STEP 1  CONSULT AN ADVISING CENTER.

First, contact the American embassy, consulate or United States Information Service (USIS) office in your country to locate the nearest educational advising center. Such centers are often found in U.S. Information Service offices, in American libraries, in binational centers, in Fulbright Commission offices; or in some countries, at AMIDEAST or Institute of International Education (IIE) offices.
Qualified educational advisers in these offices provide information and many services free of charge. When you go, or if you inquire by mail, you should state the following:

Your secondary school grades; 

Your field of study; 

Whether or not you need financial aid; 

When you want to begin study; 

Your English language proficiency; and 

Where in the U.S. you want to study.

• Equivalence between the educational system in your country and the United States; 
• Entry requirements for study in your field; 
• Use of reference materials to find appropriate institutions; 
• Sources of financial assistance available in your home country and in the United States; 
• Testing requirements and applications; 
• How to prepare your applications; 
• How to plan your education; 
• Adjusting to academic and cultural life in the United States; and 
• Using your education after you return to your home country.

  STEP 2  DEFINE YOUR EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER OBJECTIVES

Because educational objectives are usually related to a specific career goal, you need to consider how study in the United States will fit into your long-range plans, and whether this study will be fully recognized at home. Ask yourself some important questions:

• What career do I want to pursue?
• Is employment available in this field in my home country?
• An educational adviser will have information about the skills and background needed for various careers, as well as knowledge of the need for professionals in various fields in your country.
• How can study in the U.S. enhance my career?
• Consult educators, government officials and working professionals in your country to determine the usefulness of U.S. study for you at this point in your career. Check to see if there are revalidation or certification procedures for employment and take these into account in your planning.
• Can I receive the same training at less expense in my own country or in a nearby country?
• In some countries, undergraduate degrees from other countries may not be recognized for employment. Financial aid is more limited at the undergraduate level. In such circumstances, you may want to consider study in the U.S. at the graduate level rather than the undergraduate level, or you may want to study at the two-year technical degree level.
• Will my U.S. degree be accepted when I return?
• Will it offer the right kind of qualification for the kind of work I want to do?

  STEP 3  DETERMINE WHETHER YOU MEET ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The three basic requirements for admission to educational institutions in the U.S. are:

• A strong academic background; 
• Adequate financial resources; and 
• A command of the English language.

• 12 years of education with the appropriate high school diploma or secondary school certificate; 
• Academic achievement level sufficiently high to enter a university in your own country; and 
• Any academic entrance examinations required by the institution.
• Academic Credentials Required for Entry into Undergraduate Study or Vocational Training

Undergraduate Admissions Examinations
Many colleges and universities require all applicants to take one or more academic entrance examinations, in addition to TOEFL -Test of English As A Foreign Language. Two-year colleges usually require only TOEFL.

These tests are standardized, multiple choice tests that require a high degree of English proficiency. Some also require mathematical skills or in- depth knowledge of content related to the field of study. To obtain information about these examinations, consult your advising center

To find out if you need to take one or more of these entrance examinations, consult reference books at the advising center. These reference books also give ranges of the score levels of successful applicants. There are no passing or failing grades on these examinations, but your score will have an effect on the overall competitiveness of your application.

These tests are only one of the factors in the evaluation of a foreign student's record. Admissions officers are aware that you may be taking the examinations in a language other than your native tongue, and they will take this into account.

All colleges and universities have different admissions requirements. Some of them are:

Acceptance Ratio. The number of students who apply and how many are actually accepted into the college or university.
Grade average or achievement ratings of successful applicants.
Is a standardized admissions test like SAT or ACT required? If so, what were the average scores of successful applicants?
Admission to internationally-known institutions is highly competitive. Students who apply to such institutions will need to have excellent academic records and high scores on academic entrance examinations and the TOEFL examination.
Entry to some fields of study is also highly competitive. To apply for study in the fields at left, which are also some of the most popular fields that U.S. students pursue, you will need outstanding grades and test scores.

THE MOST HIGHLY COMPETITIVE FIELDS

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Pre-law
• Pre-medicine
• Marine biology
• Architecture

A Special Note about Medical and Law Study:Medical study at all levels is highly competitive. Students in the United States are never admitted to medical school immediately after secondary school, as in many countries. First, students enter pre-medical studies and complete a bachelor's degree. Only then can a student apply to medical school.

For law, veterinary and dental studies, students also must complete a bachelor's degree before admission to a first professional degree program.

Law students from other countries rarely study in the United States until they have already become licensed as attorneys in their own countries and then only at the postgraduate level.

