Applying to College as an International Student

Webinar Transcription

2022-10-26 – Applying to College as an International Student

Hello everyone. Welcome to CollegeAdvisor’s Webinar Applying to College as an International Student. Okay, so how this is gonna work is we are gonna first start off with a presentation, and then we are gonna answer your questions in a live Q&A on the sidebar. You can download our slides and you can start submitting your questions in the, in the Q&A tab.

Now let’s meet our panelist.

All right. Hello everyone, and thank you so much for joining me this afternoon, morning, evening. Um, my name is Kelley Sweeney. I have been an English teacher for almost 20 years. Um, I do hold a degree from Texas A&M University in College Station Texas and I have been with CollegeAdvisor for quite some time, so I’m really excited to share some really, really valuable information with you all today.

So thank you again so much for joining. Okay, so before we get into this valuable information that Kelley’s gonna be sharing with you all, we wanna get a sense of what grade you are in. So please let us know so we can try our best to speak directly to your needs based off of your grade level.

Okay, so the responses are coming in. So Kelley, we have actually about 67% of our attendees are in the 11th grade, followed by that. We have, uh, 14% that are in the 10th grade, and we actually have, um, about 47% that are in the 12th grade. So we have an even amount now of 11 and 12th graders, and then we have some 10th grade students.

So I will turn it over to you to share more about how to apply to college as an international student. Absolutely. So that’s wonderful. So now I realize that I am mostly speaking to a group of upperclassmen and you, 10th graders, you’re almost there, right? Like, it, it’s coming at you pretty quickly. So, um, with that said, let’s go ahead and, um, start our presentation.

So, like I said, you don’t have to take notes unless you really, really like to um, I do stick mostly to the slides, but you know, again, I try to add in some other information if I do feel it’s needed. So it’s completely up to you whether or not you’d like to take notes or not, because again, you can download our presentation if you do feel the need.

Um, so with that said, let’s go ahead and get started. So first and foremost, what are some challenges that all students face when they are applying to college? So again, this goes for any student applying to college ever. Um, essentially, The, um, challenges are the same, and those include, again, you want to make sure that when you present yourself, that you put forward impressive coursework and grades.

Also, that you are engaged in active and extracurricular activities, community service, um, also that you have attempted some standardized testing, although, as it is noted, Some universities still have a test optional policy. Um, my best advice there is of course, um, to look at the universities and the colleges that you may be interested in and to again, reference their website or call them directly to see, you know, what their updated standardized testing policies are for the upcoming application season. 

Um, you also want to make sure that you have teacher and counselor recommendations. Um, again, these are in the form of recommendation or reference letters. Again, relationships are important. So again, adults in your lives, and again, not family or friends, but you know, teachers, counselors, maybe some of you are employed, your bosses at work, your supervisors at your job, um, you know, adults in your life that would have some great things to say about you and.

Things about your worth, work ethic, you know, things about how dedicated you may be, um, how friendly you may be, how well you work with others, you know, anything that, again, would present a better view of yourself. Um, again, there are essay and written response requirements, uh, for each university when applying here in the us.

And again, we’ll get into those a little bit more later. And of course, as you can see everything listed. Um, that all kind of culminates to definitely some effective time management because again, to juggle all of these things, um, will take definitely some organization.

All right, so moving on. What are some specific challenges that internationals may face? You know, so again, not all students, but specifically international students. Again, some things, um, that you may encounter that again, um, may be a little bit different. Um, of course the cultural. Um, also maybe, perhaps some language barriers here.

Um, I also writing in English in the form of academic writing. Sometimes that’s very different as well. Um, sometimes, not all the time, but maybe there may be some difficulty when, uh, understanding lectures. Again, some of those may be quite lengthy. Sometimes also financial, you know, because again, when you’re thinking about how to finance college and university, you also, you have to take two things into account.

One of those being the cost of the university themselves, so the cost of the classes, the cost of your textbooks, et cetera. So again, the cost related to the school itself. And then also your living costs. So again, um, your rent, your bills, your food, et cetera. So again, costs to attend and also living costs.

