What do I need to study in the USA?

I'm thinking about going to college in the US after high school. What requirements do I need to meet, like exams or other criteria, before I can study there?

To study in the U.S. as an international student, there are several things you might need to do:

1. Academic Records: You must submit your high school transcript. The school might also ask for official transcripts for any college-level classes you’ve taken.

2. English Proficiency: If English isn't your first language, you may need to take an English proficiency test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. Each college will have its own minimum score requirement.

3. Standardized Tests: Depending on the schools to which you're applying, you might need to take the SAT or the ACT. Some selective schools like Dartmouth, Harvard, Purdue, Brown, Yale, UT Austin, and Caltech require these scores for the 2024-2025 application cycle, while others like Columbia, Princeton, Stanford, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, NYU, UChicago, UNC Chapel Hill, UMich, USC, and Drexel are test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit your scores.

4. Financial Proof: You'll likely need to provide proof of financial support. This means you'll need to show you can cover your academic and personal expenses while studying in the U.S. This requirement is meant to ensure international students have adequate financial resources to live and study in the US.

5. Application: In addition to the items listed above, you’ll need to complete the application for each college to which you're applying. This generally involves writing an essay and furnishing letters of recommendation.

6. Visa: After acceptance, you would apply for a visa to study in the U.S. The standard one is the F-1 visa for academic studies.

Remember, every school's requirements can differ, so be sure to check each college's specific application procedures. Some colleges may even have additional requirements for international students, such as additional essays or interviews. Good luck!