Command Education
International Student Resources
Applying as an international student to a U.S. university can be daunting, particularly as the American university system differs in many important ways from those in other countries. Instead of simply focusing on merely academic qualifications, colleges tend to look at candidates holistically; extracurriculars, letters of recommendation and essays are equally important components of an admissions application. In order to equip you with the unique information you need—whether you are a student in China, Singapore, Brazil, or Saudi Arabia—Command Education has compiled guides for international students seeking to apply to college in the U.S..
25 Top Schools with the Highest International Populations by Percentage, Ranked
(Compared to National Average of ~5.5% – Source: US News, 2024)
| Rank | School | International Population (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The New School | 33% |
| 2 | New York University | 26% |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | 24% |
| 4 | University of Rochester | 24% |
| 5 | Boston University | 23% |
| 6 | Brandeis University | 21% |
| 7 | Andrews University | 18% |
| 8 | Columbia University | 18% |
| 9 | Florida Institute of Technology | 18% |
| 10 | Emory University | 17% |
| 11 | University of Chicago | 16% |
| 12 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 15% |
| 13 | Johns Hopkins University | 15% |
| 14 | Saint Leo University | 15% |
| 15 | University of California, Davis | 15% |
| 16 | Case Western Reserve University | 14% |
| 17 | Georgetown University | 14% |
| 18 | Northeastern University | 14% |
| 19 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 14% |
| 20 | University of California, San Diego | 14% |
| 21 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 14% |
| 22 | University of Washington | 14% |
| 23 | Dartmouth College | 13% |
| 24 | Gannon University | 13% |
| 25 | Harvard University | 13% |
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC GUIDES
Applying to U.S. Colleges as a UK Student
Whether it’s Harvard, Stanford, or UCLA, U.S.-based colleges and universities offer qualified British applicants vibrant opportunities to expand their worldviews within some of the most robust learning infrastructures in the world.
Applying to U.S. Colleges as a Brazilian Student
During the 2022-23 academic year, just over 16,000 Brazilian students came to the United States to study at American universities, making Brazil the ninth leading country of origin for international students in the U.S..
Applying to U.S. Colleges as a Mexican Student
Are you a Mexican student who wants to attend a U.S. university? The American college application process is unique and at times complex, but with the right strategy and preparation, international applicants can stand out to top institutions and gain admission to their dream schools!
Applying to U.S. Colleges as a Swiss Student
Aside from housing Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross Headquarters, Switzerland harbors a phenomenal national education system. Vibrant and rigorous international schools filled with some of the world’s brightest and most motivated young minds populate the country.
Applying to U.S. Colleges as a Saudi Arabian Student
Saudi students considering applying to colleges and universities in the United States may quickly realize that the American application process differs significantly from their own.
Applying to U.S. Colleges as a Chinese Student
Over 350,000 students come to the U.S. every year from China to study at American universities, making China the #2 country from which international students in the U.S. hail (recently surpassed by India).
Applying to U.S. Colleges as a Singaporean Student
Are you a Singaporean student looking to attend a top college or university in the United States? If so, we have you covered! This blog post will serve as an in-depth look into everything you’ll need to know about the U.S. college application process.
International Student Support from the Experts
Applying to U.S. colleges and universities as an international student is a complex and intricate process. Command Education Senior Mentors offer international students expert, individually tailored guidance to support them through the process step-by-step, empowering them to build standout applicant profiles and get into their dream schools.
Start your admissions journey at top U.S. colleges and universities today by scheduling a free consult!