Um, lastly, but again, uh, still very important is, is you know, obviously feelings of home sickness. And again, this is very natural, but again, um, there are ways to combat this. Um, if that does occur, and again, we’ll be talking about that as well a little bit. Again, please just remember if you do have questions for our Q&A session, uh, you could hold those till the end.

You can also post those in our Q&A. Um, also, uh, moving on, let’s, let’s talk a little bit more about the writing. So what essays or written responses are required when applying to college in the us? Well, essentially, uh, a few things are involved here. So again, here in the U.S. we essentially have three different kinds of applications, minimally.

Um, a lot of colleges accept what we call the Common App. Other colleges accept what we call the Coalition App, and then other colleges have what they call their in-house application, meaning that they are not part of either one of those application processes or platforms. They have their own in-house app.

Well, um, as far as what essays are required to, on both the Common and Coalition App, you get a selection of prompts, usually seven to eight different prompts and students get to choose which written prompt to respond to. Um, now in conjunction with that, some universities also have what we call the supplemental essays.

And as it’s noted there, those do vary by university. Some universities require multiple essays or written responses, whereas other universities will just require the one that you’ve already completed through common or coalition app. Um, but again, some universities do require multiple essays and sometimes even short answer responses as well.

As far as what type of writing is it, it’s essentially what we call reflective writing. So for the most part, You’re writing about your personal experiences, maybe some difficulties, some challenges that you have encountered, um, maybe even your goals for the future. Um, and, you know, sometimes the prompts just deal with, you know, why do you want to come to our school?

You know, what is it that interests you? So, like I said, writing prompts, you vary based on university and as you’ll hear me say multiple times today, um, essentially the best, uh, course of action again is to, uh, contact those universities directly. Either by phone, email, or maybe just checking their admission requirements on the university website to see exactly what it is, um, that will be required As far as the writing.

Moving on, let’s talk about the English language exams that are required of international students when entering US University. Um, again, just like it’s noted there, different universities will accept different exams, Essentially, the two most common are what we call the TOEFL, which is the test of English as a foreign language, and also the IELTS um, which is the international English Language Testing System. So, like I said, um, which one do you have to take? Again, it depends on the universities that you’re interested in and what exactly it is that they are requiring. Okay.

Next, What key factors should you consider when you know, thinking about your university? You know, so again, if you’re in the process of selecting universities right now, um, what exactly should you focus on, um, when it comes to making your final decisions? Or even if you’re just starting, you know, what exactly should you have in mind?

Um, when you’re thinking about university level? So first and foremost, most importantly, really to me is the program offering. Um, you know, the school that you’re interested in, do they even offer a program for what it is that you would like to study? So, um, you know, for example, I’ve seen cases where, you know, a student really loves a university, for example, they’ve seen a lot about it.

They’ve heard a lot about it. They may have friends or family that have attended there. And then when it comes down to it and they’re looking over the course catalog, they notice that that particular school that they have loved for so long does not even offer a program, um, or even classes for what it is they’re interested in.

So again, first and foremost, makes sure that the university that you want to go to actually offers programs, degrees and classes for what it is that you would like to study. Second thing to consider, of course, is location, size, and geography. So, you know, again, um, like, like many countries, the US is quite large.

Uh, we have many different cities, many different landscapes, many different types of people. Um, so again, if you’re from a very small town, um, you know, think about do you really wanna go to a large university? Um, I’ll just share something on a personal level. Um, my hometown is under 500. In population. Um, my high school graduation class was between a hundred and 150-200 people.

Very, very small. Um, and the very first class that I took at my university at Texas a m, the entire class was about 300 people in an auditorium. So essentially more than my entire high school graduating class and about the same population as my small hometown. So it was quite a shock. Um, it took me a time, you know, get used to that type of lifestyle.

But again, um, I, I was able to do it, although, um, I will not lie and say that it was easy, you know, but it did take some getting used to. So, again, if that is something that you want and something that you want to strive for, go for it, you know? But again, You also want to consider those kinds of things, You know, would you feel comfortable?

Um, would you feel like that is really somewhere where you would perform best as far as academic goes? Um, so again, always keep that in mind as well because it is quite a life change in itself. Also think about distance, you know, again, how far is it and exactly what would your travel plans be, um, if you needed to get back home.

