By Ray Cockrell
Associate Director of Admissions
University of North Carolina

The decision has been made! You are going to continue your educational career by taking advantage of the educational opportunities available in the United States. This decision will not only provide for you a unique experience, but also give you the opportunity to share your knowledge, culture, and experience with the school you attend. Merging international students with American students creates the diversity that continues to strengthen institutions of higher education across the United States.

Now that you have made this decision, you will need to determine what it will take to be admitted to the institution of your choice. The process of undergraduate admissions is not extremely difficult, yet it is very detailed oriented. You will want to make sure you have met all the necessary requirements to attend the college or university of your choice.

The foundation of almost any international admission requirement at an American institution is your previous academic performance and your level of English proficiency.

All institutions with an international student program have access to reference materials that allow them to analyze your current educational system and equate your system to that of the United States.

National organizations are also available to assist in evaluating foreign credentials. This will provide the necessary information to evaluate your academic performance in order to determine admission. To take full advantage of the American educational system, it is necessary for you to be able to effectively communicate with the professors and other students right from your first day of class. The most common measure of your English proficiency is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Academic performance and English proficiency requirements are established by the institution and will vary according to the admission requirements of each college or university. There are, however, requirements for all international students that must be satisfied regardless of where you decide to attend.

First, you will be required to obtain an F-1 visa. Once you have been admitted to the institution of your choice, you will receive the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant "F-1" student status (Form I-20). The I-20 will be required when you apply for the F-1 visa. Second, you will be required to provide documentation of financial capability to cover all expenses related to your first year of study at an American institution. Finally, you will be required to purchase and maintain approved medical insurance.

As an example, you may consider the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as a Comprehensive Level 1, liberal arts university featuring a nationally recognized marine biology program, other physical and natural sciences, computer science, and the Cameron School of Business Administration.

In addition to the requirements of the F-1 Visa, financial documentation, and health insurance, UNC Wilmington requires international applicants to show satisfactory academic performance and a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL. UNC Wilmington invites international students to further their education at our nationally recognized academic institution.

Your educational experience in the United States can be enlightening and exciting. Your preparation in determining the admission requirements of the institution you wish to attend will ensure a successful experience.