college essay about international students

Complete Essay Writing Guide for International Students

If you are an international student and English is not your first language, academic writing may take extra practice. Learn how to write an essay for your US university classes.

For many international students, learning how to write an essay is essential to a successful college career in the US. (You may be required to write an essay when applying to college, too .) There are many types of essays and, when it comes to essay writing, there is more than one way to share your ideas and communicate well.

Here are some essay writing tips to build strong academic writing skills, even before you arrive at your US university.

Essay Writing Tips for International Students

No matter your major , writing essays is important to getting good grades – and good writing skills will help you succeed in any future internship or job. If you are an undergraduate student , you may also be completely new to writing academic essays for higher education.

Keep reading to learn how international students at United States universities can get comfortable with essay writing, especially understanding an essay outline, thesis statement, and paragraph structure. 

Create an Essay Outline

Working from an outline lets you plan the main points of your international student essay and put them in order. This makes it easier to stay organized once you start writing. 

“I always require my students to work on an outline before they draft their essays,” says Maad El-Gali, ESL instructor at the University of the Pacific . “Regardless of essay formats, an outline generally leads to successful writing because it allows students to picture what their essay would look like. [It also] allows me to give students feedback before they start [the student essay writing process].”

El-Gali teaches his students that every essay outline must have four parts: 

A thesis statement (also known as a central argument)

Topic sentences

Major and minor supporting arguments

A conclusion

Once you have created an essay outline containing these four elements, you are ready to begin the academic writing process.

Do Your Research 

Student essay writing requires research! Brainstorm ideas for your essay’s focus and look into existing material on the topic you’ve selected. Writing down your ideas and thoughts helps you organize them and plan the arguments for your college essay as an international student.

After brainstorming, it is time to dive into your research. Review existing literature on your ideas to find additional concepts and material to support your main points, and remember always to cite sources when you paraphrase or quote ideas that are not your own. Plagiarism is a serious offense in the US educational system, especially in academic writing. Remember to give due credit to the authors of the material you use! 

Form a Thesis

After finishing your research, it is time to formulate a thesis. A thesis statement introduces your academic essay’s main argument and provides a roadmap of the supporting points for your readers. Good thesis statements show your interpretation of the subject, convey the central idea of your argument, and hook readers into learning more. 

There are three types of thesis statements:

Argumentative - presents a disputable claim and defends it.  

Expository - presents a claim and explains what the reader should learn.  

Analytical - compares and contrasts themes. 

To decide which type of thesis statement best fits your academic writing assignment, it is important to learn more about your topic, also known as your essay prompt.

Understanding the Essay Prompt

The first step toward writing your international student essay is making sure you understand your essay prompt. An essay prompt is the topic or subject you need to write your essay on. The prompt you receive can be written in different formats, such as a statement, a question, or a set of data. The following is just one example of an essay prompt: “Reading more books improves your skill as a writer. Explore this statement.” 

With the above example, your next step would be to break down this prompt and understand the different areas involved in the topic. Ask yourself questions about the prompt which helps to define the topic in your essay, for example: How does reading books improve one’s writing skills? Do certain books help improve writing more than others? Is this true for all kinds of writers and writing? 

By asking yourself these types of questions, you can gain a better understanding of which components your college essay should include. As you usually have a limited word count and/or page length for your essay, as well as a specific due date to turn it in, it is important to plan out how you want to structure your essay to make it easy to read while still containing a compelling argument supported by thorough research. 

Intro Paragraph

The introduction is the first paragraph of your international student essay and gives the reader a brief overview of the topic you are writing about. This is one of the most important elements of your essay, as many readers use an introduction to get a first impression of your content. 

Your introduction should immediately get the reader’s attention and encourage them to take an interest in what you have written. The essay introduction should contain a valuable or interesting piece of information to the reader, such as a statistic, an unexpected fact, a relatable scenario, or a compelling quote. 

Additionally, the introduction should have a clear and brief outline of what is discussed in your essay, such as the sections to follow, questions to be answered, and even the intended audience. 

Finally, the introduction to academic essays typically has a clear thesis statement: a central argument to be defended with supporting research in the pages to come. 

How to Write a Strong Thesis

For a typical college essay or academic paper, the first part of writing a strong thesis is to present a clear thesis statement. This statement presents your argument to your reader and gives a glimpse into what you cover over the course of the essay. With your thesis statement, explain how your argument joins the conversation of the overall topic it relates to, and how it contributes to this discussion.

Your thesis should be specific and focused. Avoid deviating too far from your central idea and make sure your supporting evidence is relevant and helps the reader understand your most important points. To better support your argument, your essay should go into deep detail and define what your argument is, the importance of your argument and why you are presenting it, and the approach you have taken to explain it.

A strong thesis is also unique, and your supporting points should emphasize your argument and its validity in larger discussions and contexts. Analyze your argument impartially by exploring multiple angles. By including counterarguments from different perspectives, you can highlight the depth of your research — and better make your case to your reader. 

Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay will have multiple sections which break down your central argument with supporting evidence. Your goal is to present your thesis and research in a way that is easy to understand, while also covering critical information. 

Here is a good sample structure for the body of a college essay:

Begin with a definition—Explain what your topic is and its most important aspects. Give your readers context and the basic knowledge they need to understand the more advanced information that comes next.

Go into detail—As you dive deeper into your topic, describe its simpler components first and move on to more advanced sections as necessary. Make sure each section comes under its own heading and paragraphs are short and easy to read.

Focus your content—Avoid generalized information and make sure all information is relevant. Focus only on one major concept in each paragraph. Your paragraphs should transition naturally and create a logical journey through your essay. This helps the reader understand your main points in a structured way.

Explain your point—After helping the reader learn more about the topic and giving clear context, you can start presenting your thesis statement. Your argument should tie in all the information you presented before and use it as a basis to explain the validity of your argument. Use references, data sources, examples, and other supporting evidence from reputable sources to emphasize your claims and add credibility.

Evaluate counter arguments—If relevant, present the positive and negative sides of the topic you are arguing. This shows you have conducted a deep analysis and you aim to avoid bias, which improves the authority of your essay. You can also use this section to emphasize why the positives of your argument outweigh the negatives.

Once you are satisfied with the content and structure of the body of your essay, it is time to end your essay with a strong conclusion.

Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion is the final segment of your international student essay and should wrap up your main points. This section should not introduce any new information; instead, it should summarize what you have discussed while emphasizing the importance of your point or argument. 

Your conclusion should connect back to your introduction and how the points you have discussed contribute to your central argument. The challenge in this section is summarizing your most important points without sounding repetitive. 

To present an effective conclusion, rather than repeating your introduction statement, try rephrasing it:  Since your introduction or thesis statement presented the topic before the reader had context, your conclusion should now speak to the reader as one newly informed and familiar with your research and point of view. 

Your conclusion should end with a positive note which promotes your central argument, provides your reader with a sense of closure, and presents broader implications encouraging the reader to learn more, like a final suggestion, course of action, solution, or a question. 

Top 3 Tips for Essay Writing

Become familiar with different citation styles.

The referencing style you use depends on your major, course, and university. Typically, your professor’s preferred citation style will be listed on your syllabus . Understanding different citation styles helps you follow your assignment, correctly attribute your sources, and avoid possible issues with plagiarism. 

Some of the most common referencing styles used in the US are 

American Psychological Association, or APA

Chicago Manual of Style

Council of Science Editors, or CSE (Common for biology, physics, chemistry, and geology)

Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or IEEE (Common for engineering, computer science, and information technology majors)

Modern Language Association, or MLA

You will not be expected to get familiar with an entire style guide right away: There are many resources available for academic writing. If you have any questions about using style guides, speak to your professor, university writing center staff, or your Shorelight advisor for citation assistance. 

Utilize Online Writing Resources

Some online guides for specific citation styles include the Purdue Online Writing Lab and the official APA and MLA websites. Many offer subscriptions, where you pay a fee for unlimited access over a specific period of time (e.g., one year).

Using free online tools such as Grammarly and Turnitin can also improve the quality of your writing, catch errors and mistakes, and check for plagiarism. Since most online writing aids are operated by artificial intelligence (AI), use caution: It is important to remember these programs may not pick up on every error and might misunderstand certain sentences, depending on your writing structure and/or tone. While using these tools can be very helpful, try not to rely on them entirely and use them more as tips or clues for areas to improve in your essay.

You may want a peer or advisor to take the last look at your essay before you submit your work. 

Start Early!

Giving yourself plenty of time before your essay deadline takes the stress out of the essay writing process. Don’t rush your brainstorming, researching, writing, or revising. More time means you’ll be more intentional, improving the overall quality of your essay because you won’t need to rush. You will also have more time to ask and integrate any feedback from your friends and mentors into your writing. 

Revise Your First Draft

After completing the conclusion, the first draft of your international student essay is now complete! The first draft of your essay is the first version and contains all your raw ideas and unedited writing. The next step in writing a good essay is to revise your draft to bring it closer to the final version.

Why should you revise your first draft? Think of it as a newly constructed house — with the overall structure completed, it is time for you to do a thorough inspection and spot possible faults or areas for improvements. This can take two or even three more draft revisions, but the most important part is to ensure your essay is improving in quality each time so you can put your best work forward.

During your revisions, you may notice your first draft is very long. As you write down your ideas and research findings, it is very easy to repeat information or get sidetracked into topics outside your focus. As you revise, read each segment carefully to spot any repeated information and excessively long paragraphs or sentences and shorten these as needed.

Remember also to look for areas where you may need to add more detail — a first draft is often written quickly as ideas come to your mind, and some sections could benefit from additional information or evidence you had not initially considered. At the same time, check that your sentences flow in a logical sequence and order: Read paragraphs out loud to see if they sound right to you — if they do not, readers would notice this as well.

As you revise your first draft of your essay, keep the following tips in mind.

Do’s and Don’ts of Essay Writing

1. Don’t write more than you need to. Do make sure your words matter. 

“Multilingual writers (aka international students) tend to be focused more on the quantity rather than the quality of writing,” says El-Gali at the University of the Pacific. “They believe that writing more means having a higher grade on writing assignments, which is not necessarily true.” In fact, adding too many extra words can result in a paragraph structure that is difficult for the reader to follow.

2. Don’t forget about your reader. Do find clear, clever ways to make your point.

Keep your reader in mind as you write and try to make your writing interesting, engaging, and relatable. Remember: Different languages have different writing rules and phrases. While writing, be aware of your readers’ perspectives and always aim to communicate clearly so your words are understood.

3. Don’t just run spell check. Do edit and proofread essays thoroughly.

“This is crucial so that the English-speaking reader will understand the writer’s intention,” El-Gali says.

If you want more advice on improving your writing or general writing tips, reach out to a Shorelight advisor! They are always ready to provide essay tips and academic support for international students . (They also provide dedicated international student services such as helping you improve your English skills, evaluate graduate programs , prepare for visa interviews, and much more.)

Check out Shorelight’s international student guidebook >

Common Mistakes of a First Draft

Your first draft is the blueprint for your final essay and should be considered the first of several drafts. As a blueprint, your first draft should focus on including key information and building the overall structure of your final essay. Some students make the mistake of not revising and turning in their first draft as the final (which is often not their best work and can lead to a lower grade). 

Here are common mistakes of a first draft to watch out for:

Focusing on grammar, style, vocabulary, or particular word choices—In the first draft, ideas come first. (You can worry about style in a later draft!) Your main priority is to ensure all the critical points of your argument are covered.

Adding too many details—Adding too much detail to each of your points in your first draft can make it difficult to effectively structure the essay’s overall flow. Your first draft only needs the most important points determined and mapped out.

Starting late—The earlier you start, the better! You want plenty of time to research, write, and revise. If you are forced to rush, the quality of your essay may not be as high compared to starting early and being able to take your time.

Editing while writing—Since you are likely to go through several drafts before your final essay, it is not important to edit your spelling and sentence structure in these initial stages. You may even replace certain sections as you revise, which makes editing early unnecessary.

