To start your application to study in the USA, you will need to apply directly to each of the universities you are interested in. If you are accepted you will be entered into an international student database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It’s important to ensure that you pay the application fee  for this database service, which will be US$200. The university will then provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the US embassy when you attend your visa interview.

Applying for undergraduate studies

Entry requirements for each university are different, but most involve completing an admissions test or essay, the SAT or ACT admissions tests, and providing recommendation letters from teachers. Most universities also ask for a transcript of your grades and a personal statement.

Applying for postgraduate studies

To be eligible for graduate study in the US, you should have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from an internationally recognized institution. Along with your bachelor’s degree certificate, you will also probably be asked to provide one or more letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or application essay. You may also be asked to submit graduate admissions test results (e.g. GRE/GMAT), and for Ph.D. applications, a research proposal.

Language requirements
For both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language TOFEL is the most common test considered by US universities, while the International English Language Testing System IELTS is also commonly accepted.