Step by step: requirements to study in the United States

Studying in the United States will guarantee you training with the best practices in global education. During this time, you will be training with a methodology that promotes the development of global education, with a curriculum adapted to current needs, experiences and institutional support; fostering global citizenship; and improving the knowledge and skills necessary to understand different points of view.

In short, studying in the United States is not just about preparing you for a career, but about participating in increasingly interconnected world systems. If you have already decided that you will do it, keep in mind to meet these basic requirements to achieve your goals quickly.

1. Be clear about what you want to study. If you are undecided or still do not decide what to study, your first step will be to go to a specialist in psychology or vocational guidance who will help you determine it. Currently there are free online vocational tests with which you can better define your program or career. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is essential to identify the option that best suits you, because this decision will involve your effort during a valuable time in your life. Another useful tip is to talk to a professional in the field you would like to develop: ask him what is the good, the bad and the ugly of the career and thus you will have a clearer picture.
2. Choose the best university for you. It is not only about choosing the most prestigious educational institution that leads the rankings of the best universities, rather, it is about looking for the option that is the most competitive in the market, in the city that suits you best, economically accessible and that it brings you the most benefits (agreements, specializations, opportunities, etc.) that allow you to continue expanding in the United States.
3. Valid passport. Keep in mind that, if you are going to study a program or a career, your passport must be up to date to avoid setbacks during the time you stay abroad. Carrying out this procedure will always be easier in your own country than being abroad.
4. Letter of acceptance and visa. Your university will ask for a series of requirements depending on the program you will study. Once you meet them, they will give you an acceptance letter with which you can process the F-1, J-1 visa (if you are looking for academic studies). You can read more about the terms here.
5. Financial status. The educational institution may ask you for a bank statement (in English) that proves your economic solvency to live without financial difficulties in the United States. The savings test for a foreign student is USD 1,500 per month, on average. Banks generally provide this service in Spanish and English.
6. Medical insurance. There are many options you can choose from depending on your type of visa. If it’s J-1, you’ll need to purchase and maintain an insurance plan that meets a list of government requirements. If your Visa is the F-1, for traditional international students, your university can recommend an appropriate insurance that meets the requirements of the educational institution itself. Keep in mind that you must report any pre-existing medical condition at the time of the contract. You can read more about the terms here.
7. English level. It seems like an obvious requirement, but it is important to know whether or not you can communicate adequately in English. Universities will ask you for a minimum qualification, this means that your English is the one required to study the program of your choice. Check with your university about the exam required to prove your English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).

Now that you are aware of the steps to follow to study in the United States, some questions may arise. Don’t doubt about it, get in touch with us through our social media, Facebook, Instagram or write us an email to admissions@sanignaciouniversity.edu that we will happily answer all concerns.