NON-NATIVE

ENGLISH SPEAKERS’
GUIDE TO AMERICAN
UNIVERSITIES

This guide will help international students learn about the American university system
with important details about the application process, standardized tests, how to evaluate
foreign educational documents, and much more. It will also provide perspective students
with the necessary resources to successfully integrate into the American university
system as a non-native English speaker.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why Study Abroad - 2
The American Education System - 5
How to Apply to an American University from Abroad - 10
Proving English Proficiency - 10
Transferring Credit from Another University - 13
Sending Documents, Transcripts and Diplomas - 16
Will My Degree Be Relevant in My Country? - 19
English 101 Preparation - 19

01
Why Study at an American University?

American universities offer students many benefits including

small class sizes, diverse program options, a well-rounded education,
and high graduation employment rates.

American Degrees are Considered the Gold Standard of Higher Education

An accredited American degree is usually recognized worldwide due to the fact that the
American university system is considered to be the gold standard of higher education.
But while most companies, especially international companies, look favorably upon holders of
Accredited American degrees, it is recommended that each prospective student check to ensure
that the American university which they are considering is recognized in their home country.

Well-Rounded Education
Nearly every American university’s curriculum contains some sort of general education require-
ments. These are general courses consisting of writing, English, math, science, humanities, history,
and sometimes a foreign language. Each student is required to fulfill these general education
requirements in their first two years of college. These first two years are for students to explore
new courses that they might not have taken in the past to help narrow down which major to
choose. The combination of general education requirements and major course requirements
creates the American model of a well-rounded education.

American Universities offer Diversity and Variety

The American university system is home to countless schools, areas of study, and specialty
degrees. If you are interested in studying business, for instance, you are not relegated to general
study, but can choose from many concentrations: accounting, marketing, international business,
business management, business administration, finance, and many more.

02
Students have many options when it comes to choosing a major and can also choose a spcializa-
tion within that major. This is a common theme with most majors at American universities.
For example, an Education department may offer students the abilitiy to choose from many
specializations, such as Elementary Education or Special Education.
This allows students to go more in-depth in their studies within their chosen major.

There is a university for everyone. Each university offers something a little different in regards to
size and educational style. Some campuses are quite large and others are very small, with some
that are right in the middle. Other universities are completely online and don’t have a campus.
According to Collegedata, a campus is considered small if it has less than 5,000 students,
a medium campus has between 5,000 and 15,000 students, and a campus is considered large if
there are over 15,000 students.

Students even have the option to choose a university based on class size and student-to-faculty
ratio. Different universities will have different class sizes as well as different types of classes.
Some universities might have many large lectures with many students in attendance, while others
will have smaller classes.

In addition to these different types of classes, American universities differ from one another in
terms of class participation style and how students interact with professors. It is up to each
prospective student to figure out which of these options suits them best.

Rich Campus Life

American universities provide a rich campus life to their students. Students have the option
to live in the dorms with their peers as well as join clubs – a chance to explore different hobbies
or try something new. A lot of American universities have sports teams that students rally
behind each season.

Living in the dorms provides a unique opportunity for students. At most universities, freshmen
(students in their first year) are required to live in the dorms, with an option to choose between
the dorms and living off-campus in the years that follow. Dorms allow students to easily meet new
people, and will often organize various events for students, such as a Halloween party or movie
night. These events foster a sense of community and help to create lifelong friendships.

Dorm residents are not left unsupervised, as each floor will have a Resident Assistant or Advisor
(RA) who is there to support students, enforce the rules, handle any disagreements, and create a
sense of community among the floor. RAs are students just like the residents, but usually in their
junior (third) year or senior (fourth) year of university. Each floor’s RA will also be in charge of
organizing floor events for residents.

03
Just as the dorms will have various events throughout the year, the university itself will organize
different events for all students to participate in, such as sporting events, rallies, homecoming,
and dances. These events help bring the whole student body together. Homecoming, for example,
is an entire weekend of events differing from university to university. Dance Marathons are a
common event that will be found on many campuses.

Students dance for 24-36 hours to help raise money for a charity. Campuses will also have blood
drives and other charity events put on by students for other students to participate in.

A unique aspect of American universities is college sports. Many universities will have multiple
sports teams for students to cheer for each week. Common college sports are football, basketball,
and volleyball. Sports games become a time for students to support their university in a different
way and have some fun after studying all week long. Some universities are more into sports than
others, and a school’s sports culture is often another deciding factor for prospective students.

