The Admissions Process for STEM Programs at the University of New Hampshire

Introduction

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) provides a number of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, which are interesting for students who aspire to be successful professionals in these areas. But before you enter and get a desired degree, there are some steps to go through the admission process. Oh, don’t worry—we have simplified it with clear steps to guide you through what is required from you.

Stem Students Admission Requirements

Before starting your application, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:

• Academic Performance: Applicants are required to have prior experience, technical skills, and academic preparation, especially in mathematics and science. Almost all STEM programs set a minimum GPA policy.
• English Proficiency: If your English is not very good, then you must prove your ability by passing the TOEFL IELTS test or any other equivalent test.
• Prerequisite Courses: Depending on the program chosen, some courses, including advanced mathematics, biology, or chemistry, may be compulsory. One has to pay particular attention to the fact that certain programs may have certain requirements.

If you are to be accepted for the program, then you need to make sure you fulfill the following criteria;

Application Process for International Students

International students must complete several steps when applying to a STEM program at UNH:

• Online Application: Complete the common application or the UNH online application form.
• Documents Submission: Include your original academic transcripts, your letters of recommendation, your statement and your English proficiency test scores.
• Deadlines and Fees: Most schools require you to submit your applications before certain dates, and others will ask you to pay a certain fee. Some candidates may be eligible for a fee waiver.

After an application is submitted, the admissions team reviews it to determine the applicant’s suitability for the program.

Understanding the STEM OPT Extension

STEM programs allow students to remain in the country and work for at least three years after they graduate.

• What is OPT?: Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work in their field for up to 12 months after graduation.
• STEM OPT Extension: If you are in a STEM program, the extension is granted for 24 months, which is equivalent to 36 months of work permission.
• Application Process: To qualify for this extension, the students must file form I-765. The approved form is form I-983. They also need a university recommendation.

This extension is a bonus for international students who seek an opportunity to work in the U.S. upon completion of their studies.

Documents Necessary for OPT and STEM Extension

When applying for the OPT or STEM OPT extension, you’ll need to prepare several important documents:

• I-765 Form: This is the application for Employment Authorization.
• I-983: This is a document that shows your training plan when you are on OPT.
• I-20 Form: The university must sign this form before recommending your STEM OPT extension.
• Additional Documents: You will also have to provide copies of your passport, visa, previous EAD (Employment Authorization Document), and a passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days.

This occurs mostly when some of the document forms are not properly filled or well arranged hindering the process of processing them.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Each STEM program may have different requirements, depending on the field of study:

• Engineering Programs: Most of these usually call for basic math qualifications and physics alongside problem-solving competencies.
• Computer Science: Students should know programming languages, computer hardware & software systems.
• Biological Sciences: Probably, one of the most crucial criteria is the laboratory experience and science courses that a student should have taken while in school when applying to any biology-oriented program.

Knowing the details of the requirements of the program you want to apply to will help you add something special to your application, hence enhancing your chances of being admitted.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for International Students

Although financial aid options for international students are limited, UNH offers a few helpful options:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Outstanding students may qualify for scholarships based on their academic achievements.
• Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students can apply for teaching or research assistantships, which often come with tuition waivers or stipends.
• External Scholarships: Explore scholarships offered by organizations in your home country or global scholarship programs that support STEM education.

Seeking financial aid can help ease the burden of tuition fees and living expenses during your studies.

Steps After Admission

After receiving an offer of admission, international students need to complete a few final steps:

• Apply for a Student Visa: You will need to apply for an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
• Health Insurance: You must enroll in the university’s health insurance plan to ensure coverage during your stay.
• Attend Orientation: UNH offers orientation programs to help international students learn about campus life, academic expectations, and student services.

These final steps ensure a smooth transition into university life at UNH.

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