Once you have written a well-structured first draft as a guide, you can proceed to your next draft. Refine your research and supporting details, while also addressing grammar and style, as you work toward your final draft.

Finalizing Your Essay

The final draft is what you submit to your professors for grading, so it is important for it to be comprehensive, detailed, and polished. Your final draft is the last one, the product of your many rounds of feedback, changes, and revisions. It should reflect everything you have learned about your essay prompt throughout the time you have spent researching, writing, and revising your essay.

Here are some tips for finalizing your essay:

Final Checks 

Read your essay out loud. It is easy to miss details during multiple revisions. By reading out loud, you can spot errors in both content and grammar. You can also use Text to Speech software to hear your essay out loud.

Check for inconsistencies in logic in your arguments, gaps in knowledge, and anything you might have missed from your outline. Remove or restructure arguments that interrupt your essay’s flow.

Ensure your essay covers the prompt and matches university standards and style guide requirements. This includes checking your document’s margins, heading structure, citation style, and other specific areas your professor has requested. 

Ask a friend or mentor for feedback. A new reader may spot issues you might have missed after working with the essay for a long period of time. 

Essay Writing Help  

For many international students, college-level essay writing is a new skill. If you have outlined, written, and edited your essay and are still not sure whether it is ready to turn in, do not be afraid to ask for help. 

ESL students can get assistance with how to write an essay and receive general writing tips from a writing coach at the writing center on campus, or check with your Shorelight academic advisor to find relevant resources and support services.

Remember, the more college-level essays you write, the more familiar and comfortable you will be with the student essay writing process. 

Follow these essay writing steps to develop strong writing skills. Keep up the good work!

Ask a Shorelight advisor about academic support for international students >

Services that set you up for success

• ― Detailed school information
• ― School match and compare
• ― Events calendar
• ― Advisory services
• ― Connect with students
• ― Comprehensive application review
• ― Localized entry requirements
• ― Rapid admissions turnaround
• ― Transfer services
• ― Timeline management
• ― Dedicated visa app guidance
• ― Visa interview preparation
• ― Pre-arrival checklist
• ― University-specific preparation
• ― International-friendly add-ons
• ― Airport pickup
• ― Dorm setup and bedding
• ― Campus orientation
• ― Cultural group outings
• ― Student advising
• ― Needs assessment and testing
• ― Transfer placement
• ― Academic counseling
• ― Customized English courses
• ― Virtual study programs
• ― Career preparation
• ― Upskill development
• ― Resume and cover letter prep
• ― Professional networking
• ― OPT placement

Guide To College Essays For International Students

The recording will load in a moment., about this livestream.

Learn how to write a great college essay as an international student.

Chris Lombardo will walk through the best techniques international students can use to write an awesome essay for colleges in the United States. He'll share the main things that admissions officers at these colleges are looking for in an essay from an international student, what really stands out to them, and what turns them off.

He'll also open up the floor for a Q&A where he'll answer any and all questions about writing essays as an international student

What every junior should be doing NOW to prepare for college applications

How Admissions Officers Evaluate Your Application

How to Build a Balanced College List with Matriculate

How to Write Your Best College Essay

Popular recent recordings.

Why look at liberal arts colleges?

Summer Schools Abroad: Beyond Borders

How to Get Into Tech Without a Degree

Tips for Getting into Harvard from a Harvard Graduate

Published August 01, 2021

Tips for International Candidates Writing the Common App Essay

Lisa Mortini

Senior Assistant Director, NYU Abu Dhabi Admissions

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

“Give Me 10 Minutes and I’ll Write a Superior Essay”

You’ve spent hours scouring the internet to find tips for international candidates about writing the Common Application essay. You’ve singled out the perfect essay question to answer within the seven recommended prompts. Nervous with excitement, you’re finally applying to your dream school and you’re all ready to go. Yet, hours later, you’re still not sure what to write about. Why is it so tough to get started? Surely, it should be simple at this stage, right?

It’s Not That Simple

The truth is that writing a thoughtful, outstanding essay is not that easy for anyone, let alone YOU, an international student who may not be fully familiar with the added complexities of applying to colleges outside of your own country.

Here is my advice to conquer these essay-writing fears and put your best self forward in the process.

1) “I’m Not Sure What U.S. Colleges Want from Me”

If you were applying to university back home, there might not be any essay to write or maybe the essay has to focus exclusively on your academic subject of choice (looking at you, unis in the UK). As a result, that’s what you’ve been preparing for and the Common Application prompts may seem odd. In contrast, U.S. colleges prefer to assess your academic interests and results through transcripts and recommendations. Above all, this means the essay should focus on an aspect of your application that can’t be found elsewhere— your personality .

Through the story you carefully weave, U.S. admissions counselors will expect to get a sense of “fit” for their school . They hope to glimpse evidence of what will make you a great addition to their campus and how well you will contribute to their community. If you’re unsure if you might be a good fit for NYU, I’d recommend checking out my colleague Eudora’s excellent blog post here .

One of the top tips for international candidates writing their essay is simply to be yourself, be honest, and write in your own voice . If you try to “fit in” by changing who you truly are, chances are you will not thrive at that school after you get in—and that would be a shame!

2) “That’s Fine but… Who Am I and What Do I Stand For?”

Writing a good Common App essay does require a certain level of self-awareness . This can be difficult to figure out, especially if the culture you grew up in did not prepare you for this kind of introspection. Maybe you are not used to talking frankly about yourself and the very idea is puzzling or terrifying! Don’t worry, being self-aware and sharing inner thoughts can be hard at any age and for people of all backgrounds.

Establish What Truly Matters

One of the more practical tips for international candidates writing their first draft is to jot down two lists . One should feature people and activities that make you happy and motivate you. The second should record unnerving things that you’d like to change in the world. Such detailed lists will help you define your priorities and the impact you wish to have around you . Universities will be particularly receptive to these themes.

3) “Great. So, What Should I Talk About in That Essay, Really?”

Maybe boasting about accomplishments is frowned upon in your culture and modesty is appreciated. Maybe you have no issue being proud of your achievements but can’t quite see how the University will relate to them. Regardless of which essay prompt you choose, universities will want to read a story around something that happened to YOU . But which one? You could always make more lists to figure this out. You may have noticed by now, I am an unashamed fan of lists (and spreadsheets).

Story of Your Life

Why not make a blueprint of your life’s events, big and small ? Write down your proudest achievements (for example, sports competitions, good grades, personal successes, overcoming fears) on one side. Then record failures or things you wish you’d done differently—and what you learned from them—on the other.

When you start writing your essay with a prompt and a theme in mind, these lists will certainly help narrow down your focus on one impactful event or experience that will become the core of the story.

4) “I Don’t Feel That I Can Be Myself”

You may find it easier to tell friends a story in your mother tongue and struggle a little to find the right tone in English for this essay. English may not be your first language, and that is OK! You will undoubtedly produce multiple drafts to refine your style. The key here is to find the balance between your natural voice and the level of academic writing expected in a university application .

The Byzantine Nature of This Treatise Is Importuning Me...

For that reason, do not overuse the thesaurus . It can be unnerving for a reader to realize quickly—and we do, trust me—that either someone else has written this essay for you or that every simple, logical word has been replaced by a more obscure, over-polished version. If it feels like you are trying too hard, you are.

5) “Will They Really Get ‘Me’?”

If your narration holds elements unique to your country or civilization (or even your community or school), feel free to briefly explain them to help the reader gain more insight into your world. For instance, when speaking about culture-specific events, behaviors, or traditions, you may want to provide some context. Customs which may seem obvious to you might be unknown to others. On the other hand, application reviewers are often well-traveled or even international citizens themselves!

Don’t Forget:

We are all human beings with many commonalities. There is no need to suppress your personality or culture here to conform to what you think a foreign university may want. One of the best tips for international candidates applying to a school in the United States is just to be yourself and let your personality shine in the essay — that’s truly all you need to do .

Lisa is a Senior Assistant Director of Admissions for NYU Abu Dhabi and the Global Admissions Team, based in the London office. Born and raised in France, Lisa also lived in Denmark and spent a couple of years in leafy upstate New York.  She is a dedicated gardener, a keen traveler to India and Japan, and loves watching the tennis at Wimbledon. She now spends her free time playing with her little rescue terrier dog, Cooper.

More from Lisa:

Finding Your College Fit as an International Student

How do you figure out if a school is the right fit when you can’t visit? Check out Eudora’s tips for international students about how to approach the college search process.

College Fair 101: Tips for a Great Conversation with Your Admissions Rep

How to make the most of your conversation with an institutional rep at a college fair.

3 Tips to Choose the Right Common App Essay Prompt

A few tips to help you make the right choice when faced with the seven Common App essay questions!

International Student College Application Guide

In this article,  CollegeAdvisor.com  admissions expert Lara walks us through the college application process for the international student. For more guidance on the college application process in general,  sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

Note: in this article, the word  ‘ college ’  is taken to mean a 4-year program normally completed after high school and before postgraduate degrees such as Masters or Doctorate degrees. While many countries make a distinction between ‘university’ and ‘college,’ where ‘colleges’ are often 2-year programs that do not grant Bachelor’s degrees, for the purposes of this article, ‘college’ in the U.S. is equivalent to what is termed ‘university’ elsewhere.

Why apply internationally?

Applying to college in the United States can be a daunting process, especially if you’re an international student who may not have access to a college counselor or advisor at your school. As an international student, you likely don’t have the same insight into the application process as a domestic applicant might.

However, international students have so much to offer to colleges. The different perspectives and cultural insights they bring can enrich any campus community. Studying in the U.S. might also allow you to take part in research as an undergraduate, apply to prestigious internships and summer programs, and explore a wide variety of academic disciplines.

International student application requirements

If you’re considering a U.S. college, the most important thing to do early on is to learn the application requirements. Typically, this includes a standardized testing requirement—either the ACT or SAT—as well as an English proficiency test like the IELTS or TOEFL.

ACT and SAT

The ACT and SAT are both standardized tests that students in the U.S. take in order to apply to college. They assess your academic skills in English and math (as well as science, in the case of the ACT).

You might choose whether to take the SAT or ACT based on which is available in your area. Most colleges do not have a preference for which of these test scores you submit. Applicants usually choose by taking practice tests and assessing which score is better. They may also consider which score they foresee being able to improve the most.

You can take these tests multiple times, and you will only submit the best score(s) to colleges.

Applicants from the U.S. usually take their first standardized test in the spring of their junior year. This corresponds to the first half of grade 11 out of 12 in many international systems. Depending on their scores, students usually take the test 2 or 3 more times until they are satisfied.  For students in countries where these tests are not offered regularly, it is especially important to plan ahead depending on available testing dates.

IELTS and TOEFL

The IELTS and TOEFL are standardized tests that assess your English proficiency. Colleges generally require you to submit one of these scores if English is not your first language or the primary language in which you were taught throughout high school. If you have a score of over a certain threshold in the English section of the ACT or SAT (this threshold varies between institutions), you may not need to take these tests.

Both tests contain reading, listening, speaking, and writing components. There is usually a minimum overall score you need to obtain in order to apply to any specific college. Similar to the ACT and SAT, you can take the IELTS and TOEFL multiple times and will only submit your best score(s).

High School Transcript and GPA

To apply to college you will also need to submit your transcript, which is your high school academic record. Since high school in the U.S. is four years long, spanning from grade 9 to grade 12, your marks from these four years will be assessed in your application.

Domestic applicants usually also report a GPA, or Grade Point Average, which is often on a scale from 1.0 to 4.0 (where 4.0 is the best). The GPA reflects one’s average academic performance throughout their high school career.

How to convert grades as an international student

Many international students will have different grading systems, whether this is a letter grade (A+, A, A-, B+, B, etc.), a percentage (score out of a 100), or a GPA on a different scale. Furthermore, it is often difficult to interconvert accurately between these different grading scales, since an ‘A’ in the U.S. is often 90% or above, while some international students might only need to achieve a score of 70% or above to reach the most prestigious grading category.

