Professional Resources

NACAC Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission

The Admissions Practices (AP) Committee is responsible for proactively educating International ACAC members and the larger community about NACAC’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission and International ACAC Board Policies. Find the Guide and all available translations. International ACAC does not own, create, or manage the guide. If you have questions, comments, or want to learn more, please visit the NACAC website and reach out to them directly. You may submit recommendations for changes to the Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admissions on the following form: NACAC Feedback and Recommendation Submission Form.

Ethical Dilemmas

We know you have questions about ethical dilemmas in college admissions, and our committee is here to help!  The committee invites you to browse the content below, and to let us know if you have suggestions for new content by emailing AdmissionsPractices@InternationalACAC.org. 

Sample Ethical Dilemmas with Recommended Responses

Admissions Practices Resources

Admissions Practices FAQs

The Advocacy & Outreach Committee encourages all interested professionals to become engaged with worldwide efforts to make connections and advocate for student-centered change. Here are some resources to learn more:

• International ACAC
  • Regional Institute
  • Opportunity Grants
• NACAC
  • Advocacy Efforts
  • Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission
• NAFSA
  • Action Alerts
  • Public Policy Blog
  • International Student Economic Value Tool
• OECD International Student Mobility Database

Several countries and regions have established specific websites or Facebook groups to connect with others in that particular area, or to provide Admissions Officers with resources to plan travel and recruitment. International ACAC members are welcome to access these resources on the webpage below.

Note that International ACAC is not responsible for the content or management of these websites. We are simply providing this information as a resource to our members. 

Access the Counselor and University Support Database.

Submit your own regionally specific Counselor Network to add to the database.

Forms for International Students Applying for Financial Aid

Updated September 15, 2023 

There are many colleges and universities around the world that may provide institutional financial aid to international students. It is essential that applicants are in touch with colleges and universities directly regarding their financial aid and scholarship requirements.

Colleges and universities may ask applicants to complete a financial aid application and to submit documentation for colleges and universities to understand students and their families’ financial situation in the context of their local economy.

International ACAC has created the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA), an application form that colleges and universities may use to determine an applicant’s eligibility for institutional financial assistance. 

There is no cost associated with using this form; however, it is the applicants’ responsibility to confirm whether or not the institution(s) to which they are applying will accept this form in lieu of their required financial aid application and to submit all necessary documentation by the appropriate deadlines. Please contact colleges and universities directly to inquire as to their eligibility requirements for international applicants seeking financial assistance.

Additionally, International ACAC has created International Student Financial Certification Document. 

The purpose of this form is to help colleges and universities obtain complete and accurate information about the funds available to international applicants who want to study in the United States. Strict government regulations, rising education costs, and economic conditions have made verifying the financial resources of international applicants essential. Institutions do not have the option of deciding whether to verify the financial resources of their international applicants; financial verification must be made prior to institutional issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019).

This form is designed to standardize financial information provided by applicants to colleges, universities and U.S. consuls. By completing this form and returning it to the college or university requiring it, an applicant, if admitted, may obtain that college’s authorization and issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019).

Commitment to Access

Please note that International ACAC does not provide financial assistance to international students. We hope that providing these free forms, though, helps to reduce barriers for international students seeking institutional financial assistance from colleges and universities. 

We encourage students, families, and their counselors to contact the financial aid offices directly at the colleges and universities to which they are applying with questions about completing the ISAFA and applying for financial aid, as policies and procedures vary by institution. 

Once completed and if a college or university has confirmed they are willing to accept these forms, applicants should send their forms to the colleges and universities directly.