Research U.S. colleges and universities, or ESL programs, to find your program of study. A multitude of information about schools and programs is available online. International students often attend U.S. schools based on recommendations of friends or family members who already have done so. Network to find out which programs have worked out for other people you know with similar interests and goals. You also can inquire with schools in your home country, as they often have excellent information and are a valuable resource in planning a study in the United States.
Compare schools or programs you are interested in, and request more information. Select a school or program, or programs, and request application packets. Read the admissions criteria for international students, and make sure you are applying to programs that you are eligible for. Depending on the program, you might need to take additional tests such as the TOEFL exam to prove English proficiency or the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc.
Fill out applications for all programs and schools you are applying to. Take any required tests, and request the scores be sent to the schools you are applying to. Request that your transcripts, if required, be sent from any previous educational institutions to the schools you are applying to. Pay any applicable fees and the application fee. Acknowledge application deadlines and prepare accordingly.
Verify your application materials were received or are complete with the receiving school. If you applied online, verify your application and materials are complete online. If you mailed your application materials, call or email the school after a couple of weeks to confirm receipt. It is your responsibility to ensure you have provided all of the required information to the school. Many schools will not begin processing your application until the application is complete.
Wait for an acceptance letter from the school or schools you applied to. The acceptance letter will detail additional instructions for completing your registration and for applying for a student visa. Schools provide international students with a completed I-20 on accepting you as a student. The I-20 confirms the school will sponsor you for a student visa.