What preparations need to be made before studying in the United States?

As a popular country for studying abroad, the United States has a large number of people applying to study abroad every year. Therefore, if you want to stand out among the many applicants, you must make adequate preparations in advance and take the initiative. Let me tell you what preparations you need to make before applying to study in the United States.

Preparation for application to study in the United States

1. Preparation for test scores

No matter which stage of application you are applying for, you need to prepare test scores, which are prepared at different stages. Test scores are also very different. This is the most important part of the application process for studying in the United States, because it determines the basis for choosing the school’s major.

Undergraduate level: language scores (TOEFL or IELTS scores), scores in all high school subjects, GPA scores, American college entrance examination scores (SAT or ACT)

Postgraduate students Stage: language scores (TOEFL or IELTS scores), GPA scores, Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE scores), some specialty professional exams (GMAT, LAST).

2. Preparation of documents and materials

Application documents mainly include resumes, personal statements, letters of recommendation, etc. These are mainly used to prove that the applicant’s personal ability can study at the school to which he is applying. Let the admissions office understand the special features of your application and attract admission to the school. In addition to these materials, prizes, medals, certificates, etc. obtained in large competitions are all important materials that reflect the applicant's ability. Documentation materials are an important part of the U.S. study abroad application process that is no less important than test scores.

3. Narrow the application goals

After obtaining the test scores, you can conduct preliminary school screening based on the scores (screening based on those already selected in the first step of the U.S. study abroad application process) It can be divided into three types: guaranteed school, suitable school and sprint school. Then when choosing a college, you can also refer to the school's ranking, the school's geographical location, the safety of the location, the school's fees, the school's teaching staff, the number of scholarships and other factors. When choosing a major, you still have to choose based on your own preferences and wishes. The advantageous majors of each university are different, so when choosing a major, don’t blindly pursue the top 50 schools in the rankings, and don’t follow the crowd. A major that I don’t like.

4. School fee payment

Certain fees must be paid to the school when applying and when the application is approved, which is a payment link in the application process for studying in the United States. Each school is required to pay a non-refundable application fee when applying, which is generally no more than $100. Many colleges and universities will require students who need to study for reasons and accommodation to pay their tuition fees in advance, which can generally be paid through online payment, bank counters, etc.

5. Later materials

After successfully applying and paying the fee, you will receive a school admission notice mailed by the school. If you apply for dual admission, you will also receive a language school admission notice. Book. After receiving the notification letter, you need to prepare the following later documents in the application process for studying in the United States.

Certificate of Deposit for Studying in the United States: The Certificate of Deposit for Studying in the United States is to show that the applicant can pay all expenses for studying in the United States. The amount of money is generally saved based on the number of years of study abroad and the annual study abroad expenses. , needs to be frozen for 3-6 months.

Passport: It is needed when entering and leaving the country. You can also use the passport number when purchasing air tickets to ensure the validity of the passport.

U.S. study visa: U.S. study visa is a document that students who want to study in the United States must apply for. There are generally two categories: "F" and "M".

6. Enable international roaming on your mobile phone

Before going abroad, students should apply for international roaming on their mobile phone cards at home so that they can contact their families when they first arrive in the United States and report that they are safe. After arriving in the United States, you can buy a local map to help you become familiar with the surrounding environment.

After you are familiar with the surrounding environment, you can buy a local mobile phone card in the United States. Students should remember how to call from the United States to China: (00) 86-area code (such as 20)-telephone number or (00) 86-mobile phone number. When students arrive in the United States, if they need to frequently contact their families, international long-distance calls are more expensive. It is more convenient to use online instant messaging tools such as QQ Video to communicate with their families. Therefore, if parents have not learned how to use QQ Video, they should hurry up before their children go abroad. Make up lessons beforehand.

7. Be prepared for snowy weather

Usually in winter, except for the West Coast (such as California) and several southern states, it snows in most places, and sometimes it rains. The level of snow is amazing, so some cold-proof equipment such as snow coats, snow boots, thick socks, scarves, gloves, etc. are necessary. If you are studying in the southwest region of the United States, you do not need to bring too heavy clothing (unless you are considering skiing). Thick coats and sweaters are more basic clothing. However, in winter, indoor heating is usually available, and sweatshirts and thick sweaters are rarely suitable. use. There are not many opportunities to wear suits and dresses, so just prepare one or two sets. You can also bring one or two sets of traditional Chinese clothing such as cheongsam and tunic suit.

8. Pay attention to your email

Everyone must always pay attention to their email before going to study in the United States. Everyone who studies in the United States must have a deep understanding that basically everyone’s contacts are through email. Supported by mail. The school will use emails to tell you how to register for courses, how to get to the school from the airport, etc. For example, Clemson University will send emails in duplicate to freshmen's personal email addresses and school email addresses at the same time, thereby greatly reducing the chance that students will not receive the email. There are also some schools that use emails to connect new students with old students, and let the old students answer questions for the new students.

Airport entry guide for studying in the United States

1. During the flight

When you are still on the plane, the flight attendant will generally issue an I-94 entry and exit card. and customs declaration. The I-94 entry and exit card is a special form for the U.S. Immigration Service, also known as the entry and exit record card. It consists of two parts, one is the entry record, and the other is the departure record. If you don't know how to fill in this form, be sure to ask the driver or passenger for help instead of filling it in casually. Some customs declaration forms are filled out before leaving the country, while others are filled out on the plane. This varies depending on the departure situation. In addition, during a long flight, you should pay attention to rest so that you can maintain high energy when you get off the plane, because you need to go through some procedures when you get off the plane, so high energy is also a good way to avoid making mistakes.

2. Immigration Inspection Procedures

Before you arrive at the checkpoint, please prepare your passport, SEVISI-20 or DS-2019 form, I-94 entry and exit record card and the corresponding Customs declaration form for easy presentation to relevant customs personnel. Among the inspection contents at the U.S. port of entry, the main inspection contents include four aspects: public health, immigration status, customs inspection, and agricultural inspection.

These four inspections may be carried out by one official or by multiple officials. When you arrive at the port of entry, please go to the arriving passenger exit, go to the immigration inspection room, and wait in line for inspection according to the entry visa. Students holding non-immigrant visas should line up in the Nonresidents line in the foreign passenger entry area, while those holding immigrant visas or green cards should line up in the Citizens/Residents line. When it is your turn to be inspected, please hand your passport, SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form, I-94 entry and exit record card, and customs declaration form to the immigration officer for inspection.

In addition, as usual, immigration officials will ask you some basic questions, such as your residence in the United States, the purpose of visiting the United States, the length of stay you intend to stay in the United States, and the amount of money you are bringing, etc. When answering these questions, you must state that you are a student and the name and address of the school you attend. The immigration officer will then ask you to leave your fingerprints on a scanning device and take a photo on the spot, and stamp the I-20 or IAP-66 and I-94. The I-94 card is proof of your legal entry into the United States. Documents must be kept properly.

3. Entry follow-up matters

After you have passed the foreign passenger entry area, you can go to the Terminal to collect your checked luggage. Be sure to check carefully when collecting your luggage. Be sure not to get the wrong luggage number. In addition, customs inspectors will review the items you bring into the United States, inspect your luggage, and check the customs declaration you filled out on the plane.

If you conceal items that require customs declaration and tax, you will be severely fined. So don’t take any chances and make your declaration truthfully. In addition, any prohibited items will be confiscated on the spot. And for convenience, do not bring more than 10,000 U.S. dollars when entering the country, otherwise you will be asked to fill in a form, which will increase your immigration troubles. So just carry a small amount of necessary funds.