When reporting your grades in the Common Application, you should not attempt to convert to the U.S. system. Instead, report your grades as-is. Rest assured that Admissions Officers likely have the experience required to evaluate your academic achievements relative to your own educational system. If your transcript is in a language other than English, you might also need to get a certified English translation.

Recommendation Letters for International Students

Another required component of the application process is the submission of letters of recommendation. These letters should come from teachers or school counsellors who know you well and can attest to your ability to thrive in the rigorous academic environment and diverse community of U.S. colleges. Your recommenders should be able to speak positively about your personal qualities as well as your academic abilities.

As an international student,  it is especially important to ask your recommenders for their letters far ahead of the deadline , since they might not know how to format their letters and what to include. In general, meaningful anecdotes illustrating your positive qualities are better than abstract mentions of these qualities.

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

Who you ask for letters of recommendation depends on your academic interests and what qualities you want to emphasize.

For example, if you hope to study physics, it will be more impactful to get a letter from your physics or mathematics teacher than from your foreign language teacher. Similarly, if you are not as confident about your ability to get an excellent English score on your standardized or English proficiency tests, it could be beneficial to get a recommendation from your English teacher about your eagerness to master the language.

International Student College Essays

The essays you submit through the Common Application form another crucial aspect of your application. This includes the standard CommonApp essay (650 word maximum) as well as supplementary essays for each college.

It is important to plan ahead, especially since the format of these essays might be unfamiliar to you. For the 2021-2022 application cycle, there are  7 CommonApp essay prompts . These prompts ask you to discuss your identity, recount a formative experience, or reflect on your interests.

Regardless of what you choose to write about, you should use this space to show facets of yourself that may not appear in your academic or extracurricular record. Possibly the single most important piece of advice for writing this essay is to “show, not tell” —  show  your qualities through anecdotes instead of simply  telling  the Admissions Officers what your positive attributes are.  Use your chosen topic to convey how you approach problems and add value to the lives of those around you, as well as who you see yourself to be.

For international students, it can sometimes be particularly impactful to include some cultural context in the essay where relevant. This helps Admissions Officers understand how your upbringing shaped your identity and what you might bring to their community.

International Student College Application Timeline

It is important to understand the application timeline, especially if your country has an academic schedule that is different from the U.S. system where the academic year starts in late August or early September and ends in May. The vast majority of students will apply for fall intake (to start their university studies in September). However, some do apply for spring intake, meaning that they will start in January.

ED, EA, and RD

There are three methods of applying to college – Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Regular Decision (RD).

Regular Decision applications are normally due in early January (often January 1). However, some may be due earlier, as in the case of colleges in the University of California system. Regular Decision applicants are usually notified of their admissions decision in late March or early April.

For both Early Decision and Early Action applications, you have an early deadline (usually November 1 or November 15) and also get your admissions decision back earlier. However, Early Decision is different from Early Action in that if you are accepted to a school under their Early Decision program, you are obligated to attend.

Building a college list for international students

It is important to choose the colleges you will apply to strategically. Colleges are often categorized as either ‘safety schools’, ‘target schools’, or ‘reach schools’, depending on how your application compares to that of the average accepted student at that institution.

‘Safety schools’ are colleges where you are likely to be admitted, taking your grades in high school, standardized testing scores, extracurricular involvement, and other application components into account. ‘Reach schools,’ in contrast, are those that would be difficult, but possible, for you to get accepted to.

How to measure your chances as an international student

For international students who may have different grading systems and varying levels of extracurricular opportunities available to them, one of the easiest ways to roughly determine which schools would fall under which category for you is to compare your standardized testing scores with that of previously accepted students.

If your SAT or ACT score is better than the 75th percentile score for a particular institution (meaning that you did better on your standardized tests than 75% of students who were accepted), this is potentially a safety school for you. However, this also depends on how your extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation compare. It should be kept in mind that outstanding test scores do not in any way guarantee your admission to a particular college, so you should have several of these ‘backup options.’

What to consider when building a college list

However, you should not only consider your likelihood of getting accepted — many other factors will help you determine where to apply. As you build your school list, consider various attributes including weather, accommodations, financial aid and tuition cost, and types of extracurriculars or academic strengths.

For international students, it can be useful to follow schools you might be interested in on social media. Colleges might post photos of students enjoying activities on campus, inform you about research opportunities, and generally give you a better idea of college life.

Virtual campus tours can be particularly helpful. These tours allow you to explore campus and learn what makes that institution unique (who knows, you might even use a fun fact from a tour in a supplementary essay!). Virtual information sessions provide a complementary opportunity to hear from admissions officers, and sometimes even current students, about campus life. Here you might be able to ask the more specific application-related questions you have, as well as gain a more detailed insight into what qualities the college is looking for in applicants.

Final thoughts

Lastly, though applying to college as an international student might be a challenging endeavor, keep your reasons for doing so in mind. Whether you hope to pursue graduate school or employment in the U.S., do undergraduate research, or just take advantage of a flexible but rigorous academic system, attending college in the U.S. can be incredibly rewarding.

Once you complete the extensive and often stressful application process, you can look forward to the prospect of engaging with bright minds from around the world on a college campus in the United States.

This university guide for international students was written by  Lara Van Rooyen , Harvard ‘23. If you want to get help with your college applications from Lara or other  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts , click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

Don't have an Account?

Register Now!

• International Student
• Essay Writing Center
• Sample Essays

Sample College Admission Essays

Applying to college can be very exciting, but also require a lot of dedication, research, and hard work. One key piece of your application that should be given plenty of time and attention is the college admission essay. Before you write your first draft read our sample essays to get a few tips on writing your perfect admission essay.

This section contains five examples of good college essays.

College Essay Sample One

College essay sample two, college essay sample three, college essay sample four, college essay sample five.

State University and I possess a common vision. I, like State University, constantly work to explore the limits of nature by exceeding expectations. Long an amateur scientist, it was this drive that brought me to the University of Texas for its Student Science Training Program in 2013. Up to that point science had been my private past time, one I had yet to explore on anyone else’s terms. My time at UT, however, changed that. Participating for the first time in a full-length research experiment at that level, I felt more alive, more engaged, than I ever had before. Learning the complex dynamics between electromagnetic induction and optics in an attempt to solve one of the holy grails of physics, gravitational-waves, I could not have been more pleased. Thus vindicated, my desire to further formalize my love of science brings me to State University. Thanks to this experience, I know now better than ever that State University is my future, because through it I seek another, permanent, opportunity to follow my passion for science and engineering.

In addition to just science, I am drawn to State University for other reasons. I strive to work with the diverse group of people that State University wholeheartedly accommodates – and who also share my mindset. They, like me, are there because State University respects the value of diversity. I know from personal experience that in order to achieve the trust, honesty, and success that State University values, new people are needed to create a respectful environment for these values. I feel that my background as an American Sikh will provide an innovative perspective in the university’s search for knowledge while helping it to develop a basis for future success. And that, truly, is the greatest success I can imagine.

This emphasis on diversity can also be found in the variety of specialized departments found at State University. On top of its growing cultural and ethnic diversity, State University is becoming a master at creating a niche for every student. However, this does not isolate students by forcing them to work with only those individuals who follow their specific discipline. Instead, it is the seamless interaction between facilities that allows each department, from engineering to programming, to create a real learning environment that profoundly mimics the real world. Thus, State University is not just the perfect place for me, it is the only place for me. Indeed, having the intellectual keenness to absorb every ounce of knowledge presented through my time in the IB program, I know that I can contribute to State University as it continues to cultivate a scholarly climate that encourages intellectual curiosity.

At the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at State University, I will be able to do just that. In a department where education and research are intermixed, I can continue to follow the path that towards scientific excellence. Long-mesmerized by hobbies like my work with the FIRST Robotics team, I believe State University would be the best choice to continue to nurture my love for electrical and computer engineering. I have only scratched the surface in this ever evolving field but know that the technological potential is limitless. Likewise, I feel that my time at State University would make my potential similarly limitless.

This is a picture-perfect response to a university-specific essay prompt. What makes it particularly effective is not just its cohesive structure and elegant style but also the level of details the author uses in the response. By directly identifying the specific aspects of the university that are attractive to the writer, the writer is able to clearly and effectively show not only his commitment to his studies but – perhaps more importantly – the level of thought he put into his decision to apply. Review committees know what generic responses look like so specificity sells.

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of science. Where others see the engineering, experimentation, and presentation of science as a chore, I only see excitement. Even as a child I constantly sought it out, first on television with Bill Nye and The Mythbusters, then later in person in every museum exhibit I could find. Science in all its forms fascinated me, but science projects in particular were a category all to themselves. To me, science projects were a special joy that only grew with time. In fact, it was this continued fascination for hands-on science that brought me years later to the sauna that is the University of Alabama in mid-June. Participating in the Student Science Training Program and working in their lab made me feel like a kid in a candy store. Just the thought of participating in a project at this level of scientific rigor made me forget that this was supposed to be my summer break and I spent the first day eagerly examining every piece of equipment.

Even at first, when the whole research group sat there doing rote calculations and others felt like they were staring down the barrel of defeated purpose, I remained enthusiastic. Time and time again I reminded myself of that famous phrase "great effort leads to great rewards," and sure enough, soon my aspirations began to be met. This shift in attitude also coincided with a shift in location: from the computer desk to the laser lab. It was finally time to get my hands dirty.

Now things began to get really interesting. During the experimentation phase of the project, I spent the majority of my waking hours in the lab – and I enjoyed every minute of it. From debriefing with my coordinator in the morning to checking and rechecking results well into the afternoon, I was on cloud nine all day, every day. I even loved the electric feeling of anxiety as I waited for the results. Most of all, though, I loved the pursuit of science itself. Before I knew it, I was well into the seventh week and had completed my first long-term research experiment.

In the end, although the days were long and hard, my work that summer filled me with pride. That pride has confirmed and reinvigorated my love for science. I felt more alive, more engaged, in that lab than I have anywhere else, and I am committed to returning. I have always dreamed of science but since that summer, since my experiment, I have dreamed only of the future. To me, medical science is the future and through it I seek another, permanent, opportunity to follow my passion. After all, to follow your passion is, literally, a dream come true.

In addition to its use of clear, demonstrative language, there is one thing that makes this an effective essay: focus. Indeed, notice that, although the question is broad, the answer is narrow. This is crucial. It can be easy to wax poetic on a topic and, in the process, take on too much. Instead, by highlighting one specific aspect of his personality, the author is able to give the reader a taste of his who he is without overwhelming him or simply reproducing his résumé. This emphasis gives the reader the opportunity to learn who the writer is on his terms and makes it a truly compelling application essay.

The winter of my seventh grade year, my alcoholic mother entered a psychiatric unit for an attempted suicide. Mom survived, but I would never forget visiting her at the ward or the complete confusion I felt about her attempt to end her life. Today I realize that this experience greatly influenced my professional ambition as well as my personal identity. While early on my professional ambitions were aimed towards the mental health field, later experiences have redirected me towards a career in academia.

I come from a small, economically depressed town in Northern Wisconson. Many people in this former mining town do not graduate high school and for them college is an idealistic concept, not a reality. Neither of my parents attended college. Feelings of being trapped in a stagnant environment permeated my mind, and yet I knew I had to graduate high school; I had to get out. Although most of my friends and family did not understand my ambitions, I knew I wanted to make a difference and used their doubt as motivation to press through. Four days after I graduated high school, I joined the U.S. Army.

The 4 years I spent in the Army cultivated a deep-seated passion for serving society. While in the Army, I had the great honor to serve with several men and women who, like me, fought to make a difference in the world. During my tour of duty, I witnessed several shipmates suffer from various mental aliments. Driven by a commitment to serve and a desire to understand the foundations of psychological illness, I decided to return to school to study psychology.

In order to pay for school and continue being active in the community, I enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard as a Medic. Due to the increased deployment schedule and demands placed on all branches of the military after September 11, my attendance in school has necessarily come second to my commitment to the military. There are various semesters where, due to this demand, I attended school less than full time. Despite taking a long time and the difficulty in carving separate time for school with such occupational requirements, I remained persistent aiming towards attending school as my schedule would allow. My military commitment ends this July and will no longer complicate my academic pursuits.

