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How to Apply
 

The Application Process:  Each American college and university has its own requirements for admission.  Generally, they require an application, standardized tests, transcripts from your previous academic institution, letters of reference, and essays.

  1. Getting Started
  2. Research
  3. Iraqi Student Advisers
  4. Application Steps

Getting Started

Before you start to research possible schools, ask yourself a few questions:

  • What do I want to study?
  • Do my second school coursework (if you are applying for a undergraduate program) or my undergraduate studies (if you are applying for a master’s program) prepare me for the demands of this major?
  • Can I meet admission requirements?
  • What kind of environment do I want to live in? (large city, small town, cold climate, close to family, etc.)
  • Do I want to go to a small school (less than 5,000 students), medium school (5,000 to 20,000 students), or a large school (more than 20,000 students)?
  • What is my budget and how much can my family afford?
  • Do I want to go to a private or public university?
  • Is it important for the university to have services for international students?

Research

There are more than 4,000 accredited higher education institutions in the United States.  Iraqi students should start their research at the EducationUSA website.  This website provides accurate, objective, and comprehensive information about U.S. educational institutions and guidance on how to access those opportunities.  The EducationUSA website provides information about applying to a U.S. university, selecting universities that match a student’s study goals, and applying for financial aid. 

Iraqi Student Advisers

The U.S. Embassy has trained more than 100 university professors and staff, high school teachers, and government ministry employees across Iraq as Student Advisers.  These Student Advisers are familiar with the U.S. university system and are trained to help students research and apply to universities and colleges.  Working as volunteers, Iraqi Student Advisers are committed to helping students pursue educational opportunities in the United States and Iraq. 

U.S. Embassy Baghdad supports the Student Advisers and also works directly with Iraqi students to answer questions, find resources and provide support. 

If you would like counseling from an Iraqi Student Adviser in your area, please contact us.

For information or help, email to:  BaghdadEducationAdv@state.gov

Application Steps

  • Students should follow these steps to apply to a U.S. university:
  • Start the research and  application process at least 18 months before you want to attend a U.S. university;
  • Be aware of the time schedule. Most universities accept new students for the Fall Semester, starting in August or September.  Some universities will accept new students for the Spring Semester, starting in January.
  • Select 5 to 10 universities that match your interests and needs;
  • Applications are usually submitted online.  Follow the application process step by step as outlined on the university website.  Completing the application can take quite a bit of time; make sure you have enough time to do a good job!
  • Fill out the application for Financial Aid and submit with the application;
  • Provide official copies of transcripts for all courses attended; be prepared to submit the original version (in Arabic or Kurdish) and an official translated version (in English);
  • Many universities require foreign students to have their transcripts evaluated by an independent reviewer.  Follow the directions on the Application.
  • Submit official copies of all English language and academic testing; you should request that the testing organization (for example ETS) send the official scores to the universities directly;
  • Provide personal and academic references; you should choose teachers, professors, or community leaders who know you well and can give strong references with specific examples and details;
  • Write a personal essay (or essays) as part of the application.  Follow the instructions carefully.  U.S. universities take these essays very seriously because they provide personal information about students that may not come through in the regular application.  You  should answer the questions directly, give specific examples and help the university get to know you as a individual;
  • Submit an application fee in U.S. dollars; usually this must be paid online with a credit card; most universities WILL NOT accept an application without the application fee;
  • Submit the completed application, including all other documents such as transcripts, test scores, etc.