Students attending American universities are encouraged to join one of the many clubs that are
offered at every university. Top University sorts the various clubs into categories: academic and
educational organizations, community service organizations, media and publication organiza-
tions, political or multicultural organizations, recreation and sports organizations, student
government organizations, and religious and spiritual organizations.

There is a club or organization for everyone. Joining one is completely up to each student.
Students do not have to join one if they do not want to, but it does provide students the
opportunity to meet new people, learn something new, and explore their interests.

Online Campus
Online learning is another great option for studying at an American university.
Online learning provides students a flexibility and accessibility that traditional campuses do
not. Students are able to continue working or taking care of their family with online learning.

With online learning, students are able to create their own schedule and do not have to attend
classes at set times and dates. They do not need to move to dorms either, they can stay at home.

Online college is great for students who can motivate themselves to complete their work each
week. Students will still have the chance to interact with their fellow classmates through class
discussion boards and professors are available as well.

There are many reasons to attend an American university such as the rich campus life and the
options that they provide in terms of academics. American universities provide a balance
between studying and fun as well as a well-rounded education.

There is a university for everyone. All you need to do is find it.

04
The American Education System

As an international student applying to an American university,

it is important to first understand the American education system.
It may different from that of your home country.
Throughout the many universities in America, there are notable differences,
but certain things will remain the same from university to university.
Understanding the structure, terminology, & culture of
American universities is helpful to all students entering the
American education system, especially those coming from abroad.

American University Hierarchy

American universities operate within a hierarchical organizational structure that starts at the top
with the president (sometimes referred to as Chancellor) of the university, often serving as the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The President serves as the public face of the university and has a broad range of responsibilities
including overseeing the academic quality of all university departments, overseeing the universi-
ty’s finances and fundraising efforts, implementing new university policies, and overseeing the
personnel of the university.

Just below the President of the University sits the Vice Presidents. Their role is to deal with internal
matters, helping to define and implement the academic vision and mission of the university.
A Provost, one of the Vice Presidents, is responsible for the academic affairs of the university from
curriculum to research. The Provost also oversees the recruitment of new faculty members. A Vice
Provost, who sits under the Provost, oversees specific areas of focus such as alumni relations,
research, or community outreach.

05
Provosts also oversee the leaders of all academic departments. The leaders of each academic
department are called Deans. Deans, such as the Dean of Arts and Sciences, or the Dean of
Business Administration, are responsible for hiring decisions, policies, and the quality of the
department, and are also the face of each department within the broader academic structure
of the university.

Last but not least are the instructors, sometimes referred to as professors or teachers.
The instructors of each department teach the courses, mentor students, and lead
research within the university.

Student Support at American Universities

As students progress along their academic journey, there are support structures in place within
the university to ensure their success.

Universities have whole departments just for students’ academic and non-academic wellbeing,
often called the Department of Student Services and headed by the Dean of Student Affairs.
Student services include academic concerns as well as personal development, mental and
physical health, stress management, social development, and more.

When students enter university, they are given an advisor to answer questions about academ-
ics and the university itself. Students’ advisors are there for mentorship and advice about
which courses to take, how to develop more effective study habits, and how to deal with the
challenges of being a university student.

Students can also turn to their instructors for support. If students have specific questions
regarding a course, they are encouraged to ask the instructor directly. The instructor will then
either discuss the material, recommend tutoring, or direct students to additional resources.
It is important to keep in mind that the relationship between students and instructors is
a professional relationship. Students should only address their instructors with
academic concerns.

Academic Standards of American Universities

At American universities, students are often met with high academic standards set forth by
the university. These often differ greatly from the standards expected of students in previous
schooling. Students are expected to take more control over their learning, with reading and
writing done out of the classroom. All ideas put forth for writing assignments should be
original ideas or cited properly to ensure there is no plagiarism.
Policies on academic ethics will differ from university to university, but one policy that is
constant across universities is a ban on plagiarizing, or copying another person’s work.

06
Plagiarism can refer to copying and pasting words from an online article or using another
student’s work as part of their own. Even if a student changes the words, it is still plagiarism
to copy someone else’s ideas. Although plagiarism is unacceptable, incorporating other
people’s words and ideas into one’s work is acceptable so long as the words are cited properly.

