The United States has the largest and most versatile system of higher education. Any student willing and able to study will find a suitable place at one of the more than 3000 American colleges and universities – the key is finding the right institution.

How do I find out about American universities and colleges?

The best source of information today is the Internet. Most institutions have web pages that contain a wealth of information and instructions on how to submit an application for admission, including special instructions for international students. If you cannot find information for international students on a web page, contact the university and ask for it. Alternatively, if you do not have access to the Internet, you can find information on American higher education by visiting the nearest US embassy or consulate. They will direct you to a US Information Service Office, or the local agency that offers information on study in the United States.

How do I find the right university for me?

First, you must have a clear idea of what you wish to study and where in the US you would like to be located. There are also financial considerations to take into account, as study in the US is costly and the amount can vary enormously from institution to institution. Field of study, geography and cost will help you narrow your selection.

The next step is to contact the universities that appeal to you and obtain information from them. As it can take some time to complete the application process, the earlier you begin the better it is for you. Start your search at least 12 months in advance; if you are planning to begin your studies in the autumn of 2008 you should start contacting universities in the autumn of 2007 American universities admit new students twice a year. Although the largest intake is usually in the autumn, students are also admitted in the spring semester which starts in January, therefore if you want to start in January of the year 2009, begin your search in January 2008.

What is the application process?

Once you have gathered all the information and application forms from the universities that interest you, read them carefully and follow their instructions. Most will require that you fill out an application form and submit it, together with your educational qualifications, test results and one or more letters of recommendation from former teachers. They will also require that you pay an application fee.

What tests?

All universities in the United States require applicants to take what are known as 'standardized tests' designed to measure students' aptitude for further study. Students whose native language is not English must also demonstrate their proficiency by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test which is administered all over the world. Graduate schools of business and MBA programs usually require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT); post-graduate programs in other disciplines require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Information about all the tests is included in the application package, or can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service (ETS): www.ets.org

The application review

The admissions office is responsible for receiving applications, credentials, test results, letters of recommendations and application fees. When a file is complete, it is reviewed and a decision taken on admission. For post-graduate admission, the file is referred to the department to be reviewed by professors who make the final decision.

The review has several steps. In the first stage, credentials are compared to American credentials to determine whether the candidate meets minimum requirements and deserves further consideration. In the second stage grades, test results and letters of recommendations are closely examined to determine the quality of the application and how it compares with the rest of the applicant pool. It is more difficult to gain admission at a university of very high standing because of the intense competition for places. Even if you are not admitted to one university, do not despair, because there may be others that would be willing to admit you It is best to apply to more than one institution and in different locations.

Your educational qualifications

The most important element in your application package is your educational qualifications, including degrees, diplomas, certificates and the corresponding statement of marks or examination results. The requirements of American institutions are very specific in this regard: final degree and diploma certificates alone are not sufficient, detailed records of the subjects studied and annual examination results are essential and must be submitted. Take great care in gathering those documents, and do not overlook anything because it will only delay your application. If your documents are not in English, you must have them translated and submit both the translation and the original language documents.

How are foreign qualifications reviewed?

Many universities employ specialists in foreign educational systems and credentials to review documents submitted by international students. Others will instruct applicants to have their credentials evaluated by an independent organization that specializes in foreign credential evaluation, and will provide them with a list of organizations whose evaluations they accept. You can find the right evaluation services by asking the university for instructions. If they offer no special information and you are on your own, you should select a service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which has strict professional standards. The evaluation is a written report that contains both a description and an interpretation of foreign education qualifications in US terms. There are two types of evaluation: the simple document-by-document evaluation and the comprehensive course-by-course evaluation. The document-by-document report describes each credential and gives it a US equivalent. A course-by-course report also includes a list of all post-secondary coursework converted in equivalent US semester credits and grades. There is no set fee for this service, as each evaluation has different rates depending on the type of evaluation that is sought. Most fees are in the $100 – $200 range.

What else can an evaluation report do for you?

If you obtain an independent evaluation of your educational qualifications early on, it will give you some idea of what your educational background is worth in the US, and what to expect when you apply to American universities. That information can be very helpful when you make preparations for study in the United States, especially in estimating the amount of time and cost that it will take to earn a degree.