Ask The Expert: Dispelling The 10 Myths About Studying Abroad In The US

Thinking about studying in the US but not sure of some of the ins and outs? This week our expert on 'Ask the experts' is Kristen Moon. Kristen is is an independent college counselor and founder of MoonPrep.com. She has kindly addressed some of the most common questions international students have when they're considering a year in the US. 

The U.S. has the largest number of international students enrolled in its universities (more than 1,000,000). Over 5% of the students studying in the U.S. are foreign students. Universities report that the number of international students keeps growing year after year.

Attending college in the U.S. is a goal for many international high school students. We are dispelling 10 myths about Studying Abroad in the U.S. This goal can be achieved, let us show you how.

1. I need to be rich to attend college in the US

Yes, American universities can be expensive. However, sticker price does not always equal net price. There are merit-based scholarships available to international students.

Also, the cost of attendance can vary greatly from private and public universities. It is often less expensive to attend a public university.

2. I do not qualify for financial aid

International students do not qualify for federal aid.

However, they can often qualify for merit-based scholarships. Each university decides how they want to distribute their funds. If they want to offer international students institutional aid, they can.

3. I am fluent in English, therefore I do not need to take the TOEFL

There is no standard application process for U.S. universities. For this reason, students must check each university's criteria for the TOEFL exam. Numerous universities require international students, from a country where English is not the national language, to take the TOEFL exam.

Each university also sets their own TOEFL passing score.

4. The TOEFL and IELTS are both accepted at U.S universities

Sometimes.

The TOEFL and IELTS exams have numerous differences. The TOEFL is more widely used as an entrance exam at universities and therefore, offers only academic English. While the IELTS offers an academic option in addition to a general test.

TOEFL has a wider acceptance in U.S. universities. Almost every U.S. college will accept the TOEFL score. This is not always the case for the IELTS.

Generally speaking, if you're applying to an American university, go with the TOEFL.

5. Applying to college in the U.S. is centralized

Things would be much simpler if this were true.

The college application process varies from college to college. Each college sets their own rules, criteria, and deadlines. There is no one true "universal" application.

6. Since English is not my first language, colleges will not expect my essay to have perfect grammar

Nowadays, colleges are more competitive than ever. In order to study at a top-tier university, students must have a strong grasp of the English language and grammar.

7. The U.S. does not have very many international students enrolled in its universities

For the 2015-2016 academic year, the number of international students at U.S. colleges exceeded 1 million, according to a recent report from the Institute of International Education, a nonprofit that works to advance international education.

8. The steps involved in applying to U.S. colleges are completely different for international and domestic students

The steps involved in applying to U.S. colleges are largely the same for international and domestic students. But, international students need to undertake a few additional steps to make up for the differences in the school curriculum, grading system, and language.

• The majority of the colleges in the U.S. require international students to obtain a minimum score on language tests, such as the TOEFL.

• As an international student, you will also need to supply the university with a certification of finances. The university wants to ensure you can afford the tuition and living expenses before you obtain a visa and move to the U.S.

• International students applying to U.S. colleges may also be required to have their transcripts and/or other educational credentials assessed by an official organization. This is because the grading system used by certain schools is different from the typical 4.0 scale utilized in the U.S

• International Students have to determine the legal requirements associated with staying in the U.S. and apply for a student visa.

9. It is difficult to obtain a student visa

Once a student is accepted to a university, the steps are fairly straightforward. The first step for international students is to ensure the university, they are applying, is accredited by the U.S. government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Only SEVP-approved institutions can enroll students in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

After an international student has been accepted, the university will enroll them in the SEVIS system. SEVIS will provide the students with the necessary documents to apply for a U.S. student visa.

10. As soon as I graduate, I must leave the U.S

Upon graduation, many international students hope to stay in the U.S. These students can apply for twelve months of optional practical training (OPT). This allows them to work in fields related to their areas of study while building their skill-set.

The difficulty is that not just any job will do. The job must be specific to their field of study.

An additional option is to pursue an advanced degree. This will extend the student visa. After the advanced degree is obtained, the student can apply for an additional twelve months of OPT.

The process of finding long-term employment and receiving company sponsorship is not always easy. But, it is certainly doable. The more specific and in-demand your major is, the easier the process becomes.

Studying abroad in the U.S. is a lifelong dream for many. That dream can be realized with proper planning and diligence.