This means that after using someone else’s words, data, or concepts, students must include a
note within the paper saying exactly where this material came from. Citations are an important
part of academic work, and students’ grades will be affected if they do not include them, or
even if they are not presented properly. It is important to know how to cite works properly, and
this is one of the first things that students learn in university. Each instructor may have differ-
ent requirements for formatting citations.

Important Information about American Universities

Academic Year
It is important to note that an academic year for American universities is from fall to spring.
The year is broken into two semesters. The fall semester generally runs from September to the
15th of December. The spring semester is generally from from January 15th through June.
Some schools offer a short January term between the fall and spring semesters, and many
schools offer additional summer sessions as well.

Grading
All students are required to send transcripts (official records of grades from previous
academic institutions) to the universities they are applying to.
In the U.S., students are required to submit their Grade Point Average (GPA),
which is a calculated average of all the student’s grades presented as a number ranging from
0.0 (lowest) to 4.0 (highest). Each university will differ on the minimum acceptable GPA of
prospective students. It is advised that students check with the Office of Admissions with
any questions that arise.
International students applying to American universities from abroad should check with the
Office of Admissions to learn about all requirements for international students and whether
their academic experience will qualify them for admission at that institution.
There is a chance that international students will have to complete an extra year to help
prepare for the American system.

Levels of Study
Prior to beginning at University, Americans will have completed 12 years of schooling
in elementary and secondary school. Students begin elementary school around the age of 5,
finishing after completing six years. Students then move on to secondary school, consisting of
middle school and high school. After successfully completing high school, many students then
move onto university, often referred to as higher education. Within higher education there are
varying levels split between undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

07
Undergraduate Degrees:
All students entering university for the first time will be placed in an undergraduate program,
which will either be an associate degree program or a bachelor’s degree program.
Associate degree programs typically last 2 years. Graduates are then qualified to continue
studying for a bachelor’s degree. The credits earned in the associate degree program will
often transfer into the bachelor’s degree program, meaning that students can graduate in
just another 2 years.

Students will receive a broader education with a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes 4
years. Aspects of a bachelor’s degree include both general education requirements as well as
selecting a major, which is an academic area of focus. The student’s major is what will be listed
on the student’s diploma upon graduation. In order to continue on to the graduate level of
study, a bachelor’s degree is required.
To complete either an associate degree program or a bachelor’s degree program, students are
required to earn a set number of credits. Each course taken within the degree program will
earn the student a certain number of credits.

Graduate Degrees:
There are multiple levels of graduate degrees including a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D.
In order to study at the master’s level, students are required to have earned a bachelor’s
degree first. Students, most of the time, are also required to take the GRE (Graduate Record
Examination), which tests academic suitability for graduate level education, such as skills in
critical thinking or verbal reasoning.

There are also other tests required for different fields of study such as the LSAT for law school,
the MCAT for medical school, and the GMAT for business school.
Master’s degrees are more focused and specialized, whereas a bachelor’s degree is broader.
For the most part, master’s degrees prepare students for high level careers in a certain field.
There are also certain professions that require or give preference to candidates with
master’s degrees.

Depending on the program, a master’s degree can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to complete.
Just like undergraduate degrees, students must complete a certain number of credits. Before
being eligible for graduation, students will also need to complete a thesis – an intensive,
written research project on an issue of relevance to the student’s studies.

After completing a master’s degree, students have the option to continue on to a Ph.D.
(Doctorate) or go directly into the workforce feeling prepared and qualified in their given field.
There are two routes to a Ph.D. The first is to go directly from a bachelor’s degree program and
the second is to get a master’s degree first. In three to six years, students can expect to com-
plete their Ph.D., depending on their area of study and what type of work is necessary. Students
are awarded with a Ph.D. after presenting a thesis or a dissertation. Ph.D programs are
centered more around independent research and work than around classroom learning.
It is important to note that Ph.D. programs typically have high standards for admissions.

08
Dictionary of Terms & Concepts
for American Universities

Academic Advisor
an individual whose job it is to help students navigate the challenges
of college/university and make plans for their academic and professional careers
(also called Program Advisor).
Associate Degree
a type of undergraduate degree. Typically completed in two years, this degree prepares students
to continue studying at the bachelor’s degree level.

Bachelor’s Degree
a type of undergraduate degree. Typically completed in four years, this degree educates students
in a broad range of general academic areas as well as in a chosen major.