In making a financial assessment of whether or not study in the United States will be possible for you, consider the following:
Foreign students currently in the U.S. agree that study in the United States is usually more expensive than they had expected. You must plan for the total cost of living and studying over a period of several years, which, for foreign students, is usually at least $6,000 per year higher than the cost of tuition, fees, and room and board published in the college catalog. From 1990 to 1991, the total "published" cost for one academic year ranged from $3,000 to $13,000 at two-year institutions, from $7,000 to 14,000 at public four-year institutions, and from $9,000 to $22,000 for private four-year institutions. The average total "published" cost is about $11,000 per year, making the average "real" cost $17,000 to $18,000 per year. About 75 percent of all foreign students are funded by home-country sources, either from private funds or home-country scholarships. There is only limited financial or scholarship aid available from U.S. institutions for undergraduate students from other countries.
Estimating Expenses for One Academic Year
Current immigration regulations restrict working to support yourself as a student. Even if you can find work, no job that you could find pays wages that will cover all your expenses.
When you apply for a student visa, you will need to show evidence of support adequate to cover study and living expenses for at least one academic year - An academic year usually lasts nine months.
The cost of study varies widely among institutions, and the cost of living varies from one location to the next. To compare total costs, therefore, you will need to do some research. A basic reference is: The College Board Handbook: Foreign Student Supplement, published by the College Board. This book compares tuition and the cost of living based on estimates from each institution.
Sponsored students should check with their sponsoring agency about terms of their support. After arrival in the United States, they should maintain contact with designated agencies or, if sponsored by the home-country government, with the cultural section of their embassy in the United States.
Hidden Costs
In addition to published costs, which include application fees, tuition, miscellaneous fees, books, health insurance, and room and board, you will need to add at least $6,000 per academic year to cover "hidden" costs. These hidden costs, detailed in Table II, include personal expenses, costs when residence halls are closed, required health insurance and medical expenses which may exceed coverage, and changes in the value of currency. If you travel or study during the summer, if you live off campus, if you bring other members of your family, or if you buy a car, you must add in these extra costs.
Financial Assistance
Many students in other countries seem to believe that foreign students can easily get the money they need for study once they have been admitted to a college or university in the United States. That is an incorrect assumption and can lead to hardship and disappointment. Most institutions have committed all their scholarship and loan funds long before the academic year begins. Accordingly, the best time to arrange U.S.-based financial assistance is before you leave home for the United States. Applications for financial aid must be initiated as early as one-and-a-half years before departure. See Step 9 for suggestions on searching for financial aid.
 

  STEP 5  THE TOEFL (TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

To complete academic study or technical training in the United States successfully, you will need to be able to read, write and communicate orally in English with a high degree of proficiency. English language proficiency is a requirement for gaining admission to U.S. institutions of higher education as well as for achieving your academic and personal goals while in the United States.
Assessment of English Language Proficiency
To determine your level of English language proficiency, arrange to take the TOEFL as early as possible --at least a year before you plan to enroll.  Most institutions require a score of 500 to 550 on the TOEFL examination for academic admission. A few accept scores as low as 450; selective institutions may require 600 or above. Scores of 600 or above may also be required in fields such as journalism or literature, which demand a higher than average proficiency in English.

Most institutions also give an English proficiency examination after arrival on campus to all entering foreign students, including those with TOEFL scores higher than 550. These additional tests provide more information about your ability to use English. Even if you already have basic English proficiency, a college or university may require you to take courses to improve your mastery of American English, academic usage or research and study skills. if you studied English under the British system, you may find that U.S. vocabulary and usage are quite different.
Can I Apply Without Taking the TOEFL Examination?
Some institutions, particularly those that have English as a second language (ESL) programs on campus, will admit you to the ESL program with the understanding that you will gain full academic admission as soon as you attain the required TOEFL score or, in some cases, as soon as you successfully complete the required level in the ESL course. However, because this increases the overall time and expense of your education, it may be more cost-effective to meet the English requirement through study in your home country.
Options for Improving English Language Proficiency
Binational centers, cultural centers, universities or private companies in your country may offer English language programs. Self-study programs involving tapes and written materials are available; however, not all students benefit from this method of learning a language. In any case, results, even from a private tutor, are never immediate.
If you determine that English language study in the United States is possible and appropriate, consult English Language and Orientation Programs, published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), for information about many of the programs available. 
Choosing An English Language Program in the United States
There is no financial aid for students in intensive English language programs. Although some programs are less expensive, it is usually best to budget at least $ 1,000 to $1,300 a month for total expenses during English language study. if you begin without any previous English language study, it may take up to 12 months to reach a level sufficient for academic admission or even longer if your native language is very different from English.
English language institutes may be affiliated with a college, university or community college, or they may be independent. Consider choosing a program at a university, college or community college where you plan to enroll, or find an English language center nearby. if you do not have to move, you will have fewer adjustments to make when you begin academic study or training.
It is wise to take the TOEFL test early and to take your score into account when choosing a program for English as a second language. Some institutes require a minimum TOEFL score of 350 to 450 for admission-that is, they do not accept beginners.
Compare programs with respect to cost per hour of instruction, qualifications of instructors, living costs in the area, availability of housing and support services, orientation programs, beginning dates, size and location. Look for programs that permit you to study at more than one level at the same time, since your reading, speaking and writing abilities may be quite different.
Special Programs
For those with TOEFL scores of 500 to 550, many English language institutes offer support programs to introduce students to techniques of writing research papers, taking notes and participating in class discussions. other programs are available in English for Special Purposes, such as business English, aviation English or English for computer science.
 

