7 Steps You Can Take to Navigate International College Admissions

Within the past month, the executive administration has taken steps that could severely restrict international students from attending US colleges. An executive order issued on June 4, 2025 specifically banned Harvard University from enrolling and admitting international students. Shortly following, Harvard filed a suit against the administration, defending its right to enroll international students, who it believes will bring success and beneficial contributions to its esteemed academic community. 

The administration has also placed travel bans on 12 countries and intense visa restrictions on another 7. While these bans and restrictions won’t affect students currently in the US or that already have visas, with the visa system undergoing heightened regulation and a temporary pause, these actions come at an unfortunate time. This is the time of year when 70% of international students are acquiring or renewing their visas—adding a heightened level of insecurity and uncertainty to the process of international college admissions. 

What this means for international students:

If the current administration continues to pursue this course of action or if the suits filed are unsuccessful, US universities may be hesitant to grant admission to international students and will accept fewer international students in the next admissions cycle. Universities are concerned about their matriculation rates for budget purposes, so they may hesitate to extend admissions offers to international students, whose ability to attend is more uncertain, in order to maximize student enrollment. If this trend continues, the demographics of college students, available majors, and funding for both international and domestic students could undergo significant adjustments, as universities use international students to balance their budgets.  

What international students can do to prepare:

1. Take the SAT or ACT even if the college you’re aiming for is test-optional. Strong SAT or ACT scores will provide you with more options if you need to pivot to a different admissions strategy. B2A offers an array of SAT and ACT prep options, including tutoring, Cram Classes, and semester-long courses.

2. Prioritize an academic focus in your activities and interests. In other countries, a high GPA and very focused extracurricular plan is ideal for admission. Need help with GPA management and strengthening your college profile? B2A’s Steps Program for 7th-11th graders helps students strategize what activities align with their goals for college along with offering personalized, expert-level tips to strengthen their academic performance.

3. Take AP and IB-level coursework and exams whenever possible to provide colleges with objective data. International colleges prioritize and require these kinds of academic tests, so students should carefully prepare and aim for high scores. 

4. Take English proficiency tests before 12th grade. If you are not a native English speaker or have not been in a school with an English curriculum for four years, English proficiency tests like the TOEFL are key aspects of your application. Scores are typically good for two years, so start preparing early!

5. Check all requirements of the schools you’re interested in. Assess your qualifications for admissions based on your citizenship status to determine if there are any additional requirements you need to complete. Some schools require a CASPR test or a certain combination of SAT/ACT and AP/IB tests, so it’s crucial that you meet these requirements before applying. 

6. Work with a college admissions counselor to craft your applications. Each country and school will have different (and sometimes complicated) application processes. By partnering with experienced college admissions counselors, you can ensure your materials will fulfill all requirements and increase your chances of admission to selective schools and programs. Applying to US universities as an international applicant? B2A’s Gateway Program for rising seniors will guide you through the process of submitting up to five college applications with unlimited editing services and hands-on guidance. 

7. Be flexible and have a back-up plan! Keep an open mind about where you will end up for your four years. Consider applying to more safety and match schools in the US to leverage a strong academic profile. Additionally, have a range of options selected outside of the US. If you don’t gain admission to a US undergrad program, consider a Master’s or PhD program after earning your undergraduate degree, which may be more feasible depending on upcoming developments. 

While international students are heading into an uncertain college admissions cycle, Berkeley² Academy is here to help. We are ready to provide the support, structure, and strategy that you need to ensure that you’re set up for success for your four years in college. 

Contact us today to enroll and take the first step towards your success in the college admissions process!