Sep 17, 2019 10:24 PM EDT By Ernest Hamilton, UniversityHerald Reporter

Many students want to enter an American college or university. The institutions are respectable and sometimes have opportunities that are not available in other countries. In any case, the educational system of the USA has a good reputation, and many top universities in the world are located there. If you want to study in one of them, follow these steps.

Do a College Research

Start with the level of secondary education you are looking for, whether it is Bachelor's, Masters or Ph.D. Search for colleges that accept international students and have programs that you are interested in. 

Make a list of universities you want to apply too, write down the admission dates and list the specific documents one needs to present. There is no need to try to enter a hundred of them, but one might consider a plan B option.

Usually, the needed documents depend on a college you are going for. The majority of them require an admission essay, preparing which is quite a challenging task. A lot of future international students do not have an excellent command of English. There is a smart solution - choose to hire an essay writer to be sure in your applications. They should be mighty and compelling to get you in. 

You can take into consideration public universities as well as very respectable schools of the Ivy League. It all depends on your goals, budget, and previously achieved grades.

If you seek advice, search for Educational Advising Center in your country. They are present in the majority of states; there one can get a consultation.

Consider Funding

Education in the USA is not cheap, even for home students. There are not many governmental programs of funding, loans, or scholarships for international students. However, there are private programs and local possibilities. They probably won't cover the whole tuition and living disbursements, but can make your life much more comfortable. Where can one find funding possibilities?

• Scholarships from your country. Some states and their higher education institutions provide scholarships for students accepted to international universities. Make sure to learn about local programs and possibilities;

• Check out exchange programs and grants like the Fulbright Program that provides funding for international students;

• Learn about possibilities in universities in the USA. They can grant funding based on academic success and special talent or based on the needs of a student.

Apply for a Program

So there is typically a bunch of documents to prepare to apply for American college:

• International English language certificate (TOEFL or IELTS);

• Translation of your diplomas and certificates with credit recognition;

• Standard tests like the SAT for undergraduates and GRE for postgraduates.

Another important thing is to apply in advance. The early admission starts ten months before the study year. Usually, the deadlines are in fall, as some date in October or November. 

The general admission starts in January, and the latest wave for some colleges begins in August. That's why it is crucial to have a list of deadlines before applying.

You also need to have all the examinations passed by the time you apply. All the documents should be prepared and translated.

Get a Visa

As soon as you are accepted to a college, it is time to get a student visa. Three options are available for international students, F1, J1, and M1.

F1 is the most common one. It allows staying during the study process and 60 days after graduation. It also covers the possibility of working at the same time.

The J1 visa is usually for special programs and practical training that are available for you in the USA but not in a home country. It is generally given only if there is some agreement with the future employee in the USA.

M1 is issued for vocational students and allows only part-time working in a job related directly to studies.

Prepare for Departure

Before going to study, it is time to prepare everything. First of all, be sure you've got the visa and know all the limitations and opportunities it gives. Pay particular attention to working and taxation conditions.

Secondly, take all the necessary documents, reserve tickets, and be sure you know where you are going to live. Look for a dormitory or find an apartment near the college.

Also, look up the state and city you are going to live in. Prepare for local weather, like take winter clothes or don't, depending on the climate. You can watch some YouTube videos on what life there might be like.

Final Words

The application process might be hard and tiresome, but it is all worth it. Education in the USA can give one opportunity and practical knowledge to perceive a career of one's dream. 

It is probably going to be hard at the beginning, adjusting to an entirely new environment and culture. So remember why you are doing it and try to make new friends and connections as soon as possible.

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