Everyone has heard about studying in the USA for free. But is this true? Can an international student really study in the USA for free? Yes, you can! Follow these steps to prepare to apply and then steps to apply.
How to prepare to study in the USA for free?
Stay Competitive
Only the top international students are considered to study in the USA for free. Staying competitive means having high marks/grades. A strong GPA looks even better if you have taken the most rigorous coursework. Many international students with have high GPAs and rigorous coursework. But many are not making a positive impact at school or community.
Language, Language, Language!
If English is not your native language, you will be required to submit your TOEFL, IELTS, or other language test. Every university has a minimum score requirement but it varies from school to school. Your scores show the university, not just that you speak the language, but that you will thrive at university-level coursework. After all, conversational English is different than academic English. Aside from the requirements, you will want to know enough to immerse yourself in the university experience. You’ll be living with American roommates, socializing, interacting with professors, and having an internship at American corporations. The good thing is that you don’t have to have perfect scores! You will perfect your language skills once you are fully immersed in the U.S.
Take the Right Classes
Most American universities require students to take courses in mathematics, science, social sciences, native language, and a foreign language. Requirements will also differ based on the degree you are trying to pursue. Students studying STEM may be required to take algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus in addition to physics or chemistry. Keep a close eye on your classes. You don’t want to get to the end of secondary school and realize you didn’t take all of the courses.
Know yourself
Do you know what you are looking for from your education in the USA? Besides a degree, what are you hoping your experience will be like? Do you learn best in a small classroom or in a large classroom? Do you want to be at a school with a large international student population? How about a large student population from your home country? Do you need to be close to your cultural community? How about a specific place of worship like a church or a mosque? The more you know about yourself, the easier it will be to find universities that are ideal for you.
Know the Universities
With over 4,000 colleges and universities in the US, you need to know about them to decide where to apply. All 4,000 differ in so many ways. There are schools in big cities like New York or Los Angeles while others are in rural Kansas or Iowa. Some have over 70,000 students and others have less than 100. Some are in areas that experience snow every winter and others are in the desert. And their students, academics, and campus culture vary just a widely. Start thinking about what is important to you because there will be a perfect university for you! But of course, keep an open mind!
You can research the schools through their website, social media, informational sessions. Current students are also a really great resource. Most universities also offer virtual informational sessions. You can learn about the school from an admissions representative and you also get to ask questions. There are also college/university fairs where you can meet – in person or virtually – different schools at the same time.
Know Your Teachers
Many universities require letters of recommendation from one or two of your teachers and a school counselor. The letters are evaluated as part of your application. They will be asked to evaluate you and your work as a student in their class. It will be easier to earn a strong letter from a teacher who knows your academic interest, goals, and plans to study abroad. You want someone who can speak about your contributions to the class as well as your school. It is best to ask a teacher who teaches in your field of interest. And someone who taught you during your last two years of secondary school. For example, if you are a mathematics student you want to ask your mathematics teacher instead of your philosophy teacher.
Build a School List
It’s better to start with a long list of potential schools. As you continue to research and get to know the schools, you will narrow down your list. There are many things to consider as you are building your school list. The strength of your list will come from the research and time you put into it.
How to apply to study in the USA for free?
Start the University Application Process Early
Applying to schools takes a lot of time and it also requires a good strategy. Application deadlines vary widely with most application due dates starting around January of your last year of secondary school. But if you are applying Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) your deadlines are earlier. Schools in the California State University or the University of California system, also have deadlines start around November. But in order to be most competitive, you’ll need to take advantage of interviews and/or virtual information sessions. Interviews are typically offered early in the last year of secondary school or the second to last year. You’ll also need to start demonstrating interest as soon as possible. At the very least, you need to start by your second to last year of secondary school. When you consider all of the steps that go into applying you see why you have to start early. The American university application process really begins, at the latest, in your second to last year of secondary school.
Know Where to Apply
Not every university is giving away money for free. You have to know which universities are giving any free money (financial aid) to international students. Although most universities are not awarding international students with enough to cover all expenses, many are providing some funds to cover at least portions of their education.
Complete the Financial Aid Application
Some schools will consider all students for financial aid while some schools may require a financial aid application. They may use the CSS Profile or may have their own application. These forms will determine how much financial aid an international student may receive. The office of financial aid at each university will independently evaluate your application. Schools may consider your financial need, academics, and talent.
Additional Requirements
Once you know where you will apply, it’s important to understand how a school determines who receives financial aid (free money). We know from step 3 that some schools will require an additional financial aid application. While others will automatically consider all students for financial aid. Arizona State University, for example, offers scholarships (free money) to students who are in specific colleges within the school. Students are only eligible to apply for this scholarship once they have been admitted. Not all scholarships are for international students.
Apply for Other Scholarships
The majority of your financial aid (free money not provided by yourself, family, or friends) will likely come from the university. But there are other scholarships that are available for international students. Start with your own home government to see if there are any opportunities for scholarships to study abroad. Do not trust anyone asking for money to apply for scholarships. Scholarship applications in the United States are FREE.
Write a standout scholarship personal statement!
Jobs on Campus
Once you enroll at a university in the U.S., you are eligible to work on campus. Students on an F-1 Student Visa may work at their university campus for up to 20 hours a week. During school breaks a student can work up to 40 hours a week. This is especially helpful for international students who stay in the U.S. during the long summer and winter breaks. Typical on-campus jobs may include working as a tour guide, in the library, the computer lab, etc. Many schools post upcoming jobs before school starts. Keep a close eye on these openings so you can apply before all the jobs are gone. Also, some jobs – such as a Resident Assistant – require that students apply after their first or second year of university.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I don’t score high enough on the TOEFL or IELTS to meet the minimum university requirements?
If you don’t score well on the TOEFL or IELTS, you may still be admitted to a university. But you may be required to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. These courses are intensive and may even be offered the summer before your first year at school. Fullerton College, for example, offers ESL courses. Courses range from Basic Conversation to Basic Grammar to Intermediate Pronunciation, Idioms, Advanced pronunciation and Academic Vocabulary.
ESL options vary by university. Check with the specific schools in which you are interested.
How much do students get paid to work on-campus?
If you are wondering how much on-campus jobs pay, you’ll have to refer to your specific school. Schools must pay at least the state minimum wage requirements and may vary by specific position. For example, The University of Iowa’s minimum student wage is $8.20 an hour. Whereas the University of California, Riverside’s minimum student wage is $15.50 an hour.
Conclusion
it is possible to study in the USA for Free but you will have to follow the steps to prepare to apply. Remember to start the process no later than your second to last year before you apply.
You might also be interested in how to write a standout Scholarship Personal Statement!
