A Guide for International Students

Applying to US Universities
Introduction
Applying to American universities is complex, and even more so for students navigating the process from abroad.
There are many decisions to be made and unfamiliar terms to learn when researching schools, visiting campuses, and
understanding application requirements. Some questions you might have include:

What is the Common Application and how do I use it?

What is Early Decision and how do I know if I should apply early or in the regular round?
Which standardized tests (ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS) do I need to take?

If you dont know the answers to these questions, dont worry! Much of the complexity can be relieved with the proper
organization, research, planning, and guidance. The experts at IvyWise have written this guide to provide you with
important information that will help you find and apply to a US university where you will be successful and thrive.

Finding the Best Fit Schools for You

There are thousands of universities in the US and the most important part of the admissions process is finding those
that are the best fits for you. The myth that you must attend a highly ranked college in order to receive an excellent
education is far from true! A schools ranking often depends on many factors that have little to do with the classroom
experience. For example, student selectivity, academic reputation, and alumni giving account for nearly half of a
schools US News & World Report ranking. We encourage our students to create their own rankings based on the
academic, social, and financial factors that are important to them.
There are many such factors to consider when creating your college list. Think about the schools location and size, the
specific programs and professors that you would want to study with, the availability of clubs and sports that interest
you, and social offerings. What else do you think is essential to your college experience? Answering these questions on
the next page will give you a unique list of criteria through which you can evaluate potential schools.

Here is a brief questionnaire to help you get started:

Which areas of the US are you considering?
Northeast

Southeast

Mid-Atlantic

Midwest

Northwest

West

Southwest

All

Which types of location are you considering?

Rural

Urban

Suburban

All

How often do you plan to return home?

______x per month

______x per year

What size school will suit you best?

Small (Under 3,000 undergraduates)

Medium (3,000-7,000 undergraduates)

Large (Over 7,000 undergraduates)

All

Are any of the following campus cultural issues important considerations for you?
Religion

Socioeconomic Level

Race

Other:___________

Would you prefer a general or specialized curriculum?

Do you plan to declare a major immediately? What do you want to study?

Liberal Arts

Engineering

Sciences

Business

Other:

Will you be seeking outside funding for your education?

What extracurricular activities and amenities (dorms, dining options, gymnasium, etc.) are
important to you?

What are admissions committees looking for?

When selecting a freshmen class, colleges are not looking for well-rounded students, they are looking for
well-rounded student bodies made up of specialists. A significant number of US schools base admissions decisions on
an applicants academic record. However, some of the most selective schools will also consider an applicants personal
record. Who you are as a person can be nearly as important as your academic success.
A successful college application will give the application reader a sense of who the applicant is, beyond the facts and
figures. You are responsible for conveying the best and most accurate representation of yourself to the admissions
committees at your targeted schools.
Heres what US universities consider when evaluating applications:

Unlike universities outside the US, which only consider an applicants grades, test scores, and other quantitative
qualifications, US universities evaluate college applications on what IvyWise Founder and CEO Katherine Cohen calls
Hard Factors and Soft Factors. Most schools will base the majority of their admissions decisions on a students hard
factors, which are part of a students academic record and include the high school transcript (course work, grades,
GPA, and class rank) and standardized test scores. However, US colleges will further evaluate applicants based on the
students personal record, or soft factors, which are manifested in letters of recommendation, essays, extracurricular
activities, and interviews. This is known as holistic review, meaning the university looks at the whole applicant as a
person and a student, not just their academic qualifications.

Hard Factors

Grades Your grades and GPA are the most important factors that colleges will consider when evaluating your
application. Colleges want to see an upward grade trend, meaning that your grades improve year after year as you
take more challenging courses. This shows youll be able to handle a college course load.
Courses - Colleges want to see youre taking challenging, advanced courses that match your interests. For example,
if youre applying to an engineering program colleges will want to see you taking a higher number of science-related
courses.
Test Scores Most schools will require either the ACT or the SAT, a specified number of SAT Subject Tests, and for
international students, an English proficiency test (either the IELTS or the TOEFL). Most colleges will take the highest
score achieved in each section of a test, even if they occurred on different test dates. Some schools require that you
achieve a minimum score on standardized tests, particularly the IELTS and TOEFL. However, these policies vary by
school so it is important to research the policies at each school on your college list.
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Soft Factors

