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Application procedures vary enormously by country and school and are explained at each school’s website. Almost 300 U.S. colleges and universities use the Common Application, which can be filled out online. You can download and print a paper copy to use as a rough draft. There is a list of participating institutions on the website.
Paying for School
One of the most important aspects of planning for a university career is developing a budget well in advance. Many schools in the U.S. and in other countries as well provide scholarships and financial assistance for students, but the country of citizenship usually affects the amount of aid available. (There are some schools in the U.S. that guarantee to meet financial need of foreign students, and there are schools in other countries that offer full scholarships to select students.) The amount of aid available in U.S. universities is summarized in myroad.com and is available at each school’s website. The Council of International Schools provides similar financial aid information for their member universities throughout the world.
Most US scholarship money is available directly through the universities. Students can search for additional scholarships at fastweb.com. Be ready to do a lot of extra work! U.S. citizens apply to colleges and universities for need-based financial aid through FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Although the application cannot be submitted to universities until January 1 of the last year of high school, the student and family can begin the process a couple of months before by applying for a pin and filling out worksheets available on the website. The pin is necessary to submit the application electronically, and both the student and the parent(s) need a pin. Some Federal money is also available for U.S. citizens to use at Canadian universities. Most schools require additional documentation of financial need, usually including income tax records (from the US , Mexico , or another country) and statements of assets. Many American schools require US citizens to complete the College Board’s CSS/Financial Aid profile online. Some schools also require Mexicans and Canadians to complete this form. It is generally available in October of the senior year, and there is a listing of which schools require the form on the website.
Most U.S. schools require citizens of other countries to complete other forms, which are generally available on the school’s website. Two of the forms used most frequently are available at the bottom of the page: "the CSS International Financial Aid Application" and "the CollegeBoard International Student Certification of Finances".
Student Visas
You will need a student visa to study in a foreign country. You will apply for your visa after you have received a letter of acceptance from a university. You can apply for a US student visa at the US Consulate in Guadalajara. Information on the procedure to obtain an F-1 Student Visa is available here. You can apply for a Canadian visa through the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City. Information on the procedure to obtain a Study Permit is available here.
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