Students who were born outside of the United States, and have not been granted approval as a U.S. Permanent Resident must apply to college as an international student, even if they've been attending West Chicago Community high School for all four years. 

The application process for international students can vary from school to school, but below are some of the common themes/requirements that international students should be aware of:

• Complete your College Applications early!
  Since international students may have additional requirements to consider (listed below), it helps to have your application submitted as early as possible. This gives you time to complete any additional admissions requirements that a college/university may have. College applications typically open in the fall of your Senior year.

• Add the Schools You're Applying to in SchooLinks
  This gives your counselor the heads-up to submit your transcripts to the colleges/universities you're applying to. 

• If You Attended School Outside the U.S. for ANY Part of High School
  You will need to order your official transcripts from your previous high school(s) to be sent to the colleges you're applying to. While colleges will need your D94 transcript, they will also require official transcripts sent from all schools you've attended during high school, sent directly from the schools you attended.

• Submit Your SAT/ACT Scores (if applicable)
  Some colleges & universities will require standardized test scores for admissions purposes. Other institutions may use standardized test scores for placement purposes. Please make sure you check with the schools you're applying to, and check your email frequently throughout Senior year, to make sure you're meeting this requirement (if applicable).

• Register for an English Proficiency Exam
  Even if you speak and write perfectly, you may still be required to take and submit scores from an English Proficiency exam. Many of these scores are valid for 2 years, so you may want to consider completing this during the summer between your Junior & Senior years. Examples of commonly used English Proficiency exams are linked below. Not all options are accepted at all colleges/universities, so please make sure to check with the schools you plan to apply to before registering for one of these exams:

  • TOEFL

  • Duolingo

  • IELTS

• Contact the Colleges/Universities You're Applying To
  They can connect you with supports at their university, walk you though they entire application & student visa process, and let you know specifically what you'll need when you apply.