If your passion is architecture, literature or marine biology, the United States (U.S.), home to thousands of high-quality institutions of higher education, is a great place to further your studies and pursue a degree.  Over half a million international students come to the U.S. to study every year!

Coming to study in the U.S. requires hard work, a positive attitude, and a lot of research to prepare for the experience.  By visiting the resources listed here you’re already at a running start and on your way to new destinations!  Often, two big questions students have about studying in the U.S. are:

1)  How do I secure admission into those universities?
2)  How do I find scholarships to the university of my choice?

The following information, which is specifically for those interested in studying in the U.S., will help you answer these questions.  Please also see our webpage about general opportunities in the U.S. for related resources.

Gaining Admission into an American University

Timeline

To study in the U.S., it’s best to begin the process about 18 months in advance.  The timeline below, which was developed by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, gives a summary of a typical process.  Please note that certain tasks may take a longer or shorter time, depending on individual scenarios:

• 18 months before departure:          - Begin searching for a university.

                                                             - Register and prepare for any required entrance exams.

• 12-14 months before departure:     - Choose the schools to which you will apply.  Note that most

                                                              schools require a non-refundable fee for each application

                                                              submitted, so applying to more than a few schools can

                                                              become quite expensive.

                                                             - Obtain application forms and information from the school.

• 11 months before departure:          - Request forms and information again, if necessary.

• 10-12 months before departure:     - Identify people to be your references and ask them to write

                                                              letters of recommendation.

                                                             - Request transcripts from your school.

                                                             - Write your application essay or statement of purpose.

                                                             - Retake entrance exams if your scores are unsatisfactory.

• 10 months before departure:          - Complete and mail applications.  Check the deadlines; they

                                                             may differ from the deadlines required for American students.

                                                             - Most schools will notify you by April or May if you are accepted.  After you

                                                              are accepted, contact the school to ask about any questions you have related to

                                                              accessibility or disability-related accommodations.

• 3-9 months before departure:         - Apply for a student visa at the U.S. embassy in your country.
  

                                                             - More information on applying for a Visa can be found at    

                                                             EducationUSA.

Application Requirements

Most American universities begin their academic year in August or September.  In order to enroll, you need an international student application from the admissions office of that school. This application asks for transcripts, essays, recommendations and other academic criteria. Schools often require scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam for those from non-English speaking countries and/or other standardized tests.  For information on receiving disability-related accommodations on the TOEFL please see TOEFL Testing Arrangements for People with Disabilities.

School websites will generally guide you through their admission requirements, and many have applications you can complete online or download.  Be sure to find the information specified for international students, who may be required to fill out different or additional applications, and may have different deadlines.  Also, check to see if the school has a web page especially for international students and scholars outlining the kinds of services, resources, and support available.  This may include information about scholarships, financial aid, testing, and obtaining a visa and passport.

How to Find a School that is Right for You

For graduate students it is helpful to research institutions that have quality programs in your field of study as a first step.  If you are an undergraduate, you will find that most universities in the U.S. offer a variety of programs.  Once you decide what you want to study and where in the United States you want to live, start researching schools in that area that offer your desired field of study.  The websites listed below are helpful for finding colleges in the United States.

EducationUSA - At this site, you can perform college and university searches according to your program of interest.  You will also find information relating to the American higher education system, Visas, living in the U.S., much of which is available in six languages.

College Board - Use the college search engine to narrow the long list of American colleges and universities down to your specific interests and tastes.  You can even narrow your search by available disability services or by the percentage of international students attending!

GradSchools.com - Find schools with graduate courses.  Many of these will overlap with schools that offer undergraduate programs.

Another good option for students coming to the U.S. to get an undergraduate degree is to consider a two-year Community College.   Community colleges usually cost less money, and after completing an Associates Degree in two years you can transfer to a four-year school and complete your Baccalaureate Degree.

Educational Advising Centers

There are educational advising centers in your country that can assist you with finding a school, completing applications, and preparing you for and allowing you to take the TOEFL test.  These centers are especially helpful if you are uncomfortable doing this entire process on your own. You can find them at EducationUSA.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

International students must show that they can financially support themselves for the first year of school. This means that you must show ahead of time that you have the financial resources to pay for tuition, books, fees, food, housing, and other incidentals. If you obtain a scholarship or sponsorship for your studies, this can count toward proof that you can pay for your student expenses. 

Please also see our webpage about general opportunities in the U.S. for more information on funding.

Get Going!

A lot of information and resources exist to help you plan your experience.  Start with the basic steps above and on the Opportunities in the U.S. page, browse flights and booking, research disability organizations, and network with others who have participated in international exchange in the United States and who have disabilities.  Note any helpful resources and record any advice you would pass on to others considering exchange programs in the U.S.  Once you find the program and location that feels right for you, we wish you the best here in the United States!  Remember to share your story with us along the way.  Your advice and experience may inspire others to follow in your footsteps!  If you would like to talk to us about publishing your story or blog on our website, please contact us at clearinghouse@miusa.org