Unlike Brazilians, the performance of American students during high school is essential for entering a good higher education course. While Brazilians need to dedicate themselves to their studies to achieve good results in the difficult entrance exams, Americans will have a good chance of being approved in institutions if they prove to have good grades in the school curriculum. The effort during all the academic years of high school is compensated by the chances of entering a good university or college – which can serve as a great motivator and encourager of dedication to study. And it is for this reason that North American students’ school curricula are very competitive.
It is still necessary to pass tests (such as the SAT or the ACT), but the most important thing is to have good grades, provide the necessary papers and demonstrate enthusiasm in pursuing the degree of interest. Proof of this is the need to write an essay that proves your intention to join the institution, in addition to reporting curricular and extracurricular activities that prove your interest in the chosen degree. In the USA, letters of recommendation are also highly valued (highly taken into consideration when applying for a job, for example). It is for this reason that North American institutions require candidates for vacancies to present, alongside their academic transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation from high school teachers – who must testify to the candidate’s performance and affirm their qualities as a student.
Foreign student
Brazilians are very welcome and are among the top foreign students that the USA receives every year. A great source for you to research courses in the United States is Hotcourses Brazil website. In addition to course information, you can also access reviews from students who have already studied at the institutions, a great barometer when choosing where to study. It is very important that when making your plans to study in the USA and after selecting which institutions you will apply to, you research the particular requirements of each of them. Don’t feel embarrassed to contact the universities directly, they will be happy to send you all the information you need, and in many cases they will provide assistance on how to prepare your visa application process.
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For international students, the steps to be accepted into a US university or college are relatively similar to those followed by Americans, but clearly require much more documentation and effort. To begin, the student needs to prove proficiency in English. There are some tests for students who speak English as a second language, and each institution chooses which one to apply. The most common are TOEFL and IELTS. It is necessary to achieve the minimum grade required to be eligible to continue in the selection process for the undergraduate position.
In addition to English, foreign students also need to pass one of the standardized educational exams in the United States. The most common of these is the School Aptitude Test (the aforementioned SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test), which has similar purposes to our ENEM. There are tests in 20 different subjects from five standard areas: history, mathematics, science, English and foreign languages. This exam is necessary for any higher education course, however it is not necessary to take all 20 subjects: each degree will indicate the necessary tests (which reinforces, once again, how important it is to maintain direct contact with the institution of interest).
Once you reach the minimum grades required in the English proficiency exam and the Scholastic Aptitude Test, you will need to find a certified translator to make the official version of your documents from Portuguese to English, especially your school CV and letters of recommendation. And then it’s time to submit your results and documents to the institution.
In case of approval, the university will provide official documents that prove that the student has been accepted, so that they can be presented at the interview at the American Consulate for the student visa, which is the next and final step that separates you from studying in the “Land of Uncle Sam»!
With your visa in hand, just pack your bags and make the most of this experience that will certainly be unforgettable in your life.
By Brenda Bellani