College versus University

both colleges and universities are institutions of higher education. While a college will only offer
a bachelor’s degree, a university will include both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Credits
all undergraduate degree programs, as well as master’s degree programs, will require students to
earn a certain amount of credits. Each course will give students a certain number of credits
towards their degree.

Dean
the head of a college or university department. For example, “Dean of Admissions.”

Diploma
a certificate showing that a student has graduated from a course of study with a certain
qualification. There are high school diplomas as well as undergraduate and graduate
degree diplomas.

Dissertation
a work of original research and scholarship to be presented by Ph.D. students.

09
Freshman
an individual in their first year of a bachelor’s degree program.

GPA
Grade Point Average. The calculated average of a student’s grades from high school or college/uni-
versity. GPAs range from 0.0 to 4.0.

CGPA
Cumulative Grade Point Average. The average of Grade Points obtained in all the subjects exclud-
ing the additional sixth subject as per Scheme of Studies.

Higher Education
This term refers to education at the college/university level.

Junior
an individual in their third year of a bachelor’s degree program.

Major
a student’s chosen area of study in an undergraduate program.

Master’s Degree
a type of graduate degree. Completed in one to three years, a master’s degree offers a specialized
education in a specific area of study.

Ph.D.
a type of graduate degree. This intensive course of study involves the completion of an original
dissertation.

Elementary School
The earliest level of formal schooling in the American system, starting at age 5
and lasting six years.

Secondary School
The second level of schooling in the American system, including middle school and high school.
Upon completion of high school, students receive a diploma and are qualified to continue to
higher education.

Senior
an individual in their fourth year of a bachelor’s degree program.

10
Sophomore
an individual in their second year of a bachelor’s degree program.

Syllabus
an outline of topics covered in a college or university course, including units of
study, texts, and assignments.

Teacher/Professor/Instructor
instructors in high school are typically referred to as teachers, while college and university
instructors are typically known as instructors or professors.

Thesis
an intensive research paper, often required by master’s degree programs.

Transcript
an official record of a student’s past academic experience and grades.

Transfer
to transfer is to switch from one college or university to another. Students who enter a college
or university as a transfer students may find that many of their credits transfer with them.

Tuition
the cost of college or university. Tuition refers to the cost of education itself, but does not
include other costs such as housing, learning materials, application fees, examination fees, etc.

Tutor– an individual who helps students prepare for courses and develop their grasp of course
material. Tutors may be professionals or assigned through peer-tutoring systems.

Withdrawal - withdrawal from a college or university program refers to temporarily or perma-

nently leaving the program before completing it.

11
How to Apply to an
American University from Abroad

The process of applying to an American university from abroad is not

necessarily a difficult one, but a time consuming one.
Students applying for undergraduate programs often start at least two
years in advance, maybe earlier.
Follow this timeline for a successful application process.

Two Years Prior to University

1. Students, both in and out of the U.S., will need to take the SAT’s.
2. Students should do research into which university best suits their interests.
Questions that one should ask themselves about institutions: does it offer the major I’m inter-
ested in? What are the graduation rates and how much is tuition? What are the class sizes and
how much personal attention do students get?
3. Once students have narrowed down their choices, the next step is to find out the admissions
process, requirements, and deadlines of each institution. Each school differs, so it is important
to do this early so as to not miss deadlines, and ensure that all requirements are met.
Most schools will require proof of English proficiency such as the TOEFL exam for
non-native English speakers.

One Year Prior to University

1. Students should begin their applications. Applications can be completed online,
but it is important to state that students should have all the information needed prior to
starting the application to ease the process. Before submitting it is very important to
double check that all information is correct.
2. Make a financial plan to figure out if scholarships or financial aid is needed. Then research
which scholarships you are eligible for.
3. After applying, students wait for the school’s decision and then decide which school to attend
in the fall.
4. Students should acquire the proper visa for attending university in America.

The steps laid out above will help anyone who is applying from abroad to an American university.

12
Proving English Proficiency

English proficiency exam options don’t have to be overwhelming & complicated.