  STEP 6  PREPARE FOR ENROLLMENT BY SELECTING 10-15 INSTITUTIONS
Many foreign students miss opportunities for acceptance at institutions of their choice or chances for financial aid simply because they do not allow enough time for the application process. The process of entering higher education in the United States requires at least a year or a year-and-a-half if you are applying to selective institutions or requesting financial aid. Selection, application and testing may each require several months. Travel arrangements and visa application can also be time-consuming.
Students from other countries who have finished secondary school are eligible for study in the United States toward undergraduate degrees (Table IV). There are about 1,350 community and junior colleges, and 2,000 colleges and universities in the United States that offer some or all of these degrees.
 

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES OFFERED IN THE UNITED STATES
 
• Associate of Arts - AA,Community colleges or junior college, 2 years
• Associate of Sciences - AS,Community, technical or junior colleges, 2 years
• Bachelor of Arts - BA,Colleges, universities, 4 years
• Bachelor of Science - BS,Colleges, universities, Four to five years

Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Although not identical, the terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably in the United States. There is no legal or official control over the institution's option to choose one or the other as part of its name. Over the years, many institutions change their names as they add new programs and levels of study. Usually, a college offers a four-year program of study leading toward the bachelor's degree. Colleges may be independent, offering only undergraduate programs, or they may be part of a university that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Universities emphasize research and often include professional schools, undergraduate colleges of arts and sciences, and graduate schools. In 1989 and 1990, nearly 138,000 foreign students attended four-year programs leading to the bachelor's degree.
There are over 2,000 traditional four-year colleges and universities in the United States, and each has a unique identity. Each college determines its own goals, emphases and admissions standards. Liberal arts colleges, for example, emphasize excellence in teaching basic subjects such as humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and languages.
Besides liberal arts colleges, there are many other types of colleges. Historically, some colleges have admitted only male, only female or only black students; however, most now are open to all academically qualified students who apply. Other colleges have a particular religious emphasis. Colleges and universities that stress career preparation may have special cooperative education programs or internships in which students work part-time as a requirement for the degree.
Both colleges and universities may be public or private. Institutions of high quality are found equally among public and private universities; the principal difference is one of funding. Public institutions are funded partially by the government of the state in which the institution is located (for example, Texas or Florida), and partially by student tuition payments and private donations. Since public institutions are supported by state government, they give preference in enrollment and tuition charges to students from that state. The total cost, however, is usually lower at most state institutions than at private institutions, even for those who are not residents of the state.
State universities fall into two general categories:
Research Universities
Most states have at least one public university designed to provide the traditional variety of educational opportunities in academic fields. These universities, in addition to offering undergraduate education, stress research as well as teaching. As a general rule, they are less likely at the graduate level to place emphasis on applied study and research and more likely to place emphasis on theoretical, or "pure" research.
Land Grant and Sea Grant Universities
In 1862 Congress passed the Morrill Act that provided a grant of land to many of the states to establish "land grant" universities. These universities, in addition to providing a broad general education in many fields, emphasize the application of knowledge in such fields as agriculture and engineering.
The name of a land grant university often reflects this emphasis. Look for "Agricultural and Mechanical University" or "Technological University" to designate a university that stresses applied knowledge. Other states call this type of university a "state" university. More recently some state universities have been designated as "sea grant" universities, to emphasize the importance of marine applications.
Short-Term Study
In addition to degree programs, many two- and four-year colleges and universities offer opportunities for short-term study. Summer programs are often open to non-degree students, and some institutions offer the option of a single year of study (junior year) abroad.
Technical and Vocational Training
In the United States, community, technical and junior colleges (both public and private) provide training for employment in technical occupations. Two-year colleges offer a broad range of programs. For example, there are health programs (nursing, medical and dental assisting, X-ray technology, gerontological assisting); engineering technology programs (civil, electrical and architectural engineering, and aircraft maintenance); building trades programs (masonry, carpentry, home construction, wiring, plumbing); business occupations programs (secretarial, data processing, word processing, computer sciences, management, bookkeeping and accounting); agricultural programs (agricultural business, economics, sciences, technologies) and automotive technologies. Programs also exist for occupations in the tourist industry, law enforcement, fire sciences, security and energy management. Technical occupational programs are typically credit-bearing programs that extend a year or more. In most instances, students who successfully complete these programs receive certificates or associate degrees. The total credit earned for an associate degree intended for immediate employment may not completely transfer toward a four-year (bachelor's) college degree.
Community, junior and technical colleges also offer short-term technical refresher programs which may last as little as a few weeks or as long as several months. Proprietary institutions, which generally focus on a single professional area and may or may not offer degrees, provide an alternate resource for technical training.
SELECTION FACTORS
Selecting a working group of 10 to 15 institutions from the more than 3,000 available in the United States is a challenging task. Although so much variety can be bewildering, it has a positive side as well. With so many institutions to choose from, it is almost always possible to find one or more institutions that meet your academic and financial needs and offer an environment in which you will be comfortable. Do not leave this important decision to a friend or relative, or choose only from the most famous institutions. There may be other institutions more appropriate to your goals and requirements.
Once you have located a suitable group of institutions that offer your field of study, compare them systematically. Look at the differences between them with respect to:

