What Are Some Tips for International Students Applying to U.S. Colleges?

Thank you very much for the help. I am Irish so I wont have any problems with language barriers. I have just been finding it hard to find out what each different college has to offer for international students because it doesn't seem to be advertised well on the college websites.

Ann Marie Geary 10:04AM June 21, 2012

The interview. Don't forget the importance of an interview. And remember this: The applicant should request the interview.

An interview helps to prove two things: First, that you're interested in attending the college. (In the case of Chinese students, U.S. admissions offices know that you're scared to death to have an interview. Have the gumption and go for it.) Second, an interview helps to prove that you're the one who likely wrote that superb essay.

The staff working at admissions offices are not stupid. They know that transcripts can be bought recommendations can be forged, even that essays can be (and usually are) outsourced. So test scores become extremely important. But if you're the one who wrote your essays -- and you should be -- an interview can prove your English capabilities in a way that the TOEFL just can't. If you wrote a great essay, a great interview can help drive that point home.

However, the most important thing to consider is your path. Since many (most?) may need a graduate degree (or two or three), figure out a way to fulfill your dreams that includes more than just the top ranked national schools. Remember, President Obama went to Occidental before he transferred to Columbia, and then went to Harvard Law School. Hillary Rodham Clinton went to Wellesley and then to Yale Law School. But the sad fact is that great liberal arts schools are rarely (if ever) an option for international applicants -- by their own choosing (and by the false -- or lack of -- information they're given by admissions agencies).

Finally, beware of the 24 year old "guidance counselor" who has never even been to America, even for a vacation. Some of the largest agenices in China used poorly qualified staff. These 20-somethings know nothing but the nationally-ranked schools, and they're more prone to chose a school ranked 13th than 30th just because of the ranking, regardless of fit. "Fit" doesn't translate into Putonghua, at least not for Chinese so-called "guidance counselors." For them, it's all about a school's rank.

An agency I'm affiliated with, Beyond English, which is based in Qingdao, exists for the sole purpose of fighting the disinformation that even the best middle/high school students routinely receive.

http://bio.beyondenglish.net

David Scott Lewis 10:44AM May 03, 2012

Hello! Thinking to apply to American school to study Supply chain management, I am living in Russia, and having working experience as supply chain manager at International company. Should I apply to school and have 5-6 years or there should be a shorter programm based on my Russian high education and working experience? Is there any other programms to upgrade professional profile and be able to work in US on supply chain manager position?

Thank you.

Elena Lopatina 1:27AM March 09, 2012

I am a ghanaian student studying presently in Morocco on a government scholarship.I want to know if I would have to sit for TOEFL eventhough i did my basic primary.senior and secondary education in English.The official language in Morocco is French and im having my degree in economics with French certificate.I will like to do my masters in the USA.Thanks.

SANDRA AMOAH 10:01AM November 12, 2011