Studying in the USA as an Australian student

I'm an Australian student interested in studying in the USA. What differences should I expect in the application process compared to local universities, and are there specific resources or groups to reach out to for support?

As an international student, there are indeed some distinct steps you'll need to take compared to applying to universities locally in Australia.

First, you need to understand your course interest, your budget, and the type of college experience you want. In the U.S., there are more than 4,500 colleges and universities, with diverse locations, sizes, religious affiliations, and special programs.

Once you've decided on your priorities, researching and shortlisting universities that align with your criteria is a good next step. This may include geographic location, available courses, public vs. private, campus culture, and a host of other factors.

Regarding the specifics of the application, most US colleges use the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the school's application portal. In the application, you'll typically need:

1. Transcripts: You'll need to provide your official high school transcripts. Usually, they should be translated to English if they aren't already, and sometimes they may need to be converted to an American grading scale for understanding equivalence.

2. Standardized Tests: Most U.S. universities used to require the SAT or ACT, but many have become test-optional due to the pandemic. So, it could be beneficial to check the universities you're targeting to understand their specific requirements.

3. Application Essays: Most U.S. colleges require one main essay (such as the Common App Essay) and usually have a couple of additional "supplemental" essays that are specific to each school.

4. Letters of Recommendation: U.S. colleges usually require two or three letters of recommendation, typically from your teachers and/or counselor.

5. Interview: Some US colleges encourage or require an interview, though these are often just a chance for the university to get to know you better and are not always heavily weighted in the decision process.

As far as resources go, the EducationUSA website is a comprehensive resource managed by the U.S. Department of State and designed specifically to help international students navigate the process of studying in the U.S. They also have advising centers worldwide that offer face-to-face and virtual advising.

Always remember that each university might have its specific requirements, so make sure you double-check each school's website or call their admissions office to get the most accurate and updated information.

Additionally, consider reaching out to the International Students Office at the specific universities you're interested in. They can be a valuable resource in helping you understand the application process, as well as providing information on potential financial aid and scholarships.

I hope this gives you a good starting point! Applying to U.S. institutions as an international student can be challenging, but with the right resources and diligent research, it's achievable. Good luck!