TOEFL Registration is temporary suspended in Iran

The English Testing Sevice, ETS has temporarily suspended registration for its TOEFL and GRE tests in Iran.  For alternative English Language Testing, please register through the International English Language Testing System IELTS.  Most U.S. universities accept IELTS instead of the TOEFL, however make sure to check with the admission office of the university first.

IELTS test fee is approximately 155,320 tomans.

IELTS Administrator
Office 3, No 6, 21st Street
Khalid Eslamboli Ave
Tehran 15139

Tel: +9821 88725427
Fax: +9821 88725428
Email: info@ieltstehran.com
Web: www.ieltstehran.com

To find test centers in Tabriz, Mashhad, and Isfahan go to: http://www.ielts.org/test_centre_search/search_results.aspx

Please check ETS website for updates: http://www.ets.org/toefl/important_update/

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EdUSAIran

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/EducationUSA-Iran/25961928891

How Extracurricular Activities Affect your U.S. Study Application

U.S. admissions officers like to see that you have been taking part in community service or have other types of activity beyond your studies. Such involvement can be a factor in admissions, especially at the undergraduate level, because it shows that you are likely to contribute positively to campus life, that you were an active part of your community, and that you have made a positive contribution to society, perhaps even taking on a role that shows leadership potential. In addition, such involvement provides a way to see that you can prioritize and fit activities beyond academics into your busy schedule. 

Extracurricular activities can include any kind of activity beyond your school studies. Community service is especially valued, such as work to help charities or your neighborhood mosque with such activities as food distribution to the needy. Other projects such as employment or internships, involvement in sports or the arts, participation in clubs, and so forth, are also worth mentioning in your application.

Academics still come first in university admissions. If your grades are low or you are unable to fulfill other admission requirements, no amount of volunteering and extracurricular activity is likely to make up for that gap.

New Electronic Visa Form – DS-160

If you are applying for an F-1 visa, you will need to fill out the DS-160 online application form, a new form that has replaced the three application forms DS-156, DS-157, and DS-158.  You will want to fill out this form through the website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate location where you plan to have your visa interview, as there may be embassy-specific instructions.

Be sure to save your application form frequently as you are completing it to avoid losing your work before sending the form. You can save the form on your computer and keep a copy. You’ll also need a digital photo—make sure that the size and file format of the photo is as instructed.
DS-160 cannot be modified after it is submitted, and consular officers cannot change the information after they’ve received your application. Therefore please review the form carefully for spelling (make sure the spelling of your name matches the spelling on your passport or other official identification documents) and be sure all facts are correct before submitting your form. 

After you have completed your form and uploaded your photo, you’ll have a chance to review your application once more for spelling and correct information. You’ll sign your application electronically and submit your form. You’ll then receive a confirmation page that you will need to print out and bring to the Embassy or Consulate on the date of your interview. 

Complete your DS-160 before you make your appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

There is a fee for this application that must be paid online.

Here is a summary of important tips for completing your DS-160:

• Save your application form on your computer and as you go along regularly to avoid losing the information you type
• Be thorough and specific
• Only use “do not know” if you must
• Use explanation fields as appropriate
• Be honest and truthful
• Ensure photo meets quality standards and requirements
• Check that the printout of the confirmation page you receive after completing the DS-160 has a clearly printed barcode
• Make your appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate after completing the DS-160
• Be sure to bring other needed documents, such as your passport, records of any past travel to the United States,  and your I-20 to your interview

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has prepared a presentation that provides further information and guidance. 

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXVYpMfg00U&feature=related.  (Note that the information on multiple-purpose visits mentioned in the video will not generally apply to student visa applicants.) There are additional videos you might find useful available from the same link as well.

Some instructions on the DS-160 form in Persian originally published by the U.S. Consulate in Dubai can be found at http://educationusairan.com/FARSI2/visas/default.htm