• Your chosen field of study, 
• Quality, 
• Ease of admission, 
• Location, 
• Size, 
• Cost, 
• Availability of financial aid, 
• Housing, 
• Approach to technology, 
• Availability of English as a second language programs, and 
• International Student Services Office.

  STEP 7  WRITE TO AT LEAST 10 INSTITUTIONS 

After selecting a group of 10 to 15 institutions that seem most appropriate, write to at least 10 of them for information and application materials. Always use the same spelling of your name, from the first inquiry through the entire application process. This is especially important if your name is transliterated from some other language into English.
In requesting information and application materials, use a preliminary application form provided by the nearest advising center, or write a letter containing information similar to that in the application form. if there are mail or currency restrictions in your home country, consult the nearest advising center for procedures.
When to send inquiries. Receiving a response to your first letter may take four to six weeks (See Table V, "Corresponding with American Educational institutions."). For selective institutions or for financial assistance, mail your first inquiry at least a year-and-a-half before you plan to enroll. in other cases, send your first inquiry at least a year before you plan to enroll (by August for the fall term of the next year).
How to send inquiries. Send inquiries by airmail, and request an airmail reply. Carefully type or print all items. Do not send any documents with the original inquiry; wait until you file a formal application. Some universities have facsimile (fax) numbers; if this is the case, you may be able to save time by making your first inquiry by fax. In most cases, for the application, however, the university will want actual documents rather than a facsimile transmission.
If you have conducted thorough research, most or all of the institutions will respond by inviting you to submit a full formal application for admission. They will send all the necessary forms and instructions. Sometimes a preliminary application will be necessary.
If you are applying to English as a second language programs you may find applications included in brochures available in the advising center. in such cases a preliminary letter is unnecessary.
What to Include
You may lose valuable time by not including essential information in the first inquiry.
A letter or preliminary application should have the following:

• Where to send inquiries: Address your inquiry to the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, using the address for the college or university given in the reference books. 
• Your name, printed legibly or typed in exactly the same form and spelling each time, clearly indicating which of the names is the family name. In the United States, each person is identified primarily by a single family name or "last name" and it is customary to use only the father's family name as the son's or daughter's family name. It is best to use your name as it appears on your passport. 
• Date of birth, printed or typed with month first, then day and year as it corresponds to the (Gregorian) calendar used in the United States. Example: May 6, 1972 is 5/6/72. If a different calendar is used in your country, "translate" into the U.S. system and be sure to always use the same birth date. 
• Mailing address.
• Citizenship and country issuing passport. 
• Marital status and number of dependents. 
• Past and present education, in chronological order, including secondary schools, technical programs, colleges and universities attended, with examination results, grades and rank in class, if known. 
• Program of study, stated as specifically as possible, with the month and year in which you hope to begin studying in the United States. 
• Total funds available to meet your educational and living expenses during each year of study in the United States, and sources of these funds. 
• Scores of TOEFL and required admissions tests, if available, or dates on which you are registered to take these examinations. 
• Number of years of English language study and where you studied. 