Letters of Recommendation Most colleges will require you to submit two letters of recommendation; one letter
from your school guidance counselor, and the second from a teacher or other adult who knows you well.
Essays College admissions committees want to know something about you that they cannot otherwise learn from
the rest of your application. You should avoid writing an essay that lists or reiterates activities or information that
can be learned from other areas of the application. A good essay can make an applicant come alive to an application
reader, and transform a candidate from a series of numbers and statistics to a living, breathing human being.
Demonstrated Interest - Colleges want to admit qualified students who are a good-fit for the institution and are
excited about the possibility of attending. Colleges will look to see if applicants know the institution well, have visited,
maintained contact with the admissions office, and completed compelling supplemental essays. This all factors into
demonstrated interest.
Activities - Admissions officers want to see what youre doing in your free time and how youre impacting your
community. Schools will look at your extracurricular activites, your level of involvement, and how those activities
relate to your interests or intended course of study.
Interviews If the colleges on your list offer interviews, then you should make every effort to schedule one. The interview is an excellent opportunity for you to express your interest in a school, as well as for you to ask questions and
learn more about the school. Also, the person whom you meet with during your interview can be a valuable point of
contact throughout the application process.
Additional Components If you have an interest in music or the arts, it often makes sense to include an audition tape
or portfolio. Some schools require that a specific form accompany the artistic submission. Each school has different
requirements, so it a good idea to make a checklist including the specific application materials required or
recommended at each school on your college list.

The Common Application

Some schools require that students write one or more essays as part of their university application. Schools that
use the Common Application require one personal statement and one activity essay, in addition to any essay questions that may appear on the universitys separate supplement. The Common Application Personal Statement is a
650-word-or-less essay that addresses one of five prompts created by the Common Application. Here are the prompts
for the 2015-16 Common Application:

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application
would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
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?
Describe a problem youve solved or a problem youd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research
query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to
you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood
within your culture, community, or family.

In addition to these required Common Application essays, some universities have a separate supplement with
additional essay questions. Here are some sample essay questions from 2014-15 applications:

Yale University:

What in particular about Yale has influenced your decision to apply? (100 words)
What excites you intellectually, really? (250 characters or fewer)
Think about a disappointment you have experienced. What was your response? (250 characters or fewer)
Suite-style living - four to six students sharing a set of rooms - may be an integral part of your Yale College
experience. What would you contribute to the dynamic of your suite? (250 characters or fewer)
What do you wish you were better at being or doing? (250 characters or fewer)
In this essay, please reflect on something you would like us to know about you that we might not learn from the
rest of your application, or on something about which you would like to say more. You may write about anything
- from personal experiences or interests to intellectual pursuits. (Please answer in 500 words or less). Before you
begin, we encourage you to go to http://admissions.yale.edu/essay, where you will find helpful advice.
Engineering Applicants Only: If you selected one of the engineering majors, please write a brief third essay telling
us what has led you to an interest in this field of study, what exeriences (if any) you have had in engineering, and
what it is about Yales engineering program that appeals to you.

University of Pennsylvania:

The Admissions Committee would like to learn why you are a good fit for your undergraduate school choice (College
of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, The Wharton School, or Penn Engineering). Please tell us about specific
academic, service, and/or research opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania that resonate with your
background, interests, and goals. (400-650 words)

Stanford University:

Candidates respond to all three essay topics. (250 word limit for each essay.)

Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your
intellectual development.
Virtually all of Stanfords undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals
something about you or that will help your roommateand usknow you better.
What matters to you, and why?

When to Apply
There are many different options when it comes time to submit your college application. Each school varies in the
type(s) of admission it offers and each student should decide when to apply based on their individual needs and
goals. You will want to consider the following types of admission:
Regular Decision (RD) Regular Decision means that applications and supporting documents must be submitted by
a set date in your senior year. The dates vary from November 30 through March 15, but most selective schools regular
decision applications are due January 1 or 15, or February 1. The college then takes action on all the applications and
notifies all students of its admissions decisions at the same time. Notification dates are in the spring of senior year,
usually around April 1. If accepted, you must notify the college by May 1 of your intent to accept or decline their offer
of admission.
Early Decision (ED) Early Decision is a good choice for students who have selected a definite top-choice college and
are able to submit a compelling application early in the process. Students may only apply to one school ED (although
you may often simultaneously apply to another school Early Action, with the exception of schools that are SingleChoice Early Action, as well as to schools with regular and rolling admissions policies) and the application is binding,
meaning the student must attend if admitted. If a student is accepted under ED, he or she must withdraw all
applications to other schools. Applying ED is also a good way for students to demonstrate interest, an increasingly
important factor in college admissions. ED applications must be submitted in their entirety, usually on November 1 or
November 15. Early Decision applicants are usually notified of their decision in December and can be either accepted,
denied, or deferred to the regular decision round.
5

