Where you earn your bachelor's shapes your path to a US graduate program

Submit the transcript on the university's original 100-point scale without changes. Some programs set a floor; UCLA, for example, requires applicants from mainland China to have an overall average of at least 80. If an application portal asks for a GPA, follow that school's instructions; if it gives none, report the original grades and note the university's grading standard.

Yes. Apply in the fall with the current transcript; UCLA tells seniors not to wait for senior-year grades before applying. After admission, send official transcripts as instructed and submit the graduation certificate and Ministry of Education degree certificate after graduation.

CHSI is the credential verification body designated by China's Ministry of Education, and it issues verification reports for qualifications, degrees, and transcripts in Chinese and English. Not every school requires it; follow the admitting program's instructions, and apply early when it is needed so enrollment documents are not delayed.

It varies by school. At UC Irvine, the graduate division requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 (4 on the new scale from January 2026), or an IELTS overall score of at least 7 with no module below 6. That is the division minimum; competitive programs often ask for more, so follow each program's published requirement.

It depends on the program. UC Irvine's graduate division states that only some programs require the GRE, and departments at the same university can differ; business programs usually look at the GMAT or GRE. Check each program during school selection and take only the tests that matter.

Yes. The published admission requirements of US graduate schools do not draw lines by 985 or 211 status; UCLA's stated requirement for applicants from mainland China is about grades. Competitiveness comes from grades, program fit, research or internship experience, and how specific the recommendation letters are.

Ask the course instructors and research advisors who know your work best. Letters are written and submitted by the recommenders themselves, and EDUBUS does not write them. Counselors help students prepare a factual list of courses, projects, and results for recommenders to refer to, and agree on timing early.

There are four steps: the school issues the I-20; you pay the I-901 SEVIS fee using information on the I-20, before the visa is issued; you pay the visa fee, complete the DS-160, and book the interview on the US embassy or consulate website; and you attend the interview with the original I-20. EDUBUS follows each step's documents through to departure.

There is no need to leave the country for a new visa. Staying at the same school, the school processes a change of education level and issues a new I-20, and the new program must start within five months of completing the current one. Moving to another school requires a SEVIS transfer, subject to the same five-month limit. Talk to the school's designated school official (DSO) early.

Research experience and recommendation letters. US undergraduates are exempt from English tests, so competition centers on research and how specific the letters are. At UC Irvine, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) helps students connect with faculty mentors; students generally commit 10 to 15 hours a week during the academic year, and most mentors ask for at least one year, so sophomore year is a good time to start.

Yes, but check each program. UCLA and UC Irvine require UK applicants to hold a First or Upper Second (2:1) honours degree, and UCLA does not accept three-year ordinary or pass degrees. EDUBUS checks each target program's rule during school selection so the application is not returned at the credential review stage.