In college, as I became more politically engaged, my interest began to gravitate more towards political science. The interest in serving and understanding people has never changed, yet I realized I could make a greater difference doing something for which I have a deeper passion, political science. Pursuing dual degrees in both Psychology and Political Science, I was provided an opportunity to complete a thesis in Psychology with Dr. Sheryl Carol a Professor in Social Psychology at the University of Texas (UT) This fall I will complete an additional thesis as a McNair Scholar with Dr. Ken Chambers, Associate Professor in Latin American studies in the UT Political Science Department.

As an undergraduate, I was privileged to gain extensive research experience working in a research lab with Dr. Carol. During the three years I worked in her lab, I aided in designing a study, writing an Institutional Review Board (IRB) application, running participants through both pilot and regular studies, coding data, and analyzing said data, with these experiences culminating in my honors thesis. This thesis, entitled Self-Esteem and Need-to-Belong as predictors of implicit stereotypic explanatory bias, focuses on the relationship between levels (high and low) of self-esteem and an individual’s need to belong in a group, and how they predict whether an individual will tend to explain stereotype-inconsistent behavior. Participating in such a large study from start to finish has validated my interest in academic research as a profession.

This fall I will embark on writing an additional honors thesis in political science. While the precise topic of my thesis is undecided, I am particularly interested in Mexico and its development towards a more democratic government. Minoring in Spanish, I have read various pieces of literature from Mexico and have come to respect Mexico and Latin American culture and society. I look forward to conducting this research as it will have a more qualitative tilt than my thesis in psychology, therefore granting an additional understanding of research methodology.

My present decision to switch from social psychology to political science is further related to a study abroad course sponsored by the European Union with Dr. Samuel Mitchell, an Associate Professor in the Political Science Department at UT. Professor Mitchell obtained a grant to take a class of students to Belgium in order to study the EU. This course revealed a direct correlation between what I had studied in the classroom with the real world. After spending several weeks studying the EU, its history and present movement towards integration, the class flew to Brussels where we met with officials and proceeded to learn firsthand how the EU functioned.

My interest in attending the University of Rochester in particular, relates to my first semester at OU and the opportunity to take an introductory course in statistics with the now retired Dr. Larry Miller. Through the combination of a genuine appreciation and knack for statistics and with his encouragement, I proceeded to take his advanced statistics class as well as the first graduate level statistics course at OU. I continued my statistical training by completing the second graduate statistics course on model comparisons with Dr. Roger Johnson, a Professor in the Psychology Department. The model comparison course was not only the most challenging course I have taken as an undergraduate, but the most important. As the sole undergraduate in the course and only college algebra under my belt, I felt quite intimidated. Yet, the rigors of the class compelled me to expand my thinking and learn to overcome any insecurities and deficits in my education. The effort paid off as I earned not only an ‘A’ in the course, but also won the T.O.P.S. (Top Outstanding Psychology Student) award in statistics. This award is given to the top undergraduate student with a demonstrated history of success in statistics.

My statistical training in psychology orientates me toward a more quantitative graduate experience. Due to the University of Rochester’s reputation for an extensive use of statistics in political science research, I would make a good addition to your fall class. While attending the University of Rochester, I would like to study international relations or comparative politics while in graduate school. I find the research of Dr.’s Hein Goemans and Gretchen Helmke intriguing and would like the opportunity to learn more about it through the Graduate Visitation program.

Participation in the University of Rochester’s Graduate School Visitation Program would allow me to learn more about the Department of Political Science to further see if my interests align with those in the department. Additionally, my attendance would allow the Political Science department to make a more accurate determination on how well I would fit in to the program than from solely my graduate school application. Attending the University of Rochester with its focus on quantitative training, would not only allow me to utilize the skills and knowledge I gained as an undergraduate, but also would expand this foundation to better prepare me to conduct research in a manner I find fascinating.

From attending S.E.R.E. (Survival/POW training) in the military and making it through a model comparisons course as an undergraduate, I have rarely shied away from a challenge. I thrive on difficult tasks as I enjoy systematically developing solutions to problems. Attending the University of Rochester would more than likely prove a challenge, but there is no doubt in my mind that I would not only succeed but enable me to offer a unique set of experiences to fellow members of the incoming graduate class.

My handwriting didn’t become jittery until the third round. The number of competitors in the Midwest Spelling Bee had dropped from 100 to the thirty-some who remained after two waves of preliminaries, a group I was awed to be in. The third round would likely be the last one carried out with pencil and paper. A sole word stood between me and the oral competition to follow. My nerves soared at the thought that a mere handful of syllables from the pronouncer’s mouth would offer me a chance to compete in the apex of orthography: the regional bee finals. Yet, when I heard the word “Wagner,” the degree of my confusion was only rivaled by that of my disappointment upon elimination.

My approach to academic success in middle school consisted of rote memorization and stodgy study habits. Fortunately for my sanity and social life, I have since discovered that learning derived from experience can introduce an invaluable layer of reality to otherwise useless knowledge. My hinge moment came near the end of eighth grade when I was stumped by “Wagner” and its ensuing definition: “a German composer, theatre director, polemicist, and conductor who is primarily known for his operas.” To my credit, the phonetic vocalization of Wagner is something like “BAHG-nur,” with the ever ambiguous bee/vee sound. But, an error is an error, and my misspelling of the word earned me a disheartening dismissal from the Midwest Spelling Bee. I immediately resolved to learn about the man whose name was responsible for cheapening my years of poring over vocabulary lists and etymology guides. Upon learning that Richard Wagner was one of the most prolific opera composers in history, I had to investigate. Along my inquisitive quest, I encountered two newfound passions: opera music and the pursuit of stimulating information.

I am an unabashed classical music aficionado. My enthusiasm came gradually over years of imposed piano lessons that eventually became voluntary as my interest in the activity piqued. I came to sense the profound communion with notes on a page arising from tinkering out the same rhythms and melodies that were manuscripts by musical geniuses centuries ago. However, because I could not perform it, I never thought to explore opera. Without my keen interest in Wagner, I may have never encountered the awe-inspiring blend of visual and musical mastery that constitutes his interpretation of the genre. Opera swiftly captured my eye and ear for insightful art. For instance, in his landmark opera, Tristan und Isolde, Wagner unleashed a then-revolutionary tonal system which paved the way for twentieth century classical music. As I unearthed the beauty of opera, my awareness of all the remarkable, groundbreaking themes of Wagner’s productions became embodied by the word “Wagner.” In this striking moment, I could not help but feel the value of connecting my learning to purposeful interaction.

Fueled by my frustration with the outcome of the bee, I searched for the source of my failure. In uncovering the works of Wagner, I gleaned a sense of the vast droves of information that can lie behind a seemingly simple word. I suddenly became aware of my incapacity to seek out the surprising insights that the world might have been waiting to reveal. Thanks to a reevaluation triggered by a failure, I garnered a new appreciation for experiential learning. Since my underwhelming performance nearly four years ago, I have become well versed in the mysterious, gritty art of inquiry. Rather than perceiving my environment to be a sterile list of terms with a neat pronunciation guide to boot, I am now eager to take in the uncommon wisdoms of everything from the innovative operatic tropes of Wagner to the fickle nature of bees—both the pollinating insects and their manmade homonyms.

The exclusiveness portrayed in Mean Girls led me to expect that high school would consist of like-minded cliques. Rather, in high school I found that a single commonality can unite a seemingly random sampling of people. Through marching band, this idea was embodied in a desire to perform music. UChicago’s community is similarly bonded by a serious passion for learning which satisfies my desire to become a thoughtful citizen of tomorrow.

The hierarchy of authority in marching band is one I have come to love, and not only because I achieved the top student position in it as a drum major. In that role, I watched younger members hone their skills in an effort to contribute to the collective performance. The value of a uniform training followed by opportunities to lead is exemplified by the ambitious and talented student leaders produced. At UChicago, The Core serves a comparable purpose in preparing students for exhaustive academic exploration. I am enticed by the intensive inquiry and groundbreaking research that students partake in. Yet, I appreciate the benefit of undergoing the rigorous Core first. UChicago emphasizes experiential learning, even in the College, which appeals to my desire to collaborate with other brilliant learners. When I visited campus, two specific encounters struck me. Initially, the Institute of Politics attracted me with its hands-on approach to policy issues through programs like Student Civic Engagement projects. Even more alluring was the Politics & Policy class I sat in on. Following a lecture on bureaucracy that may have droned over the heads of less inspired students, I was surrounded by a hubbub of engaged thinkers convening through discussion. UChicago’s intellectual atmosphere is animated by the common thirst for knowledge that characterizes every student.

Through marching band, I discovered a passion for influencing others. My dream is that by drawing from UChicago’s empowering community, my drive will transfer to pertinent global issues like human rights in the Middle East. UChicago is my ideal learning environment, for as Wayne Booth stated while he was Dean of the College, UChicago empowers tomorrow’s intellectual leaders to “see through the guff.” During high school, I have grown from an uncertain ninth grader into the capable leader I am today, leaving me optimistic for how I may develop in the next four years.

A travel through my room reveals almost everything about me. The walls are splashed with two tones of eye-burning pink, fairies dance across the vibrant wallpaper sprinkled with sparkles, a white-washed dresser covered in knick-knacks, and an overflowing toy box fit perfectly in this Technicolor dream room.

In one corner of my room, a paint-by-numbers portrait that my grandfather created in a World War II hospital silently tells its story. My grandfather, an Italian barber, raised six children in Bayonne, NJ with my grandmother. My grandparents worked hard to deliver the most American of promises – that your kids will have a better standard of living than you. In that regard, my mother, who put herself through college to become an engineer, made good, affording to give me my own room, a luxury she never knew.

The next corner of my room contains a nondescript desk and laptop, the same as anyone’s room. Who would guess that this desk is also the launching pad of myYearbook.com, a 1.6 million member social networking site that I created? Layers of spec sheets, Post-Its, and emails form a sea of productivity that I find comforting. Scribbled telephone numbers and names remind me of deals I did and didn’t do, reporters who did and didn’t write on me, and technology worries I never stop trying to resolve. Half-drunk coke cans tell the tale of a dozen all-nighters, and someone who is at her most creative at night.

The desk is not all business though. My calculus and economics texts bookend my laptop, and a bouquet of dead flowers from my boyfriend rest in peace on my shelf, revealing a morbid sentimentality. Although the flowers have long died and the water completely evaporated, the card and its words “Jeg synes a du er fantastik og du er det beste ting i mit verden,” are the only reason the flowers never made it to the garbage. In Danish, the sentence translates to, “I think you are fantastic, and you are the best thing in my world.” Ever since I started dating him, I have been learning more and more about his Danish culture, and I plan to go to Denmark twice this year.

The third corner holds my well-worn, folded-up gymnastics floor beam and barely used grips. Unlike many gymnasts though, I prefer not to wear the grips on bars because they make it harder to feel the bar. I started gymnastics when I was five, and since then my hands have earned their calluses, and I am proud of them. You won’t find me moisturizing my hands except to keep them from splitting on the bars.

In the last corner hangs a painting I bought while organizing an online Tsunami Aid Art Project. It was my first significant project online and helped give me a sense of the power of the Internet to connect people. As part of the artist community WetCanvas.com, myself and two other members organized a tsunami-related art project with all proceeds donated to charity. We raised $10,000 in funds, and had about 100 pieces of work donated from artists in nine countries.

Sadly, I know this will not always be my room. The pink fairies will give way to adult- sized possessions and responsibilities. The knick-knacks will break, and the sanctuary of my childhood will soon seem so childish. But, for now, I will embrace the pink, the fairies, and the simplicity of life in my mom’s house. I will look forward to the possibilities of creating another space, as uniquely my own as this one, and as uniquely a part of my past as this room will always be.

Related Content:

Get the international student newsletter.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to apply for college in the us as an international student.

