Key Steps to Applying to American Universities from Chile

Whether your child chooses to pursue a master’s or bachelor’s degree that is uncommon in your home country or simply wants to have an enriching experience abroad, Great College Advice is here to help. In this article, we present the key steps for applying to American universities from Chile.

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“Nearly 3,000 Chileans enrolled to study at universities and higher education institutions in the United States in the 2021-2022 academic year.” This information, provided by the U.S. Embassy in Chile, highlights the increasing number of Chileans seeking to challenge barriers and explore new horizons in renowned American institutions.

While we acknowledge the wide variety of study options as a great benefit, we are realistic when it comes to the application process. Navigating the admission programs of these institutions can be challenging, requiring an extensive and often exhausting journey, which is even more difficult for those who do not permanently reside in the United States.

So if you’re wondering who we are and how we can assist you, let us briefly explain. Great College Advice is a team of leading professionals in college admissions counseling who help and support international students and their families throughout the university admission process in the United States.

Research According to Your Educational Interest

It’s no coincidence that this is the first step in this guide. This is fundamental for any study you want to pursue. If you’re closely involved in this journey with your child, ask them which university degree truly interests them. This is also important because not all U.S. universities offer the same specializations.

Considering the geographical location, size of the university, and student-to-faculty ratio with which they would feel most comfortable are essential when starting the search.

At Great College Advice, we have professional university admissions counselors who can help you choose universities with an environment that matches your interests and educational preferences.

Hire a University Admissions Advisor

With the previous point in mind, hiring a university admissions advisor is essential.

Regardless of the options they choose to apply to, all university admissions departments usually have a long, complicated, and often exhausting process. Having our admissions advisors by your side will undoubtedly set your child apart from the rest and give them motivation based on those who truly understand this process.

The professionals at Great College Advice are experts in admissions processes at different study institutions. Whether you believe they need a general roadmap, finding the best option for their interests, or applying to the most competitive and excellent universities in the U.S., we tailor the university admission plan to each student and their needs. We can help with compiling a list of universities that best suit what they’re looking for, as well as developing an application strategy and even crafting the perfect essay – you can count on us and all our experience in this crucial stage for your family!

Start the Application Process

With our guidance, your child can narrow down the options to the best-suited institutions and promptly begin their application. What does this process involve?

At this stage, they will encounter several fundamental parts:

Standardized Tests

Each university, based on its requirements, may require one or more standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS from foreign applicants.

For this, Great College Advice offers a standardized evaluation strategy in which we provide students who trust us with tools to prepare adequately.

Personal Essays

One of the most important topics to cover for applicants is that while they may come across universities that do not require them to submit an essay with their application, others may require up to five.

The idea with personal essays is for students to showcase their qualities, experiences, and motivations that set them apart from the rest and why they should be granted a spot to study in the U.S. Quite a challenge, isn’t it? If you decide that your child should have our support, rest assured that we will help them get closer to their goal. We offer a wide variety of essay packages that guarantee the best and most suitable help to navigate this test successfully.

Letters of Recommendation

Also, consider that your child will need to submit letters of recommendation written by teachers or professionals who attest to their academic and personal qualities.

Application Forms

Another fundamental step in the application process to American universities is filling out the application forms that each institution they have chosen may require.

Pay special attention to deadlines and required documents. The guidance of professionals with knowledge and experience in this matter can help with organizing the process, managing time better, as well as handling the stress that all of this can entail. This way, your child will always be one step ahead of the other applicants.

Financial Documentation

Prepare with time the evidence of your family’s financial resources and financial status. Universities will require documentation to support that your child can truly cover tuition and living expenses.

How to Obtain a Student Visa for the American Univiersities from Chile

Chilean students who are accepted by an American university after applying must have an F-1 visa.

With this authorization, the holder will be allowed to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at a university, college, seminary, conservatory, 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 educational institution must have prior authorization from the U.S. government to admit foreign students.

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 the student has sufficient financial funds to support their 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 their home country once education in the United States is completed. Remember: The F-1 visa is only a temporary visa.

Requirements to Apply 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. Documentation such as tax records, payment receipts, or bank statements should also be submitted.
• Medical Insurance Policy
• University Acceptance Letter

Important details for coming to American Universities from Childe

This new stage abroad will undoubtedly be a great adventure that will mark a before and after in the life of your child and your family. Once effectively enrolled in the university and all documents are in order, it will be necessary to organize certain essential elements for their trip.

On this list, you’ll find some of the most important things when traveling as a Chilean student to the United States:

• Health Insurance: One of the fundamental things when traveling far from home is to have and keep up-to-date health insurance in case medical attention is needed. If you’re unsure about the best option for your child, inquire for more information on the topic at the university where they are admitted.
• International Phone Plan: So you can communicate constantly while away from home.
• Bank Account: Keep in mind the necessary information so they can access their bank account smoothly while abroad.
• Copies of Important Documents: Make sure they carry photocopies of documents that are harder to access outside of Chile, such as their passport.
• Seasonal Clothing: Consider that their new home at the university may have a completely different climate than what they’re accustomed to in their city, so make sure to acquire appropriate clothing and accessories in advance.
• Enjoy This New Journey: In the future, after going through the necessary tests and achieving the long-awaited goal, they will remember this moment as one of the most important. Being accepted into an American university is undoubtedly a great achievement. Prepare as a family to enjoy this great experience. Say goodbye to your child with a hug and let them know they have your full support and that you’ll be there for them whenever they need it.

We are ready to accompany your family on this journey!

At Great College Advice, we offer comprehensive and personalized counseling services to students from around the world, including Chile.

Here are some of our most popular service offerings:

College Admissions Planning and Advising:

We offer two all-inclusive packages for college planning services.

• Premium Package: Aimed at 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 8th 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 and exceptional advice tailored to your child’s specific case, their abilities, and aspirations, completely personalized.

The comprehensive approach we take ensures that the university chosen is the right one. Our counseling has resulted in 97% of students who pick 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.