Hear from international admission officers, college counselors and other education professionals from various institutions and organizations about what you need to focus on when it comes to applying for university. Annie Gingerich, a coordinator of international education at the Colorado Mesa University in Grand Rapids, Colo., provides us with some helpful tips:

International students beginning to apply to U.S. universities may become easily overwhelmed, but focusing on the steps below will make the process less daunting for you.

1. Start the application process early and narrow your search to three to five schools.
2. Contact the international student advisor at each university. Introduce yourself, explain that you’re getting ready to apply, and ask any questions you have about their specific application process.
3. Read and re-read the application requirements, as each university is different. Be sure to provide official documents when requested.
4. If you are deciding between different schools, ask the international student advisor for a contact of a student from your same country already at the university so you can get their perspective.
5. Most importantly, always research your options, ask a lot of questions and make connections!

Holistic Approach to Admission

Most colleges and universities in the U.S. use a holistic approach to undergraduate admissions: They look at a student’s GPA (grade point average), admission test scores and other factors to try to gain a better picture of the student. These factors may include: coursework, teacher and counselor recommendations, the student’s personal statement, interviews, community service, extracurricular activities and more. The application requirements for each institution can be found on its website.

U.S. Admissions and Placement Tests

Most four-year universities and colleges require students to take an admission test, such as the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, among other requirements. Each school will list the required admission tests in their application instructions. You can also find out which tests are required by using College Search. Regardless of the type of test, you should register well in advance to guarantee a testing spot. Learn about SAT and SAT Subject test dates.

AP Recognition

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP) gives you the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced standing. It’s recognized by most colleges and universities in the U.S. and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Institutions in the U.S. give credit and/or placement for qualifying AP Exam scores of a 3, 4 or 5. This could allow you to skip some first-year university-level courses. Each policy varies by institution, so you should obtain the AP policy in writing. This information should be available on the institution’s website or can be found usingAP Credit Policy Info.

English Proficiency Assessments

Most colleges and universities require proof of English language proficiency if your first language is not English and if your education was not in English. This proof can be provided by taking an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL test.

Common Application

The Common Application is an online application form accepted by more than 450 undergraduate institutions in the U.S. Once completed, it can be sent to any participating college. The application is available for both first-year students and transfer students (students who are applying from another U.S. college or university). Each institution may add questions or essays to the basic application, so be sure to check what is required for your list of schools. Download the common application.

Early Action and Early Decision

If you have your heart set on one particular university, you may want to look into whether the institution has an Early Action or Early Decision plan. If you apply Early Action or Early Decision (usually in November), you’ll know whether you’ve been accepted by December or January. It’s important to know the difference between the two plans.

Early Decision plans are binding. That is, if the institution accepts you and offers a reasonable financial aid package, then you must attend the school.

Early Action plans are like early decision plans, but are not binding. Even if you are accepted, you do not have to commit to the institution.

Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts

Some colleges and universities require letters of recommendation from your school counselor and teachers or other adults who know you well. Learn about more about letters of recommendation.

Nguồn: College Board