So, you know, again, going home for holidays, going home for family events, or you know, again, maybe even having to go home in the case of a family emergency. Um, how easy and how far? Would it be for you to, uh, be able to travel at home, you know, back to home? Excuse me. Um, also think about campus culture activities.

You know, again, if you are interested in certain sports and activities, you want to maybe ensure that the university has those things available to you as well. Um, because again, you know, at a minimum you’ll be living and breathing university life for, you know, maybe three to four. Or if not more, right? If you, you intend on going into graduate school, et cetera.

So, you know, you want to make sure that this place where you’ll be living and breathing is somewhere where you will be happy and comfortable. So, you know, always keep that in mind as well. Also intertwined with all these things are things like housing. Where will you live? Um, do you want to live on campus in dorms?

Do you want to live off campus in an apartment? Um, do you, are you interested in having a roommate? You know? So again, um, how exactly do you plan on, um, you know, finding somewhere to rest your head, um, at night after, after a day at school? Um, lastly, your financial, financial considerations. How are you gonna pay for all of this?

Right? So again, On all university websites, usually, um, on their, you know, incoming freshman pages as we call them. Um, you again want to look at the financial, um, you know, um, what’s the word I’m looking for? Requirements, financial requirements. So again, how much is tuition? Um, give it kind of, uh, a base of, you know, how much you’d have to pay again, just to sit in class.

And also, as I’ve mentioned already, things like housing, et cetera.

Right now it’s time for our second poll. So where are you in the application process? Um, have it started, maybe you’re still researching schools. Are you working on your essays and your written components already? Um, maybe you’re just getting your applications together and maybe you’re almost done. So I’m kind of curious if y’all could take a moment just to, uh, fill out that survey in that.

Yes. Thank you, Kelley. I’ll give you a short, short pause as well. Um, thank you so much for sharing all this great content. The answers are starting to roll in now. Um, so we have about 43% are in the research phase, so they’re researching their schools. 22% is in the process of getting application material together.

You know how that can feel? Uh, 22%, another 22% haven’t started. Some are working on their essays, and then we have a few students who are almost done. So congratulations to the students who are almost done, and to those who are getting their material done. I mean, together. I’ll turn it back over to you, Kelley.

Thank you, ma’am. Well, like I said, kiddos, y’all are kind of all in different spots, although at least most of you already have some things in mind. So again, that is really the best place where you can be like, at least it’s on your mind and at least you are starting that planning process. So congratulations to all of you.

Um, you’re right on track. So moving on, what is something that some students don’t really expect the unexpected, Right. Um, when attending a US inter university as an international student. So, Okay, so it really depends on where you’re from and you know, what kind of culture and population that you’re hailing from, but, Essentially in the US we do have quite a mix of cultures, um, especially on our college campuses.

So again, that sometimes is new for many international students. Um, again, it just kind of depends on, you know, what kind of lifestyle you’ve lived until now. Um, something else that may come as a surprise is, you know, the type of foods or maybe the selection of foods that may be available at the university that you’re attending.

Um, I’ll admit some universities have a really great. Of different styles of foods from many different places. Um, some are a little limited. So again, it just kind of depends on what you’re interested in and you know what part of the country you’d like to study in as well. Also some social norms. Um, you know, it just, again, depends on where you’re from, what you’re used to.

Um, you may kind of see some things that are a little bit different, um, than what you, you’ve grown up with here in the us. Also, our political climate. It depends, you know, we have elections, political elections here, every four, um, four years for president, six years for others. So again, it just kind of depends on, um, what year you’re coming in.

Um, sometimes things are rather quiet, sometimes they’re rather not. Um, but like I said, not much different, um, than what you would see in in any other political climate. Lastly, some confusion. Um, sometimes based on, you know, what you’ve seen in a movie, um, you know, for example, um, you know, Californians, everyone’s a surfer.

Um, not really , um, you know, um, in Texas everyone has a horse. No, not really. Um, you know, so again, don’t, don’t base, um, everything that, that you think you know about, uh, people in the US based on movies, right? As we would not assume those things about other, uh, people either. So how can you prepare, uh, for interviews, uh, with the US University?