College Admissions

According to the Institute of International Education , more than a million international students studied at colleges in the United States last year. If you’re hoping to be one of those students, then this guide is for you.

To help you through the college application process, this guide will go over all the steps you need to take, from translating your transcript to taking the TOEFL. Before jumping into the process of international student admissions, let’s review how your application process is the same as a U.S. student's and how it’s different.

Applying to College: International vs. Domestic Students

As an international student, you'll largely take the same steps to apply to U.S. colleges as students from the U.S.  You'll just need to add a few extra steps to account for differences in languages, school curriculum, and grading systems. Below, you'll find an overview of the main similarities and differences between applying for college as an international student in the U.S. and applying as a domestic student.

How Applying Is the Same

Many of the steps you’ll take to apply to college in the U.S. are the same ones that domestic students take. You should apply to several schools to increase your chances of getting accepted. Eight to nine is a good number, but some students apply to even more.

You’ll apply by an early deadline , usually in November of senior year, or a regular deadline , usually in January or February of senior. Some schools have even later deadlines that fall in the spring or summer. You might use the Common Application or Universal Application, both of which can just be filled out once and sent to several schools. If any of your prospective colleges don’t accept those applications, then you’ll fill out a separate one.

Your application will contain your personal information, like your name and date of birth, as well as any extracurricular activities, jobs, or internships. You’ll also send a personal essay, one or more letters of recommendation, a transcript with your high school grades , and, for most colleges, SAT or ACT scores. A few colleges also ask you to answer supplemental essay questions, which call for shorter responses than your main personal essay.

The bulk of the application process is the same for international and domestic students, but international college students do have to take some additional steps. Read on to find out what these steps are.

How Applying Is Different

There are a few extra steps if you’re applying as an international student. First, you might have to take the TOEFL if you’re from a country where the official language is something other than English. The TOEFL (or its alternative, the IELTS) is a test that demonstrates your English language proficiency.

Second, you may need to get your transcript and any other academic credentials evaluated by an approved organization. This evaluation puts your courses and grades into U.S. terms so that admissions officers can understand them.

If financial aid is important to you, then you’ll have to figure out whether you can obtain aid directly from colleges. Federal financial aid is only available to U.S. citizens. You might also apply for  outside scholarships open to international students .

Finally, you’ll need to sort out the legal requirements of living in the U.S. by applying for a student visa. Usually, you apply for your student visa after gaining admission to a college and accepting a place in the next class. ( For more information on the US student visa application process, check out our guide .)

Now that you have a sense of the unique requirements for international student admission, let’s dive into the application process, step by step.

Read on to learn how each piece of the international student application fits together!

How to Apply to College as an International Student

Many colleges are seeking to make their campuses more globalized and welcome international applicants. At the same time, there aren’t as many spots available for international students in the USA as there are for domestic applicants, so you should make sure you understand the college process and can send off the strongest application possible.

Colleges vary in their individual policies and requirements, but for the most part, they all ask for the same materials. Most colleges ask for the following:

• Application
• High school transcript 
• SAT or ACT scores
• TOEFL scores
• Personal essay (and any supplemental essays)
• Letters of recommendation

Many of these components take months or even years to prepare, so college planning should start early in high school. Let’s talk about each of these application components in detail, along with tips for preparing each.

The Application

You can think of your application - the actual forms that contain your personal information - as the umbrella that covers all the other documents you’ll send. Each school has its own application, but many accept the Common Application and/or the Universal Application . These are both free services that allow you to fill out just one application and send it to several schools.

Colleges that don’t accept these applications, such as state schools in California and Texas, have their own application systems. Regardless of whether you use the Common Application or a school-specific application, you’ll find that both look pretty similar.

Applications will ask for your personal information, like your name, address, schools attended, and any extracurricular activities . If your school requires an essay, then you’ll usually paste your essay into your application. You may also invite recommenders via email to upload their reference letters.

While creating an account and filling out your application is free, submitting it requires a fee. Some schools have no application fee while others cost as much as $80 or $90. The average application fee is around $35 to $40. If the fees are burdensome, you may be able to obtain a college application fee waiver from the colleges that you’re interested in.

Below you’ll find a few more tips to help you prepare your college applications.

Tips for Your College Application

Preparing to apply to college is a process that can start at the beginning of high school. Colleges will look at all four years of your classes, grades, and extracurricular involvements, so it helps to consider your college goals as you make choices throughout 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade.

Most students apply to several colleges; typically, eight or nine is a good number. That way they can maximize their chances of getting accepted. Students usually apply to two to three safety schools , or ones where their credentials are well above that of the average accepted student. They also apply to schools to which getting accepted is more challenging - usually two to three match schools and two to three reach schools .

The application forms themselves are not all that time-intensive. You should give yourself at least a month before your deadlines to fill them out and proofread for any errors. As an international student, you might be in a good position to emphasize any language skills or unique multicultural experiences that you have.

The aspects of your application that require months, if not years, of planning, are your SAT/ACT scores, TOEFL scores, essay, and letters of recommendation, as you’ll learn more about below. First, let’s consider another piece of your college application, your high school transcript.

Depending on college policy, you might need to translate your transcript.

High School Transcript

To determine admission, colleges look closely at high school grades . To show schools this important information, you’ll send an official transcript. Usually, your school must send your transcript in a sealed envelope.

For some schools, you can send your transcript directly. Others will ask you to get it translated and certified by an official credential service. If your school uses a different grading system than the 4.0 scale used in the U.S., then you may have to send off your transcript for evaluation.

This transcript service may cost around $100. The company should be a member of NACES, the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services , like World Education Services, Inc .

Some colleges will allow you to use unofficial translators. Tufts, for example, says “Acceptable translators include English teachers or other school officials, professional translators, or a local EducationUSA office. Students do not need to utilize credential evaluation companies of any sort.”

Read on a few tips for sending your high school transcript to U.S. colleges.

Tips for Your High School Transcript

Colleges look at your grades throughout high school, as well as your course selection . They consider your commitment to your academics, your progress in particular subjects, and the extent to which you challenged yourself  with higher level courses.

Each college sets its own admissions policies, so make sure to research each school on your list about what it wants you to do with your transcript. You should be able to find this on the international admissions page on its website. If you can’t find this information online, you should email or call the admissions office directly.

If you need to use an evaluation service, then you'll have to plan especially early. These services typically take about seven business days after receiving your documents. You might start the process about a month before your deadlines to make sure everything arrives in time.

In addition to your grades, your SAT or ACT scores are another important part of your college application. Below we'll take a closer look at the standardized testing part of your college applications.

Schools may be very different from one another, so standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to bridge the gap.

SAT or ACT Scores

For most four-year U.S. colleges, your SAT or ACT scores are an important part of your candidacy. Colleges consider both tests equally, so it’s up to you to decide which one you’d rather take. Some colleges additionally require SAT Subject Tests , though they usually waive this requirement if you send ACT scores.

While you can self-report your scores on your application, you’ll need to send official score reports via your College Board (for the SAT) or ACT, Inc (for the ACT) accounts. If you send multiple score reports, many colleges will “superscore” your results , or take your highest scores by section and recombine them into the highest possible composite score.

The SAT and ACT require lots of prep and planning, and we have tons of resources to help you achieve your target scores. For now, let’s go over a few of the most important tips for planning for these important tests.

Tips for the SAT and ACT

The SAT and ACT are challenging tests, and both require a lot of prep to do well. To start your planning, you first need to decide which test to take. Familiarize yourself with their similarities and differences , and choose the one on which you can gain the higher score.

Then, you can set a goal for yourself. Determine your target scores based on personal goals and your colleges’ expectations. Most colleges publicize the average SAT or ACT scores of accepted students , and you can also find this information on PrepScholar’s database of schools by searching for "name of college + PrepScholar." Once you know the average, you can aim for an even stronger score to be a competitive candidate.

You might start your prep with a timed practice test to gauge your current scoring level and diagnose your strengths and weaknesses . Depending on how much you seek to improve, you can figure out how long you need to study . A score improvement of only 30 points on the SAT may just call for about 20 hours of studying, for example, while a score improvement of a few hundred points could require over 150 hours.

Lots of students take the SAT or ACT more than once to achieve their target scores. As mentioned above, many colleges superscore your results,  so you don’t have to worry about increasing your score in one section but decreasing in another. If retaking the SAT or ACT is in your plans, then you’ll need to leave yourself enough opportunities to retest.

You might take the SAT or ACT for the first time in your sophomore year. That way, you can take it again as a junior, and even in the fall of senior year if you seek improvement. Your SAT and ACT scores show that you have the academic skills to succeed at the college level. If you’re a non-native English speaker, then you may also have to take the TOEFL to demonstrate that you have college-ready English language skills.

Hope you're feeling chatty! The TOEFL will get you speaking in English.

TOEFL Scores

If your native language is something other than English, then you may have to take the TOEFL (or its counterpart, the IELTS) to demonstrate your English language proficiency. Unlike the SAT or ACT, the TOEFL is computer-based in most countries. Its scoring scale ranges from 0 to 120, and it tests your Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing skills.

Many schools require a minimum TOEFL score. If you don’t have the requisite TOEFL scores, then the rest of your application doesn’t matter! The TOEFL is definitely a test to be taken seriously if you want to study at a U.S. college. Like the SAT or ACT, you could take the TOEFL more than once to achieve your target scores.

Here are just a few examples of colleges with a TOEFL requirement. The TOEFL iBT is the internet-based test; the less common TOEFL PBT is the paper-based test, and its scoring scale ranges from 310 to 677.

A few schools will waive the TOEFL requirement if you achieve a minimum score on the verbal sections of the SAT or ACT. Because these sections require strong English skills, they can sometimes act as a stand-in for the TOEFL. As with every other part of your application, you’ll need to research each college of interest to learn about its stance and plan accordingly. Below you’ll find a few more tips for planning for the TOEFL.

Tips for the TOEFL

As an international student, you may have the double challenge of prepping for the both the SAT or ACT and the TOEFL. You’ll have to set aside time to study for both tests and arrange a testing schedule that works for you.

Like the SAT or ACT, you may want to start studying at least three months before your first test date. Set aside several hours each week to review with high-quality practice materials and take practice tests. The earlier you start, the more available test dates you’ll have to retake the TOEFL if need be.

If you have strong language skills early in high school, then you might consider taking the TOEFL in 9th or 10th grade. Then you can devote even more time to other tests and application components. If you wait until later in your high school career, then you should take the time to devise a study plan that balances your time between both the TOEFL and the SAT (or ACT).

In addition to your grades and test scores, admissions officers are also interested in learning more about you as a person. One way that they accomplish this is by reading your personal essay.

Your college essay can be about whatever you want! This one about the megastore, Costco, got its writer into five Ivy League schools.

College Essays

Many 4-year colleges claim to use a holistic admissions process, in which they consider not just your grades and test scores, but also your personal qualities and motivations. One way that they get to know you as a person is through your personal essay.

In your personal essay , you’ll typically be asked to reflect on a meaningful experience in your life and how it shaped your identity. What you choose to write about should reveal something significant about your values, and your essay as a whole will show your writing style and thought process.

If you use the Common Application to apply to colleges, then you’ll choose one of five prompts for your essay. Here are just three examples of Common Application essay prompts:

• The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

As you can see, the essay prompts ask you to share something personal and meaningful. Schools that don’t use the Common Application will likely have their own essay prompt. They might look similar to the ones above or simply ask why you want to attend the college and to describe some of your future goals.

Some colleges, especially the more selective ones, will ask additional supplemental essay questions. These are shorter in length, perhaps a few paragraphs or less, and vary by school. They might ask why you want to attend the school or to talk about a favorite book or artist. Some are abstract, like Tufts’ question, “What makes you happy?” Others are kind of random, like the University of Virginia’s recent prompt, “To tweet or not to tweet?”

Whatever the supplemental questions, they vary by college and should not be overlooked. Below you’ll find a few tips for writing your college essays.