Some schools additionally offer an ED2 option for students who know that a particular college is their top-choice, but
are not ready to apply by November. For ED 2, the same rules apply, but the deadline and notification dates are later
than the ED I dates.
Early Action (EA) Unlike, ED, EA is not binding, meaning that if youre accepted to your target school, you may
continue to apply to other schools simultaneously. Given this, EA is a good decision for students who have decided
that they definitely want to apply to a particular school or schools and who are ready to submit their applications in
November. Students who apply Early Action will hear in December if they have been accepted, denied, or deferred to
the regular decision round.
Rolling Admission Colleges that use rolling admission assess and act on an application as soon as the application
file is submitted in its entirety. Usually, the college will notify the applicant of an admission decision within weeks of
receiving the completed application. The deadline for this type of admission is usually May 1, and these schools will
usually continue to accept students until they reach their capacity enrollment; therefore, it is best to send in your
application as early as possible.

Cost

While international students attending college in the US may qualify for scholarships, you will not be eligible for
financial aid at the majority of US higher education institutions. As part of the application process, US institutions
require international students to prove that they or their families can afford the cost of attendance at the institution
to which they are applying. Further, the US government will require documentation of the amount and source of this
funding.
When calculating the cost of attendance, families need to account for tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks,
supplies, and transportation. US schools provide information about the cost of attendance. This information can
typically be found on the admissions or financial aid sections of the schools website. In addition, at IvyWise, we tell
families to use the ten percent rule take whatever you think a year at a school will cost and add ten percent to cover
the unexpected costs associated with college attendance, as well as inflation.

Visit

At IvyWise, we advise our students to visit campuses in-person, whenever possible. This is even more important for
international students. Visiting in-person, ideally while classes are in session, will allow you to talk with current
students and professors, see dorms, dining halls, and other campus facilities in use, and gain an overall impression of
the schools atmosphere and community.
In addition, many applications have some version of a why do you want to attend this college? essay. Firsthand
impressions of a school will allow you to best answer this question, and prove your interest to the admissions
committees at the schools on your college list. Some colleges also track interest, so by signing up for the tour and
information session, scheduling an interview and following-up with a thank-you note, schools will have a record of
you on file before you even apply.

Documentation Requirements

Translations

If your high school transcript is not in English, it is important that you translate your academic records
linguistically, as well as in terms of American education (grade and course) equivalencies. American
colleges and universities will need to be able to interpret your credentials accurately in comparison to all of their other
applicants. In most cases, you will need to send both the original and the translated copy of your high school
transcript. Some schools will require that you hire a translator to ensure that you are providing an unbiased and
accurate translation. Be sure to check with each school you are applying to for their individual requirements. To get an
idea of how your grades and GPA will convert to an American scale, the World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org
offers free translations for more than 120 countries.

Visas and Documentation

In order to attend an American college or university, you will need to obtain a student visa. However, you cannot apply
for your student visa until you have been accepted for enrollment at an SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)
certified institution. When applying for a student visa, be sure to have all of the required forms and documentation
ready (for a complete list visit travel.state.gov).
The school at which you will be enrolling will be your sponsor for study in the US, and as such, will need to submit a
Form I-20 to the US Government on your behalf. This form certifies that you have satisfied all admissions requirements,
have enrolled and will be pursuing a specific degree, and have sufficient financial support to study and live in the US
for the duration of your course of study. According to NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling),
in reviewing your visa application, the US government is looking to answer the following questions when assessing
your application:

Are you a real student?

Do you intend to return to your home country after college?
Do you have enough money to support yourself while in the United States (without getting a job, which is
illegal for nonimmigrant students)?

