Applying for the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program

 

The Brazil Scientific Mobility Program awards scholarships to Brazilian undergraduate and graduate students to study internationally in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Brazilians wishing to take part in the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program should apply through the Institute of International Education (IIE) in January or early February for programs with start dates of June through September of the same year.

 

• Undergraduate applicants must submit the IIE Common Application, recommendations from relevant instructors, proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL or ITP scores), a writing supplement, and certified copies of translated university transcripts. Undergraduates must be nominated by their Brazilian University and the application must be approved by CAPES or CNPq. Final placement is determined by the host university's acceptance.

 

• Graduate applicants must present proof of having completed a bachelor’s degree, English language proficiency (IBT TOEFL or IELTS scores), minimum GRE General Exam scores, previous transcripts, a curriculum vitae (CV), instructor recommendations, and a personal statement.

 

IIE facilitates the BSMP application process, sponsors a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, disburses scholarship funds, organizes pre-departure programming and transportation to the U.S., and arranges the BSMP internship placements. EducationUSA offers application preparation assistance, translation services, entrance test preparation, and advising services.

 

Full contact information can be found on IIE's Contact Page.

 

 

Applying for Full-Term Admission to US Universities

 

The US College Board recommends starting the application process early (up to 2 years in advance) and selecting 3 to 5 schools that best fit your personal goals and interests. Contact the international student advisor at each university to introduce yourself and ask questions. Feel free to ask for a student contact from Brazil to gain their perspective.

 

http://international.collegeboard.org/study-in-the-us/apply

 

Holistic Approach to Admission

Most colleges and universities in the US use a holistic approach to undergraduate admissions. They look at a student’s GPA (grade point average), admission test scores, and other factors to try to gain a better picture of the student. These factors may include: coursework, teacher and counselor recommendations, the student’s personal statement, interviews, community service, extracurricular activities, and more. The application requirements for each institution can be found on its website.

 

US Admissions and Placement Tests

Most four-year universities and colleges require students to take an admission test, such as the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, among other requirements. Each school will list the required admission tests in their application instructions. You can also find out which tests are required by using College Search. Regardless of the type of test, you should register well in advance to guarantee a testing spot. Learn about SAT and SAT Subject test dates.

 

AP Recognition

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP) gives you the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced standing. It’s recognized by most colleges and universities in the U.S. and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Institutions in the US give credit and/or placement for qualifying AP Exam scores of a 3, 4, or 5. This could allow you to skip some first-year university-level courses. Each policy varies by institution, so you should obtain the AP policy in writing. This information should be available on the institution’s website or can be found using AP Credit Policy Info.

 

English Proficiency Assessments

Most colleges and universities require proof of English language proficiency if your first language is not English and if your education was not in English. This proof can be provided by taking an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL test.

 

Common Application

The Common Application is an online application form accepted by more than 450 undergraduate institutions in the US. Once completed, it can be sent to any participating college. The application is available for both first-year students and transfer students (students who are applying from another US. college or university). Each institution may add questions or essays to the basic application, so be sure to check what is required for your list of schools. Download the common application.

 

Early Action and Early Decision

If you have your heart set on one particular university, you may want to look into whether the institution has an Early Action or Early Decision plan. If you apply Early Action or Early Decision (usually in November), you’ll know whether you’ve been accepted by December or January. It’s important to know the difference between the two plans.

 

Early Decision plans are binding. That is, if the institution accepts you and offers a reasonable financial aid package, then you must attend the school.

 

Early Action plans are like early decision plans, but are not binding. Even if you are accepted, you do not have to commit to the institution.

 

Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts

Some colleges and universities require letters of recommendation from your school counselor and teachers or other adults who know you well. Learn about more about letters of recommendation.

 

University Participation

 

The application process for the 2015-2016 academic year begins in August 2014. For universities wishing to participate in the BSMP, please vist http://www.iie.org/Programs/Brazil-Scientific-Mobility/Host-Institution/Academic-Program or contact Edward Monks at emonks@iie.org.

 

US Scholars

 

U.S. scholars and professionals interested in research or teaching in Brazil can apply through the Fulbright-Brazil Scientific Mobility Program.