Moving from your home country to going to university offers a lot of unique opportunities. Not only can making that move get you into a great university since you are an international student, but it can also prepare you in ways that are going to a university close to home just can’t.
After all, not only are you learning at a great school, but you are also taking a crash course in being independent. Independence and the confidence that comes with it make a huge difference in a person’s success. Being able to start from scratch and make friends wherever you go is a life skill that will take you far. After all, a lot of opportunities require you to move cities, states, or even countries. If you can make that move confidently, you’ll have so many more doors open for you in the future.
How do you get into a school that’s abroad? The process is very similar to applying locally, with a few additional steps:
Understanding Admission Requirements
There is a big difference between the admission requirement minimum and what students who are accepted actually have. Popular schools, for example, may have an average admission requirement but then only accept students with a higher GPA simply because there are so many applicants. By starting with the likelihood of your getting in, you can then either set your expectations or work on improving your admission credentials before you apply.
This can easily be done online. Rather than solely look at the university’s pages, however, you will want to go to third-party sites that help you see the true admission rates based on students who have been accepted. For example, you can see your chances and the Michigan admission requirements and GPA online for free, as well as the acceptance rate. The calculator goes into more than just grades; it can help you understand your true likelihood of getting accepted, though it’s not a guarantee.
Complete the Standardized Tests
As an international student, you may need to take a language proficiency test or may even need to take the SATs. There are options near you that are unique to where you are from and your schooling. You may be exempted from a language proficiency test, for example, if you went to an American or British school or grew up in a predominantly English-speaking country. On the flip side, you may be attending an English-speaking course.
Either way, look up what tests you can take to improve or complete your application and schedule these in advance, so you have the results before you start your applications.
Visa Application
The visa requirements for international students will depend on what country you are coming from and the agreement between the two respective countries. You will need to have an accepted offer to a university to start, as well as proof of funds. Try to start your visa application well in advance since it can take several weeks or even months for the application to go through (unless you pay for the expedited option).
