US College Admissions

6 Key Steps In The U.S. College Admissions Process! 

Looking to get into your favorite college in the USA so that you can earn that dream degree, and go onto an illustrious career in your chosen field?  Maybe you want to attend Harvard University, Stanford University or Yale? Or, you may be a gifted athlete, and you want to leverage your chosen sport to gain scholarship to a Power 5 school in the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 12, the SEC or ACC (so many abbreviations!). You may have dreamed of attending schools like UCLA, Rutgers, Notre Dame, University of Miami, or Louisiana State University (where our own Upper 90 Alumni Catie Cantrill attended).

It all sounds exciting from the outside in, though, when you realize the steps it takes to get accepted into many of these universities, you quickly to begin to realize, that going at it alone can leave you in the lurch. You need guidance, you need support, and you need someone who knows the system like th eback of their hand, to give you sage advice and set you on the journey...in the right direction! 

With over 13 years of college admissions expertise, Upper 90 College has assisted 100's of our clients from around the world, enter into the college system in the USA, based on their own unique set of academic, and athletic attributes. Gaining acceptance into big brand name schools is tough, and given Upper 90's expertise in college recruiting, we can open up other options at schools outside of the big boys and girls, that can provide you with the same academic and athletic output, and get you on your journey to a great career post your time in the USA college system! 

Check out Upper 90 College's range of services, that will assist you in navigating into the college system via an athletic and academic scholarship pathway.

What Are The Key Steps In The U.S. College Admissions Process

So, yes, the US college admissions process for international students can be a daunting task to navigate. There are numerous steps that need to be completed in order to successfully gain admission to a university in the United States. In this article, we will outline the key steps an international student needs to take, including relevant tests they need to take, the visa process they need to follow to get into a USA university, what kind of visa they require, and what they need to do in terms of visa processes if they are playing a college sport in the USA.

Step 1: Research and Identify Potential Universities

The first step for international students who wish to study in the US is to research and identify potential universities. This can be done by browsing through various university websites, college guides, or by attending college fairs. It is important to consider factors such as the location, cost, program of study, and the overall reputation of the university.

Step 2: Check Admission Requirements

Once the international student has identified potential universities, the next step is to check the admission requirements. Each university has different admission requirements for international students, and it is important to carefully review these requirements before applying. In general, international students will need to provide transcripts, standardized test scores, and proof of English language proficiency.

Step 3: Take the Required Standardized Tests

International students may need to take one or more standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL. The SAT and ACT are standardized tests used for college admissions in the US, while the TOEFL is a test of English language proficiency. Many universities require international students to take the TOEFL in order to demonstrate English proficiency.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once the international student has identified potential universities and taken the required standardized tests, the next step is to submit the application. Applications can be submitted online or by mail, and it is important to submit the application before the deadline.

Step 5: Apply for a Student Visa

International students who wish to study in the US will need to apply for a student visa. The type of visa that international students will need to apply for is the F-1 visa. To obtain an F-1 visa, international students will need to provide proof of acceptance to a US university, proof of financial support, and proof of English proficiency.

Step 6: Visa Process for College Sports

International students who wish to play a college sport in the US will need to follow a different visa process. In order to be eligible to play a college sport in the US, international students must be cleared by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

The NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA have different eligibility requirements, and international students must meet these requirements in order to be eligible to play college sports in the US. Once the international student has been cleared by the relevant athletic association, they will need to apply for an F-1 visa.

In conclusion, the US college admissions process for international students can be a challenging process to navigate. It is important for international students to carefully research and identify potential universities, check admission requirements, take the required standardized tests, submit the application, and apply for a student visa. If the international student wishes to play a college sport in the US, they will need to follow a different visa process and meet the eligibility requirements of the relevant athletic association. With careful planning and preparation, international students can successfully gain admission to a university in the US and achieve their academic and athletic goals.

The good news is that Upper 90 College provides you with tailored, 1:1 guidance across the whole college admissions process, liaising with key admissions staff at your chosen school, and working with college coaches through the recruiting process. The admissions process can be overwhelming, but with the right support and guidance, you can fulfill your dreams of attending a great U.S. college!