Tips for Your College Essays

The college essay is a unique piece of writing. It requires you to be introspective and to share something that’s meaningful to you on a personal level. The best essays tend to zero in on a particular experience that reveals something significant about the writer’s identity.

The personal essay’s a challenging assignment, so you should give yourself several months to work on it. You might take several weeks to brainstorm the right topic . Once you come up with a draft, you might share with teachers, friends, and families for feedback. Ultimately, though, the essay should be in your voice and stay true to who you are.

As an international student, you may be able to bring unique multicultural experiences or language skills to campus. Your essay’s a great opportunity to share your perspective and show admissions officers why it should be represented on campus.

Supplemental essays, while not as lengthy as the personal essay, are also an important part of your application. Probably the most common mistake that students make with supplemental essays is rushing through them and producing generic answers. Your supplemental essays should be specific and customized to each school.  They’re typically an opportunity for you to show what you know about the college and your particular reasons for wanting to attend.

While admissions officers learn about you from your personal essays, they also get to know you through your recommendation letters. Rather than hearing your voice, they hear what your teachers and/or counselor have to say about you.

Ask a teacher who's happy to paint a flattering picture of you in her letter of recommendation.

Letters of Recommendation

The final important piece of your college applications is your letters of recommendation . Requirements for reference letters vary; some colleges don’t ask for any, while others ask for one, two, or even three.

Usually, colleges want to see one or two recommendations from teachers and one from your school counselor . If you don’t have a counselor, then you might get one from a principal or other administrator.

You’ll choose your recommenders and ask them if they’d be willing to provide you with a recommendation. Then you’ll invite them to submit their letters through your online application.

Your recommendation letters should speak to both your academic and personal qualities. Like your essays and the rest of your application, they should give admissions officers insight into your strengths and skills as a student, as well as your personality and character. In addition to our in-depth guides on recommendation letters for college, you’ll find a few tips below.

Tips for Your Letters of Recommendation

Just as you should give yourself plenty of time to write your college essay, you should give your recommenders sufficient time to write your letters . You should ask your recommenders at least one month before your deadlines. You might also ask at the end of junior year.

It’s best to ask teachers who had you recently and for a whole year; junior year teachers tend to be a good bet. If your teachers write in another language, then you’ll have to get your letters translated.

The best letters come from educators who know you well, so you should ask teachers with whom you have a strong connection. You might also share your own thoughts and ideas via conversation and a “brag sheet,” a document you can prepare to help your teachers. You could talk about your favorite classes, significant experiences, and academic and personal goals for college.

For many colleges, your recommendation letters are a very important part of your college application. Admissions officers are sifting through many strong applicants and trying to gain a clearer idea of who you are as a person. Your recommendation letters are a great opportunity to showcase your positive relationships with your teachers and successes in school.

Now that we’ve gone over the main parts of your college application - the application itself, transcript, standardized testing scores, essays, and letters of recommendation - let’s consider some final tips for applying to college as an international student.

Keep these final tips in mind as you make plans to grow academically and personally at a U.S. college.

Applying to College as an International Student: 3 Final Tips

Applying to college is a complex process, and it becomes even more complicated for international college students due to additional steps, like taking the TOEFL and having your materials translated and certified.

By familiarizing yourself with the entire process , you can make sure that you have enough time to prepare all your materials by the deadline. With this knowledge, you can produce a competitive application that will secure you a spot at a U.S. college.

As you work your way through the steps, remember these three key tips.

#1: Don’t Underestimate the SAT/ACT or TOEFL

Doing well on standardized tests is important for all college applicants, and it becomes even more significant for international students in the USA. The TOEFL shows admissions officers that you have the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to succeed in college-level classes. The SAT and ACT, furthermore, show your academic skills and college readiness.

These tests are meant to measure students on a level playing field, regardless of differences in individual high schools and curriculum (though of course, how well they do this is a matter of debate ). Admissions officers may be unfamiliar with your school abroad, so they especially rely on these test scores to make sure you have college-ready skills.

As discussed above, you should set aside several months to prep for each test and leave yourself additional test dates if you want to retest and achieve your target scores. If your sights are set on a U.S. college, then make sure you have the SAT or ACT and TOEFL scores to compete with other applicants.

#2: Remember that Many Colleges Use a Holistic Process

While test scores are important, remember that they’re not the only part of your application. Many colleges use a holistic process to admit students, in which they consider your personal qualities and impact in your school community.

Admissions officers want to learn about your interests and pursuits in and out of school. They’re interested in your extracurricular involvements and any leadership positions. They want to see if you’ve done community service, volunteered, or worked a part-time or summer job. They also gain a sense of your role in your school community through your letters of recommendation.

Admissions officers tend to be more impressed by deep involvement in a few areas than scattered participation in many areas. You might keep this in mind as you move through high school and choose your activities, as well as when you describe your involvements on your application .

Ultimately, applying to college requires a lot of self-reflection about your identity and goals for the future. Think about what’s important to you and what you hope to achieve. Then, reflect this self-awareness through your essays and application as a whole.

#3: Plan Early! 

Finally, the importance of planning early cannot be emphasized enough! There are a lot of moving parts that go into a college application, and none of them can be completed in a short time frame.

Admissions officers are interested in all four years of high school, so planning early will help you make informed choices about your courses and involvements. For instance, you should try to challenge yourself in one or more upper-level classes and stick with an activity or two throughout your time in high school. Follow your interests and you may have a sense of what subject you’d like to choose as your major once you arrive at college.

In the end, you college application will tell a story to admissions officers about your high school experience and identity. By planning early, you can make the most of these years with a goal-oriented, proactive mindset. All of your hard work will pay off when you send off a great college application that gets you accepted into your dream school!

What’s Next?

Are you figuring out where to apply to college? This guide will help you research colleges and find the best ones for you .

Looking for schools that are specifically great for international students? We've gathered a list of the top 25 colleges in the US for international students , as well as the best international student scholarships .

Will you be taking the TOEFL and the SAT? Check out this comprehensive guide to learn about the TOEFL and SAT and how to prepare for both .

Are you getting ready for the SAT? To help you prepare, we’ve compiled our best articles in the Ultimate Study Guide for the SAT . Plus, choose your best test dates with our updated compilations of international SAT and ACT dates .

Want to make sure your high school curriculum reflects the rigor necessary for admission to a college in the US? The AP international diploma or the Advanced International Certificate of Education can both show your commitment to challenging yourself academically.

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

• Join Donate
• OUR PROGRAMS
• IN THE NEWS

International College Students: Challenges and Solutions

By Mireya Nadal-Vicens, M.D., Ph.D. and Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Posted in: Young Adults

Topics: College Mental Health , Culture + Society

This post is one of a four-part series on college student mental health. The other posts in this series are: 

• College Students of Color: Overcoming Racial Disparities and Discrimination
• LGBTQ Students in College: Fostering Inclusion, Acceptance, and Safety
• The Challenges of First-Generation College Students

College campuses are an ideal place to learn from others. While we can read about different cultures, there is no better way to truly understand the rich diversity of cultures and ethnicities than living and studying together. This is often an important part of a college education, but usually not discussed. The learning is personal and interactive.

However, being an international student is not always easy.

International students can experience challenges in a number of areas, including language barriers, academics, social and cultural differences, discrimination, financial stressors, and mental health concerns. These are not easy problems to overcome, and there is so much we all can do to help. Let’s look closer at these challenges, one at a time, and then consider ways the entire community can help tackle them.

Challenges for International College Students

Language Barriers

• Engaging in Conversations. Many international students have studied English in their native countries but may be less familiar with the use of slang and the fast pace at which their peers and professors speak. For example, the use of prepositions to create compound verbs is particularly challenging (e.g. turn in, turn up, turn down, turn away). These can make both understanding and speaking in conversations difficult.
• Reluctance to Ask for Clarification. Many international students will not ask others to explain what they mean, out of fear of offending them or increasing their own insecurity. Their lack of understanding may be viewed negatively by peers or professors. And if they sense a negative response, many are even more reluctant to ask for explanations. The end result is that their self-esteem may be lowered.

Academic Challenges

• Written Assignments. International students may be unfamiliar with doing research and academic writing, or with the format of assignments at a U.S. university. Many countries value memorization of a common fact base over the personalized interpretation of material favored by U.S. higher education institutions.
• Classroom Difficulties. The emphasis placed on classroom discussions will disadvantage international students whose speaking of English is not fully spontaneous. The discussion format in which various points of view are debated is at odds with formats used in other countries where “correct answers” are expected. In many cultures, it would be considered disrespectful to counter or debate a professor’s opinion, whereas in the U.S., students who are able to debate well are valued with top marks. In other countries, grading is weighted heavily towards final exams, as opposed to the emphasis placed on classroom participation and utilization of office hours. Students seeking out professors or teaching assistants are typically graded higher, whereas in some cultures, the norm is to respect the higher status of faculty as off-limits, and this would keep students from approaching them in more informal contexts. Some students may also have trouble taking notes or giving oral presentations.

Social and Cultural Differences

• Social Isolation. International students miss home, like all students, but are usually only able to return twice a year as opposed to the more frequent visits that are typical, especially for freshman. In addition, time zone differences make calling home at convenient times more challenging. Students come with fewer possessions (limited to two suitcases, as opposed to a car-full), meaning their spaces are less personalized. They are naturally outsiders, sharing fewer common activities with their roommates, such as sports teams or extracurricular activities. In addition, their own holidays are not always acknowledged in the U.S. system, and they may not have any traditions or attachments to the holidays that are observed here. They will naturally gravitate to others from their own cultures, but those groups are usually small, further isolating them from fully integrating with their roommates or classmates. International students, so far from their own families, friends, language and social and cultural norms, may avoid social situations.
• Culture Shock. Many students are not prepared for the culture on American college campuses, such as co-ed dorms, informal relationships with “authority figures” such as professors or college leaders, and differences in food and alcohol in social settings and community events. The openness around sexuality, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity, can be uncomfortable if from cultures where these behaviors and identities are tabued. The manner in which Americans eat while not seated at meals is also considered rude in many other cultures.

  Discrimination

• Racial and Ethnic Prejudice. International students can be perceived as outsiders and feel marginalized in class and social settings. Those lacking complete fluency in English or those with more obvious accents are often treated as if they are intellectually challenged. There is prejudice against markings or headdresses identifying membership in religious or ethnic groupings.
• Stereotyping. International students are often misunderstood and subject to false assumptions about their native culture. The American high school education system does not normally expose students to a real-life understanding of cultures in other countries outside of coursework in history or social studies. There are many countries American teens are not familiar with at all, or they may be aware of only historical stereotypes. In addition, there are many complexities within ethnic minorities and persecuted groups, as well as cross-border tensions between countries, that are not presented to students. It would be a great addition to our secondary and college educational curricula if students from other countries and cultures could talk about their native traditions, holidays, religions, foods, clothing, and family relationships. Sharing personal narratives is probably the best way for our students to appreciate and respect cultural differences through conversations with their peers.

Financial Difficulties

• Getting Loans and Jobs. It is difficult to get student loans or a U.S. credit card without a U.S. Social Security number or a credit history. Additionally, international students’ visas do not allow them to have jobs unless they are co-sponsored by their college or university.
• Pressure to Achieve. Because of the high costs of tuition and room and board, many international students feel extra pressure to excel academically. They may feel obliged to their families to limit their majors to those considered practical or lucrative, and may not be encouraged to explore the full range of possible careers.

Psychological Difficulties

• Emotional Difficulties. One of the most profound problems for international students is homesickness. This is compounded by academic, social, cultural, and financial pressures – all potentially resulting in excessive stress, anxiety, and depression. There is often a conflict between their emotional struggles and the expectation that they should feel privileged and lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad.
• Failure to Access Mental Health Services. Though at increased risk for psychological problems, many international students do not seek mental health services. This is often due to stigma, as mental health concerns can be incongruent with their cultural norms and expectations. In addition, students may be unaware of mental health services provided on campus or not feel comfortable discussing their emotions or “complaining.”

What Can You Do As An International Student?