In addition to your application, you will need to schedule an in-person interview with the US embassy or consulate
in your home country. Many of these centers have long waits, and it is a good idea to contact the office early in the
college application process. NACAC recommends that you arrive to your interview prepared to answer the following
questions:

Why do you want to study in the United States?

Why did you choose (name of college)?
Why did you choose this major? What jobs will this prepare you for?
How will studying in the United States prepare you for a job here at home?
What have you been involved in that shows your commitment to your home country?
How will you pay for the college fees and living expenses in the United States?
Other questions about the United States, your educational plans, your career plans, and your finances.

For specific requirements, see the official website at travel.state.gov.

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Testing and Advanced Course Study

SAT/ACT

The SAT and ACT are standardized college entrance exams that a majority of US colleges and universities require
students to take as part of the admissions process. Taking both tests isnt necessary, however, and most students
choose to take one or the other.
The SAT consists of an essay and ten multiple-choice sections that are split up between testing Critical Reading, Math,
and Writing skills. The essay is included as part of the Writing score. Overall, the SAT takes three hours and forty-five
minutes to complete.
The ACT is made up of an optional essay and four long multiple-choice sections on English, Math, Reading, and
Science. The ACT takes three and a half hours to complete without the essay, and just over four hours with the essay.
How are the tests scored?
The SAT is scored out of 2400, with the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections accounting for 800 points each.
The essay, which is included in the Writing section, is scored out of 12. A quarter of a point is deducted for every
incorrect answer and no points are lost for omitted questions.
Each section on the ACT is scored out of 36. These scores are than averaged for an overall composite score that is also
out of 36. Students who choose to write the essay will receive an essay score out of 12, which will be factored into the
English section score. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers.
When and where can I take the tests?
The SAT and ACT are administered several times each year in multiple international locations. Testing takes place in
predetermined local test centers and is completely proctored. Students must register to take the SAT and ACT online
at www.sat.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org respectively. Most test dates take place in the spring from
AprilJune and again in the fall from SeptemberJanuary.
How can I prepare for the tests?
The SAT and ACT are designed to test students on topics they will have learned in school by the end of 11th grade.
Nevertheless, there are many test taking strategies that can be applied to both exams, and there are numerous test
preparation books available for students to study these from. These books also provide students with practice
questions and tests that will help them become familiar with the tests in advance. Some students also work with SAT
and ACT tutors to get direct guidance in preparing for the tests. There are many tutoring companies to choose from,
including IvyWise which offers individualized tutoring that is tailored to each students specific strength and
weaknesses. To find out more about IvyWises tutoring programs, go to www.ivywise.com/tutoring.html.
The New SAT
In March of 2016, a new, redesigned SAT will be unveiled. The new test will be similar to the ACT and will evaluate
students foundational math skills, critical thinking, and reasoning skills. The new SAT will be scored out of 1600, with
800 points coming from a Math section and 800 points coming from an Evidence-based Reading and Writing section.
It will include an optional essay that will be scored separately from the rest of the sections for those who choose to
take it.
Furthermore, points will no longer be deducted for incorrect answers and test-takers will only have to choose from
four rather than five multiple choice answer options. The new SAT will last three hours without the essay and three
hours and fifty minutes with the essay. Colleges and universities will decide whether or not they will require the essay
as part of the test scores. Any students who are currently in their second year of high school and will not be able to
take the SAT before March of 2016 will be the first to take the new test.

SAT Subject Tests

Similar to AP exams (see below), SAT Subject Tests test knowledge in one of 20 specific subject areas. Like the SAT,
these one-hour exams are scored out of a possible 800. You should read each colleges application materials
carefully to determine its individual requirements: some schools require certain subjects, others require a certain
number of tests in subjects of your choosing, while at other schools the tests are optional. SAT Subject Tests can be
taken throughout your time in high school, but the experts at IvyWise suggest that the best time to take a subject test
is right after you have completed your coursework in that subject.

TOEFL/IELTS

In addition to standardized testing required for admissions consideration, international students may also need to
take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). You should read each colleges application materials carefully
to determine its individual testing and score requirements. Some schools will accept your English proficiency solely
on the basis of having taken the SAT or ACT and achieving a certain minimum score, while others will want to see the
TOEFL in addition to these other tests. The TOEFL consists of a mixture of fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and essaystyle questions and can be taken online at accredited testing sites throughout the world. For dates and locations visit
www.ets.org/toefl.
Although the TOEFL is more widely known, most schools will also accept the IELTS (International English Language
Testing System) to demonstrate English language proficiency. The IELTS is broken into four sections (listening, reading,
writing, and speaking.) Specific dates and locations for the IELTS can be found at www.ielts.org.

