SUCCESSFUL APLICATION
The application processes differs depending on if you want to spend your entire time at a University in the United States or if you are in a study abroad program and have the support of a University in Mexico. In my opinion, it is always easier if you are supported by an Institution. If you aren’t, just be sure that you have all the documents in order and submit them on time; following this method, you probably wouldn’t experience many problems. Brigette Thompson, International Advisor at Trinity University, suggests that students seek the advice of a professor that can review the application material: “a strong evaluation from a teacher always helps your application.”
In my own experience, the application process can be divided in three different stages:
Request application materialStart with the right foot and take your time; many International Advisors suggest that you begin looking for options a year in advance. This way, you’ll have enough time to present exams and get all the documents that you need. Generally, the colleges request the following material:
- Transcripts from the school that you are attending now or have attended most recently.
- Standardized test results. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most encouraged exam for students whose native language is not English; it is suggested that you have at least a score of 550 points on the paper exam or 230 on the computer-based exam. In my experience, the exam is not easy and evens less if you feel pressured or nervous. Take the test in advance, and if you fail the first time, do it again; the next time you’ll know what to expect.
- School recommendation. Most of the Universities request at least three letters of recommendation from advisors, counselors or professors. Think of the teachers with whom you have a good relationship and ask them in advance; always let them know the reason why you need the recommendation.
- Statement of Financial Support. You must document the source of funding to meet the expenses of your education. If your parents will cover it, submit bank accounts or some other documents that prove that they can cover your expenses. On the other hand, if you have a scholarship or you plan to apply for one, do it in advance; the section of Important References on this webpage can help you to find some options for Financial Aid for International Students. The expenses from college to college vary depending on if it is a public or a private University; consider this when you are reviewing your options. All the financial documents have a great importance during the process; Brigette Thompson also comment that if the International Office “doesn’t have current (within 3 months) financial support statements it will delay us sending an 1-20, which delays students in getting visas, etc.”
- Common application form. You also need to fill out some general information. If you are studying abroad, the advisor at your college usually gives you the necessary forms. If you’re applying to study in the U.S. your entire time in University and you plan to submit your information to a couple of Colleges, it is recommended to complete the Common Application Form online that can be sent to any number of participant colleges. This form includes contact information, supplements according to the student situation (Arts, Athletic, etc.), teacher evaluation, reports, and an essay where you can explain some issues of personal, local, national or international concern that are important to you.
Completing and returning the application material
When the deadline approaches, you’ll be very lucky if you have in order the material that the university requests and that are mentioned above. Don’t wait until the last day to return the application; if you are ready before it is better. The International Admissions Office usually takes your response time as a measure of your interest.
If during the process you have some doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the International Advisor at the University that you want to attend, he or she can always help you to know better what the university is really looking for.
AcceptanceSometimes the acceptance letter takes a long time to arrive. Be patient; if you fulfill all the requirements you don’t have a reason to be afraid. The response depends principally on the university, the program that you select, and the day that the classes start.
Monsserrath Leal, International Advisor at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico, recommends that students that are participating in a study abroad program always wait for the university reply before start to looking for other considerations: “It is mandatory for the students waiting to apply for an exchange program to search for the study plan at the foreign university, be sure it is available at the academic period you are attending and be “super sure” you can get credit for those courses at your return. They must analyze deeply the foreign and home institution study plan in order to see which courses are alike. It is advisable to have a great communication with their faculty dean.”