So again, uh, let me just kind of, uh, dive into this just a little bit. I do see, um, that, uh, some of you are submitting some questions. Please continue doing so as those come up as we will have a Q&A here at the end. Um, so if you are an international. Usually the university that you’re applying to request an interview with you because they’d like to know a little bit more about you.

So when it comes time for your interview process, again, please keep in mind that nonverbal aspects such as punctuality, eye contact, confidence, courtesy, still go a long. Even if you’re virtual like we are right now. Let me just give you a quick example, right? So as you can see, I’m sitting up straight. I’m excited.

I’m really happy to share this great information with you. But watch something as simple as just changing my posture can change that. So like imagine if I were to recline. So welcome to CollegeAdvisors webinar. Like do you see how quickly, uh, perceptions can change just based on nonverbal communication?

So always keep that in mind. Um, also, you should anticipate these questions when you are in an interview process. What kind of questions are you being asked? Um, usually it’s about your academics, your activities, your goals for the future, your future plans, You know, why exactly do you want to attend our institution?

So, you know, a lot of the questions usually revolve around that. But again, just be yourself. Tell them about yourself, you know, and of course, always stay positive. Always be prepared to respond to questions about your motivations for wanting to study in the us. Usually that question does come up, you know, why do you want to study in the US versus studying, um, in your home country.

So, you know, usually that question does come up. So, you know, just kind of prepare for that one as well. And again, as I’ve already mentioned, stay calm, be confident, and of course share your.

Moving on. What types of supportive services are available at universities for international students? So again, there are support structures in place at most major universities for international students. Again, this is not something new to us. Um, so again, support. Before you ever walk in the door to a US university, you’ll always receive a welcome.

Usually it has information regarding financing, housing, the student visa process, and also information about orientation programs. So an orientation program is when you would go to the university before you actually start attending, or essentially before the first day of class. Um, it may or may not be possible for you, uh, logistically, although I, I do highly recommend it because again, it’s, it’s kind of like your introduction.

To university life. You know, you learn a little bit about, um, how’s everything mapped out, what does the campus look like? Where is everything? Um, you know, sometimes you get to talk to staff members and just kind of get a feel of how, um, academic life, uh, plays out there as well. So highly recommended, but again, logistically possible.

I mean, that’s different for everyone. Um, but again, once you’re actually part of the university. So now you are, you’re an actual student. You’re here in the US with us and you’re here studying with us. Um, what kind of support can you expect? So university personnel are dedicated to assisting international students.

Again, most universities. Specific staff that supports international students. And then of course you would always have someone to turn to if there’s anything specific, you know, to fit your needs. They’re also older international students. They’re on campus. Many of them become mentors, you know, to the new international students.

You know, they want to be there to support, um, you know, incoming students as. And also a lot of times those same international students are members of activities and clubs that are organized for and by international students. So like I said, most major universities and, and even more of the smaller ones have specific services for international students.

Again, to specifically address some of those. So I see questions and a lot of them are kind of revolving around this idea, and that’s finances. All right, So let’s jump right in, Right, Penn’s ready. So big question I always get, is there financial aid or are there scholarships available for international students?

Um, the short answer is, although you have to be very selective what it is you’re choosing to apply for. So let me talk to you a little bit more about that. So the best plan of action, and I, and again, you’ll, you’ll hear me say this, to contact the university directly. because each university has its own financial programs and its own scholarships available for international students specifically.

So again, you know, a lot of times universities will have financial aid and scholarships available for US students, but they will also have some funds available for international students as well. A few tips when it comes to applying to scholarships. Focus on scholarships that are for all students, not just US citizens or US residents.

So again, usually on the first one or two pages of a scholarship, it will give you those requirements. So again, if it says available to all students. Well then that includes you. All right. So again, that’s what I meant by saying be very selective, you know? So make sure you’re always looking at those requirements first before you put in that work.

Um, also use the magic of the internet, you know, just like you are right now. Um, there are specific websites that will focus on information for international students in regards to financial assistance, scholarships, even. Study programs, you know, there’s a wealth of information out there. You know, it’s, it’s right at your fingertips.

