissions application might include:
· An application form and fee
· School transcripts
· Results of standardized tests
· Reference letters
· A teacher's report
· Essays
You will also be required to:
· Obtain a F-1 visa
· Demonstrate the financial capability to cover all expenses for that year of study
· Purchase and maintain approved medical insurance.

3. What's the difference between undergraduate and graduate schools' admissions policies?

Undergraduate admission is usually the responsibility of the admission office on campus. In fact, admission officers review the application materials for all applicants. They determine which students are qualified for admission. In the case of graduate admissions, a committee is typically responsible for the evaluation. This group includes faculty members and administrators from the departments to which the candidate is applying. The committee looks at not only your academic preparedness and potential. It also determines whether your interests, goals and experiences support the department's academic focus.

4. How does the U.S. grading system work?

Most U.S. colleges and universities use the following grades for both graduate and undergraduate students:
· A means "exceptional/outstanding." It's typically a score of 90-100 percent.
· B means "good." It's typically 80-90 percent.
· C means "fair." It's typically 70-80 percent.
· D means "poor." It's typically 60-70 percent.
· F means "failing." It's typically below 60 percent.
Some schools allow instructors to add a plus (+) or a minus (-) to a grade. For example, a student may receive an "A+" or an "A-, a "B+" or a "B-", and so on.
In determining a student's grade point average (GPA), keep in mind that:
· A is worth 4 points
· B is worth 3 points
· C is worth 2 points
· D is worth 1 point
· F is zero points.
To calculate your GPA:
First multiply your grades by the number of credits, and then divide this sum by the total number of credit hours. Example: if you received an "A" for a three-credit course, you multiply 4x3, and the result is 12. If you received a "B" for a two-credit course, you multiply 3x2 and the result is 6. Add your total points (12+6=18). Then add together your total number of credits (3+2=5). Finally, divide the total number of points by the total number of credits (18/5). The result in this case would be a 3.6 GPA.

5. How can I transfer my grades and credits to the U.S. system?

Transferring credits can be a complex and subjective process. Different schools evaluate credits differently, and one school's evaluation should not be used as an indication of how other schools will evaluate that credit. For best results, consider these important points:
Send records from all your post-secondary institutions to your target schools' admissions offices.
· Make certain the records have an original stamp or seal of the issuing institution to verify authenticity.
· Include descriptions of post-secondary courses, lists of textbooks, and all other information and documentation that will help the admissions office evaluate the courses to be transferred.
· Keep in mind that schools review such factors as program characteristics; academic records, strength and quality of institutions or programs; and level and content of study.

6. How can I increase my chances for acceptance?

Preparation is the best way to get accepted to a school in the U.S.
Admission standards can vary widely at different schools. For each place in class, there may be more than ten students submitting an application. That's why it's important to understand the system properly and know exactly what is required for admissions.

7. What should I remember when writing an admissions essay?

Never underestimate the importance of essays. A poorly written essay will give a negative impression, even if the rest of your application is top quality. You can get tips for success - and learn more about common essay topics - here.

8. Can graduates of vocational schools enroll directly into a master's program?

Typically, graduate programs at US colleges only accept students who have completed their undergraduate studies and have received either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Some private institutions claim that students graduating from two-year, three-year, or five-year vocational schools in other nations may enroll directly in master's degree programs. These claims are often misleading. A closer look at these schools' admissions requirements generally show that students with "inadequate backgrounds" must complete a considerable number of prerequisite courses before they can be admitted to a master's degree program. Furthermore, these prerequisite courses do not count toward fulfilling master's degree requirements.

9. Can graduates of community colleges enroll directly into a four-year college or university program?

After completing two years of study at a community college, you will earn an associate of arts (AA) degree. As long as you maintained passing grades or better, you should be able to transfer smoothly to a four-year public or private college. Keep in mind that U.S. community colleges offer three types of educational categories: academic courses; technical or vocational courses; and adult education courses. Students who wish to transfer to a four-year college should take academic courses so their credits will be transferable. The procedure for transferring is similar to applying to most colleges.