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Requirements and Procedures for Soliciting Admission in a U.S. University
In order to enroll in a U.S. university, one must possess an advanced understanding of the English language and good academic records. It is important to have well defined educational objectives, compare programs of different universities and apply for admission to five or six of those selected.
Exams:
The following exams are necessary for admission into a U.S. university:
Undergraduate:
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), administered at ASA, Colegio Americano, España Av. 1775, Tel. 600-479/603-518 and St Anne's School, Manuel Pino González and Calle 8, Tel. 298-732/295-649.
Test Dates: May 1 and June 5, 2004.
For more information visit www.collegeboard.com
TOEFL (Test of English and a Foreign Language), administered at CCPA, España Av. 352 Tel. 224-831.
Test Dates: January 17 and May 15, 2004.
For more information visit www.toefl.org
In Paraguay is administered the paper-based form. Registration for the TOEFL could be done on-line or through the paper application form that is distributed at the CCPA.
Postgraduate:
The majority of the universities in the U.S. require the following exams as part of the admission process. Many universities will not process the application until they receive a copy of the required scores. Given that the post-graduate exams GRE and GMAT are only offered once a year in Paraguay, a considerable amount of planning is necessary. These exams are also offered in certain places in neighboring countries, like Buenos Aires and Saõ Paulo at additional times.
Even though the exams are administered in Asunción, registration is completed through Prometric in the U.S. The application materials must be sent before the deadline in order that they be received on time.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), administered at CCPA
Test Dates: January 20, 2001; May 12, 2001
This is a paper and pencil exam.
For information: www.toefl.org
GRE (Graduate Record Examination), administered at CCPA
Test Date: November 17, 2000
For information: www.gre.org
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Test Date: November 17, 2000
This is a computerized test.
For information: http://www.gmat.org
LSAT (Law School Admissions Test)
For Information: http://www.lsac.org
Applying for Admission:
All admission materials should be in English. The documents and letters have to be translated and certified by an official interpreter.
The following materials are required for admission:
Application form;
Application fee;
High school or undergraduate transcripts, specifying that Paraguayan grades are based on a five-point scale;
Letters of recommendation, from professors and/or professionals;
Statement of purpose;
Proof of independent or sponsored economic solvency—in the case of obtaining financial aid, the solicitation must be sent in advance; and
The I-20 document which must be registered with the educational institution in order to be able to apply for an F-1 student visa
Grants:
Undergraduate:
There are no U.S. government grants for English study in the United States. For undergraduate studies, financial aid means are of limited nature, and usually do not cover all expenses. In the majority of cases financial aid is based on academic merit as demonstrated by high school grades, TOEFL and SAT scores, and economic need. In these cases, economic assistance comes directly from the university. Each university establishes its selection and distribution criteria.
In Paraguay, the Paraguay Kansas Partnership offers in-state tuition at the state universities in Kansas. Through the program, Paraguayan students studying at such state institutions will pay the same tuition costs as residents of the state of Kansas, generally two or three times less than what international students normally pay. For more information contact Comité Paraguay Kansas, tel: 210-787, Padre Cardozo 569 e/ Juan de Salazar y Tte. Nuñez.
Graduate:
The U.S. Embassy Fulbright program offers a series of grants: the Fulbright/IIE (Institute of International Education) and the Fulbright/LASPAU for university professors or assistants to department heads. For more information, refer to the Embassy web page, under the link, "Studies in the United States."
Another way to obtain financial aid at the graduate level is by applying for a Teaching Assistantship (TA), in which the graduate student applies to work as an assistant to a professor. The TA position generally involves working a set number of hours advising students at lower levels in their academic careers, assisting the professor during classes, and grading exams.
Yet another possibility is applying for a Research Assistant (RA) position in which one works exclusively in assisting in the investigation of a particular area of interest of a professor in a graduate department.
To apply for a TA or RA position, the graduate student should contact directly the graduate department and solicit information about openings.
Beyond the grants mentioned above, there exist others available on a periodic basis.
Also, the following foundations offer financial assistance at the post-graduate level:
The American Association of University Women Foundation assists women that contribute in some way to better the quality of life of women or children. For more information: http://www.aauw.org.
The Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship offers financial assistance to journalists. For more information: http://www.pressfellowships.org.
The Organization of American States (OEA) also offers financial assistance at the post-graduate level. The graduate student should first secure admission at a university in the United States and then complete the application materials for the OEA grant. The deadline is February 15. For more information: Mcal. Lopez 992 c/ Gral. Bruguez, tel: 213-700.
Other Pertinent Websites:
Applications online:
http://www.embark.com/
College Board search engine:
http://www.collegeboard.org/
Peterson's and U.S. State Department Site:
http://www.petersons.com/educationusa
U.S. universities and colleges in alpha order:
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/CLAS/american-universities.html
Worldwide accredited educational programs:
http://EducationConnect.com/
TOEFL information:
http://www.toefl.org/
SAT information:
http://www.collegeboard.org/
GRE information:
http://www.gre.org/
GMAT information:
http://www.gmac.org/
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