Um, and also you can read blogs. By other international students for tips and guidance regarding, again, financial aid or financial assistance for international students. But again, the biggest bullet there at the very top, your best plan of action is to contact those universities that you are interested in and ask them what financial aid programs or scholarships they have available specifically for international students.

So kind of piggybacking off of that, How do I apply for student visa? Okay. So a lot of times these things kind of get mixed up, but this is kind of, I guess the more efficient process. And it goes like, so. So when you apply for student visa, it is a process and it does involve various steps. Um, the first one being you have to be accepted into the university in the us.

Before you apply for a student visa. So let me say that one more time. You have to actually be accepted, not that you’ve applied, that you’ve actually been accepted, that you have gotten in to the university in the US before you start the application for a student visa. Secondly, you do have to complete some introductory forms.

And again, those are usually available through the university. Again, there are people there to help you through this process. Again, you just have to reach out. Um, again, you’ll have to pay processing fees, right? Just like with everything else. Um, number four is to complete the application for student Visa, and you’d also have to identify your nearest US Embassy in a cons.

Because step five, you would need to schedule and attend an interview for a student visa at that US embassy or consulate. So, you know, thinking of it this way, You would have to have an interview with the university during the application process. Not all the time, but usually. And then you would have a separate interview for the student visa at the US Embassy or consulate.

So if you haven’t already brush up on those interview skills because you have a few coming. Um, last but not least, you may have to pay some final fees again for delivery of the student visa, but that does vary by country. Um, so again, like I said, as you can see there are multiple steps, and this is just for the student visa process.

Um, but like I said, there are staff members at most universities that can help you through this process as. So let’s go back to your actual application, right? Like, how can you ensure that you have an absolutely excellent application? So first and foremost, start identifying those universities of interest as soon as possible.

Um, you know, you don’t wanna have a list of a hundred, you don’t wanna have a list of 50. Can you imagine how long it would take you to just apply to all? Places. And remember, you’re only going to one now. That’s not to say that you should only apply to one. You know, you should have multiple schools in your portfolio in the case that maybe, you know, maybe you change your mind, you know, because you, that happens sometimes.

You know, you think you wanna go to a place and then later, closer to a deadline you realize, well, maybe you’ve, you found something better. Right? So again, you want to start identifying those universities, um, as soon as you can, right. And start kind of breaking down that portfolio. Um, secondly, identify the application.

Per universities, as I mentioned already, um, most universities have of course their their basic application packet, but then the writing components, um, which is on our next bullet, you, you would have to complete these essays and supplements with time. You know, this is not something that should be done at the last minute.

Um, again, some universities, you know, ask you for one essay, sometimes two. I once saw a university that asked for four different essays and five different short answer responses, and that was for one university. So, like I said, you want to start identifying the, the universities of interest so that you can start organizing your writing calendar.

To see just how long you need to complete those requirements. Again, as we’ve already talked about, you definitely want to identify the required English language exam again for the universities of interest, and every university will accept something different. Um, so again, make sure that you do reach out and get the specific information that you need regarding that as well.

You should also make a list, you know, because again, these things will end up on your application. Start making a list of any honors or awards that you have had. You know, and again, these are, you know, grades nine through 12. So what we call here, high school or upper level grades. Um, essentially from ages 14 and until now.

So again, extracurricular activities, community service, volunteer service, entrepreneurship, leadership, um, you know, anything and, and it can be activities that you participated in, in school or out of school. You know, again, don’t just limit yourself to what you’ve done in school, because a lot of times things like community service and service to people around you, those are things that are done.

School sometimes. Um, as far as the last one, again, what I’ve already mentioned, you should prepare for your interview both with the university and also with your local US embassy or consulate. So, like I said, brush up on those interview skills, um, because you know, it seems like you’ll have so much extra time, right?

But again, that is a very important component. Um, so to make sure you take some time to dedicate to that as well. So what other tips ba you know, things I haven’t already mentioned? Um, can I offer for international students when completing the actual applications? So, as I said already, do not wait until the last minute.

