This guide for prospective international graduate students provides information on the American system of graduate education. Topics covered are: (1) rationale for graduate study in the United States; (2) definition and description of graduate education; (3) appropriate background for graduate study; (3) selecting a graduate program; (4) the application process; (5) standardized tests; (6) acceptance procedures; (7) financing graduate study; (8) visas; and (9) important points about living in the United States. Included is an application checklist, three sources of information on graduate programs, and five sources of information on standardized tests. (KPT)