# How to Apply to a U.S. College as an International Student This guide walks international students through applying to a U.S. college—choosing schools, applying, visas, financial aid, and a pre-departure checklist. ### Choosing a U.S. College According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are [nearly 4,000 colleges](https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-many-universities-are-in-the-us-and-why-that-number-is-changing) in the United States (defined as degree-granting postsecondary institutions). These span the width and breadth of the United States, from California to New York and North Dakota to New Mexico. Every U.S. state has many universities to choose from — [California comes out on tops with the most (416 colleges) and Wyoming the least (just nine colleges)](https://www.statista.com/statistics/306880/us-higher-education-institutions-by-state/). There are seemingly endless choices. So where do you start? #### RANKING One approach is to look at how all these colleges rank overall in the U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings and apply to the ones that score top marks either broadly or in your specific field of interest. Looking at that list you’ll see some internationally recognized names. But you should go beyond the brand name and look at the underlying data: average class sizes, students to faculty ratio, student facilities such as libraries, average cost of living in the area, and the financial aid that’s available. #### ELIGIBILITY Another aspect to consider are entry requirements. Competition, especially for the top U.S. colleges, is fierce and requires early and dedicated preparation. Entry requirements depend on individual colleges, but generally as an international student you can expect to be asked for your grades from high school, a standardized SAT or ACT test result, a TOEFL or IELTS English language score (if applicable), and an essay (or a personal statement) demonstrating why you want to come study at that particular college. #### TUITION The tuition at many U.S. colleges will probably be greater than that in your home country, and that’s to be expected. The United States is one of the most expensive countries in which to study. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition cost in 2018-2019 was $18,383 for U.S. public universities and $44,306 for private universities. So, it’s important to consider _value_ when looking at U.S. colleges, which goes beyond just a brand name. Make sure that you look at financing from a variety of different sources, including financial aid provided by colleges, during your university search. It might be that one college offers better value than another college because of the financial aid that they are willing to provide. You might also apply for scholarships, such as [these for DACA students](https://www.boundless.com/blog/college-scholarships-daca-students/). #### LOCATION Finally, check out where the U.S. colleges you're applying to are geographically. Some colleges are in high-cost living cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., or Boston, while those in rural communities will be less expensive. This will impact your budget but might also affect your ability to find internships or jobs linked to your degree. The climate also varies widely across the United States, so consider this in your search as well. ## Applying to a U.S. College So, you did your research, checked out the costs, ruled out a few places because of climate, and built your shortlist of U.S. colleges. Next up is applying to them — competition is tough. In 2019 to 2020, over one million foreign students enrolled in U.S. colleges, and that number has been increasing every year since the 1950s. So, how do you stand out? ### Key Takeaways: - **Start your application preparation early** – The earlier that you decide to study in the United States, the more time you have to prepare and submit your applications. This is especially important if you want to use the Early Decision process (ED) offered by some U.S. colleges. - **Take the college essay seriously** – The college essay, or _personal statement_, is a vitally important part of your application. It allows you to present a topic set by the university that shows your thinking and self-analysis. - **Schedule and prepare for the SAT or ACT tests** – These scores are important in the college admissions process. - **Check if you need an English language test** – These tests are a requirement for many international students, particularly the TOEFL or IELTS. If applicable, prepare early. - **Check out the Common App** – This tool can simplify the application process by letting you apply to multiple colleges at once. ## Student Visa Once you've been accepted, congratulations! If you’re an international student, you’ll need a U.S. visa to study. The F-1 visa allows you to live in the United States temporarily while studying at an SEVP-approved institution. #### Requirements for an F-1 visa: - Apply and be accepted into a course of study at an SEVP-approved school. - Enroll as a full-time student. - Show English proficiency or enroll in English courses. - Provide proof of sufficient financial funds for your studies. - Show intent to return to your home country after studies. - Live outside the United States when applying. For more detailed information, refer to our in-depth [F-1 visa guide](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/f-1-student-visa-explained/). ### Financial Aid Options International students are not eligible for federal loans from the U.S. government. Therefore, it’s essential to show proof of funding during the F-1 visa application process. Financing can come from: - **Financial aid or scholarships from your college** - **Private loans** – Difficult to arrange without a U.S. co-signer. - **Government options from your home country** - **On-campus employment** – Limited to conditions and restrictions for F-1 students. ## Before You Leave After being accepted, obtaining your visa, and securing financing, here’s a final checklist of important items to bring: - **Health insurance** – Often organized with the help of your college. - **Phone plan** - **Access to money** – Ensure you can transfer funds to the U.S. - **Important document copies** - **Seasonal clothing** – Prepare for various climates in the U.S. - **A sense of adventure** — Be ready to embrace the diverse experiences in the U.S.