Um, for anything, um, especially when you notice that multiple universities you’re interested in may require multiple writing components and maybe very lengthy applications. Some universities actually require a student portfolio as well. So like I said, that brings me to my second bullet. Be very conscious of time management organization is key.

Um, you have to find an organization, an organizational strategy that works for you. So some people use a student planner or a booklet style calendar. Some people put, you know, a great big desk calendar on their desk or maybe up on the wall. Um, you know, something that you will see daily that will remind you of, again, things like upcoming deadlines or what it is you should be working on because Essent.

you’re in school, so you have all your school work, and now you’re gonna have all of your college application work as well. And then on top of that, now you have all of your financial information to, you know, financial aid, scholarships, et cetera. So, you’re gonna be busy if you haven’t realized this already.

So how do you maintain calm, calm and serenity when you have so much going on? And the, the answer to that is, is an organizational strategy. So again, you have to find something that works for you. Um, And then again, as I’ve already mentioned, you, you’ve gotta write those essays, you know, and, and make sure you revise ’em at least three times.

Um, you know, it’s not something you write once, you know, one and done. Absolutely not. You know, colleges are looking for your best work. You know, you’re looking to put your best foot forward. So again, give yourself time to write those essays. Give yourself time to have them reviewed, have them edit. Come back to you to, you know, to, to do that editing process as well.

You know, it’s, it’s not something that can be done overnight, you know, So please give yourself that chance and that opportunity. Also, of course, prepare to take your required English language exams. You know, that’s not something that you’d wanna have to continue taking over and over. Um, you know, so again, make sure you study for it, you prepare for it.

Um, and hopefully that can be a one and done. Um, you also wanna create a financial plan so you know, again, before you can start applying for financial aid and scholarships, you should plan out how much money will you actually need. So again, make sure that you are also taking to an account not only tuition.

Things like housing, food, textbooks, you know, anything else that, you know, again, is entailed in daily life, you know? So again, make yourself a budget so that you are familiar with, you know, how many funds, how much funds you will need in the future. At that point, once you, once you’ve applied and once you’ve been accepted, um, at that point you would want to apply for your student visa and again, immediate.

Um, upon being accepted to the US University because that process is, is quite lengthy and that doesn’t happen overnight either. So again, uh, once you know that you’ve been accepted to university, you should start that student visa process as soon as you can. Again, as I mentioned before, prepare for your interviews.

All right, look nice, Be happy, be awake. You know, get some sleep the night before. Um, you know, and again, just stay positive and, and just be yourself. Um, lastly, again, continue your focus on academics, your grades, your writing skills, your activities, your leadership opportunities. If you sit down and you realize that, you know, all, all you really do is go to.

And come home, you know, Is there, is there anything else that you can build into your schedule? Like if you’re not in any kind of activity or sport or community service, you know, again, can you get into another? Another activity again, because that would add a completely different facet to your application.

Again, you’re trying to put your best foot forward. You’re trying to let universities know everything about you. So, like I said, um, just take some time to think about that and, you know, be creative. You know, there’s always, uh, more ways, uh, to do.

Uh oh. Okay. Thank you Kelley, so much for sharing all this great content for our audience. That now actually concludes the presentation portion of the webinar. We’re now gonna move into our live Q&A. So feel free to continue to ask as many questions as you would like. Um, just a heads up, if your Q&A tab isn’t letting you submit questions, just double check that you joined the webinar through the custom leak in your email and not the webinar landing page.

Okay, Kelley, are you ready for the first question? Yes, ma’am. Alright, so the first question reads, and I know I heard you talk about, you know, financial aid, so we’ll just cover those, those questions that have been asked. Um, sure. Would applying to financial aid and none need blind universities be a wise decision or not regarding decreased acceptance?

Oh, I see. That would applying to financial aid and non need blind universities be a wise decision are not regarding decreased acceptance rates. I guess my the simplest answer there is why not, right? I mean, if the funds are available and you think you have a chance at receiving those funds, I mean, it can’t.

