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July 10, 2008 | Volume 1, Issue 1 |
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Introduction
The purpose of this newsletter is to update Iranian students on new developments related to studying in the United States, inform them of answers to frequently asked questions, and address important education topics.
The web site has 10 major sections on topics such as visas, fields of study and graduate study in the United States. We have also made the following updates:
Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has contacted us with questions. We are working hard to address all the inquiries we receive. |
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Popular Question: Iranian Credentials
In this section of our newsletter we will answer a frequently asked question from our mailbag.
This volume will address whether documents from Iranian universities are accepted by universities.
The answer is yes, typically. If you received your degree from an Iranian university accredited by the Ministry of Education, then U.S. university admissions offices will generally accept your degree. This includes degrees from both public and private universities in Iran. You can always double check with the university admissions office in the United States if you are uncertain.
It is important to note U.S. universities prefer to receive transcripts with the official stamp of the institution in a sealed and stamped envelope. The same goes for letters of recommendation—they should be sent to the universities in a sealed envelope with the signature of the person providing the recommendation on the back of the envelope across the seal.
Also, if you are applying to a U.S. university from a less well-known Iranian institution, you may want to mention specifically to the admissions office that your university is approved to issue degrees by the Ministry of Education. |
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How to Start Researching Degree Programs
“The best advice we can give you is to thoroughly research the universities you are interested in.” |
Many students write in with the following question, “I’m majoring in __. How do I find a university in the United States that offers my program?”
One way to begin answering this question is by using a web site called Petersons.com. This web site allows you to search U.S. universities and find details on their programs and sometimes individual faculty research.
Interested in pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. program? Click here for the graduate section. Undergraduates click here.
Another site that is useful in researching universities but that is only for graduate students is gradschools.com
The College Board offers a search program just for undergraduates.
Research programs thoroughly. You may find additional possibilities as you do so. Also, remember that you should apply to approximately seven universities if possible. If it is not possible to apply to seven, at minimum apply to four. |
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Where to Take the TOEFL & IELTS in Iran
“TOEFL is offered in six different Iranian cities: Amol, Chabahar, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Tehran.” |
ETS, the company that created the TOEFL exam (the Test Of English as a Foreign Language) is now offering the test in six different Iranian cities: Amol, Chabahar, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Tehran. Generally Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL tests are offered four times a month. Paper-based tests (PBT) tests are offered much less frequently and this version of the test is expected to be slowly phased out entirely. The TOEFL registration fee is $155 or approximately 143,871 tomans. Click here for more information.
Another English language assessment test offered is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Not all U.S. universities accept the IELTS, but over 1,500 schools do. It is always a good idea to check first. IELTS is offered in two locations in Tehran only. The IELTS test fee is $167 or approximately 155,320 tomans. Click here for more information. |
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Student Visa Applications in Dubai
“Visa appointments can now be made online by residents of Iran.” |
For a few months Iranians could not schedule visa appointments in Dubai online; this situation has been remedied and now students can make online visa appointments. Click here to fill out the form to make an appointment.
Click here for information on the documentation that you will need to provide during your student visa interview.
Other locations with designated Persian-speaking consular officers familiar with the Iranian educational system and documents are Ankara, Turkey, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. |
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GRE and GRE Subject Tests in Iran
“The GRE is a requirement for most students applying to graduate programs.” |
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is required for students applying to most (though not all) graduate-level programs in the United States. This test is composed of three parts, as described at www.gre.org:
Verbal Reasoning. The skills measured include the test taker's ability to—
- analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it
- analyze relationships among component parts of sentences
- recognize relationships between words and concepts
Quantitative Reasoning The skills measured include the test taker's ability to—
- understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
- reason quantitatively
- solve problems in a quantitative setting
Analytical Writing
The skills measured include the test taker's ability to—
- articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
- examine claims and accompanying evidence
- support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
- sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
- control the elements of standard written English
The next GRE General Test dates and deadlines in Iran are as follows:
—October 25, 2008 (deadline to register September 12)
—February 21, 2009 (deadline to register January 9)
GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in the eight disciplines listed below. Each Subject Test is intended for students who have majored in or have extensive background in that specific area. GRE subject tests can be useful in increasing the applicant’s competitiveness and are required by some programs in the fields in which tests are offered. Check with the U.S. college or university to which you are applying to for specific information on requirements. Subject test are offered in:
GRE Subject Tests dates and deadlines:
—October 18, 2008 (deadline to register September 5)
—November 8, 2008 (deadline to register September 26)
—April 4, 2009 (deadline to register February 20)
GRE Test Centers in Iran:
In Iran, all GRE tests are currently the paper-based version. They are offered through—
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Orumieh, Marafat Educational & Cultural Institute 10836
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NOET Center #10669 (218 Karimkhan Street), Tehran (Same location/center as for TOEFL iBT)
Candidates can register by going to any of these centers and purchasing a voucher. |
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