Advice for International Students for the College Application Process

In order to be best prepared for all that lies ahead for college admissions, we want you to be aware of the following items that international students will need as they go into senior year. 

1.       TOEFL

If you are a non-native English speaker, you should take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) before you leave in June.  Please make sure to have your score reported to Prep (code is 8107)  Make a copy of your score report.  Do not lose it!  You need to prepare for this test.  Visit the web cite at www.toefl.org or call 1-800-446-3319 to request a CD-rom from TOEFL.  You must make an appointment to take this test.  It is offered through the Sylvan Learning Center and is now taken on the computer.  Most of our students will take the test twice—Colleges will consider your best score.

  2.       VISA

While you are home either over spring break or in the summer, make sure that all of your Visa documentation is up to date and in order.  You will have to submit copies of your documentation to every college to which you apply.

  3.       CONSISTENT USE OF LEGAL NAME AND ADDRESS

Because many of you do not have Social Security numbers, it is imperative that you are consistent with how you register for tests, have your name on your Prep transcript, and which name you use on applications.  Avoid nicknames or abbreviations.  Use your full legal name to avoid inconsistencies.  The same is true with legal address and mailing address.  You should not use your home address as your mailing address; use the school’s address in order to make sure that you have easy and timely access to your mail. 

4.    STANDARDIZED TESTS

Before you leave in June, you should have taken at least SATs and most likely also one set of SAT IIs.  Make sure you have registered for the May SATs if you do not plan to take the April test.  Talk to Ms. Bloom or Mr. Maczynski about which SAT IIs are appropriate for you to take.  Again, most students will re-take these tests in the senior fall.  WE DON”T WANT YOU TAKING THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE FALL!

5.       TEST PREPARATION

The reality is that most students prepare formally for standardized tests.  There are numerous ways to prepare, and it depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses.  Sometimes a tutor works best.  In general we do not recommend Princeton Review courses for international students, unless that is what is available to you at home this summer.  We have seen that work with an individual tutor, specifically focusing on the verbal section, has paid good benefits for this year’s seniors.  Consult with us on what might be best for you.

6.        BANKING FORMS

You will be asked by colleges to submit a banking statement and/or letter of financial support.  These indicate that there is sufficient money for your college tuition to be paid. The letter will give your parent’s account balance and history at the bank, including the average bank balance on hand in the account.  It is a good idea to get banking information from your parents or guardian this summer and give your counselor a copy of that information. 

7.        ACCESS TO CHECKS OR CREDIT CARD

To register for standardized tests and to apply to colleges you will need easy access to a credit card number or checks.  Because it is sometimes necessary to use the phone during the day, it is also good to have a calling card number that you can use to call colleges or the test agencies.

8.       CONTACT WITH PARENTS OR GUARDIAN

If your parents will be in town before the end of the school year, we would like to meet with them.  If that is not possible, let us know if they have access to e-mail or fax so that we can get in touch with them.  Please provide us with both e-mail and fax information.

9.       FINANCIAL AID

Most colleges do not offer international students financial aid.  There are some, however, who do.  You need to let your counselor know if this is an issue in your college choice.

10.   ESSAY WRITING

Keep your essays from English, history or religion classes. These can form the basis for essay responses on your applications.  Also, there are some colleges that ask for graded writing samples with teacher comments.  Do not throw out your papers at the end of the year.

11.   KEEPING THE LIST MANAGEABLE

As you head into senior fall, you should seek to narrow your list to 8-10 colleges.  Remember that you have to do your senior coursework and complete your applications.  There is no need to apply to a dozen or more schools. 

12.   TRANSCRIPTS

If you have attended another high school, please make sure that you have copies of your other transcript (with some sort of official) so that we can send them along with your Prep materials.