  STEP 8  WHEN APPLICATION FORMS ARRIVE...

Although U.S. educational institutions vary in their procedures and requirements for admission of students from other countries, formal applications usually include most of the following:

• Institutional application form; 
• Certified copies of original educational documents; 
• Certified translations of these documents if not originally in English; 
• Evidence of English language proficiency (usually TOEFL); 
• Scores for any required academic entrance examinations; 
• Financial information, with applications for financial aid if requested; 
• Letters of recommendation from teachers; and 
• Non-refundable application fee of $ 10 to $75.

Instructions for each application will differ. Follow them carefully, paying particular attention to closing dates or deadlines for receipt of completed applications. Allow enough time for mail delivery. Often the closing date for students from other countries is earlier than for U.S. students. Usually applications for scholarships or fellowships must be submitted earlier than applications for admission.

Try to begin work on applications well before the deadline and submit completed applications two or three months before the closing date. This will allow the institutions time to evaluate the application before the peak of the selection period. If you are applying in a competitive field or to a selective institution, submit your application as early as possible. Many U.S. admissions counselors believe that early applications are apt to be considered more favorably than later ones.

If there are mail or currency restrictions in your home country, seek advice on effective application procedures from educational advising centers in your country.

Keep copies for your records of all documents and application forms submitted. Keep a record of when materials were mailed and where.

Throughout the application process, do the best that you can to comply with instructions, but if some procedure is impossible or some document is lost or cannot be obtained, state the situation in a letter with a cover letter from the advising office or the U.S. cultural affairs officer. Sometimes accommodations will be made for difficult circumstances.

Application Forms and Instructions
The glossary at the back of this handbook defines the more common technical terms that may be included in application forms. Most institutions want to know the kind of career you plan, as well as plans for career preparation and educational background.

Educational Documents
Each institution will specify the types of official records it requires to document past education. Usually they will require your entire scholastic record for secondary school and/or university sources. U.S. admissions officers prefer that transcripts of previous educational work be sent directly from your former schools. The institution may also furnish special forms on which school authorities are asked to write your grades and your academic performance relative to other students in your institution. If such forms are not provided, you or the school will be expected to submit official documents that provide this kind of information. if the admissions officer requests explanation of the grading and class ranking system or descriptions of courses that you have taken, this information should be furnished by an official of your school or university if possible.

As requested, send certified copies of the originals of diplomas, degrees or professional titles, or copies of full records of your performance in the comprehensive examinations administered in your home country. Do not send original documents unless there is no alternative; usually they cannot be returned. Copies should be certified with an official seal from the school or university or certified by a public official authorized to certify documents. In some countries these officials are called notaries public. If English translations are necessary, you may use the services of a professional translator or translate the document yourself. Such translations must also be certified by a notary public or another acceptable agency. U.S. embassies and consulates no longer certify documents, copies or translations.

Credit for Previous Study at the Same Level (Transfer Credit)
If you have taken courses in the United States, or at an institution in your home country, and you feel that these courses might apply toward the degree you are seeking, include certified transcripts for these courses. in most cases, admissions offices cannot give, in advance of admission, an estimate of credit that will be accepted. This is because, in most cases, awarding credit toward a degree at a particular institution involves making sure that each course is roughly equivalent to a course at that institution. An estimate of transfer credit usually will not be made until a student has been enrolled for several months. No credit will be awarded for courses which have been applied to a previous degree, nor will academic credit be awarded for courses designed to fulfill requirements for a technical/vocational program.

Statement of Educational Purpose
Most applications include a space for an essay detailing your purpose in seeking an education in your chosen field, your strengths in that field and your plans for the future. Be sure to take this task seriously. It is one of the most important parts of your application. Think through your essay before you present it and make sure you organize your answer clearly, neatly and in a well-written manner. The essay may also be used as a sample of how well you write in English.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency
The Test of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL) is almost always required of non-native speakers of English for full academic admission. This applies to all students from countries where English is not the first language, even those whose education may have been in English. Generally a score of 500 to 550 is the minimum accepted. The TOEFL score required by institutions varies according to the availability of English as a second language programs on their campuses. In addition to reading and listening sections for all test administrations, TOEFL now includes a written component on three test dates. This component is required by some institutions.

For general information about requesting that scores be sent officially to institutions, see instructions in the TOEFL bulletin. The test score will be mailed automatically within about a month after you take TOEFL, if you request it on the answer sheet at the examination. After the test, TOEFL also offers a Rush Reporting Service for a higher fee. Score results will be mailed within two working days after the TOEFL office in Princeton, New Jersey, receives the special request and fee.
Most institutions routinely test students for English language proficiency after they arrive, even though TOEFL is required for admission.

