U.S. undergraduate study focuses on exploration of varied areas of knowledge rather than immediate specialization. Students are expected to establish a broad base of “general education” or “liberal arts” study through courses that provide solid background in the arts, social sciences and languages, science, and mathematics. This type of education is offered in most U.S. undergraduate programs, not just at “liberal arts colleges.”

Institutions characterizing themselves as liberal arts colleges typically have a strong focus on undergraduate teaching. They may have smaller classes and more selective admissions than other types of institutions, but this will vary from institution to institution—it is best to look at the particular college rather than relying on its classification.

Awards based on academic excellence (often called “merit” awards) are the most common type available to international students. Level of financial need is often also a factor and some awards are primarily “need based,” though it is hard for U.S. universities to accurately determine financial need in the case of international students.

“Talent” awards are usually for ability in the visual or performing arts. You may have to submit a portfolio of your work or an audio- or videotape of yourself performing, or even audition in person. Consult the specific school for details.

Other awards may be based on your past involvement in community leadership and service, or they may require you to spend a certain number of hours in support of the local U.S. community. In the case of international students, service may take the form of speaking about your country to community and school groups.

Some awards are reserved for women (or, less often, men), international students or U.S. citizens, members of particular religious or ethnic groups, or other special categories such as individuals with disabilities.

AMIDEAST EducationUSA centers periodically provide presentations giving more information on scholarships and strategies for winning one.

Yes, two-year undergraduate institutions (“community colleges”) are typically less expensive than four-year institutions, though they do not generally offer financial aid as do many four-year institutions. Community colleges also typically offer such advantages as a flexible and less demanding admissions process, faculty who concentrate exclusively on teaching, and good student support services.

As indicated by the name, community colleges were historically founded to serve local communities, with most students living close by. While international students are welcome, typically there is no on-campus housing and extracurricular campus activities may be limited.

Many students begin their undergraduate study at a community college, graduate with an associate’s degree, then transfer their credits to a four-year institution and finish the last two years of the bachelor’s degree there.

Not all two-year degrees are designed to transfer. Some are vocational, designed to provide workplace skills, and will not transfer. Make sure you are entering a transfer program if you want a bachelor’s degree.

Specific transfer/articulation agreements between two- and four-year colleges are helpful in ensuring maximum credit transfer, so find out about agreements colleges you are considering may have established. Academic planning can be complicated, so meet early with the academic adviser at your two-year college as well as discussing your plan in advance with four-year colleges that interest you.

Undergraduates may be able to earn credit for postsecondary-level courses that they have taken previously that are comparable to those offered by the U.S. university they plan to attend. Check with individual admissions offices regarding this possibility and how to have such credits evaluated.

Over 2,900 U.S. institutions also award credit for success on particular examinations. Which examinations and scores needed vary by institution. You can read more about two of the more commonly accepted and widely available tests, CLEP and DSST, on this site. You can take CLP and DSST tests at AMIDEAST EducationUSA centers.

If you have work experience that includes structured corporate training (or other nondegree training) or if you have taken professional certification tests, check to see if they are included in the credit recommendation published by the American Council on Education. Be aware that the recommendations are only recommendations and will not be accepted by all universities. Other advanced nondegree training, work, or other life experience can sometimes, though less commonly, be considered for credit. Again, the key is to show that knowledge gained through such training or experience is comparable to specific courses offered by the U.S. university. This may involve “portfolio assessment,” which can be a fairly complex process, varying from school to school. You would probably only want to pursue portfolio assessment if you have a really substantial amount of life experience that you think might be applicable; if so, ask universities if such assessment is a possibility there.

Many universities do not make admission decisions until March or April. The university will not act upon your application until they have received all required documents, including any required test scores (which must be sent from the testing agency). Applying to schools with rolling admissions may help you get a quicker answer but you will still have to wait until your application is complete before it is acted upon.

Once you have heard from the different universities that you applied to (be sure to apply to more than one!), make your decision among those accepting you and write a letter to the university that you choose, confirming that you accept admission.

In addition to a formal offer of admissions, the accepting institution provides successful applicants with an I-20 form, which allows the student to obtain an F-1 or "student" visa. (Students sponsored by U.S. government and some other exchange program will instead receive an IAP-66 from that exchange program, which enables the student to obtain a J-1 or "exchange visitor" visa.) You will need to take the form provided along with your letter of admission, academic records, and financial documents when you apply for a visa.

Write to any other universities that you had applied to informing them that you will not attend and enclosing the unused I-20s.

Some universities and colleges ask for a monetary deposit prior to registration. If this is the case, check whether the deposit is refundable, especially in case the U.S. visa is denied. Reserve housing if desired. Health forms also usually need to be completed prior to registration, requiring documentation of vaccinations and a medical examination.

See “Questions and Answers on Visas” for more on obtaining a visa.