If you did not study in a high school or university in which the
language of instruction was English, you can take a recognized international
English test prior to starting your studies at an American university.
Here is a short summary of the different English proficiency tests offered.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL exam is one of the most popular English proficiency exams, accepted by over 9,000
universities, colleges, and agencies across more than 130 countries. There are two options for
the test: The TOEFL iBT test is administered via the Internet, and the TOEFL PBT test is adminis-
tered in a paper-delivered format, offered only in areas where testing via the Internet is not
available. Most of the questions are multiple-choice and the test takes around 4 hours.
Minimum score for American universities*: For the paper-based test, the minimum score
required by universities is a 500 for acceptance to undergraduate degree programs, and a
minimum of 530 for MBA programs. For the internet-based test, a minimum score of 61 is
required for our undergraduate degree programs, and a minimum of 71 for the MBA program.
You can take the test as many times as you’d like, but there is a waiting period of
12 days between attempts.
Frequency: The paper-based exam is offered four times per year, and the internet-based exam
is offered more than 50 times per year.
Location: You can take the TOEFL exam in many countries across the world at ETS-authorized
test centers. Click here to find out where.
Cost: The TOEFL PBT fees are $170, and the TOEFL iBT fees are around $180-$240
depending on the test location.
Preparation materials: Click here for preparation materials for the TOEFL exams.

13
Provosts also oversee the leaders of all academic departments. The leaders of each academic
department are called Deans. Deans, such as the Dean of Arts and Sciences, or the Dean of
Business Administration, are responsible for hiring decisions, policies, and the quality of the
department, and are also the face of each department within the broader academic structure
of the university.

Last but not least are the instructors, sometimes referred to as professors or teachers.
The instructors of each department teach the courses, mentor students, and lead
research within the university.

Student Support at American Universities

As students progress along their academic journey, there are support structures in place within
the university to ensure their success.

Universities have whole departments just for students’ academic and non-academic wellbeing,
often called the Department of Student Services and headed by the Dean of Student Affairs.
Student services include academic concerns as well as personal development, mental and
physical health, stress management, social development, and more.

When students enter university, they are given an advisor to answer questions about academ-
ics and the university itself. Students’ advisors are there for mentorship and advice about
which courses to take, how to develop more effective study habits, and how to deal with the
challenges of being a university student.

Students can also turn to their instructors for support. If students have specific questions
regarding a course, they are encouraged to ask the instructor directly. The instructor will then
either discuss the material, recommend tutoring, or direct students to additional resources.
It is important to keep in mind that the relationship between students and instructors is
a professional relationship. Students should only address their instructors with
academic concerns.

Academic Standards of American Universities

At American universities, students are often met with high academic standards set forth by
the university. These often differ greatly from the standards expected of students in previous
schooling. Students are expected to take more control over their learning, with reading and
writing done out of the classroom. All ideas put forth for writing assignments should be
original ideas or cited properly to ensure there is no plagiarism.
Policies on academic ethics will differ from university to university, but one policy that is
constant across universities is a ban on plagiarizing, or copying another person’s work.

06
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Managed by the British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment, and IDP: IELTS
Australia, IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 academic institutions worldwide and helps students
prove English proficiency for academic studies, migration, and work. There are two types of
IELTS suitable for study at UoPeople.
Minimum score for American universities*: An overall band score of 6.0 is required for
undergraduate admissions and 6.5 for graduate admissions. There is no requirement
for component scores.
Frequency: There are 48 scheduled test dates every year. Students can decide for themselves
when to repeat the test or how often – there’s no limit. However, the speaking and writing parts
of the test might be available 7 days apart from one another, depending on the test center, so
plan accordingly.
Location: The IELTS test is offered in 1,100 locations across 140 countries.
Click here to find the closest place to you.
Cost: may vary depending on currency conversion rates,
but expect to pay around US $300-$400.
Preparation materials: Click here for preparation materials

Eiken English Proficiency Exam

EIKEN application forms and procedures are currently offered in Japanese only. The test is
backed by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).
The EIKEN tests are given in two stages. The first stage is a paper-and-pencil test that evaluates
reading, listening, and writing ability. The second stage is a speaking test in the format of a
face-to-face interview. An examinee must pass both stages in order to receive certification.
Minimum score for American universities*: The final Eiken certificate with Pre-1 grade or
higher is acceptable for admissions into both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Frequency: The test is offered in the summer, fall, and winter. The second stage test dates are
approximately one month after the first stage test dates. You can find upcoming dates here.
You can take the second stage up to one year after the first stage (three testing sessions).
Location: There are approximately 400 official EIKEN test centers in 230 Japanese cities as well
as in Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and London. Click here and scroll down to “Locations” for
more information.
Cost: Last time we checked it was 6,900 yen ($62).
Click here and scroll down to “Fees” for more information.
Preparation materials: Click here for preparation materials You can also download recent
Eiken tests here.