• Access College Resources. There are many resources that can help international students navigate the academic system, like writing and learning centers. Advisors can guide students to mental health programs, service-learning, and work-study. International student organizations can also assist in acclimating to college culture.

Would you take a quick survey about this article?

• Talk With Other International Students. Sharing experiences, working through issues, and discussing solutions with other international students can be helpful and cathartic. In addition, larger cities often have formal or informal groups for visitors and residents from a particular country, allowing gatherings with compatriots.
• Use Host Families. Many universities have host families sorted by countries of origin, or alumni from those countries can be identified and serve as informal mentors.
• Seek Family Support. Most international students report that emotional support from their families at home is most helpful. There are also opportunities for support from family members living in the U.S. and from homestay families.

What Can Allies Can Do?

• Welcome Diversity. Confront your own assumptions about people from different cultures. Try to appreciate their backgrounds with curiosity and acceptance.
• Advocate for Safe Spaces. International students need places on campuses to freely discuss their concerns and experiences of discrimination, and to seek support from others in similar situations.
• Treat all people with respect . Be open to learning from students about their diverse backgrounds, and don’t judge others based on their different experiences.
• Advocate for campus-wide cultural competency and sensitivity training. This should include Mental Health First Aid training programs. These programs benefit faculty, staff, and students, alike.

All students benefit from a campus that is welcoming to international students. It is a mutual responsibility to help foster inclusion and make campuses a place where everyone feels accepted.

And above all, getting to know individuals from other parts of the world is enriching and fun.

Share on Social Media

Was this post helpful?

Mireya Nadal-Vicens, M.D., Ph.D.

Mireya Nadal-Vicens, M.D., Ph.D. conducts research in the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders and Center for Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is also an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School....

To read full bio click here .

Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Gene Beresin, MD, MA  is executive director of The MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, and a staff child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also...

To learn more about Gene, or to contact him directly, please see Our Team .

Related Posts

Moving Towards Anti-Racism for Our Future Generations, featuring O’Neil Britton, MD – Shrinking It Down

Tackling Racism Internally to Better Serve Our Communities – A Closer Look at Mass General’s 10-Point Plan, featuring Joseph Betancourt, MD, MPH

Ways to Emotionally Support Your Teen in Responding to Racism and Racialized Violence

Subscribe today, your monthly dose of the latest mental health tips and advice from the expert team at the clay center..

Quick Jumps

College Essay Help for International Students

Welcome to CEA’s International Student Admissions page. Here, you will find resources for students from outside the United States who are applying to colleges and universities within the United States.

There are things you need to know as an international applicant, tips and information that will help you present a more compelling and effective application to admissions.

We’re here to help you identify those factors and coach you through the writing process, so you can submit winning admissions essays that help you highlight your experiences as a citizen of the world.

Stellar Success Rate:

95% of our international students get into at least one of their top three schools.

Perfect for Students of All Kinds, Anywhere:

We advise students of all academic levels, nationalities and collegiate goals, including ESL and ELL students.

Flexible Scheduling and Remote Access:

We are ready to connect with you via Skype, Facetime, phone and email and can navigate a mean time difference!

An Extra Edge:

Get the advantage you need to stand out from the million-plus international students that apply to school in the states each year.

How will working with CEA give you the edge you need?

One-on-One Advising

Work with one of CEA’s expert Advisors to conceptualize, edit, and refine admissions essays that stick with admissions and make you stand out from a sea of international and United States-based applicants.

• YouTube Tutorials

Master each step of the admissions essay writing process, learn what it takes to craft a memorable submission, and strengthen your time management skills by watching CEA's video tutorials.

• South America

"CEA worked with closely with my twin sons, brainstorming essay topics and finding the uniqueness in each of them. I believe without their Advisor's help, my boys would not have selected the topics they ultimately used, which truly distinguished them from their peers in Shanghai. Our Advisor was also very accommodating with the time zone difference between China and US. I strongly recommend CEA to any other students/parents both in US and in China."

– Parent of CEA Students, Emory Graduates

"Thank you very much CEA! I wouldn't have been able to write such incredible essays without your help. The success is OURS. I really appreciate your dedication and concern. Your services were everything I expected and more. I believe that next year you will have more applicants from Senegal!"

– CEA Student, Howard Graduate

Top Blog Posts for International Students

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

• People of Pacific
• Digital Swag
• Schools & Colleges
• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Dual-Degree Programs
• Online Graduate Programs
• Honors Programs
• Professional Development & Continuing Education
• Centers, Clinics & Institutes
• Student Outcomes
• Academic Support
• Research & Scholarship
• Undergraduate
• Four-Year Guarantee
• International Student
• Financial Aid & Cost
• Community Involvement Program
• Our Campuses
• History & Mission
• Community Impact
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
• Sustainability
• President Callahan
• Administrative Offices
• University Leadership
• Activities & Programs
• Housing & Dining
• Student Services
• Career Services
• Equity & Inclusion
• Safety & Wellness

How to apply to college in the USA for international students 

• May 29, 2024 May 29, 2024
• by People of Pacific

Are you hoping to earn your degree from a university in the United States? As an international student, applying to colleges in the U.S. can be an exciting and daunting experience. In addition to the regular application materials that domestic students submit, you may also have to consider things like language proficiency, transcript evaluations, which legal documents you need, what the campus culture will be like and how to pay for an international education.    At Pacific, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant and diverse community where international students make up 8% of the student body. 

To help you get started, we’ve put together this guide to break down the application process so you can study abroad in the United States.  

Decide on a degree program

Your academic journey will depend on the type of degree program you pursue.  

• Where do you want to live? Are you drawn to calm suburban settings or the hustle and bustle of city life? Do you want to be close to a beach or have easy access to mountains—or both? Take a close look at a map and explore each university’s surroundings. And if you can, take a virtual tour of the campus so you can really visualize what life will be like.   
• Do you want to attend a big or small school? Will you thrive in a smaller, more personalized environment or do you want to experience the energy of a large university? Knowing this can make a world of difference.  
• What extracurricular activities would you like to be able to do? Look at the student clubs and recreational activities offered at each school. Whether you like rugby, rock climbing, archery or cricket , you may be pleasantly surprised to see what familiar pastimes U.S. universities offer.  

Participating in extracurricular activities is also a great way to connect with other students.    “Join the clubs and try to attend as many activities as you can. At Pacific, there are trips like Tiger Escapes that take you to different places like San Francisco and national parks,” says Sushmith Naik Banoth, an international student from India studying business analytics. “Just come out of your comfort zone and greet people with a smile.”   

• What hands-on experience would you like to gain? Research the types of internships or CO-OP programs that are available to help you gain real-world skills that you can apply to your future career.  

Experience a day in the life of finance intern Sahil Radadiya  

• Do you want to work while you’re in school? International students with F-1 visas are limited to on-campus jobs during their first academic year. After that, students may engage in practical training opportunities. 

  Banoth recommends having reserve funds in your account to relieve initial financial stress. “Know the fee structure and try to have three to six months of backup funds in savings. That way you can concentrate on academics when you arrive.”    See how these international students made the most of their Curricular Practical Training experiences 

Decide where to apply

Now that you’ve considered these key aspects of the university experience, it’s time to decide on the program you’d like to pursue or what career path you’re interested in. If you have a specific field in mind, start by narrowing down universities that excel in that area.   

There are several organizations that allow you to filter universities for different criteria like subject, cost, region and enrollment numbers. The following tools also let you see how universities rank in certain areas and help you narrow down your search:   

•   College Navigator  
•   Big Future  
•   U.S. News & World Report   

  If you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree, you may want to prioritize the overall reputation of a university and its culture when you begin your search. If you’re applying for graduate studies, you may be more concerned with the reputation of the specific program you’re looking for. It’s also wise to get in touch with the chair of the department to begin building a rapport.  

Once you have identified potential universities, take the initiative to gather more information. Tap into your network of friends or acquaintances who have studied abroad. They will be able to give you first-hand accounts of their experiences and offer important advice.  

This is also a great time to contact a college adviser for additional guidance. EducationUSA , a U.S. Department of State network, has over 430 international student advising centers across more than 175 countries. These centers provide in-person and virtual services to students and their families covering topics including the admissions process, testing requirements and how to secure a student visa. Additionally, you can look for opportunities to attend a college fair near your city or reach out to admissions counselors at your preferred universities for more information. 

Begin the application process

Start getting your application materials ready, schedule any tests and get your finances in order. 

• Take your English language proficiency tests . Most universities will require an English language proficiency test like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) . Determine which test your schools require and figure out what their minimum score requirements are.     If you need to improve your English language skills, some universities also offer intensive English programs that help students become more proficient in reading, writing and speaking English. At University of the Pacific, English overview courses are available to international students at the undergraduate and graduate level. 
• Take any standardized tests required by your schools . Test requirements depend on the program and whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Undergraduate applicants may need to take the SAT, ACT or SAT subject tests while graduate students may be required to complete the GRE or GMAT. Professional programs like law or medicine may require the LSAT or MCAT. 
• Determine if you need to have your transcripts evaluated. Some international students are required to provide an evaluation of their academic records which must be derived from official transcripts. This evaluation ensures that subjects studied in another country align with those recognized by universities in the United States. There are several third-party agencies like World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators that offer credential evaluation services. 
• Ask for recommendation letters . Some universities may ask you to submit letters of recommendation. These documents help round out your application and speak to your skills, academic performance and unique personal qualities. These letters are typically written by someone who has worked closely with you during your academic journey, like teachers, mentors, coaches or someone from your community. 
• Work on application essays . Most college applications will have an essay section asking you to write a response to one of several prompts. This is known as your personal statement. Before you begin writing, consider your life experiences and how they relate to the essay topic. Ask yourself what you would want others to know about you. Be authentic, talk about your interests and values and why you are a great fit for the school. This is your chance to let your personality shine. And if you’re struggling to get started, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to write a personal statement that stands out . 

Figure out how to finance your education

While international students aren’t eligible to receive federal or state aid, there are still other options available:  

• Apply for scholarships for international students through your school or outside organizations. Some schools, like University of the Pacific, offer merit scholarships for international first-year students . 
• Some schools may require you to submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or create a CSS Profile to determine eligibility for scholarships and other benefits. 
• Apply for international student loans as needed. 

Submit your application

Now that you’ve prepared all your application materials, it’s time to apply. Some schools will ask you to apply directly through their website, or through a standardized application like the Common App that allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once. At Pacific, students looking for extra English proficiency resources should apply through UOP International .    

Get your student visa

Once you’ve been accepted to the university of your choice, you will need to provide documentation that you have the finances to live and study in the United States. This can include bank statements, financial sponsor letters or other forms. Requirements vary from school to school, so be sure to contact the university to verify which documents you need to provide. 

Upon providing the proper documentation, you will receive an I-20 form to verify your eligibility for an F-1 student visa. Having a student visa is like having a key to enter the country. While the F-1 visa is the most common for students studying in the United States, you can determine which type of visa you should apply for on the Department of State website .  

The next step is to schedule a visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to determine your visa eligibility. Once your visa is approved and you’ve paid the issuance fee, it’s time to celebrate and plan for your arrival in the United States as an international student.  

Ready to get started? Apply today .  

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Our Inclusive Mission chevron_right
• No Tuition chevron_right
• Work to Learn chevron_right
• Serving Appalachia chevron_right

Apply as an International Student

Berea College has a long history of welcoming all peoples of the earth. Admission to Berea College is competitive, and students are encouraged to read all information provided here before submitting an application. The fall 2024 application is now closed.

The following items are required to complete an application for admission. All materials should be submitted via the online application portal.

1. Apply for Free Online

Complete the Berea College Application for Admission for International Students. There is no application fee. Our application opens August 1.

2. Personal Essay

The essay should be 2-5 pages. As this essay may be used to assist in course placement, students should receive no assistance in writing or editing the essay. 

The essay should address the following points: 1. An overview of your educational and life experiences; 2. What you plan to do after completing your education; 3. Why you wish to return (or not return) to your home country; 4. Description of ways you have positively impacted your community. Because the content of the essay is an important part of evaluating a student for admission, it is to your advantage to add detail.

