Checklist for studying in the US: 9 things you should not miss | IDP Vietnam

The choice of school and study program when studying in the US is not only based on the quality of training, but also must be in accordance with career orientation, finance and personal capacity. Here are the factors you should consider when choosing a school and program of study:

• Find out the list of High Schools, Colleges, Universities in the US (training programs, geographical location, and career opportunities).

• Check school and program entry requirements: GAP scores, English language requirements, SAT/ACT,...

• Verify if the school is on the SEV (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) list

See more: Top 15 Famous Universities in America 2025

Academic records and English certificates are the key to helping you pass the admission round of schools. Below are the documents and certificates you need to prepare:
High school/University transcripts & degrees (notarized translation into English).

English certificates: IELTS (usually 6.0+)

Some schools require the SAT/ACT (for university level) and the GRE/GMAT (for Graduate level).

Once you've chosen your school and program, you'll need to apply according to the process of the school you're applying to. Here are the steps and procedures for applying for admission:

• Apply via the university's website or the Common App system (for undergraduates).

• Pay the admission fee.

• Prepare documents (if needed): Personal Statement/Essay, letters of recommendation, extracurricular resumes & CVs.

• Waiting for a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

The F-1 visa is a visa that allows international students to participate in full-time study programs in the United States. Here are the procedures and documents to prepare to apply for a U.S. student visa:

• Receive the I-20 form from the school after it is accepted.

• Pay the SEVIS fee ($350) at www.fmjfee.com

• Complete the ds-160 (Non-immigrant Visa Application) form on the ceac.state.gov page.

• Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam.

• Required documents:

• Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after the study period)

• Form I-20 (signed by the school)

• Visa Appointment Confirmation & DS-160 Confirmation

• Proof of finances (bank statements, letters of financial support)

• English transcripts & certificates

• Visa application fee (185 USD)

The cost of studying in the U.S . will likely be higher than some other top countries. Therefore, you need to have a reasonable financial plan to make your journey to study in the US more convenient. Here are some helpful suggestions for international students to make effective financial planning:

• Pay the tuition deposit (if required by the school).

• Plan the average cost of living from 10,000 USD – 15,000 USD/year depending on the region.

To ensure a stable life before participating in the official program, international students need to pay attention to some of the following factors:

• Book your flight tickets early to avoid running out of tickets and get a better price.

• Housing options in the U.S.: Dormitory, homestay, or private rental.

• Join international student groups to find airport pick-up services (if needed).

The US healthcare system is very expensive, so health insurance is a must for international students. Here are some things to consider about health insurance for international students in the US:

Most schools in the US require international students to have health insurance.

Check to see if the school provides insurance or if you need to purchase it separately.

When you arrive in the U.S., you need to present some of the necessary documents to enter the U.S. Here are the documents you need to bring:

• Passport & Letter of Acceptance for F-1 Visa

• Original Form I-20 from School

• Proof of finances

• Medical examination records & prescriptions (if any).

• Contact information of the school and relatives in the U.S.

Finally, when you arrive in the US, you need to quickly settle into life and get used to the new environment. Here are some things to prepare for when coming to the United States:

• Learn about U.S. immigration & customs regulations.

• Carry all important documents in your carry-on baggage.

• Attend a school orientation & register for classes.

Study in the U.S. Counseling at IDP

The journey to study in the US will be an important milestone, opening up opportunities to access advanced education and develop a global career. However, to have the best preparation, you not only need to complete the steps in the checklist above, but also constantly update information changes from US schools and student visa policies. Admission requirements and visa procedures may change from time to time, so it is extremely important to stay on top and stay informed.

Don't let procedural hurdles slow down your journey to conquer your dream of studying in the United States. Please contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for detailed guidance from a team of experienced consultants. IDP will assist you in finding the right school, major, scholarship assistance , application for admission, IELTS test registration, and assistance before you go. Besides, IDP also provides services such as opening a bank account, transferring money internationally, and finding accommodation,...

With more than 55 years of experience in the field of study abroad counseling, IDP has helped thousands of Vietnamese students study in the US and many other countries such as Australia, the UK, New Zealand and Ireland. Contact IDP 19006955 to get dedicated support and the latest study abroad information.