14
ACT Compass English Proficiency Exam
More than 1.8 million university and college graduates take the ACT exam every year in their
quest to get accepted by universities and colleges in the United States. The organization
behind the test also serves millions of government agencies, businesses, and job seekers
around the world.
Minimum score for American universities*: Level 3 for both an undergraduate program
and the MBA program.
Frequency: 5-7 times a year, usually in September, October, December, April, June, and in some
cases in February and July as well. Find upcoming test dates here.
Location: You can take the test in the U.S. and in international centers. Click here to find your
nearest test center.
Cost: The ACT costs $58.50. Testing outside of the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories requires an
additional fee of $51.00. If you are a high school student testing in the U.S. or U.S. territories
and can’t afford the registration fee for the ACT, you might be eligible for a fee waiver.
Click here to read more.
Preparation materials: see here

Cambridge English: First FCE – (CEFR)

The CEFR exam is a framework of 6 English levels created by the Council of Europe (A1-C2).
You get your score on the Cambridge English Scale for each of the four skills (reading, writing,
listening and speaking) as well as use of English. Exams can be taken paper-based or
computer-based.
Minimum score for American universities*: The minimum grade required for Cambridge FCE is
Grade “C” or CEFR B2 Level as reported on the final certificate. No specific requirement for
individual skill modules.
Frequency: You take the Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening papers on
the same day which is offered 1-2 times a month depending on your location. Your center will
arrange the date for your speaking test, which will be taken up to several days
before or after the other sections.
Location: There are over 2,800 centers in 130 countries around the world. To find an authorized
testing center in your country click here.
Cost: Fees are set by test centers. Expect to pay around 160 euros.
Preparation materials: see here

* These are generally the minimum requirements, although some institutions and even some
individual programs within an institution may require a higher score, so you are advised to
always check with the institution and with the particular program to which you are applying
to determine what the specific requirements are, as they can differ.

15
Transferring Credit from Another University
and Tips for a Smooth Transition

According to recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center,
over a third of American college students will transfer between institutions at least once.
It’s a pretty high number, but it makes sense. It’s not so rare to find yourself at an institution
that isn’t the right fit, either socially or academically.
Getting a degree is a big investment of time and effort, and it’s important to
make sure you’re in the right place for your goals and having a positive
experience as you study.

Whether you are transferring from a foreign university to an American

University or from one American University to another,
here are ten tips to ensure that the transition goes smoothly:
1. Write Down Your Reasons for Transferring Universities
Many prospective transfer students can find it difficult to process their feelings about this
decision. After all, it can be hard to tell if you’re in the wrong place, or if you just need to stick it out.
You don’t want to stay in a university that isn’t a right fit for you, but you also don’t want to bail
on a good thing too soon. So how do you get clarity?
Writing is one of the best ways to process thoughts, feelings, wants, and anxieties. What may have
seemed like a jumble in your mind will find clarity on the page. Write out exactly what’s not click-
ing with your current college, or what you love about the place you’re thinking of transferring to.
Write a couple pages without censoring yourself (and maybe even make a pro/con list).
After you’ve written down your reasons, put them in a drawer and head out. Give yourself some
space before reading them over. When you come back to them (a day later should do the trick)
you’ll find that you have new insight into this decision.
2. Research the Institution
Transferring involves a lot of research. You’ll want to make sure that you’re going to be studying in
a place that’s a great fit for you. Read their website thoroughly, make a visit if you can, and see if
you can communicate with alumni or current students to discuss their experiences.
between universities, and these policies may become as important as the institution itself in
making the choice of where to apply.
Research Tool: check out www.collegetransfer.net to simplify this research process.
It’s an amazing website which helps students easily navigate their options in transferring based
on your exact situation, goals, and experience.

16
3. Read the University Transfer Policy Carefully
Every university has its own transfer policy. This should be listed on their website. Not only will this
policy include important info like application deadlines, but will also tell you their policy regarding
transfer credits. If transferring some or all of your credits is important to you, make sure to pay
extra attention to this information.

