How can I apply to college with international qualifications?

I've completed high school outside the U.S. and am now looking at colleges in the States. How can I make sure my international qualifications are considered in the applications? Any tips on recognition or conversion?

Applying to U.S. universities as an international student is certainly possible and is commonly done. Here is the general process:

1. Understand Admission Requirements: Be aware that most U.S. universities evaluate applicants holistically, considering factors like academic record, extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendation letters.

2. Course Evaluation: Most U.S. institutions will ask to see your coursework from the last four years of secondary school, along with your exam results. Universities usually evaluate these records themselves, comparing your performance to the curriculum structure in your country. That said, it's crucial to provide a detailed explanation of your country's educational system or grading scale if it's different than the U.S. system, so they can understand your achievements in the right context.

3. Document Translation: Transcripts or other documents not originally in English typically need to be translated. Be sure to ask specific universities about their policies, as some might require professional translations.

4. Standardized Testing: Many universities require or recommend SAT or ACT scores. As of 2024-2025, the SAT is digital and can be taken anywhere with internet access. Regardless, both tests have international testing centers as well. Additionally, if English isn't your first language, you may need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test to show English proficiency.

5. Financial Aid: Look into financial aid opportunities for international students at each university you're considering. Each university has different policies, so start researching early.

6. Visa Process: If admitted, you'll need to secure a student visa. Universities should provide a form I-20 or DS-2019 to initiate the visa process.

7. Supplemental Material: Some universities may also require or allow additional supplemental materials, like artwork or music recordings for relevant programs.

8. Deadlines: Keep track of deadlines for applications. They may be different for international students.

Remember each university might have slightly different requirements. My advice would be to make a list of universities you're interested in and visit each of their admissions websites to gather specific information. You can also reach out to the admissions offices directly with any questions you have about their application process for international students. Good luck with your college applications!