Applying to college in the U.S. as an international student takes planning, patience, and knowing how the system works. You’ll deal with different admissions requirements, visa paperwork, and financial limitations compared to domestic applicants. This guide walks you through the full process—from choosing schools and submitting applications to securing an F-1 visa and finding funding—so you know what to expect at each step.
How to Apply to College in the U.S.
If you're starting from scratch, here's how to apply to college in the U.S. as an international student—step by step. This process can take a year or more, so give yourself plenty of time.
1. Choose Your Colleges
Make a list of schools that offer your intended major and accept international students.
Consider admissions competitiveness, cost, location, and support services for international students.
2. Check Admission Requirements
Review each college’s admissions page for international applicants.
Look for GPA expectations, English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), and whether SAT/ACT scores are required or optional.
Some schools may ask for credential evaluations of your transcripts (e.g.