Academic Admissions Examinations
Look in the reference books at your advising center to see whether or not you need to have the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), one of the in Achievement Tests, or the American College Test (ACT) for admission your field (See Table I.). if they are required, these tests are only one of the factors in the evaluation of a foreign student's record.

Admissions officers are aware that you may be taking examinations in a language other than your native tongue and will take this into account when evaluating your application. Before taking the examinations, it is a good idea to practice with standardized tests using the multiple choice format, since this type of test may be unfamiliar. Your adviser can often suggest books that contain sample tests with the bulletin of information and application form. The programs may also offer additional study materials for a fee.
Bulletins of information about these tests are usually available free of charge from advising centers. it is a good idea to keep bulletins throughout the entire period you are applying to institutions (not just until you have taken the test), since they include information about score reporting and what to do if your scores do not arrive.

Academic admissions examinations are offered in many locations worldwide. Test administrations are frequent in some locations and less frequent in others, depending on the number of applicants. To find the location of the nearest test center, or to establish a special test center where none is available, see instructions in the bulletin, or write to the testing agency which administers the test. (See Table I.)
Start inquiry at least a year before intended enrollment in order to be in time for those tests which are given infrequently. The closing, or deadline date, is often the date by which applications must be received, not the date by which they must be sent, Mail applications by airmail two to four weeks before the closing date.

About one month after the examination, score results are sent directly to the institutions requested on the test application form. The test fee usually includes the cost of sending score reports to three or four institutions. Additional score reports require payment of an additional charge. Receiving a personal record of the score can take up to six or eight weeks after the test date, depending on the speed of international mail delivery. Waiting to see a score before sending it to an institution can cause a significant delay.

Letters of Recommendation
If institutions request letters of recommendation, the college or university will specify the number of letters to be submitted. Those you ask to serve as references should be people who hold respected positions and who know you and your academic work well.
For recommendation letters to be effective, they should contain insights into your seriousness of purpose, academic promise, motivation, adaptability, personality and character. Recommendations which give an honest appraisal of your capabilities-weak points as well as strong points-are much more convincing to U.S. admissions officers (and therefore more valuable) than general letters of extreme praise or checklists for rating students. Letters should be in English, or accompanied by a translation. If the college or university provides a form with the application, use it for the recommendation.
To guarantee candor and confidentiality, you must arrange for the writer to mail your recommendation directly to the university without your reading it. As a courtesy, give each person a stamped airmail envelope addressed to the institution. Write in the lower left hand corner of the envelope "Re: Application of (your name)."

Evidence of Financial Resources
Admissions officers will not issue the certificates needed to request a visa for study in the United States until they are satisfied that you have enough money, from whatever sources, to cover all expenses during the period of your stay in the United States. Most institutions require that you submit statements of detailed information on the amounts and sources of funds available to pay your educational and living expenses while in the United States.

Many institutions ask that you fill out a copy of the College Board Scholarship Service "Foreign Student's Certification of Finances" as part of the application. Others simply ask for a list of sources and amounts. Usually this information must be confirmed or witnessed by a responsible individual, such as an officer of the bank where the listed funds are on deposit. If a sponsor or parent is contributing, they may be asked to attest to the availability of funds. In some cases, notarization (see Glossary), may be required.

  STEP 9  IF YOU NEED FINANCIAL AID, BEGIN TO LOOK FOR SOURCES

Home-Country Sources
First, investigate the availability of loans, grants or scholarships from sources in your own country. Possibilities may include government ministries that provide support for study abroad in certain specific fields; non-governmental sources, such as private individuals, foundations and trust funds that give to charitable causes; business corporations, churches and religious groups; or schools and universities (especially those with U.S. affiliations), In some Latin American countries, educational credit organizations help students who wish to study abroad in certain fields and at certain levels which have been determined to be important to national economic development. The educational advising center often has information about local sources of support. Because contacts are easier to make and the number of applicants may be lower relative to the number of awards, you may be able to obtain financial aid more easily from home-country sources than from international organizations or from U.S. sources. U.S. government aid is seldom available at the undergraduate level.

Private U.S. Sources and International Organizations
A few private U.S. agencies, foundations, business corporations and professional associations award financial aid in the interest of furthering international exchange. International organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) may also offer financial awards. Competition for these awards, which apply almost exclusively to graduate students, is very intense. For information, consult references available at educational advising centers, especially for partial awards in your field of study. Do not write to these organizations unless you have found a listing of a particular award for which you might be eligible; these organizations cannot answer general requests for financial aid.

