Students with additional needs

America makes students with additional needs very welcome, and strong laws (rather stronger than in the UK) ensure they are not discriminated against.

If you have any type of disability or Special Educational Needs, make sure you tell the university from the start and confirm that they can accommodate you.

While most US universities are very adept at catering for disabled students and can normally provide an array of services, there may be additional costs - contact the university’s student services division for further information. As you will have to provide evidence of your disability, and the requirements differ from the UK, it is wise to start asking two years before you plan to enrol.

Recommendations (references)

Most universities will ask you for at least one reference, written by a careers advisor, headteacher, housemaster, etc. This reference is similar to UCAS, although it should not focus on a particular course, but rather suitability in general for higher education. It is ‘all about’ you and should address academic performance, extra-curricular activities and personal qualities.
Deadlines & early decision

You must meet your deadlines! US universities will not accept late applications unless they have ‘rolling admissions’, meaning they accept students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Financial statement

Most universities will require you to complete a financial statement. Do this carefully as it will be used to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.
Interviews

Although interviews are rarely mandatory for admission into any American university, they are often recommended and are an excellent way of finding out about the place in which you are planning to spend the next four years. Interviews for international students can function in two ways...
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