The transfer policy will tell you if you can transfer credit from exams, or apply credits from two-year
degrees towards the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Some universities require that students
have earned a specific amount of credits (sometimes up to two years’ worth) at their home universi-
ty before transferring, meaning that it might be worth it to wait another semester or two to make
the transfer.
Some universities won’t accept credits if you are changing majors, but others will allow you to
transfer these credits towards elective courses. Some universities won’t accept credits from
courses in which you earned a grade lower than a C.
Prospective transfer students quickly discover that there is incredible variety in transfer policies
between universities, and these policies may become as important as the institution itself in
making the choice of where to apply.
Research Tool: check out www.collegetransfer.net to simplify this research process.
It’s an amazing website which helps students easily navigate their options in transferring based on
your exact situation, goals, and experience.

5. Take Care with Your Transfer Applications

Second chances are rare in life, and hindsight is 20/20. As a transfer student, you have an insight
into the application process that you didn’t have the first time around. Do you feel like you could
write a better essay now? Do you feel that you should take a different approach with your
application or your interview?
Resist the temptation to copy and paste old application material when you transfer.
You have a new perspective, new experience, and new insights. Make use of them.
Also – many schools will require transfer students to write specifically on the topic of why
they are transferring.
This essay should show maturity. Speak about your goals and about what you want out of
a university experience. Don’t submit a laundry list of petty complaints about your roommate
or the cafeteria food.
Click here to check out a great guide to writing a successful transfer essay from College Xpress.

6. Plan Financially for Your University Transfer

Most likely you’ve already done a lot of financial planning to get to where you are, but transferring
institutions means you need to get out your calculator and crunch the numbers again.
There may be a price difference between your current college and the one you plan on
transferring to, but this is only one piece of the equation.

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Other expenses to plan for are moving expenses, differences in cost of living between locations,
and application and transfer credit fees. In addition to this, students may face having to retake
certain credits if they are not able to transfer them. This will affect the overall cost of graduating.
Many students only look at the difference in tuitions and forget about small or unexpected
expenses along the way. Be organized and know what you’re getting into – that way you won’t be
surprised and your transfer experience will be much smoother.
Another note on financial planning – you may need to reapply for financial aid when you transfer.
Although it’s no fun applying for financial aid –it sure is nice when you get it.
It can be harder for transfer students to get scholarship money but many schools
have a fund especially designed for transfer students. As you research colleges and universities,
make sure to look at the ins and outs of their financial aid policy, as well as researching other
forms of funding (like scholarships and federal aid).
Scholarships.com is a great resource for funding in general, but also has specific scholarships for
transfer students. Check them out here.

7. Map Out Your Transfer Trajectory

Many transfer students can feel disoriented after they transfer. There is a transfer jetlag that
students experience, just like one would feel traveling overseas.
You may find yourself on a graduation schedule different than your peers, or have to delay study
abroad plans. Remember, more than a third of college students are transferring and thus going
through the same thing.
It can be hard to adjust to a new time trajectory, but the best way to handle it with grace
is to map it out. If your study abroad plans need to be delayed, don’t dismiss them – rather
find a new place for them. You’re on no one’s timeline but your own.
Graduating a semester late can seem distressing for students who see all their peers finish ahead
of them, but many last-year students see it as a perk. They can finish their studies and do their
finals without distraction, and in the long run, graduating a semester or two late won’t feel like
much time at all.

8. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself in Your First Semester

This piece of advice goes along with the previous one. In an effort to get on the timeline of every-
one around them, many transfer students try to “hit the ground running,” and may pile on too
much during their first semester.
While the attempt to do it all may be admirable, it won’t behoove you in the long run to
overwhelm yourself.
A transfer involves a great deal of change. It may involve a change of social scene, major,
environment, etc. You need space to breathe as you adjust to these changes.
Take your courses and study hard, but don’t push yourself beyond your limits.

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9. Find Your Place at Your Transfer University
Many transfer students can feel separate from the rest of the community at their universities,
most of whom bonded during freshman orientation already. You may need to take a more active
role in building a healthy and satisfying social life for yourself.
This might mean joining social groups, actively approaching other students before and after class,
making yourself seen at the campus café, etc.
Find out if your new university hosts a transfer orientation. Many do, and it’s a great way to
connect with other students in the same situation as you.
Remember – making friends and building a community for yourself can take time.
The important thing is to stay open and put yourself out there.

