You can take advantage of increasing opportunities for international students by highlighting in your
admission applications what you will bring to the college campus academically, culturally, and
socially.
Another thing to consider when taking advantage of the positive tide of international students is to
use financial aid as a selection tool. If you are going to need financial aid, don’t bother wasting your
time on colleges that don’t offer financial aid to international students. Check first before you fall in
love with a school that won’t offer you any financial aid and ignore them completely.
You’re competing on a global scale
Remember that you are competing with a large number of other international students for a small
percentage of available seats.
Think about these when you complete your application:
If you don’t need financial aid – congratulations! And be sure to let your college know you do
not need any financial aid because it’s more difficult to get accepted if you need financial
assistance as an international student.
Highlight what makes you different than the other students at your high school, or college if
you are applying for graduate work, and explain clearly why you are passionate about
coming to America for your college education.
Emphasize your background and your diversity as much as possible. Colleges pride
themselves as being places of learning and your perspectives as an overseas student are
attractive to the admissions board.
Practice both the ACT and SAT. You should know after this practice which test is right for
you. And don’t be surprised if you do better on the ACT, many international students do.
If you are looking for a liberal arts education, curriculum that provides general knowledge
and develops your intellectual abilities, explain your understanding of what this type of
education means in America. You should know how it is different than the more
professionally oriented college curriculum offered at colleges in your home country.
The name of the college is not as important as you think. A prestigious school with a stellar
reputation is just that, until you do your research and get beneath the flashy brochures and
website and get a real feeling for the overall education environment.