Documents Required to Apply for US Universities

Mar 4, 2024 | 5 min read

The USA boasts of top-ranked universities that provide quality education to students across the globe. Learn about the various documents required to apply for top universities in the USA.

International students who intend to study in the US must know about the documents required to apply for US universities. Some of the important documents include academic transcripts, statement of purpose, passport, etc. This article includes a list of all the documents you need to apply to American universities so that you don’t miss out on any important ones!

Table of Contents

List of Documents Required to Apply for US Universities
Documents Required for Applying to UG Courses
Documents Required for Applying to PG Courses

List of Documents Required to Apply for US Universities

Find below the complete list of documents required by international students to apply for top universities in the United States:

Passport
Updated Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Marksheets and Graduation Certificates
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Scorecards for Entrance Examinations
English Language Proficiency Test Scores
Work Experience Letters
Statement of Purpose
Essays
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Proposal for Research / Portfolio / Project Description
Certificates for Extra-Curricular Activities
Application Confirmation Copy

Passport

A passport is the most crucial document you need if you're planning to study abroad. Hence, if you do not already have one, please apply for it as soon as possible. Be sure to have it ready before you schedule any entrance exams. It is also important to have copies of the passport's first and last pages on hand. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after your planned return date.

Updated Curriculum Vitae/Resume

A CV provides information about an individual’s career goals, educational background, internships (if applicable), work experience (if any), projects completed during undergraduate studies (and during internships or full-time jobs), and extracurricular activities.

Marksheets and Graduation Certificates

Applicants are also required to provide copies of their relevant mark sheets and graduation certificates. For instance, Indian students applying for MS programs in the USA need to submit mark sheets of class 10th and 12th, along with semester grades and passing certificates. There must be at least one (sometimes two) sets of copies for each application. Each copy must be attested.

Letters of Recommendation

One of the most important documents required for applying to US universities' undergraduate and graduate programs is Letters of Recommendations (LOR).

A LOR has to come from your professors or managers and should describe your skills, achievements, and experience at the college or professional level. The norm is to have at least 3 recommenders.

While some universities prefer recommenders sending the letter directly to the graduate admissions department online, most universities (especially for Master’s program applications) request hard copies.

Transcripts

One of the most significant documents necessary for MS in the United States is transcripts. A transcript is a single piece of paper provided by a school or university. It includes the concerned student’s scores as well as comprehensive data about the undergraduate courses you took in a compact style. Students applying in their final year will need all of their scores up until that point.

For engineering students, for example, the transcript should include information from semesters 1 through 6. For candidates who plan to continue their education after completing their bachelor’s degree, the transcript should include scores from all of the bachelor’s years.

Scorecards for Entrance Examinations

In order to get admitted to a university in the United States, students are required to take specific entrance examinations. Before applying to the colleges of your choosing, make sure you check for the program you’re applying for and have your score ready. The following are some major admission exams:

SAT: SAT scores are accepted by almost all colleges in the United States when applying to undergraduate programs.
ACT: Another essential exam to take while applying to undergraduate schools in the United States is the ACT.
GRE: The GRE is required for most MS-level programs in the United States, including Business Management programs.
GMAT: The GMAT is a test that is needed for admission to management schools in the United States.
MCAT: Students interested in pursuing medical education in the United States must take this exam.
LSAT: The LSAT is required for admission to law schools in the United States.

English Language Proficiency Test Scores

Students from countries where English is not the native language are also required to submit the result of an English language proficiency test. This is significant since you will be studying in English in the United States, and universities need to ensure that language will not be a hindrance to your academic success. TOEFL and IELTS are the most popular of these examinations.

Work Experience Letters

If you have interned or worked then the experience letters from the concerned organizations, make sure to attach your letters of experience.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants may or may not be required to submit an online Statement of Purpose. However, If you’re sending it by courier, make sure it’s printed on good paper with a header that includes your name, UserID, and the program you’re applying for. On the university’s website, the standard font size and spacing option will be specified.

Essays

In the United States, several institutions may require applicants to submit an essay along with their application. The essay might be on any subject or one that reflects the candidate’s passion for the field or program. The majority of colleges need one to three of such essays.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Proof of funding is a crucial document for studying in the United States. Universities require this information in order to assess your financial ability to pay for college and establish your eligibility for financial aid/scholarships. Some colleges need a bank statement declaration for this reason. A letter from your bank stating your funds is required for this. Your bank will provide this statement, and copies will be required.

Proposal for Research / Portfolio / Project Description

Universities may also require students for a Research proposal, Portfolio, or Project Description for certain extremely specialized and research-based programs.

For research-based programs, such as doctorate and post-doctoral degrees, research proposals are required. One of the documents necessary for Master’s programs in the United States is a project description. Writing a thesis is strongly suggestive to apply for these programs.

Applicants seeking master’s degrees in the arts, design, and architecture must submit portfolios. This helps the concerned institution or college in assessing your skills and expertise in your field of study.

Certificates for Extra-Curricular Activities

If you excel in extracurricular activities, be sure to provide any relevant certifications to back up your claim. This might assist your application to your preferred institution and university stand out more.

Application Confirmation Copy

After you apply and pay the university’s online fee, you’ll be sent to a confirmation page and get a confirmation email. A copy of one or both of these documents must be supplied. Copies of award certificates, participation certificates, volunteer service certificates, technical papers, and published papers.