10. After Transferring Universities, Give it Some Time

There are students who have transferred time and time again, never quite feeling comfortable at
the institution they’re at and always looking for the next thing.
For these students, we have a simple recommendation: give it time.
Yes, there are some students for whom multiple transfers was the right move. But giving it a bit of
time still won’t hurt. If you transfer and immediately feel the itch to keep on moving, investigate
why you feel those feelings.
No college is perfect.
And most new experiences feel scary or uncomfortable at first.
That scary feeling just might precedes a great time in life – because it means you’re taking a risk
and making an investment.
Check out the support systems in place at your university.
Feelings of displacement and insecurity are common with new students and your school can
probably offer you some resources, including someone to talk to with whom students can
process their feelings and make a plan for succeeding in a new environment.

11. Be a Great Student

When the dust of the transfer settles, it’s time to stop thinking of yourself as a transfer student
and start thinking of yourself as a great student.
Again, it is recommended to do a writing exercise.
Write down your academic and professional goals, which may have been pushed aside
by all the research and bureaucracy of the transfer process.
This is why you’re here in college in the first place – to make your dreams come true.
Choose your classes wisely and dedicate yourself to getting the most out of this experience.
The rest will fall into place with time!

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Sending Documents, Transcripts & Diplomas
from Non-English Speaking Countries

Part of the application for applying to American Universities requires

submitting all educational documents, including transcripts and diplomas.
Students applying from abroad will need to get their documents
evaluated by a credential evaluation service. By doing that,
universities will know how to compare student’s foreign qualifications
to the American system.
If documents are not in English, students will need to first get a
notarized translation. Keep in mind that this process is not free
and students will need to pay to get their documents evaluated by
a credential evaluation service.

Getting Your Documents Evaluated

Many universities will recommend a credential evaluation service to use, so it is important

for the student to check with the university first. In that case, students should use the
recommended service.

If your university does not recommend a specific credential evaluation service, you can
request an evaluation from a member organization of one of the two national associations
of credential evaluation services:

National Association of Credential Evaluation Services

(NACES) is an association of 19 credential evaluation services with admission standards
and an enforced code of good practice.

Association of International Credentials Evaluators

(AICE) is an association of 10 credential evaluation services with a board of advisors and
an enforced code of ethics.

There are some factors in determining which provider is the best fit, such as the purpose of the
evaluation, price, and processing time. Some providers might be cheaper than others or take less
time to process the evaluation. All things to keep in mind when deciding which provider to use.

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Will My Degree Be Relevant in My Country?

You can never know for sure what institutions in your home country will
make of a foreign degree. With globalization, the world is becoming smaller
making your international degree more relevant world-wide than ever before.

If you're applying to an American university from abroad, you may be concerned about the
relevance of your degree in your home country. It’s important to know that an accredited
American degree is usually recognized worldwide due to the fact that American higher
education is considered to be the gold standard of higher education.

But while most companies, especially international, will look favorably at holders of Accredited
American degree, it is recommended that each prospective student will check the status of the
university they are considering at his own country.

That said, many graduates go on to have great success with their American degrees in their home
countries. Most often, countries with different educational systems are willing to look seriously
at foreign degrees, especially American degrees, if they are accredited within their own
educational system.

According to Guiseppe Zerilli, a graduate of University of the People’s computer science program,
his new degree quickly helped him advance his career in Italy. He stated, "My degree has already
helped me land a job I could have only dreamed of before… what I'm doing now and what I will
achieve in the future will be, for the major part, thanks to my degree."

In this global economy, as more and more businesses grow internationally, there are many more
opportunities within the job market for international graduates.

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 Will My Degree Be Relevant in my Country?

Almost every college freshman will be required to take English 101 their first year of college.
In this course, students learn how to write on a college level. Students will enhance their grammar,
writing, reading and test taking skills through this course. University of the People has prepared
resources for students to prepare for their English 101 course using Open Educational Resources
(OER). Topics covered in the course includes the Thesis, APA Citations, Reading Critically, the 5
Paragraph Essay, and the Library.

To review the prepared materials click here.

Throughout this guide, many aspects of the American university system have
been covered from an overview of the American university system to proving
English proficiency to how to apply from abroad.

This guide has provided the necessary resources to be successful in applying

to and choosing the right school in the American university system.

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