PУССКИЙ, opens a new windowESPAÑOL, opens a new window
Now that you have decided on a degree program, it is time to apply. Use these resources to learn about the admissions process and prepare the necessary documents.
Before You Start
Know the Lingo
Usethis glossary from Education USA, opens a new windowto learn the necessary terms used in higher education.
Research Admission Requirements and Deadlines of Your Preferred School
No two colleges are the same. Each school has its own set of requirements for admissions. Here are some tips for researching possible schools and keeping your information organized:
- 去你的每一个德sired programs' web pages and gather the necessary data:
- application deadline
- application fee
- required standardized tests and score range
- what kind of transcripts or evaluations are accepted
- whether the application includes an essay or a resume
- the number of recommendation letters or references you will need to submit
- the requirements for proving your English proficiency
- number of credits necessary for graduating
- cost per credit
- start dates, modes of learning (in-person or online?) and other important criteria
- Use a spreadsheet toorganize and compare your data, opens a new window.
- When applying to Colorado colleges, checkthis website for Colorado Free Application Days, opens a new windowand options for fee waivers. Applying toColorado community colleges, opens a new windowis always free.
Build Your Application
Most schools will allow you to create a profile and continue working on your application. Don't forget to scan and include attachments as required and be sure to save your data entry on each page. If an essay or a resume is required, you might have to attach it as a separate document.
Introduce Yourself
On most college applications, you have to include eithera resume, opens a new window, acollege essay, opens a new windowor both to introduce yourself to your future schools. Arapahoe Libraries offers many resources and can help you prepare these.
Tutors available throughHelpNow, opens a new windowcan review your drafts and offer free feedback.
额外的ly, a school might require a virtual interview as part of its admissions process. Check your emails regularly to see if any additional appointments or documents are requested by the admissions office.
Transcripts
Your transcripts are proof of previous learning. In the United States, it is common to require that your previous school mails your transcripts directly to the school you are applying to. However, some schools make exceptions or have their own process.
It is important to understand the terms:
- Transcript- extract from your previous diploma with all grades and number of class hours
- Official transcript– a letter from a previous educational institution sent directly to the place of admission in a sealed envelope
- Unofficial transcript– photocopy or printout
- Diploma evaluation– a document from an agency engaged in the evaluation of foreign diplomas, sent directly to the place of admission in a sealed envelope
Some American universities accept originals or evaluations of foreign diplomas instead of transcripts. Make sure to check the requirements of each school you are considering because the requirements may vary. If you cannot find the information online, email the school's admissions office, explain your situation and ask what they will accept.
Some universities in other countries can send an extract in English by e-mail or in a sealed envelope. If your previous education is from outside the US, contact your previous school to see if they can send a transcript in English by mail in a sealed envelope or by email to the school(s) where you are applying.
Evaluation of foreign credentials is tricky.Many US universities work with just one evaluation agency, while others will honor an evaluation from any agency that isa member of NACES, opens a new window. The cost of evaluation may be in $300-$1000, so read the admission requirements to make sure that you get your diploma evaluated with the right organization.
Standardized Testing
Colorado no longer requires SAT or ACT, opens a new windowresults for undergraduate admissions. Similarly, many graduate schools are making standardized tests, such asGRE, opens a new windoworGMAT, opens a new window, optional.
However, if your high-school education was completed in another country, you might have to prove that your academic skills are at the right level for college. Most community colleges useACCUPLACER, opens a new windowto evaluate readiness for undergraduate programs. This assessment is usually scheduled after you submit the application, takes place on campus and is free or low cost.
Another way of proving academic readiness is taking ahigh-school equivalency exam, opens a new window. To boost your secondary academic skills, consider enrolling in anadult education program, opens a new windowin your area.
Arapahoe Libraries offers access toLearning Express Library, opens a new window, a self-paced preparation resource that offers free practice tests for many standardized assessments.
English Proficiency
While some Colorado schools will honor your residency status and skip this requirement, others require taking an English language assessment to prove your proficiency. The three widely accepted tests areTOEFL, opens a new window,IELTS, opens a new windowandDuolingo, opens a new window.
Be sure to confirm with your school the exact requirements for English proficiency before registering for one of these tests, as their cost, testing convenience and local availability vary dramatically from one to another. Your desired school might also have its own assessment or accept test results from local adult education programs.
Still learning English? Consider theEnglish program at Arapahoe Libraries, opens a new windowand theselibrary and online resources, opens a new window.
Letters of Recommendation
Most colleges will also require 2-3 letters of recommendation or reference contacts.
Here are sometips on asking someone to be your college reference, opens a new window. It is important to ask your contacts ahead of time and be prepared to draft a recommendation letter for them.
Looking for support navigating these resources?
- Submit anAsk-a-Librarian form, opens a new windowto schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of the librarians.
- Sign up and attend one of thehigher education workshops, opens a new windowat the library.
- Not sure which programs or schools to focus on? Check out our blog postWhat Should I Study?, opens a new window
