Following National College Decision Day on May 1, begin preparing for your studies in the United States. Get started with the Guide to Studying in the States tool, which creates a personal guide for understanding the guidelines that international students must follow while in the United States, based on your specific student type and education level.

The tool is simple. First, select the type of student you are or want to become:

F-1: International students enrolling in an academic program at a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution, including an English language program.

M-1: International students enrolling in a technical program at a vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program.

Second, select your education level: Kindergarten through grade 12, postsecondary, or English language training.

Once your guide is created, work with your designated school official to make sure you follow these rules correctly.