Every year, as high school comes to an end, many Argentine students seek the best option to continue their learning journey. If you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a U.S. university, Great College Advice wants to help. Therefore, in this article, we bring you all the information on how to apply from Argentina to U.S. universities in eight simple steps.
Undoubtedly, there is a wide variety of American universities, so you can always find a great option to meet your aspirations and needs. However, we are aware that applying to these programs can be daunting for those outside the U.S.
Great College Advice is a team formed by leading professional university admissions consultants who support international students and their families through the university admission process in the United States.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to U.S. Universities from Argentina
Research According to Your Educational Interest
The first step to being accepted to any university is research, and this case is no exception. What kind of education interests you? Focusing on the branch that interests you the most is important because not all U.S. universities offer the same specializations. Other relevant data to consider are the geographical location, the size of the university, and the student-to-faculty ratio. Our professional university admissions counselors can help you choose universities with the right environment that matches your educational interests and preferences.
Hiring a University Admissions Advisor
Once you’ve done the necessary research, consider hiring a university admissions counselor as the second step. Admissions (no matter which university you decide to attend) are often a long and complicated process. Having our university admissions counselors on your side will undoubtedly make a difference. At Great College Advice, we are experts in the admissions processes at a wide variety of institution.
No matter if you think you need to create a general strategic approach, find the best match for your interests, or aim for the most competitive universities in the U.S., we can help by tailoring the university admission plan to your specific needs. From building a list of universities, developing an application strategy to crafting the perfect essay, we will be there to support you in this important process every step of the way!
Initiating the Application Process
With the help we provide, you can narrow down the options to the best-suited centers that meet your needs and promptly start your application. But, what does this process involve?
This process contains several fundamental parts:
Standardized Tests
According to each university’s requirements, you may need to take one or more standardized test, such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS. At Great College Advice, we’ll help you understand which tests you need to take and how to prepare for them.
Personal Essays
Another important aspect to consider is that while some universities do not require an essay, others may require up to five. Personal essays can showcase each applicant’s unique qualities, experiences, and motivations for studying in the U.S. It might sound challenging, but don’t forget that you can count on our support! To help you get one step closer to admission to your dream university, we offer a variety of essay packages to ensure you get the best help when crafting compositions for your chosen institutions.
Letters of Recommendation
In addition to the above, you will also need to submit letters of recommendation written by teachers or professionals who can attest to your academic and personal qualities. We’ll help you understand who to ask for letters of recommendation and, more importantly, how to ask so that you get a glowing letter.
Application Forms
Another point that we cannot overlook is completing the application forms for each university you are applying to. Yes, we know it might seem obvious, but when dealing with so many issues and important matters, it can be overlooked. Pay close attention to deadlines and required documents. The guidance of professionals with knowledge and experience in this matter can help alleviate stress, organize the process, and monitor timelines so that you are always one step ahead.
Financial Documentation
In order to get a visa, you’ll need to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself and pay for tuition and other living expenses. We can help advise you early so that you have plenty of time to navigate this complicated part of the process.
How to Obtain a Student Visa for the U.S. from Argentina
To enter the United States, Argentine students admitted to the university for which they applied will need an F-1 visa. This document allows its holder to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at a university, college, seminary, conservatory, academic primary school, academic high school, or other accredited academic institution, as well as in a language training program.
Students must be actively enrolled in a course of study or program that, upon completion, will award them a diploma, degree, or certificate. Additionally, the U.S. government must authorize the school to admit international students. Keep in mind that the F-1 visa is temporary and should not be considered a pathway to permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria for the F-1 Visa
- Be accepted at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in the United States.
- Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial funds to support your stay in the United States.
- Be a full-time student at the institution.
- Be enrolled in a course that helps improve and master English, unless already proficient in the language.
- Demonstrate intent to return to your home country once education in the United States is completed. Remember: The F-1 visa is only a temporary visa.
Requirements for the F-1 Visa
- Valid Passport
- DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
- Form 1-20: The university they finally enroll in will provide this form. In the application, they must indicate the amount of funds required for their education in the U.S. Here also, supporting documentation such as tax records, payment receipts, or bank statements will be required.
- Proof of Medical Insurance
- University Acceptance Letter
What to pack
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure! Once you’re enrolled in your university and have all your documents in order, you will need some essential items for the trip.
Here we share a list for them to check the most important things to bring as an Argentine student to the United States:
- Health Insurance: Being far from home can present several challenges, so make sure you have up-to-date health insurance documentation in case you need medical attention. If you don’t have this yet, ask your university for more information
- International Phone Plan: So you can communicate while away from home.
- Bank Account: If you don’t already know it, find out the information so you can access your bank account while abroad.
- Copies of Important Documents: Make sure you bring photocopies of documents that are harder to access outside of Argentina, such as your passport.
- Seasonal Clothing: Keep in mind that your new home at university may have a different climate than you are used to, so make sure to plan ahead and bring suitable clothing.
- Prepare for the Adventure: Being accepted into a U.S. university is a significant achievement. As a family, prepare to support and enjoy this new stage of their lives.
We are ready to accompany you on this journey!
At Great College Advice, we offer comprehensive and personalized counseling services to students from around the world, including Argentina.
Here are some of our most popular service offerings:
Roadmap Planning Session
To start, our team will efficiently and effectively gather the most important information about your child and your family. Once analyzed, we develop a personalized strategy for success in the university admission process.
College Admissions Planning and Advising:
We offer two all-inclusive packages for college planning services.
- Premium Package: Aimed at 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Here, you will receive comprehensive guidance on all aspects of the college selection and application process. This package is excellent for families seeking merit-based scholarships to reduce the cost of college education.
- Elite Package: For students from eighth grade onward who aspire to the most selective schools in our country.
College Essay Guide
College essays can be challenging. If you feel like you have the college application process under control but just need some help with the essays, we’re here for you! We offer essay-only coaching to help get you through what is often the trickiest part of applying to US colleges and universities.
Advantages of Working with U.S. University Advisors
By working with Great College Advice, you’ll receive professional advice tailored to your child’s specific case, their abilities, and aspirations, completely personalized. The comprehensive approach we take ensures that the university selected is the right one. Our counseling has resulted in 97% of students who choose us being accepted into their top three preferred universities.
Connecting with us is easy. We can provide counseling through teleconferencing, phone, email, and our web platform. If you want more information, contact us for a free consultation today.
