According to the latest higher education rankings published by Times Higher Education, US News, and TopUniversities, the United States has over 250 universities and institutions.

Around 1 million international students opt to register at a university or college in the United States for a variety of reasons, including the allure of living the American dream or just the compelling prospect of achieving success in “the land of the free and home of the brave.”

But, how can you know if you’ll be accepted into one? I’ll go over some of the stages and techniques to choosing a university and ensuring that you have what it takes to be admitted in the following sections.

1. US universities to consider for your studies

Here are some top US universities you should consider for your study abroad adventure:

• University of California, Berkeley
• Northeastern University
• Kansas State University
• Wichita State University
• University of San Francisco
• Boston University
• Bay Path University
• Columbia University

You can also choose an online Master’s degree from universities based in the US. Here are just a couple of examples:

• Walden University
• Kettering University Online

2. Prepare to apply

• Most universities give you the option to apply directly on their websites.
• Be sure to read the requirements carefully when applying to American universities. Some will require standardised tests (e.g. GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT), and others will ask for different documents (writing samples, portfolio, list of patents) as part of the application process.
• Most students apply to 3-5 universities to increase their chances of being admitted.
• University application fees are usually between 75-100 USD, depending on the university. If you have trouble paying your admission fee, contact the university or programme directly.
• Non-US students may be required to supply proof that their English-language skills are proficient enough to attend classes. Be sure to have your TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or C1 Advanced certificates available.

The US doesn’t currently have an application system for all universities. Local and international students should apply directly through the university. Use the links on the university websites, and follow the instructions carefully.

3. Language requirements for US university applications

To ensure that you are able to effectively learn and participate in your classes, you will need to show that you have good enough English-language skills to apply for admission to a U.S. university. The minimum scores will depend largely on the programme and the university. Most U.S. universities will accept one of these tests:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing Service)
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
• C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English Advanced)

Double check the university and programme requirements to see the minimum score they expect from applicants.

4. Required university application documents

Different universities and programmes will require different documents. However, these are the items you are most likely to need if you apply to a university in the US:

• Transcripts or records of grades (high school and/or university)
• Résumé/CV
• Test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
• Proof of English-language proficiency
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose
• Application fee
• Writing sample
• Passport photo

5. University application deadlines in the US

If you are applying for an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in the US, universities will typically offer two application deadlines – early admission and regular admission.

• If you’re applying for the fall (autumn) admission, early deadlines will be between October and November, the previous year.
• If you’re applying for the fall (autumn) admission, regular admission deadlines will be between February and March, the same year.

If you are applying for a post-graduate (Master’s or PhD) degree, your American university application deadline will depend on the semester in which you are enrolling (spring intake or fall intake).

• If you are applying for the fall admission, your deadline can be anywhere from January to March.
• If you are applying for the spring admission, your deadline is probably anywhere between July and September, the previous year.

These deadlines can vary drastically depending on which programme you are applying for or which university you wish to attend. Be sure to contact the programme itself if you’re not sure about the correct deadline.

6. Final steps after receiving the university acceptance letter

Congratulations on getting your acceptance letter!

• If you aren’t a US citizen, you will need to use your acceptance letter to apply for the F-1 student visa.
• Be sure to take some time to apply for funding and scholarships. You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.
• Check whether the university you applied to requires an enrolment fee to secure your spot there.
• Celebrate your victory of being admitted at the university of your dreams!