U.S. Colleges and Universities
Most of the limited financial aid for undergraduates from U.S. sources comes from colleges and universities themselves. In some cases, students from abroad compete with American students for limited financial aid. Below are some questions that you can ask yourself in order to locate universities that might be able to give you at least partial financial support:

Are you an exceptionally good student?
If you have an excellent grade average and class ranking in your secondary work, if you have high scores on the SAT and a TOEFL score of at least 600, you may be able to qualify for admission to a school with very high admissions standards that will offer funding to students who meet their admissions requirements but are unable to pay the total cost of their education. If you think you can qualify for admission to one of these universities, read about applying for admission to highly competitive colleges in books at the advising center. You may require some special tactics to make your application stand out from all the other excellent students who apply.

Are you an exceptionally good athlete, or do you excel at another skill?
To take advantage of this strategy, you first need to know which universities or colleges have varsity teams in your sports, and you need to consult references to see which universities actually give athletic scholarships. This may also apply to other special skills you may have, such as dancing or art. Opinions differ about how you should demonstrate your skill; a visit from a scout is best, but not always possible. If you send a video, be sure it is professionally made and of high quality.

Do you know of a college or university that hopes to internationalize its campus but has low representation from your part of the world?
Usually colleges and universities that offer any financial aid to international students do so because they want superior students who will provide international breadth to the campus. Find such universities by consulting with students and professionals who have studied recently in the U.S. and by discussing this with your educational adviser. (These are usually small liberal arts colleges or colleges with religious affiliations.) Apply to the college or university that might be a good prospect and request financial aid with the application. Your academic record, however, must be excellent for this to be successful. No financial aid is available for English as a second language study; so you must have excellent English skills (TOEFL 550 to 600) to be considered.

What institutions have given at lest partial aid to first year foreign students in the past?
You can answer this question by looking through reference books. If an institution says "No," however, don't apply for financial aid. That means that the institution really has none to offer.
Are you willing to study at a community college for the first two years in order to establish your aptitude and reduce your costs, or are you willing to study at a less expensive university or college?
Choosing an institution whose total costs are less than $12,000 rather than one that costs $24,000 represents an effective $12,000 scholarship. In general, you can stretch available funds much farther if you plan to spend at least the first two years at a less expensive institution (but be sure your credit will transfer).

Can you reduce the number of courses you need to take by taking advanced placement examinations or transferring courses from home-country institutions?
If previous education enables you to get U.S. college credit for advanced placement examinations, you can reduce the time you need to spend in the United States.
Although U.S. universities represent only a possible source of last resort for financial aid, you should not hesitate to apply for aid. Application for aid will not prejudice your chances of admission to a chosen program of study. On the other hand, since almost all scholarships cover only a part of the tuition, state the amount you do have available for study rather than asking for a full scholarship. it will greatly increase your chances of support. Do not understate the amount of funds needed in the expectation of later obtaining additional aid, however. opportunities for financial aid (including employment) are severely limited once you are already in the United States.
Many colleges and universities have unadvertised possibilities for at least partial funding of students who qualify for academic admission but need financial support; go ahead and apply for financial aid unless the institution lists itself in reference books as not offering financial aid. Make your request for financial assistance on the basis of merit, stating your need as a secondary factor. Universities get many, many letters stating the adverse circumstances and good character of applicants; this may move the admissions officer personally, but only a superior application with documented financial need will actually be effective.

Employment
Sometimes the international Student Services Office can help foreign students find jobs on campus consisting of up to 20 hours per week. The position must not displace a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. After the first year, part-time employment off-campus may be possible. However, neither on- nor off-campus jobs will pay high wages.

Cooperative Education Programs
Some community, technical and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities have cooperative education programs, in which students alternate periods of full-time study with periods of employment. When a period of employment is required for the degree, foreign students (except M-1 visa holders) can work legally to defray part of their expenses by participating in such a program. Cooperative programs that incorporate several short periods of employment alternating with periods of study usually do not admit foreign students; look for programs with one or two extended periods of employment. Whether or not cooperative work assignments actually pay a significant part of study cost varies from program to program.

STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE APPLICATION TO U.S. INSTITUTIONS

• Observing deadlines, apply to at least five institutions. 
• Of the five, no more than two should be highly selective. 
• At least two should be institutions whose admissions standards fit closely with your background, test scores and academic achievements. 
• The remaining institutions should include at least one that will almost certainly grant admission. 
• If you have selected a highly competitive field such as engineering, or if you are requesting financial assistance, apply to a larger number of institutions.

