INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The college process takes on some special considerations
for international students.
The TOEFL
Special Applications
Financial Statements
Financial Assistance
Foreign Transcripts
TOEFL
If English is not your first language or if English is not
spoken at home, you might consider taking the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL). The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service
and is administered by appointment at testing centers. The
TOEFL is computer-administered in most countries (including the U.S.), and it has four
sections: Listening Comprehension, Structure, Reading Comprehension, and
Writing. Especially for students who have been studying in the U.S. or in an
English-spaeking setting for less than two
years, the verbal SAT score will be considered along with the score obtained on the TOEFL. Unlike the standard practice
for the SAT, however, many schools do have cut-off scores for the TOEFL.
Those that do will usually make that information known to you. International
students should take the TOEFL at least once before the end of their junior
year.
The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT), one of the SAT
II: Subject Tests, is designed to be taken by those students whose first
language is not English, but who have been studying in the U.S. or in
English-speaking schools for more than two years. Because the test is relatively
new, it is too early to tell how it will be used by college admission offices.
Do not be surprised, however, if you are asked to take this test. In fact, it
could be a good idea for some international students. Speak with your counselor if you have
questions. The ELPT is administered at high school testing centers.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATIONS
Many colleges and universities ask foreign students to complete a special
application. Sometimes this must be submitted in addition to the standard
application, sometimes in place of it. If you have been studying in the United
States for at least three consecutive years in high school, the filing of the
international student application will probably not be necessary. You should
check the requirements of the schools in which you are interested.
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PARENTS' FINANCIAL STATEMENT
In order to meet U.S.
student visa issuance regulations, most
colleges and universities will ask that nationals of other countries submit
proof that they will have the funds necessary to pay for four years of college.
This usually means having to demonstrate the availability of funds to cover the
costs of the first year in college, in U.S. funds. In many cases, an official of
a bank must verify that these funds are available. Parents of international
students should be aware of this requirement and plan ahead.
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FINANCIAL AID FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you are not a United States citizen or a permanent
resident, you will find that you will have limited resources available to you in
the way of financial assistance from colleges and universities in this country.
A small number of schools do have special funds established specifically
to provide financial assistance to international students. You should check with
the financial aid offices at the schools in which you are interested.
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TRANSCRIPTS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
If you have transferred into your high school from a school
overseas, some colleges will ask that you have an official (original, signed,
sealed) transcript forwarded directly from your previous school to the
college admission office. In some cases this transcript will have to be
translated as well. Plan ahead!
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© 2000,2001 Frank W.
Brightwell
