Guide to US Undergraduate and Graduate Program Applications:

Below is a list of what you can expect to submit when applying to US undergraduate and graduate schools:

Undergraduate (Bachelors) admissions requirements:

1. TOEFL score (often minumum 80 ibt or 213 cbt) or IELTS (about 7)
2. SAT or ACT test score, especially if you graduated from a US high school or International School
3. high school diploma & transcripts (evaluated professionally and translated)
4. 2-3 recommendation letters from teachers
5. personal statement showing educational background, interests and aims
6. application form

At this level, most colleges are concerned with bringing in well-rounded students who are motivated and want to be involved. Students should focus on describing their strong points in their personal statement.

Graduate (masters) admissions requirements:

1. TOEFL score (about 80 ibt / 213 cbt or higher if applying to a very good school)
2. GMAT (business), GRE (general), LSAT (law) score
3. original undergraduate diploma & transcripts (evaluated professionally and translated)
4. recommendation letters from teachers/employers
5. personal statement showing educational and professional background, interests and aims
6. application form
7. a resume
8. if going to medical school, student will have to have taken certain science classes during undergraduate studies

At this level, schools will be keen to see what kind of work experience and career research directions a student can bring to the program. However, competition is increased and students should be sure to provide the highest GMAT, GRE or LSAT scores possible.

Community College:
After high school graduation (typically at 18 yrs old), some US students apply directly to a 4-year undergraduate (bachelor?s degree) program. Others decide to apply to a community college for a certificate (1 yr) or an associate?s degree (2 yrs). After that, these students often continue to a bachelor?s program for an overall total of 4 years of education. Many students are attracted to this pathway because the bachelor?s degree diploma is issued by the 4-year school and student can often save money during the 1st two years at the community college through cheaper tuition rates.