Navigating the U.S. College Application Process: A Comprehensive Guide for Refugees

We know how daunting the university application process can be. In this post, we’ll break down essential information and share a few helpful tips to guide you through a successful application cycle.

1. Understanding the Types of Colleges

There are two main types of institutions: two-year community colleges and four-year universities. Community colleges are more affordable but only offer associate degrees (whereas four-year universities offer a bachelor’s degree). Due to this, many students begin at a community college and transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree. This is a cost-effective option for students concerned about affording tuition.

We also want to distinguish between public and private institutions. Public institutions receive government funding and are generally larger and more affordable than private institutions. Private institutions, while often more expensive, may provide smaller class sizes and more personalized support. When deciding between the two, consider factors like cost, size, and available resources to determine what aligns best with your goals.

2. Building a Strong Academic Profile

A high school transcript or the international equivalent is something that is often required by a higher education institution and can help demonstrate your academic abilities. If you attended high school in the U.S., you can upload a digital copy. International students will need a credential evaluation, where a third party assesses their transcripts to determine U.S. equivalents. Some credentials may even qualify you for college credits, so it's worth exploring this option. (Check out our Application Resources page for more information on credential evaluations.)

Standardized tests also allow colleges to get a better understanding of your academic capabilities. There are two different tests: the SAT and ACT. There are a multitude of resources to help you prepare for the test and you can register online (we have more information about this on our Application Resources page). I also want to mention that after COVID-19, some schools did away with their standardized test requirements, so we recommend looking into whether the schools you are interested in require them or not.

For international students, many schools also require an English Language Proficiency Test. This isn’t universal, so verify the requirements for each school. Tests can be taken online through third-party providers (check out our resources page for more information on English language assessments).

3. Researching Colleges and Finding the Right Fit

Having an idea of what you want to major in can also be a deciding factor in what school you go to. Selecting a major is often based on career goals and personal interests, so we believe it is a good idea to research schools based on potential majors that you are interested in. While you can declare a major when applying to college, you do not necessarily have to.

There are also reliable websites for researching schools based on factors such as academic programs, location, and campus resources. We have linked a few of them on our resources page.

4. The Application Process

When it comes to actually applying to schools, it is most common to apply through a website known as Common App. You can use it to apply to multiple different schools all in one place.

Typically, any school you apply to through Common App will require a personal essay. This is an opportunity to let the admission committee know more about your personality and unique experiences.

You'll also need recommendation letters, typically from teachers, counselors, or community leaders who know you well. Recommendation letters serve as a way for the admissions committee to learn about you through the eyes of someone else, so be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter.

Check out our Application Resources page to find links to the Common App website, tips about writing a personal statement, and how to approach potential letter writers.

5. Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for many students to receive financial aid.

Refugees are eligible to apply under the category of "eligible noncitizens." The application requires documentation like a Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number, tax returns, and bank statements. Your dependency status will determine if your parents' financial information is needed. Many refugee students over 24, married, or with dependents are considered independent, which simplifies the process.

FAFSA applications open every October 1 for the following academic year. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of receiving more aid. See our Scholarship Resources page for more information about applying for aid through FAFSA.

Scholarships through various universities, nonprofits, and foundations are also a great way to receive aid. Check out our Scholarship Resources page for more information about scholarships for refugees and how to apply for them.

6. College Admissions Interviews and Campus Visits

Some colleges may want to have an interview with you to get to know you better. These interviews are a chance to highlight your interest in the school and make a positive impression. We have linked tips and common questions on our Application Resources page.

If an in-person visit is not possible, many schools offer virtual tours. While helpful, virtual tours can be curated to highlight the best aspects of a campus, so it’s important to do additional research outside of this.

7. Making the Final Decision

Once you begin receiving admission offers and financial aid packages, carefully review both academic and financial factors. Be sure to understand the type of financial aid offered—some must be repaid with interest, while others do not.

After deciding on a school, you’ll formally accept the offer online and pay a deposit to confirm your enrollment. From there, you can start preparing for your first semester, including arranging housing and meal plans.