Question : What test results are needed to study in the United States?
Answer : English Language Examinations, Undergraduate Level Examinations, Graduate Level Examinations
English Language Examinations
- IELTS: English language proficiency tests for listening, speaking, reading and writing. The majority of universities and colleges require a score of 6.5 or higher, depending on the requirmenets of each university and college.
- TOEFL: English language proficiency tests for listening, speaking, reading and writing according to the Educational Testing Service (ETS) of the United States, for further study in the United States.
Undergraduate Level Examinations
- SAT: A written, verbal and mathematical skills tests, for students wishing to study a bachelor’s degree at a US college or university.
Graduate Level Examinations
- GRE: Aptitude examinations in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing for graduate-level study, for those wishing to study Science, Technology or Engineering at a master degree or doctoral level.
- GMAT: An academic aptitude test for MBA and business programmes, to measure basic verbal, mathematical, analytical writing and integrated reasoning skills.
Question : What documents are needed in order to apply?
Answer : Required application documents for further study in the United States:
- Application Online and Application Fee
Some universities will waive the application fee for those who apply via Hands On.
- English Language Score (TOEFL or IELTS)
Proof of your English language proficiency.
- Standardize Test
- SAT/ACT – In order to apply for an undergraduate programme
- GMAT/GRE – In order to apply for a postgraduate programme
- For some degree programmes, additional tests may be required
- Academic Transcript A final transcript from your secondary school or university.
*Note: Some universities will require students who have completed their studies outside of the United States to provide an Evaluation Transcript from an American organisation, such as World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Depending on the university, students may be asked to pay the fee themselves.
- Certificate of Completion
A certificate verifying work experience without specific the recipient. Frequently refer as “To whom it may concern.”
- Recommendation Letters
At least 2-3 recommendation letters from either your teacher or manager (for those with work experience)
- Personal Statement and Supplemental Essay (Topic required by University)
A letter which gives an overview of you are and why you want to study this particular course, that the Admission Committee will use to inform their decision regarding your application.
- Resume/CV
A summary of your work experience, as well as any other relevant informaiton about yourself.
- Professional Certificate (if applicable)
Work experience documents or other documents.
- Copy of your Passport Photo Page
A copy of your passport
- Declaration of Finances Form or Affidavit of Support
Financial documents confirming the financial status of the sponsor
- Bank Statement, Bank Letter or Scholarship Letter
The statement must show the converted amount in USD, as well as state the applicant’s name (and if applicable the name of the financial sponsor). The amount specified must cover both tuition and living expenses for the entire duration of the applicant’s studies.
Tips: All documents should be prepared in English on official letterheads, and if the original document is unable to be sent, then an officially certified photocopy can be used in its place.
Question : What happens if you do not meet the academic criteria of the university?
Answer : If your academic performance does not meet the application criteria, specified by the university, you can enroll in a foundation course. The credits attained during the course can then be used for first year study.
- Pathway Programme or International Year 1
For international students to adjust their basic English language skills in order to study an undergraduate degree, which is equivalent to Year 1. Thus upon graduation, students can enter directly into Year 2 of their undergraduate degree.
- Pre-Master or Graduate Pathway
For students who need to adjust their basic skills in order to study at master’s degree level, so that they can get an understanding of the university’s teaching system in America, and prepare for the GMAT/GRE tests. Students may also earn credits that count towards their field of study, thus a pre-master course or graduate pathway is a great way to enhance the skills required from Thai students at master’s degree level.
Tips: Students may ask Hands On Education Consultants for help in selecting the right course.
Question : When are the application dates?
Answer : Leading US universities will have specific dates for accepting applications as follows:
- Fall Intake: Open for applications November – January
- Spring Intake: Open for applications May – August
Other US universities will have the following application dates:
- Fall Intake: Open for applications December – May
- Spring Intake: Open for applications May – October
- Pathway Program: Open for applications October – July
Tips:
- For students who apply with Hands On Education Consultants, we have a team of consultants who will follow up and help with your university application for free.
- Hands On Education Consultants recommends students apply as soon as possible. If you still haven’t received your English language test results, you can always submit it afterwards, but it will affect the period in which your application is considered.
Question : What happens after you apply?
Answer : Universities normally take 3-4 months to consider your application and make an offer for direct admission, but for pathway programmes, it will usually take about 2 weeks. For doctorate programmes, the university will take much longer to consider your application.
Upon considering your application, the university will then inform you of the outcome via email, which will result in either one of the three responses below:
- Unconditional Offer – Acceptance into the university without any conditions. Once the applicant receives all of the offers from the universities they applied to, they must then decide and respond to the offer they wish to accept. The acceptance process will be outlined in the offer letter, sent by the university.
- Conditional Offer – Acceptance into the university, but with conditions. For example, the applicant must resend English language test results that meet the university’s criteria. Once the conditions have been met, the university will then send an unconditional offer of acceptance to the university.
*Note: Not all universities will issue a conditional offer
- Rejection – Admission into the university has been declined.
After accepting the offer and submitting all the necessarry financial documents, applicants will receive a I-20 or DS-2019 letter from the university, to complete their visa application.
Tips: Hands On counsellors will help advise students who apply via Hands on Education Consultants with their visa application for free.
