According to U.S. News & World Report over 290,000 international students are currently studying in the United States. Studying in the United States is an attractive option for students who wish to obtain a higher education while learning about the American culture.
Reasons to Study in the United States
Studying in the United States is ideal for international students for many reasons. First, the United States offers a variety of higher educational institutions. Many of these colleges offer excellent programs and majors and access to research opportunities. Second, many colleges are looking to provide a diverse student body. This includes actively seeking students from other countries.
The United States hosts over 4000 colleges and universities. Colleges in other countries are more selective and limit admission. International students can usually find a United States college or university that will admit them. This is especially true of colleges that offer open admission.
Another reason for international students to study in the United States is the opportunity to learn about a new culture. These students need to use English skills and adapt to American culture to be successful and survive at an American college. This experience makes the student an attractive candidate for employment in their home country.
Applying to United States Colleges
Most United States colleges have a specific admission counselor for international student applicants. The counselor can assist students on filling out the application, but more importantly the counselor can help the student understand the study visa process and other important documents needed to study in the United States.
In effort to "go green", many colleges now require students to submit an online application. International students can access a college's website and find the admission page. On that page are directions for freshmen, transfer, and international students. An example of this is on the University of Minnesota's admission webpage. Instructions and admission requirements will be provided to the student.
College-Related Testing
American students take the ACT or SAT for college admission consideration; however, this is not necessarily true for international students. While some colleges may require one of those tests, the required test that international students need to take is The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This test measures a non-native English student on their ability to read, speak, listen, and write in English. Colleges will have a minimum TOEFL score level that international students need to obtain for admission.
International students can benefit from practicing for the TOEFL. Several practice tests are available online, including the ETS which is the parent company of the TOEFL. Besides practicing online, students can also purchase TOEFL testing guides. These guides can be found online, at a local bookstore, or a library. Many of these guides also provide a CD ROM that contains full-length practice tests and/or sample questions.
Overall, international students who would like to study in the United States must understand the reasons to want to study in the United States, the application process, and the college-related testing requirements. Moreover, international students also need to research colleges to find ones that will best match their educational intentions. International students who need further information should contact Education USA.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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