Resources to help narrow your U.S. college search
When you’re an international student staring at a list of thousands of U.S. colleges and universities, figuring out where to apply can be overwhelming. And once you start applying, the application process can get confusing because of varying requirements, timelines and expectations. You’ve already cleared a big hurdle by deciding to study in the U.S. Here are 10 trusted and free resources that can help guide you from early research to finding your best-fit college.
EducationUSA
EducationUSA is a U.S. State Department–supported network of more than 430 international student advising centers across more than 175 countries and territories. It helps students worldwide explore accredited U.S. colleges and universities by providing reliable, up-to-date information on studying in the U.S. “Sometimes huge offices, sometimes a tiny one, but all of them are a wealth of unbiased, in-depth information,” says Jennifer Ann Aquino, an independent educational consultant and author of “The International Family Guide to US University Admissions.” She adds that “signing up with your local EducationUSA office should be the first thing you do.”
College websites
Colleges and universities almost always have websites providing information about academics, admissions, costs and campus life. Students can use a spreadsheet to list and compare these details across schools and to stay organized and make clearer decisions. A prospective school’s website is useful to get “details on student life, professors, current students, curriculum, majors and minors and of course the application process,” Aquino says. “Only trust the actual university’s website for its application info, as it will obviously be up to date and totally accurate.”
Admissions offices
A college’s admissions office is your main point of contact when applying to U.S. colleges. Students can contact the admissions office directly by email, phone or live chat. Schools typically list admissions contact details on their official website. “They know their stuff, work so hard, are responsive and full of information and will do everything to keep their door open to prospective applicants,” Aquino says. Admissions offices are also the go-to if you’re interested in scheduling a campus visit or have questions about your application and supporting materials.
International student services offices
Many college campuses have a separate international student services office dedicated to supporting international students. Staff members assist students before they arrive and throughout their studies. Information is provided on visa requirements, arrival logistics, housing options and campus life, and the office often organizes programs tailored to international students. They may also provide information sessions on health insurance, banking and immigration, as well as cultural workshops, social events and excursions. International student service offices often have a webpage on the school’s website with contact and other information.
Education fairs
Many U.S. colleges travel abroad to attend education fairs, also called college fairs. These events allow students to explore U.S. higher education and compare schools and academic programs. “You can meet the actual admissions officer who will be reading and deciding your application at these fairs,” Aquino says. Attend with a list of questions, introduce yourself and “let them know you will follow up with more,” Aquino says. Mark Ashwill, managing director and co-founder of Capstone Education, says college fairs “a valuable way of meeting face to face and speaking directly or with the assistance of an interpreter.” Virtual education fairs are also sometimes available.
High school counselors
High school counselors can assist students with post-graduation planning. Counselors help prospective international students understand their college options in the U.S. and how to pursue them. “Your guidance counselor is your ally,” Aquino says. Students should meet with their counselor early and sit down with some initial questions. Keep them posted about where you plan to apply, get their feedback and ask for a timeline for what you need to get to them and when, Aquino advises. Your counselor can also write you a letter of recommendation, so get connected by junior year “and put in the effort to keep that relationship alive,” she says.
Home country alumni
Connecting with international alumni can provide insight into how a college prepares graduates for careers after graduation and daily campus life. Students can search for alumni via LinkedIn, or ask a school’s admissions office to arrange an introduction with a recent graduate. You can also look for regional and local alumni clubs and university groups in your area, which can be searched for online or through colleges. “These are incredible resources that oftentimes will host gatherings with admissions officers — and even the presidents of the university — to invite prospective families for info sessions and meet and greet,” Aquino says.
Current international students
Many colleges will connect applicants with current international students, including official student ambassadors and mentors who share tips and answer questions. Family and friends can also help with additional connections with students studying in the U.S. who can share “what it’s really like at a given institution and in that community,” Ashwill says. “Many students already have friends studying overseas. If not, or not in that particular country, schools can introduce student ambassadors and others willing to share their experiences.” Request a current student from your home country or region to directly speak to, Aquino recommends.
Study in the States website
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website explains the student visa process for international students and legal requirements for studying in the U.S., including information about working in the U.S. as an international student. The site has informative blog posts and various tools that help with aspects such as school search and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS is also an important site to monitor since U.S. immigration rules, as well as requirements for international students and other foreign nationals, have been changing and may continue to.
General college search websites
Many independent websites offer information about U.S. colleges, such as the College Board as well as the U.S. News College Compare tool, to evaluate and compare schools across key metrics. “Chatbots can summarize this information with the right prompts,” Ashwill says. “This is especially useful for checking department websites and faculty profiles.” Using a variety of college search resources, such as student forums, can provide a full picture of what it’s really like to attend college in the U.S. These resources can provide data on student graduation rates, job attainment, average debt and return on investment — and can help prospective international students ultimately make informed decisions.
Learn more about studying in the U.S.
Find out the biggest reasons to choose college in the U.S. and learn about financial aid opportunities for international students by following U.S. News Education on Facebook and X/Twitter.
Free U.S college resources
— EducationUSA
— College websites
— Admissions offices
— International student services offices
— Education fairs
— High school counselors
— Home country alumni
— Current international students
— Study in the States website
— General college search websites
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10 Free Resources to Help International Students Find a U.S College originally appeared on usnews.com