AP (Advanced Placement)

The AP (Advanced Placement) program offers high-school students the opportunity to take college-level classes
(or study independently) to prepare for an exam in any of 36 subject areas. The exams, held in May of each year, are
scored on a scale of one through five, with many colleges offering comparable credit for scores of three or higher.
The fee for exams administered outside of the United States and Canada is $121 per exam. While AP exams are not
required for college admissions, they are an increasingly competitive factor in representing academic dedication and
intellectual challenge. For more information on AP exams, visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.

IB (International Baccalaureate)

Comparable to AP coursework, and offered in international American school curricula, the International Baccalaureate
offers students college-level study in multiple subjects. The IB diploma program consists of six courses in six different
subjects (three higher level subjects and three standard level subjects), as well as three core requirements (the
extended essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and creativity, action, service (CAS)). At the completion of the program,
which is spread over two years, written examinations are completed and diplomas are awarded accordingly for
students who score a total of 24 to 45 points. Each subject is scored on a one to seven point scale, with up to three
additional points awarded for combined results on the extended essay and TOK, and satisfactory participation in CAS.
Many colleges grant credit for completing the IB program, or will waive the requirement of lower-level core courses.
For more information on the IB program, visit www.ibo.org.

A (Advanced) Levels

Another advanced study option in many international curricula are A Levels. Offered in several countries worldwide,
in over 80 different subjects, A Level course achievements are widely recognized at US higher education institutions.
Usually studied over a two-year period, and usually studied by students in their final two years of secondary
education, A Levels are made up of two levels of study, the first year, AS, and second year, A2. A Levels are graded on
a scale from A* to E: A* awarded to students who achieve an A at A level and also achieve 90 percent or more across
all A2 units, A (80-100), B (70-79), C (60-69), D (50-59), E (40-49). Like AP courses, A Level courses have strict guidelines
and syllabi to ensure appropriate preparation for the eventual exam, and if completed successfully, could lead to college credit. For more information on A Levels, and the official guide including grading, visit www.a-levels.co.uk.

Commonly Used Terminology

ACT A standardized test used by college admissions officers to evaluate prospective students. The test has four sections: English, Math, Science, and Reading and an optional essay, and is scored out of 36 points. You can learn more at
www.actstudent.org.
Advanced Placement (AP) A program coordinated by the College Board whereby high schools offer college-level
courses with specific curricula in a large number of academic fields. Participating students have the option of taking
an AP exam at the end of the course to demonstrate knowledge and potentially earn college credit.
Bachelors Degree A diploma earned after successfully completing a required course of study at a college or university. The degree usually takes four years and is abbreviated B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of Science).
Class Rank A students place based on a rank ordering of students in a class by grade point average (GPA).
Common Application An online application for admission that is accepted by nearly 500 participating US universities. It can be accessed online at www.commonapp.org. Some colleges also require a school-specific supplementary
form.
Concentration A specific focus in an area of studies that is a subset of (or related to) your major.
Core Curriculum A group of specially designed courses in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and
sciences designed to give students a strong foundation in general education.
Demonstrated Interest - A students level of interest and commitment to attending the institution to which he or she
is applying as shown through visits, contact with the admissions office, application essays, and more.
Early Action An application option that typically allows students to apply by November 1 or November 15 and receive an admission decision by December 15 that does not bind the student to attend if admitted.
Early Decision An application option that typically allows students to apply by November 1 or November 15 and
receive an admission decision by December 15 that commits the student to attend if admitted.
Extracurricular Activities Activities (such as athletics, community service, jobs, internships, and clubs) in which you
participate outside of academic courses.
FAFSA Abbreviation for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is used to determine eligibility for federal
financial aid. Only US students quaify for federal financial aid, however some colleges may ask international applicants
to complete the FAFSA in order to assess financial need.
Financial Aid Money given to students by a school or the US government to help cover the cost of college
(international students generally are not eligible for financial aid).
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior The four grades of American high school and college. In high school, freshmen are 9th graders (age 14-15), sophomores are 10th graders (age 15-16), juniors are 11th graders (age 16-17), and
seniors are 12th graders (age 17-18). In college, freshmen year is the first year, followed by sophomore, junior, and
senior years.
General Education (Gen Ed) Requirements Courses selected from several divisions required for a college degree.
These are usually completed during the first two years of college, before moving on to focused course work in major
or minor areas.