I mean, you don’t really know unless you try. Um, you know, if, if, you know, give yourself the opportunity. So, um, wherever you see your, whenever you see an opportunity to perhaps apply for funds, definitely take that opportunity again. Uh, you cannot, you cannot receive what you don’t request. So, um, I highly, um, advise, you know, give yourself as much chance and as much, much opportunity as possible.

Uh, next question. As a Canadian, do I need to take the AP exam? Oh, that’s for anybody. As, as a student. Should I take AP exams? Okay, so let me explain. AP exams. AP exams essentially will. Give you college credit in most universities. Again, that goes back to you definitely wanna check the particular university of interest.

Do they accept AP exams for that particular subject? So essentially, let me put it this way, If you’re already in the AP class and you’re already doing the AP work, then you should again goes back to opportunity. You should give yourself the opportunity of taking the AP test because again, you’ve done all this work already.

Um, and if you do pass the AP test, and again, you’d wanna check like what score you’d have to get in order to get college credit at that university you’re interested in, then again, you have just saved yourself time and money of having to retake a class, you essentially have already taken. So again, for all students everywhere, um, if you have an opportunity to take an AP test and you’re already doing the work, or even some of you that may prepare on your own and you know, you’ve put in all this work in preparation, it can’t hurt because again, the goal there is to give yourself the opportunity to go ahead and start receiving college credit.

Nice. Next question is, You know, how are this question moved? Would I need to apply for a student visa if I am a Canadian student? I believe so, because essentially, unless you’re a US citizen living in Canada, but again, if you are a Canadian citizen with no US citizenship, then, then mostly everyone who, who does not have US citizenship is considered an international student.

So, um, the short answer there would be, Okay, so next question. This is a good question. Uh, when exactly should we identify universities of interest? Uh, is it something that you do in the 11th or 12th? Today, yesterday. Um, no, just a little bit of humor there. Um, you can start that journey as soon as you like.

Um, I firmly believe in, you know, giving yourself time, um, to, you know, have a valid search experience. Um, again, you don’t wanna rush into that. Um, I’ve had some students that started looking into this in ninth and 10th grade. Um, I’ve had even, uh, I’m sorry, We can hear you. Oh, okay. No, I just, I’ve, I’ve had students as young as, you know, eighth and ninth grade start looking at universities that they’re interested in.

But, you know, do be aware that over time some of your interests may change. Um, but again, to go ahead and start researching universities for other things, programs they have available, where they are, what the culture is like there. Um, you can start that anytime. Okay. Kelley, I’m gonna give you a short break.

So I can share more with our audience about CollegeAdvisor. So for those in the room who aren’t already working with us, we know how overwhelming the admission process can be, especially for our competitive applicants like yourself. Our team of over 350 former admission officers and admission experts are ready to help you and your family navigate at all in one on one advising sessions.

Take the next step in your college admission journey by signing up for a free consultation using the QR code on your screen. During this consultation, a member of our team will review your current extracurricular list, discuss how it lines up with the college goals, share with you more information that you need to know about the applying to college as an international student.

Um, help you identify leadership opportunities. So after standing that QR code, you’ll be able to select a date and time for a phone conversation with a member of our team. Um, and we’re gonna keep the QR code on the screen as we continue on with our questions and answers. So next question for Canadian students, do they take, do they take the IELTS?

The TOEFL exam, even though the medium of instruction is English and schools. Okay, so my most recent research says that there are certain countries and what we call the exemption list. Um, I know that Canada is on that list. Although I will admit over the last few years, so many things have changed at the university level.

So although we may find that information, some of that information may be outdated. So what we want to do, and again, what I highly recommend is, again, and I know I sound like a broken record, and I don’t mean to, but essentially you don’t wanna leave anything to chance. So you would still want to, again, contact the university that you’re interested in and ask them that question because each university may have a different answer.

Okay, that sounds good. Um, next question res, would it be useful to read the essay prompts of certain universities in the 11th grade as a form of early prep to apply for the following year? So basically like do, can you look at the prompts a year in advance? Any insights? Do they change? Are they the same?

So the answer there is yes, absolutely you can and you should. Um, do essay prompts usually change. Sometimes, but when they do change, it’s not that much. If the prompt does change, it usually has a lot of the same elements as a previous prompt. And really at a basic level, you should start practicing for college admissions writing because again, it, it’s a completely different style of writing.

