Studying in the USA can be one of the best decisions you can make for your future. With more than one million international students, the U.S. has much more to offer than you can imagine.
The benefits of starting your higher education journey with a 4-year bachelor’s program in a U.S. university are many; first of all, most of the top global universities come from the States, which gives you a higher chance to receive top-quality education in all academic disciplines you can think of. Second, you get to experience living in the States with one million other international students, so you can enjoy your vivid student life without feeling homesick. Lastly, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the USA can be a strong reference for your CV. If you’re determined to take this journey, find out the necessary steps and requirements to apply to a bachelor’s program in the USA.
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
Meeting the minimum requirements is important when applying to a U.S. university, and students should be aware of this. Below is a general list of admission requirements for a bachelor’s program in the U.S.
ADMISSIONS
REQUIREMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Academic Record and High School Diploma |
All U.S. institutions require degree-seeking applicants to provide a high school diploma. This document is an assurance that you have graduated from high school and are more than capable of pursuing higher education. The academic transcripts, on the other hand, will be evaluated by the admissions committee. Your grades are a reflection of how well you do in school and this will be considered in the evaluation process. |
| English Language Proficiency |
English is the medium of instruction in U.S. universities, therefore, it is expected that non-English speaking students must provide proof of English language competence. Applicants can prove this by taking exams, like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. The minimum score needed for application varies for every university; For example, the University of California, Los Angeles requires students to have at least 100 on the TOEFL or a band score of 7 on the IELTS. |
| Standardized Tests |
Some universities require college-entry exam scores like the SAT or ACT, such as Yale University or Texas Southern University. However, several universities, such as Columbia University, also accept other standardized tests like A Level or International Baccalaureate scores. |
| Academic References / Recommendations |
Academic references or recommendation letters are sometimes required by some universities. For instance, Boston University uses the Common App in admission applications. There’s a part in the application process that would require teachers/counselors to submit a Teacher Evaluation Form. |
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Undergraduate Studies
English language proficiency is one of the key requirements when applying to an undergraduate program in the U.S. American universities often provide several options for non-English speakers to prove their language level, which frequently includes standardized English tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test Score, PTE, and more. Universities accepting these English proficiency test scores include Northwestern University, Arizona State University, and Princeton University.
On the other hand, some universities have no preferred English proficiency exam for entrance and make it optional for students, such as Stanford University. For the best information, we advise you to examine the specific admission page of each university or program.
Bachelor’s Degree Application Process
Preparing your application to a U.S. university can be challenging, yet we can make this process easier for you. Below is the list of the fundamental steps to your application process.
Step 1. Choose Your Program
Choosing the program that suits your academic interests and skills is, certainly, the first step to your bachelor’s application to U.S. universities. When you browse the program options, you must consider the university and what it offers. The program curriculum, internship/research options, scholarship and accommodation opportunities, and many more factors must be taken into account to make the final decision.
You can use university program catalogs to find your program, such as the University of Florida’s undergraduate catalog or the Arizona State University’s program catalog.
Step 2. Prepare Your Documents for Application
Prepare the required documents carefully and make sure you don’t miss any documents before sending your application. The best way is to create a checklist of the materials you need and acquire them as early as possible. Non-English documents may take longer to translate, so the earlier you start the documentation process, the better. Illinois State University lists all the required documents for admissions. It specifically states what high school curriculum you need to complete to be considered for admissions.
Step 3. Submit Your Application
When you complete your required materials, you must submit them before the application deadline; otherwise, your application will most likely be unsuccessful. Most universities prefer an online submission of the requirements, meaning there is no need to prepare for a postal mail submission. For most universities, you can submit the Common Application, which is a central application that allows you to use one application to apply to multiple universities.
Top U.S. universities have a very specific admissions process, they tend to be selective and require applicants to provide detailed documents. Here are some of the best American universities and their application process steps:
Step 4. Apply for a Student Visa
Once your application is finalized and you are admitted to an undergraduate program in the U.S., it is time to apply for a U.S. student visa. In this step, the university’s international office or the faculty office will provide all the information about the visa application. After you have received the documents and obtained the supplemental documents, then you can begin your student visa application.
You must apply through the closest U.S. embassy or consulate website in your country. The U.S. Government’s web page has all the important information you need for the student visa application.
FAQs: Bachelor’s Application Process in the U.S.
Is it Expensive to Study Bachelor’s in the U.S.?
The USA is one of the best countries to study abroad, with thousands of international students applying yearly. However, academic costs in the country are relatively high. Tuition fees at U.S. universities vary where you live – in-state, out-state, or international students, with each having a different tuition range. For instance, at UC Denver, in-state tuition starts from $11,700/year, whereas out-of-state tuition costs $18,200/year, and international student tuition costs $37,200/year.
Is it Easy for an International Student to be Admitted to a University in the U.S.?
The admissions heavily rely on the student’s skills and merits in the chosen academic discipline, yet a high mark on the transcript, complete application, and student’s determination to study at the chosen university and program are the other aspects to consider when evaluating one’s application. For reference, check the acceptance rates of the universities to compare how universities accept students. For instance, Columbia University’s acceptance is as low as 3,9%, while Purdue University is 50.3%.
Are there Scholarship Opportunities for International Undergraduate Students in the U.S.?
Yes, there is a wide variety of scholarship options for international students, and in fact, many foreign learners receive partially to fully-funded scholarships to cover their academic expenses in the USA. Some examples include Duke University’s Karsh International Scholars Program and the International Student Financial Aid Program at the University of Chicago.
Having a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. university can be the best thing you could do to shape your future; with careful academic planning and, most importantly, with true passion and motivation, you can make your application stand out easily and get the chance to enroll in an undergraduate program in the USA.
Hopefully, you make use of our guide to start your application to U.S. universities. Check out our Guide to Studying in the US for more articles! If you’re in search of courses, our Available Programs for International Students will provide you with several study options!