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Graduate/Professional School A program in which a student can continue his or her education after a
Bachelors Degree. Professional schools train students in the fields of law, medicine, dentistry, business, pharmacy, etc.
Graduate schools offer study in the fields of engineering, physics, education, math, etc.
Internship A job (often unpaid) at a company or organization with an emphasis on acquiring experience in an occupation, profession, or pursuit (dictionary.com).
Liberal Arts An academic program that includes the sciences, social sciences, languages, arts, and
mathematics, as distinguished from professional or vocational programs that focus on training for careers such as
engineering, business, and nursing.
Major The subject in which a student concentrates to earn a degree. For example, biology majors will have a degree
in biology. Note: there are no set majors for prelaw, dental, medicine, and veterinary degrees graduate work is necessary for each of these disciplines.
Minor A secondary area of concentration, which may or may not be required by an institution.
Regular Decision An application option that involves applying by a late fall or early winter deadline in
exchange for an admission decision the following spring.
Rolling Admission An application option by which colleges review and make decisions about applications as they
are received. The application cycle usually opens in early fall and may extend into the spring or until the freshmen
class is filled.
SAT A standardized test used by college admissions officers to evaluate prospective students. The test contains three
parts: writing, critical reading, and math and is scored out of 2400 points. You can learn more at http://sat.collegeboard.org/home.
SAT Subject Test SAT Subject Tests are standardized tests used to demonstrate proficiency or
knowledge in one of 20 specific subject areas. You can learn more about SAT Subject Tests at
http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject.
Student:Faculty Ratio The number of professors per number of students at a college or university. For
example, if a college had 2,400 students and 100 full-time professors, the student:faculty ratio would be 24:1.
Transcript A copy of a students cumulative record, requested by all colleges and universities for admission purposes.
Underclassman A student who is a freshmen or sophomore (first or second year) in high school or college.
Undergraduate A college student who has not yet received a Bachelors Degree.
Upperclassman A student who is a junior or senior (third or fourth year) in high school or college.
Waitlist A group of students held in reserve after a college makes its admissions decisions. If openings
occur, students on the waitlist may be offered admission.
Yield The percentage of students offered admission to a college who subsequently enroll.
Definitions sourced from The Truth About Getting In (Katherine Cohen, Hyperion); Admission Matters (Springer, Reider,
Franck, Jossey-Bass)

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Additional Resources for International Applicants

There are many publications and websites that can help guide your research as you examine your needs, desires, and
aspirations for a higher education.
College Board http://www.collegeboard.org
College Board offers a college search engine, information on majors, and details on taking the SAT, SAT Subject Tests,
as well as AP Exams.
ACT http://www.actstudent.org
Information on taking the ACT.
Fiske Guide to Colleges
Profiles on more than 310 colleges and universities focusing on the academic climates and the social and extracurricular scenes.
College Navigator http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
Managed by the US Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator provides information on thousands of colleges and universities in the US, including tuition and enrollment.
US News & World Report http://www.usnews.com/education
While we advise families not to put too much stock into rankings, the data itself used to create the rankings is important to consider. US News & World Report has a great aggregate of school information and data, including admission
rates, tuition, and student body statistics.

Want to learn more about applying to

US universities?

IvyWise Counselors

Our team of expert counselors collectively has over 125

years of admissions experience and held just about every
position within university admissions offices as well as
guidance roles at the countrys top independent schools.
Our counselors also have extensive experience working
with international applicants. IvyWise has worked with
students from over 40 different countries!

IvyWise Tutors

IvyWise tutors are the best of the best. Our tutors are often graduates of Ivy League schools with advanced degrees
and extensive experience. Our tutors have excelled academically and aced all of their standardized tests. Beyond this,
at IvyWise we care about how we connect with our families, so our tutors are more than just academically
gifted. They are approachable and exceptional at connecting with students. Your student will be excited about learning and will remain engaged throughout the tutoring experience.

For more information on our services for international students contact us today!
www.IvyWise.com

+1-212-262-3500

[email protected]