Bachelor / Master / Ph.D completed in a foreign country and planning on pursuing another degree in the United States:

The United States is one of the most sought after destination for students all over the world to pursues their higher education. It has one of the largest and most versatile systems of higher education with more than 3000 colleges and universities. Any student willing and able to study will find a suitable place at one of these universities, the key being finding the right institution.

Internet is one of the best sources of information, with students in any country having information at their finger tip sitting half way around the world. Most educational institutions have websites that contain a wealth of information and instructions on how to submit an application for admission, including special instructions for international students. Most major cities have a U.S. embassy, consulate or USIS (U.S. information services/library). You can visit one of these to get more information.

First, you must have a clear idea of what you wish to study and where in the US you would like to be located. There are also financial considerations to take into account, as study in the US is costly and the amount can vary enormously from institution to institution. Field of study, geography and cost will help you narrow your selection.

The next step is to contact the universities that appeal to you and obtain information from them. As it can take some time to complete the application process, the earlier you begin the better it is for you. Start your search at least 12 months in advance; if you are planning to begin your studies in the autumn of 2009 you should start contacting universities in the autumn of 2008. American universities admit new students twice a year. Although the largest intake is usually in the autumn, students are also admitted in the spring semester which starts in January, therefore if you want to start in January of the year 2009, begin your search in January 2008.

Once you have gathered all the information and application forms from the universities that interest you, read them carefully and follow their instructions. Most will require that you fill out an application form and submit it, together with your educational qualifications, test results and one or more letters of recommendation from former teachers. They will also require that you pay an application fee.

All universities in the United States require applicants to take what are known as ‘standardized tests’ designed to measure students’ aptitude for further study. Students whose native language is not English must also demonstrate their proficiency by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test, which is administered all over the world. Graduate schools of business and MBA programs usually require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT); post-graduate programs in other disciplines require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Information about all the tests is included in the application package, or can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Web site provided in the “Resources” section.

The admissions office is responsible for receiving applications, credentials, test results, letters of recommendations and application fees. When a file is complete, it is reviewed and a decision taken on admission. For post-graduate admission, the file is referred to the department to be reviewed by professors who make the final decision.

The review has several steps. In the first stage, credentials are compared to American credentials to determine whether the candidate meets minimum requirements and deserves further consideration. In the second stage grades, test results and letters of recommendations are closely examined to determine the quality of the application and how it compares with the rest of the applicant pool. It is more difficult to gain admission at a university of very high standing because of the intense competition for places. Even if you are not admitted to one university, do not despair, because there may be others that would be willing to admit you It is common and best to apply to more than one institution and in different locations. Many American students apply to ten schools; three “reach” schools, four “on target” schools, and three “safety” schools, to ensure admission without forfeiting the chance to study at the best school possible.

The most important element in your application package is your educational qualifications, including degrees, diplomas, certificates and the corresponding statement of marks or examination results. The requirements of American institutions are very specific in this regard: final degree and diploma certificates alone are not sufficient, as detailed records of the subjects studied and annual examination results are essential and must be submitted. Care must be taken in gathering those documents, and do not overlook anything because it will only delay your application. If your documents are not in English, you must have them translated and submit both the translation and the original language documents.

Several universities employ specialists in foreign educational systems and credentials to review documents submitted by international students. Others will instruct applicants to have their credentials evaluated by an independent organization (such as us) that specializes in foreign credential evaluation. The evaluation is a written report that contains both a description and an interpretation of foreign education qualifications in US terms. There are two types of evaluation: the basic General Document evaluation and the comprehensive course-by-course evaluation. The General Document evaluation report describes each credential and gives it a US equivalent. A course-by-course report also includes a list of all post-secondary coursework converted in equivalent US semester credits and grades.

If you obtain an independent evaluation of your educational qualifications early on, it will give you some idea of what your educational background is worth in the US, and what programs you are qualified for and should apply to and which ones not.

That information can be very helpful when you make preparations for study in the United States, especially in using your time and energy most effectively, and in finding the college or university that is just right for you.