The essay may be uploaded to your application portal once you have submitted the online application above.

3. Copy of official secondary school records

These documents may include leaving exam results, A-Level results, O-Level results, National Higher Diploma results, or West African Examination results. Please provide academic records that demonstrate you have completed all secondary school requirements for your home country. Academic records should be translated into English and the copies certified by school officials.

4. One Teacher Recommendation Form

Whenever possible, you should request that person writing a recommendation on your behalf submit the official form provided via the online application portal. You may also download the form here and upload the completed form to your online application portal.  We will accept written recommendations, preferably typed, which are not completed using our official form. All recommendations should be written in English.

5. Financial Resource Recommendation Form

This form should be completed by a school administrator, employer, religious leader, or another individual who can make a statement about your personal and financial resources, as well as barriers, as they relate to your pursuit of higher education. This form may NOT be completed by a close relative. The Financial Resource Recommendation Form should be written in English.

6. Official Test Scores

All international applicants must submit a report from one of the following exams: IELTS, Duolingo, TOEFL, SAT or ACT. This requirement includes students from English-speaking countries. You must provide a copy of your test report as part of your online application, even if you have requested an official copy be sent to Berea from the testing center.  International applicants may NOT apply test-optional.

Minimum Required Test Scores

ACT : 19 (Berea's School Code 1492)

SAT : 980 (Berea's School Code 1060)

TOEFL (Berea's School Code 1060)

-- PBT: 520

-- ITB: Not Accepted

DUOLINGO : 95

IELTS : 6.0 (Must have a minimum of 5 in all subscores)

7. International Financial Questionnaire

All applicants must submit the questionnaire via their online application portal. We will not accept the CSS Profile or ISFSAA in lieu of the Berea College form. 

Additional Information

• Costs and Financial Aid
• Previous International Applicants:   If you have previously applied to Berea and wish to apply again, a new online application must be submitted, including all supporting materials (test scores, transcripts, recommendations, etc.). Please be sure to tell us of any college or university coursework you are currently pursuing or have completed since your last application.

Worldwide Wednesdays

Available for international students, join us for our virtual Worldwide Wednesdays! This visit is designed to allow international students the chance to learn more about Berea College and the application process. Worldwide Wednesdays feature a 20-minute information session with an Admissions Counselor and a 60-90 minute live virtual tour of campus. Sign up for a date that works for you!

September 6, 2023 October 4, 2023 November 1, 2023 December 6, 2023 January 10, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

More From Forbes

5 strategies to unlock your winning college essay.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: People walk through the gate on Harvard Yard at the Harvard ... [+] University campus on June 29, 2023 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admission policies used by Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The college application season is upon us, and high school students everywhere are staring down at one of the most daunting tasks: the college essay. As someone who has guided countless applicants through the admissions process and reviewed admissions essays on an undergraduate admissions committee, I've pinpointed the essential ingredient to a differentiated candidacy—the core of your college admissions X-factor .

The essential ingredient to your college admissions X-factor is your intellectual vitality. Intellectual vitality is your passion for learning and curiosity. By demonstrating and conveying this passion, you can transform an average essay into a compelling narrative that boosts your chances of getting accepted to your top schools. Here are five dynamic strategies to achieve that goal.

Unleash Your Authentic Voice

Admissions officers sift through thousands of essays every year. What stops them in their tracks? An authentic voice that leaps off the page. Forget trying to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Focus on being true to yourself. Share your unique perspective, your passions, and your values. Authenticity resonates deeply with application reviewers, making your essay memorable and impactful. You need not have experienced trauma or tragedy to create a strong narrative. You can write about what you know—intellectually or personally—to convey your enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership. Intellectual vitality shines through when you write with personalized reflection about what lights you up.

Weave A Captivating Story

Everyone loves a good story, and your essay is the perfect place to tell yours. The Common Application personal statement has seven choices of prompts to ground the structure for your narrative. The most compelling stories are often about the smallest moments in life, whether it’s shopping at Costco or about why you wear socks that have holes. Think of the Common Application personal statement as a window into your soul rather than a dry list of your achievements or your overly broad event-based life story. Use vivid anecdotes to bring your experiences to life. A well-told story can showcase your growth, highlight your character, and illustrate how you've overcome challenges. Intellectual vitality often emerges in these narratives, revealing how your curiosity and proactive approach to learning have driven you to explore and innovate.

Reflect And Reveal Insights

It's not just about what you've done—it's about what you've learned along the way. When you are writing about a specific event, you can use the STAR framework—situation, task, action, and result (your learning). Focus most of your writing space on the “R” part of this framework to dive deeply into your experiences and reflect on how they've shaped your aspirations and identity.

NSA Warns iPhone And Android Users To Turn It Off And On Again

A 3-point cheat sheet for creating romantic chemistry—by a psychologist, goldman sachs issues astonishing bitcoin and ethereum etf prediction after price turning point.

The most insightful college-specific supplement essays demonstrate depth of thought, and the ability to connect past experiences with your future life in college and beyond. Reflecting on your intellectual journey signals maturity and a readiness to embrace the college experience. It shows admissions officers that you engage deeply with your studies and are eager to contribute to the academic community.

Highlight Your Contributions—But Don’t Brag

Whether it's a special talent, an unusual hobby, or a unique perspective, showcasing what you can bring to the college environment can make a significant impact. Recognize that the hard work behind the accomplishment is what colleges are interested in learning more about—not retelling about the accomplishment itself. (Honors and activities can be conveyed in another section of the application.) Walk us through the journey to your summit; don’t just take us to the peak and expect us know how you earned it.

Intellectual vitality can be demonstrated through your proactive approach to solving problems, starting new projects, or leading initiatives that reflect your passion for learning and growth. These experiences often have a place in the college-specific supplement essays. They ground the reasons why you want to study in your major and at the particular college.

Perfect Your Prose

Great writing is essential. Anyone can use AI or a thesaurus to assist with an essay, but AI cannot write your story in the way that you tell it. Admissions officers don’t give out extra credit for choosing the longest words with the most amount of syllables.

The best essays have clear, coherent language and are free of errors. The story is clearly and specifically told. After drafting, take the time to revise and polish your writing. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or trusted friends, but ensure the final piece is unmistakably yours. A well-crafted essay showcases your diligence and attention to detail—qualities that admissions officers highly value. Intellectual vitality is also reflected in your writing process, showing your commitment to excellence and your enthusiasm for presenting your best self.

Crafting a standout college essay is about presenting your true self in an engaging, reflective, and polished manner while showcasing your intellectual vitality. Happy writing.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

International graduates of US colleges should have an easier path to stay

Expanding the h1-b visa program could encourage an influx of skilled workers..

International students are a vital part of our higher education system, with nearly 80,000 international students attending Massachusetts colleges and universities in 2022-2023, according to OpenDoors . But after graduation, many of them leave. According to the Healey administration, Massachusetts retains just 66 percent of its international graduates.

Many graduates leave not because they want to but because a broken immigration system makes it too hard for them to stay.

Each one who leaves represents a lost opportunity. Graduates of US colleges, skilled workers who could contribute to the country’s productivity and tax base, are potential immigrants; Americans should welcome them with open arms.

Advertisement

They could be the scientists and engineers the country needs. According to a 2017 policy brief by the National Foundation for American Policy , foreign nationals accounted for about 80 percent of US graduate students studying petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science.

An expansion of the H-1B visa program, which offers visas to workers in “specialty” occupations, would allow more international graduates to stay. H-1B visas are often used in technology fields but apply across a range of occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree. An employer needs to sponsor a worker for an H-1B visa.

Long term, the federal government also should clear the green card backlog so skilled workers who start their careers here can stay.

Typically, an international graduate of a US college can apply to work in the United States for one year (three years with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math) through a program called Optional Practical Training . If they want to stay longer, the most common path is to apply for an H-1B visa. But demand outstrips supply.

In 1990, Congress capped at 65,000 the number of H-1B visas issued annually. In 2005, Congress allocated an additional 20,000 visas for master’s degree graduates of US institutions.

This April, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that employers registered 470,342 potential beneficiaries for the visa program, of whom 120,603 were chosen via a lottery to apply (immigration services would then review their qualifications).

David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, said the lack of visas leads to a cycle where graduates work on OPT, apply for the H-1B lottery, don’t get a visa, earn a master’s degree, then work again on OPT while trying the lottery again. “It’s exhausting trying to go through it,” Bier said.

And, Bier said, it doesn’t make sense. “What’s our goal as a country?” he asked. “To educate the world, then send them on their way to create companies and jobs in other places?”

Vrinda Punj is an Indian national living in Nashua, N.H., who moved to the United States at age 6 because her father, a business analyst, had an H-1B visa. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2021 with a computer science degree, but as an adult was no longer covered by her father’s visa. She found a job in software engineering with a company that was willing to sponsor her visa, then had to enter the lottery. “You can try to do literally everything in your power to stay here … but there is no guarantee you can have any sort of future in the US,” Punj said. “It felt as though my entire life, my entire future was dependent on random chance.”

There are ways to address this. Congress could increase the number of H-1B visas or add additional visas for graduates of US colleges or entrepreneurs seeking to start businesses. There are also hundreds of thousands of green cards that have gone unused each year due to administrative issues. The Niskanen Center estimates the Biden administration could “recapture” 231,000 employment-based visas by allowing the use of these visas, rather than discarding them if they are unused at the end of a year. This would involve calculating the number of visas that went unused in previous years and giving them to new applicants. The Niskanen Center says more visas could be used if Congress adopted certain policies that would affect the methdology for calculating how many visas have gone unused.

For those lucky enough to get an H-1B visa, it lasts up to six years — although a visa can be renewed for longer if the holder applied for a green card and is waiting. To get permanent residency, a worker must apply for a green card. But that system is also backlogged. In March 2023, there were 1.8 million people awaiting employment-based green cards. Because green cards are apportioned by country and 1.1 million of those waiting are from India, the theoretical wait time for an Indian national could be 134 years, according to the Cato Institute’s analysis — in other words, impossible.

While a worker can get their H-1B visa renewed indefinitely while their green card application is pending, a child can only remain on a parent’s visa until age 21. Dip Patel, who founded Improve The Dream to help this population, estimates there are more than 200,000 people in the United States now who were brought here as a child by temporary visa-holders. “For many of them, the only pathway to citizenship is marrying a US citizen, because everything else is either roadblocked or backlogged,” Patel said. Legislation that would let many of these children obtain green cards stalled in Congress.

There are creative workarounds. Governor Maura Healey proposed putting $220,000 toward expanding a Global Entrepreneur in Residence program that allows universities to sponsor graduate entrepreneurs, since universities are exempt from the H-1B visa cap. But this is a narrow solution.

William Brah, retired director of the Venture Development Center at UMass Boston, which launched an initial pilot of this program during the Patrick administration, said universities can only sponsor entrepreneurs whose businesses are relevant to their mission. It’s also a short-term sponsorship, generally for one to two years, after which recipients must apply for another visa. Brah said his pilot program helped about 100 graduates over five years.

“There’s competition for international students. [US colleges] spend billions of dollars training them,” Brah said. “A bunch of them come with entrepreneurial intentions, get really fired up and want a chance to create a company in the US, and they can’t do it.”

The only real solution is congressional action. There has been some political opposition to expanding the visa program out of fear immigrants will take jobs from US-born workers. But research suggests the presence of foreign-born skilled workers increases job opportunities for US-born workers. Legislation has also been delayed because increasing H-1B visas would increase tax revenue. That’s a good thing, but Congress has long eyed that pot of money as a way to pay for a broader immigration reform — the details of which it has been unable to agree on.

The idea of stapling a green card to a college graduate’s diploma is simplistic. But the principle behind it — giving US-trained skilled workers a chance to contribute to the US economy — makes a lot of sense.

Editorials represent the views of the Boston Globe Editorial Board. Follow us @GlobeOpinion .

Globe Opinion