Um, many students, at least that I’m aware of, many students don’t even cover that style of writing, you know, during their high school. So it’s a whole different style of writing. So essentially to practice and to start getting ready. There’s no harm in that at all. So yes, you would definitely wanna practice.

Why not get ready? Absolutely. Okay. Um, next question is, do we have to upload AP transcripts in the Common App? If I have taken a few AP. You should, if you have that available. Uh, when you take an AP exam though, it will also ask you if you want a college board who, who runs the AP exam, Do you want them to send your scores to the universities for you?

So again, once you come in to take AP exams, you do have that option. Um, but again, it should also be printed out on your high school transcript. Um, but if you see that it is not, then yes, you should also keep a copy of that for your records. Okay. Next question. If we apply for restrictive early action deadline for one school and apply five other schools for regular admissions, does the school guidance counselor and two teacher references have to be separately written and uploaded to each school?

Well, it depends on what platform you’re using. For example, in the Common and coalition. You would create one application. So think of it as like your application portfolio, and it’s that same portfolio that you would send out it to multiple schools. Although if your letters have been written specifically for a particular school, then again they, you may have to ask, uh, those people in your lives to, you know, edit them slightly.

in case you would need to, you know, again, upload different letters again, if they’re that specific. Um, but usually again, it’s one application packet or one application portfolio that you then have the option to send to multiple schools. Okay. Um, we are nearing our final question, unless anyone has an additional question.

You can ask it now in the Q&A tab. Uh, so this question read. I am an athlete from England and I am being recruited by the soccer team in the us. Can you confirm? Yes, That is, that is an accomplishment. Yes. Uh, can you confirm if, if there’s anything else I need to do, do I need to take the TOEFEL?

Okay. So being from England, um, similar with Canada, I do believe that England is also on that exemption list, but. Broken record check with the university, right? Um, uh, anything else you need to do? Well, you would still need to fill out the application packet because of course the university needs to know that like you want to come there, that you are on your way.

Um, you know, you also, again, should write your, your writing component. So essentially, even though you’re being recruited by a sports team, you still have to fill out the same application packet as would anyone else. Um, but again, you can always reach out to your recruiters and they can answer some of those specifics for you as well.

They can help you with that, or at least they should be able to. If not, then you could also on your own. Contact those universities, um, that you’re being recruited by and ask them those questions. Again, you, you never wanna leave anything to chance, but yes, essentially you would, you would also complete the application packet as well.

Great. Great. Okay. We have another question that came in, which is awesome. These are some good questions. They are, if we take the SAT English and has and have a good score, Can the English testing requirement, like the, uh, the TOEFL or the IELTS, can it be waived Sometimes? I haven’t seen it very often, although here we go again, contact that university and ask him that.

Um, again, each, you have to think of each, like, I guess my final point would. You have to think of each university, both here and around the world. It’s its own planet. or its own country, they have their own rules. They have their own processes, they have the, their own way of doing things. So just because one university does things a certain way and has certain requirements, that by no means means that the other universities will do things in the exact same way.

So again, stay on the safe side. Ask those very valid questions and reach out as much as you possibly can for clarification. Um, again, just like there are dedicated staff members for international students, there are dedicated staff members for, you know, potential students with admissions questions. So again, please don’t ever hesitate to reach.

You could always find, again, phone numbers for admissions offices, email addresses for admissions offices to answer again your very specific questions. And again, please don’t ever leave anything to chance. Okay. So now we are at the end of our webinar. Thank you, Kelley for sharing. Absolutely. That was a great one.

That was a great one. Great questions. Good job kiddos. And I wish everyone all the best. Thank you. Thank you. So last thing I wanna share with you all is our upcoming webinars. We have a few that are left for the month of October, and we have a really great list of webinars coming up for November. All of our webinars are geared towards supporting you through the college application process, and also just to let you know again, Um, if you would like to book a consultation with a member of our team, we also will have an additional, uh, form when you exit the webinar if you didn’t, if you were not able to catch the QR code.

With that, have a great evening. Good bye.