1. How do I apply for admission to an American university?
a. Entrance Tests. Each college and university in the United States decides which tests it requires of applicants and what test scores are acceptable for admission. You must check the test requirements of each school you apply to. Almost all schools require international applicants to submit a TOEFL score. You need to find out the school requirements early and sign up quickly for the necessary tests (e.g. iBT, SAT, GRE).
b. Application Form. You can download a printed copy of an application from the school's website. Most schools allow you to apply online and many require that you do.
c. An Essay. A personal statement essay is required for most universities and colleges.
d. Academic Transcripts. These are a list of courses and grades from your high school or university. Copies must be notarized in your country and they must be translated into English. Bring at least 5 copies with you.
e. Letters of Recommendation. These must be written by high school teachers or a college professor and/or a high school guidance counselor from your home country. Two to three letters are usually required and must be in English.
f. Letter of Financial Support. Your family or sponsor must write this letter stating their intention to give you financial support for each year of study. The amount specified will vary according to the university. Bring with you copies notarized in your country.
g. Bank Statement. Your family's bank must issue this statement stating that the sum of money required for study is available. Copies must be notarized in your country.
The most accurate and least expensive way to obtain a certified English translation of any of your documents is from your home country. Both the original and the English translation are required. The Boston Language Institute provides translation services. For Spanish or Portuguese to English translations we recommend Lesley Andrews, a CELOP staff member. She is an experienced translator who can provide certified translations. Contact her by e-mail, lesleya@bu.edu.
You should understand that students in the United States begin their application process a year in advance since it takes a lot of work and time. If you have any questions, you may e-mail or speak with the Academic Advisor, in CELOP office #242. You may also e-mail or visit the BU Office of International Admissions.
2. How do I complete my college application and essay?
Judy DiLeo, the CELOP Academic Advisor, can help. You can also go to the BU Writing Center.
3. How do I decide which college is best for me?
You need to balance your needs with what the university offers. You need to consider your geographical preferences, the majors that the university offers, your financial situation and the size of the university. There are several web-sites which help you search for colleges that match your goals and interests and provide useful advice on applying to universities. See Judy DiLeo in Office 242.
4. How many colleges and universities should I apply to?
For undergraduate students, it is advisable to apply to at least five, including one that will be very difficult (but not impossible) for you to get into, one that will probably accept you and one that will definitely accept you. For graduate students, it is best to apply to 8-10 schools, using the criteria listed above. Developing an appropriate list of possible schools is essential to the achievement of your educational goals.
5. How do I find information about Boston University and other colleges?
The best way to find information about a particular college is to search the university's website.
6. What are American colleges looking for?
They are looking for serious, hard-working students who value a good education.
7. How do I find out about the status of my undergraduate application to Boston University?
Call the International Admissions office (353-4492) or go to 881 Commonwealth Avenue, 6th floor and speak with an admissions counselor. Every international student is assigned a counselor once the application form is received.
8. How do I register for the iBT, ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT or LSAT?
Register online:
COLLEGEBOARD (SAT)
ETS (iBT)
ACT
GRE
GMAT
LSAT
9. How do I register for the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT)?
Register on the website. Complete instructions are in the International TOEFL bulletins outside of CELOP office #242.
10. How do I register for the CELOP Institutional TOEFL?
Your core teacher at CELOP will let you know when and how you can register for the CELOP TOEFL. Registration takes place a week before the TOEFL.
11. I am not sure if I will be accepted by BU. What should I do about registering for the next semester at CELOP?
You may go ahead and register for the next semester at CELOP; see Kim Beqari in CELOP office #216 or email him at beqari@bu.edu. If you are accepted by BU, your registration deposit can be transferred over to your new BU account. See Carl Kelley, ckelley@bu.edu, in CELOP office #226 for more details.
12. How can I get special letters (a letter of attendance/proficiency/enrollment) from CELOP?
You must fill out a request form for special letters. These forms are available at CELOP's Front Desk. Fill out the form and give it to one of the Front Desk staff, and you will be notified when your letter is ready. It usually takes about four (4) business days to prepare the letter, so be certain to submit your request in advance!
13. I am not sure what to do when CELOP finishes. How can I get help planning for next semester?
Speak with Susan Rosenblum in CELOP office #244 if you have any questions about your visa status. Remember that you must be a full-time student in order for your I-20 to be valid.
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