Higher education in the United States stands out as one of the best in the world. Young people seek opportunities to study innovative careers, develop research with global impact, have cultural experiences, improve their English level and have good job opportunities.
According to Statista, 2018 reached a record number of international students at U.S. universities (1,095,000). During the pandemic year, the number of international students decreased to 914,095 and until the 2021-2022 school term, it started to increase again (948,519), representing approximately 4.7% of the total university population.
However, the requirements to be admitted to a university in the United States depend on each institution. Even so, it is possible to list the most common ones.
- High school grades and high school diploma or college grades and their official translation (it applies to a transfer case)
Since each country's educational system works differently, grades must be officially translated so that they can be interpreted in U.S. institutions.
- English Language Examination
The most common tests that universities usually ask for to know the English level of their applicants are the TOEFL, Duolingo and IELTS. They measure fluency and understanding of the language through tests of reading comprehension, listening, writing and conversation dynamics.
TOEFL: Measures the four essential academic skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The score scale ranges from 0-120, with 120 being the highest score. The report of the results can be obtained from 4 to 13 business days after taking the test depending on the modality in which the test was taken (face-to-face-virtual).
Duolingo: Measures reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The test lasts one hour and results can be received 48 hours after the test is completed.
IELTS: It has a duration of 2h:45 minutes and the results are obtained in 13 days (approx) after having taken the test. The scale of the results is measured from 1-9, being 1 the most basic level of English and 9 the highest.
Two aspects are important when taking this type of test. First, it is always recommended to prepare in advance, although it may seem an easy task for those who know the language, some questions may be misleading and require refreshing of grammatical matters. Secondly, each institution accepts different tests, so it is important to check the requirements of each university individually.
- Standardized Testing
Standardized tests are also often included in admissions requirements. The most common are the SAT and ACT.
SAT: This test lasts between 2-3 hours and is divided into two sections: reading and English comprehension and mathematics. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points and the total score is the sum of each section. The highest score that can be obtained is 1,600 points, although a competitive score can be 1,210. The SAT is administered on certain dates of the year for which a pre-registration process must be completed.
ACT: This test covers four academic areas: English, mathematics, reading and scientific reasoning. It lasts almost three hours if the writing section is not taken. Registration dates are announced five weeks prior to the test date and the test score is awarded between 1 and 36 points based on the average of the 4 tests.
- Essay Writing
This requirement is relevant because it is an opportunity for students to stand out and demonstrate why they are a good candidate for admission to a particular university. They can also be especially important for students who do not meet all of a college's admission requirements, such as those with lower than desired academic scores.
- Letters of recommendation
They provide insight on the applicant's character, academic abilities, and potential for admission. Usually, letters of recommendation are written by teachers, counselors and coaches.
- Financial Documentation
Financial documentation are bank statements or tax returns belonging to the applicant's family. For international students it is a requirement for the F-1 visa application, but this type of information also allows universities to evaluate the possibility of awarding financial scholarships to the applicant and also gives them the assurance that the family can pay the full costs of studying at the institution.
- Have a competitive curriculum of extracurricular activities
College admissions departments at U.S. institutions often look for applicants who have demonstrated interest in extracurricular activities, as this allows them to identify a greater degree of maturity, discipline, motivation, and the ability to excel in activities that are not directly related to academic obligations.
Extracurricular activities can be in the areas of sports, music, art, volunteering, clubs and participation in academic competitions.
As mentioned above, the requirements to be admitted to a university in the United States vary according to the institution. Therefore, it is advisable to go directly to the university you wish to enter and verify in depth the necessary requirements to begin the admission process.
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