Some typical international students questions--and answers--concerning study in the U.S.

"When can I start to take "regular" university courses?"
Many students from around the world decide to stay in the U.S.A. to study for a university degree after having studied in an English Language Program. This decision requires good planning in order to be the right decision for the student. There are many things to think about, discover and do before the student can successfully choose and be admitted to a college or university degree program.

"How good must my Engli

sh be to study for a degree in the U.S.A.?"
Very good! Particularly for a four-year Bachelor's or undergraduate degree, Business and Management students must have exceptionally good English skills to succeed in an American university. Even in an Engineering, Computer Science or technical field, students must be able to analytically read and write English, do laboratory reports and speak clearly because students are expected to actively and orally participate in all classes. Many of the non-major courses required to graduate from an American university are courses like Sociology, Philosophy, College Composition and Political Science which expect the student to write library research papers.

"What TOEFL score must I have to be admitted?"
All schools have TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) admission requirements. Minimum scores differ from school to school. Most schools require a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL. Remember, a 550 TOEFL score is not a good score--it is a minimum score--which means many other international students will have scores of 625 and above when admitted. The student will be competing with them as well as native English speakers.

"If I have attended an English Language Program at a university, will I be automatically admitted to that school?"
No. Admission to an English Language Program does not mean the student has also been admitted to the college or university degree program--even if the student has reached the minimum TOEFL score. The student must apply separately to the college or university degree program.

"How do I apply to a degree program at an American college or university?"
The student must make an appointment to see someone in the admissions office. The student must complete a formal admissions application, which is usually three or four pages in length. The student must send the student's high school or previous university records to the admissions office. Sometimes, the student must send letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught the student in the past.

"How long does the admissions process take? Are there admission deadlines?"
This varies from college to college. At large schools, it may take six months to a year to complete the entire admissions process from application to acceptance and start of classes. At smaller schools, it may take six months. In any case, start early. Deadlines at large schools sometimes occur in November for admission the following September. In many other places, deadlines occur in March and acceptances are sent in April for September enrollment.

"When should I begin to apply to schools?"
Start early! Start now! Because the complete admissions process is long, begin the application process soon. Do not wait until the required TOEFL score is obtained. The student can apply and be admitted as a "conditional admit" at many schools. This means that the school has admitted the student on the student's past academic record from the student's home country and is waiting for the student to obtain the minimum TOEFL score.

"Can I enter the college/university program only in September?"
No. Most schools will accept students at the beginning of every semester (fifteen-week session) or term (ten-week session). Semesters begin at most schools in the U.S.A. in early September and in late January. Schools on term systems also have a session beginning in mid-March. Most schools also have sessions during the summer months of June, July and August.

"Who can help me complete the application process?"
The Indus Foundation can help the student from A to Z of the admission process. Remember, there are over 3,100 accredited colleges and universities across the U.S.A.--the student'll need professional advice and guidance to decide where and what the student should study.

"What tests do I need to take to be admitted to a degree program in the U.S.A.?"
Each school has different requirements but most require the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to determine the student's English ability. Undergraduate degree programs may require the math portion of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Graduate degree programs may require the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), the GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) or other standardized tests given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). These tests are given frequently in the U.S.A., and the Indian sub-continent throughout the year.

"Can I start taking university courses while I am still in the English Language Program?"
This depends on the school. If the students' English Language Program is part of a college or university campus, the students may "audit" (just listen to, not take for credit) regular university courses while the students are studying English. In many programs, students at advanced levels of English (TOEFL scores of 500 and above) are able to take a limited number of credit-bearing university courses while still studying English. But remember, even if the students do well in these courses, this does not mean the students have been accepted at the college or university for a degree. The students must go through the formal admissions process and be officially admitted as a "matriculated" students.

"What is a "matriculated" student?"
A "matriculated" student is a student officially and formally studying for a degree at an American college or university. A visiting student who has not gone through the formal admissions process is not a "matriculated" student, even though he or she is earning credits.

"What are "credits"?"
"Credits" are the currency of America's higher education. The American university system is a credit-based, not comprehensive exam-based, system. Students make progress toward receiving their degree by accumulating credits. One credit is roughly equivalent to one hour of class time. Students are expected to attend and participate actively in all classes. Most undergraduate degree programs require 120-130 credits to graduate with a bachelor's degree. Students on a semester (fifteen-week) system usually take fifteen credits a semester. Each course normally counts for three credits. Most students accumulate on average thirty credits per academic year. The academic year normally spans the months of September through June. The student must be a "matriculated" student to have the student's "credits" count toward a degree.

"Is it easy to be admitted to an American college or university?"
Yes, it is relatively easy if the student has excellent academic background. However, there is strong competition at many schools.

"Is it easy to graduate with a degree from an American college or university?"
No--this is often the biggest misconception international students have about American higher education. The student must work and study very hard from the first moment the student enters to maintain a good Grade Point Average (GPA). At most schools, if the student's GPA falls below 3.0 (out of a possible 4.0), the student may be asked to leave. This is called "flunking out." It is for this reason that schools establish minimum TOEFL scores for admission of international students.