Several months will pass while institutions review applications. During this period, test scores, letters of recommendation and other documents arrive, and the admissions file is finally completed. Consult the advising center if you encounter difficulties such as inability to obtain particular documents.
Many institutions review all completed applications at the same time and issue acceptances between March and May. Some institutions have rolling admissions; that is, they continue to accept applications throughout the academic year. The advantage of this for a foreign student is that delays often caused by long distances are less serious; acceptance may still be possible as late as June or even July before the academic year begins in September.
 

  STEP 11  ACCEPT ONE OFFER OF ADMISSION & WRITE TO OTHERS

If you are accepted by an institution, you will receive a letter of admission and the form you need to apply for a visa, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-I Status," Form 1-20 A-B. (See Step 13.)
The letter of admission will probably ask that you make a decision within a specified period. You may also be requested to confirm your intention to enroll by sending in a deposit of $50 to $ 100. If you accept, write a letter to the admissions officer, stating your intention to enroll. Fill out and return any additional forms by airmail. If university-sponsored housing applications are included, process them as soon as possible, and return them by airmail with a check or money order for any deposit that may be required. (See Step 12)
 

  STEP 12  DECIDE WHETHER YOU'LL LIVE IN HOUSING ON-CAMPUS OR OFF

Alternatives for housing may include residential halls on campus, rented rooms, or furnished or unfurnished apartments on or off-campus. Occasionally students are able to arrange accommodations with a family. Except for on-campus housing, however, most of these options must be arranged after you arrive. (See the booklet, Predeparture Orientation.)

On-Campus Housing
Sometimes separate residence halls are provided for men and for women; in other cases, the residence halls are "co-ed" -- that is men and women live in the same housing unit but do not share rooms. Usually two students share a room; single rooms are scarce. Generally, rooms have a bed, a desk, a chair, a closet and sometimes draperies. Students must provide bed linens, draperies, decorations and accessories. Contracts for residence halls usually cover the entire academic year. Often you must pay non-refundable fees in full at the beginning of the year -- so you will need to have a large portion of your funds available immediately on arrival-if you have not already paid them with your admissions cost. "Room and board" contracts cover the cost of housing as well as a specified number of meals in the campus dining hall or cafeteria.

Off-Campus Housing
If you choose to live off-campus, you will probably have to wait until after you arrive to arrange housing. The international Student office may be able to help in locating housing, but it is wise to plan to take this responsibility yourself. Some cities have apartment locator services that charge a fee for locating apartments with your specifications.
Options include single rented rooms, with or without kitchens; rooms in "boarding houses" with meals provided at extra cost; shared houses for rent; and furnished or unfurnished rented apartments. "Furnished" in the United States means that basic furniture and sometimes floor coverings and draperies are provided. Bed linens, towels, kitchen equipment and dishes are not provided. Public transportation may be scarce. if you need a car to get to campus, costs will increase dramatically.

Living with a Family
The ease of arranging homestays with families in the U.S. varies from location to location. If this service is available, the cost is usually about the same as that of a rented private room with added meals. The International Student Services Office can sometimes offer information about homestays. The Experiment in international Living is one of a number of organizations that sponsor group programs and one-month homestays for students who would like to live with an American family before beginning their studies.
 

  STEP 13  APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA.
Consult the consular section at the nearest United States embassy or consulate as early as possible to determine the specific procedures and documents necessary to apply for a non-immigrant (F-1) student visa. These may differ from country to country. Below are the usual requirements:

Passport, valid for at least six months after the date you plan to leave; 
Visa application form; 
A photograph, 5 cm by 5 cm, with your signature in English on the back; 
Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant F-1 Student Status (Form 1-20 A-B); 
Affidavit of financial support form and evidence of support; 
Evidence of English language ability; and 
Any other documents of local importance.

The F-1 Student Visa
To apply for an F-1 student visa, present the above documents to a U.S. consular officer. The consular officer usually interviews applicants and will examine your documents and review your educational plans. Although the visa application process normally is not time-consuming, it is a good idea to apply early. Any questions that might arise about your qualification to receive a visa can be dealt with without delaying your departure.
Note: The Form I-20 is not a visa, nor does it guarantee a visa. Be sure that you have read the form before you go to the interview and have completed any statements required of you.
For entry into the United States, the institution endorsed on the visa and the institution you plan to attend must be the same.

  STEP 14  ATTEND A PREDEPARTURE ORIENTATION SESSION

Your advising center may offer programs to give you information about what to expect regarding the academic system, the climate, the culture and other aspects of your life in the United States. Arrange to attend such a program, and obtain the booklet in this series, Predeparture Orientation, which gives further information.