FAQ

2.What are the basic requirements for being accepted at a U.S. university or college?

A completed application packet usually requires that you submit: 1) a completed university application, 2) required standardized test scores, i.e. TOEFL, SAT, etc., 3) transcripts (educational documents that list all the classes you have taken and the marks you received in those classes), 4) letters of recommendation, 5) statement of educational purpose, and 6) evidence of financial resources. Though each university may have slightly different requirements, nearly all will have these same basic requirements.

For more information about the application process, click on one of the following links: Graduate School or Undergraduate School  (Adobe Acrobat is needed to view these files)

3.What types of scholarships are available for studying in the U.S.?

There are 3 general types of scholarships: merit based, need-based, and special talent based. Need-based scholarships are based solely on the demonstrated financial need of the applicant. Merit-based scholarships are based on the perceived merit, or worth, of the student. Therefore, your grades, test scores, and recommendation letters are the most important for these types of scholarships. Special talent based scholarships are awarded for someone who demonstrates a special talent or gift in a certain area. For instance, a talented athlete or musician might be awarded this type of scholarship.

4.How can I get a scholarship?

Most scholarships are awarded directly by the college or university a student is applying to. Therefore, most often students must apply to the university or college first and then wait to see if they are awarded a scholarship or financial aid by the school. Sometimes students are automatically considered for scholarships when they submit their applications but occasionally separate scholarship applications are necessary, so it is important to ask the university or college directly about their policy.

5.Are there any other scholarship opportunities?

Yes. There are outside organizations that sometimes award scholarships to Vietnamese students. Examples of such organizations are: the Ford Foundation, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, etc. It is important to remember that not all students will qualify for all scholarships. Some scholarships are only awarded to graduate students, while others may only be awarded for study in a particular field. Using the Internet can be one of the best ways to find other scholarship opportunities that are best for you.

6.How can I increase my chances of receiving a scholarship?

Many things go into making a student's application for scholarships competitive. Certainly, excellent grades and high test scores will help you in your scholarship quest. However, there are other aspects that universities consider: your essays, having clear educational and professional goals, a good understanding of your field of interest and your reasons for studying, extracurricular activities and leadership potential. Doing the best you can in the classroom and on your tests is only one part. Scholarship committees want to see students who know what they will gain from a U.S. education as well as what they can contribute to the American classroom.

7.How do I know if a university is a good choice for me?

The best way to know if a university is a good choice for you is to match it up with your own specific needs. You should consider: whether it is accredited or not, geographical location, cost and financial aid, research facilities, enrollment size, and department strength. You might ask yourself these questions to help you decide: Do I want to live in an area where it snows in the winter or an area where it is pretty warm all year? Do I want to go to a big school with over 50,000 students or a small school that may have only 2,000? Does this university offer the classes I want to study? Making sure that a university meets your needs is the best way to know if it is a good choice for you.

8.I found a school on the Internet that sounds great! I only have to study for 6 months to get my degree! Is this a “good” school?

Beware! You may have seen an advertisement in the local paper, or received something over the Internet that states you can earn an American bachelor’s degree, master’s or Ph.D. with very little work or by having your “life experiences” evaluated. Don’t believe it! These are fraudulent, illegal operations. If a program sounds to good to be true, sounds like you are getting something for nothing and do not have to work for the degree, it is probably a good sign that the program offered is a “diploma mill”. Always rely on the advice of a trained expert at IIE to help you distinguish between the good nontraditional programs and diploma mills.

9.How can I get a student visa?

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City issue student visas. Before you can apply for a student visa, you must receive an I-20 or DS-2019 form from the university or college that has accepted you and you plan to attend. Once a school admits you, they will send you an I-20 form. You will take this form, along with your visa application form and additional documentation to the Embassy or Consulate on the day of your interview. For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy website at:
http://hanoi.usembassy.gov/nonimmigrant_visas2.html

10.What kind of financial documentation do I need to take with me to the interview?

You should be prepared to take family financial records such as business records, real estate records, and/or tax records. The Visa officer will use these documents to evaluate your and your family’s ability to support you while you are studying in the U.S. Also, if you have been awarded some type of scholarship, fellowship or other forms of financial aid, you should take that documentation as well. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the U.S. Consulate will accept bank statements of any sort. They will not be considered as financial supporting documentation so it is best to be prepared with other types of financial records.

11. I have heard that it is very hard to get a student visa to go to America. Is this true?

There are three basic requirements that must be met by each student who applies for a student visa to the US. They are:

a.)   You must be a bona fide (serious) student with serious study intentions: Since you are applying for a student visa, it is expected that your purpose in going to the U.S. is to study. The Consular officer will expect that you are able to answer basic questions about the university or college you will be attending, the course of study you plan to follow, your plans when you return to Viet Nam, how you decided on the school you have chosen, etc.

b.)   You must have adequate financial resources:  You must be able to show the Consular officer that you have adequate financial resources to support you while you are studying in the U.S. The following are examples of acceptable financial documentation: scholarship, fellowship or financial aid award letter from the university or college you will be attending, family business records, tax records or real estate records. Bank statements are not accepted as supporting documentation demonstrating adequate financial resources.

c.)   You must show your intent to return to Viet Nam: When you apply for a student visa, it is understood that you are seeking permission to be in the United States for a period of time to complete your studies. When you have completed your studies it is expected that you will return to Viet Nam.

12. Where can I get more information about the TOEFL and other tests?

You can contact our office at testing@iievn.org or you can visit the test websites directly. They are:

TOEFL: http://www.ets.org/toefl

GMAT: http://www.mba.com

GRE:   http://www.ets.org/gre

SAT:    http://www.collegeboard.com/sat