Studying in America

The number of international students at colleges and universities in the US has increased by eight per cent to an all-time high of 671,616 in the 2008-09 academic year, according to the Open Doors report, which is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

This is the largest percentage increase in international student enrolments since 1980-81, and marks the third consecutive year of significant growth (with increases of seven per cent in 2007-08 and three per cent in 2006-07).

The total international student count has jumped by 14.5 per cent since the previous peak enrolment year in 2002-03.

Application process

While applying to institutions in America, you can apply either through the common application website www.commonapp.org or the universal college application https://www.universalcollegeapp.com/ or directly through the institution's website as per the policies of the institution. Use the www.applytexas.org website for schools in the Texas system and the UC common application for the 10 schools in the California system. Their web site is: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/

Supporting documents

You would need to submit transcripts of the last three years, one or more essay, information on extra curricular activities including sports, voluntary work and leadership initiatives undertaken; information on summer courses/internships etc.

Your teacher and/or counsellor will be invited to send confidential letters of recommendation online along with the profile of the school. Students will also be asked to send SAT and TOEFL scores directly from the Education Testing Service and College Board. Some schools would need SAT II subject tests as well.

Some schools may not require SAT scores from international students. Supplementary forms may be required from you so ensure that you read instructions carefully. Students who wish to pursue Art, Design or Architecture will also be required to submit a portfolio.

If the applicant wishes to apply for an early decision or early action, the deadline is usually in October. You can visit individual websites for the specific dates. Students wishing to apply for admission to University of California for the fall term must submit an application by November 30.

Most other institutions have a January 1 deadline for the autumn intake. For the January intake applications must be sent in by October.

Visa process

The process of applying for an F-1 student visa begins with acceptance to an American college or university. Following admission, the educational institution in the United States will issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status (I-20 form) and provide that to the student.

Sponsoring academic institutions are required to enter accepted foreign students' names into SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System.

Students should verify with their sponsoring academic institution that they are entered into SEVIS before they apply for a visa. Upon receiving the I-20 form, students are required to pay a SEVIS fee online at http://www.fmjfee.com and take a printed copy of this receipt to the visa interview.

US immigration policy requires that all foreign students submit proof of financial support for their studies. The financial guarantee may take the form of a bank statement or letter from a sponsoring agency. For further information on documents needed, visit: http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/niv/students.html

The writer is the director of Counselling Point Educational & Social Services. Email counsell@eim.ae or visit www.counsellingpoint.com for more information.