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If you still ask yourself these questions, let us answer them!Please note that some answers are quite extensive.
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- Why should I study in the USA?
- How to enter an American university?
- When should a student apply to an American university?
- What is the cost of attending an American university?
- What if a student does not speak perfect English?
- Is it necessary to be computer literate?
- Are the test and examinations during the course of study difficult?
- What is the difference in America between a college and a university?
- Do international students feel isolated
living away from their home country? - Is it possible for families to visit a student in the USA?
- Are caps and gowns always worn at the graduation ceremonies?
Why should I study in USA?
American universities, where 80 percent of the Nobel laureates teach, are renowned for the quality of their curricula and their technological and informational resources. American universities invest the most money per student-
American universities successfully and realistically prepare the student for a profession and employment in the real world of today. Cherished classics of our civilization continue to be valued and are the foundation of university study. But, one must also recognize the pace at which our world is evolving and the information explosion which is in progress. New ways of thinking, of doing business, of governing and of living are being required of citizens everywhere. American higher education has always taken a leadership role in pragmatically developing innovative curricula based on classical foundations. American higher education offers extensive choice, both in number of schools (over 2,000 from which to choose) and in fields of study (over 600). Americans are accustomed to having many choices and many options. Sometimes making a choice amid so many options becomes a problem. The American Universities Admission Program (AUAP), a private educational consulting firm, proposes a method based on extensive data of both the 2,000 schools and personalized information about the individual student, in order to provide the very best match. A particular student's best match may be a school he has not yet heard of, or it may be a well known Ivy League university. Allowing a professional to identify the best matches provides for a much better final decision and a higher success rate for the student.
Lectures and studying are intensive. The student's progress is constantly monitored during the entire course of studies, up to the final examination. The faculty/student ratio is unique; many schools average as low as 15 students per faculty member. Princeton is 8/1, MIT is 10/1; Georgetown is 13/1. American higher education degrees (Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D.'s) are appreciated worldwide, and provide an individual with a distinct edge in the United States and abroad. American degrees also yield unparalleled access to the international job market (America, the English-speaking world, multinational corporations, etc.)
There is virtually no unemployment for international students with degrees from American schools. Often they are recruited by reputable corporations while still on campus during interview week and job fairs. Students also receive powerful assistance from university job placement services and strong associations of former students.
American universities welcome international students who have met their selection criteria. There are currently over 450,000 international students in the USA, including 43,000 Japanese, 8,500 German students, and 35,000 students from India. Cultural diversity is impacting now more than ever on American education and is affecting its evolution; mutual understanding contributes to world harmony. By studying in an American university, students master two important disciplines (in addition to their fields of study) English and computers. These are indispensable to successful careers in the 21st century. There are several hundred million computers now in use worldwide. Eighty percent of their data is in English. Exposure to American systems is crucial for those students committed to the development and, in many cases, the rebuilding of their own countries upon finishing their studies.
The American system is based on academic credits accumulated toward the degree. Over 600 "majors" or areas of study are taught. Diversity, flexibility and freedom of choice are at the heart of this system, It is possible, for example, to become a nuclear engineer with credits in French literature and drama. Students are encouraged to develop many talents and aspects of their personality.
By entering an American college or university, a student demonstrates his desire for excellence, that he is open to new ideas, and that he is committed to his academic and professional future.
How Does One Enter An American University?
For 25 years, Americans have utilized the services of professional educational consultants to assist them in choosing among over 2,000 colleges and universities and among more than 600 major fields of study. Since the choice of career and school affects an individual for an entire lifetime, it makes sense to approach this decision intelligently and with professional consultation, increasing the probability of making the best choice and succeeding at gaining admission to one's school of choice. American Universities
Admission Program (AUAP) is a professional educational consulting firm specializing in international students.
The American Universities Admission Program (AUAP) will compile a list of the five best choices for a prospective student, based on his or her academic and personal profile, preferences and economic status, (This service is AUAP's Selection Program). If desired, AUAP will further guide the student by preparing his application to the universities selected. AUAP will act as the personal representative of the prospective student, handling all aspects of the admission process: administrative tasks, translations, visa information, application fees, etc. (This next level of service is AUAP's Admission Program).
Admission into an American college or university does not depend on a specific degree or diploma as in many countries. The uniqueness of the American system is that it is based on the review of a comprehensive file of multiple factors. Strictness of admission criteria varies among universities. It is customary in the USA for students to make application to several universities to increase their chance of admission.
The United States Information Agency officially recommends making application to five separate institutions.
Although each school's admission file requirements vary, most admissions files are comprised of three major elements:
- Standardized Tests. A battery of tests is required. The
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign
Language), SAT I and II, (Scholastic Assessment Tests)
for undergraduate admissions, and
the GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
and TOEFL for graduate admissions. These standardized
tests are proven predictors of academic success. AUAP can arrange for a
prospective student
to take these tests in his country of residence. The format for all of
these tests is multiple
choice; with no lengthy essays. The TOEFL evaluates comprehension of
the English language
by a foreign student; the SAT includes sections in English and
Mathematics to determine a
student's academic level. The tests are designed to assess a student's
reasoning ability as
much as specific knowledge. Many will find these tests easier than
advanced exams in their
own country. Students may take the TOEFL and SAT multiple times; their
highest score will
count.
- Academic history, including grades, work accomplished and
results of examinations during
the previous years, as well as commentary by professors. AUAP will
translate and notarize
these documents.
- Personal interests and talents. This will be evaluated by information about your extracurricular activities and interests, by one or two essays, and by letters of reference and recommendation. AUAP will translate and notarize all of these.
When Should A Student Apply To an American University?
Students should begin the process 12 to 24 months prior to beginning classes. The academic year usually begins in August/September, with many schools, however, offering beginning sessions in January.
Students must first make a selection of schools to which they wish to apply. AUAP will provide a list of the five schools best suited to a particular student.
Students must also take the various tests required for admission into the schools prior to submitting applications. These tests are administered outside of the USA for international students; AUAP will arrange dates and cities. Most tests are multiple choice and are designed to situate the student according
The various documents required by each school must be collected and translated into English and notarized. AUAP will assist the student in compiling his application file, including translating all necessary material, submitting the application fee, advising the student of any missing documents or errors, and verifying the entire file prior to submission to the school. Each application file will be slightly different according to the individual requirements of each school.
The final decision for admission will be made four to six months prior to the beginning of classes.
AUAP recommends applying to an American college or university at one of the following levels:
- UNDERGRADUATE: This sequence of studies occurs immediately
after completion of secondary
school. The Bachelor's degree generally takes four years to obtain.
AUAP strongly recommends this
option for immersion in English, computer literacy, and immediate
integration into the American
system. The Bachelor's diploma will provide a level of professional
skill often rewarded by full-time
employment immediately upon graduation.
- GRADUATE: After the Bachelor's degree, a graduate degree provides specialization in a particular field of study or the opportunity to do top level research. At this level there is increased probability of part time employment at the university while taking classes. Allow two to four years for a Master's degree in Arts or Sciences. A Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) may require two to four years post Master's study.
Once accepted, it is possible to delay admission for up to one Year.
What Is The Cost of Attending An American University?
Please see our section: Cost of your American Studies.
What if a student does not speak perfect English?
Although almost all classes are conducted in English, by being immersed in an English speaking environment, a student progresses rapidly. Intensive English courses for international students are also available. There is virtually no failure due to the language barrier once a student has been admitted. However, many schools require the international student to take the standardized Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in his own country as part of the admission requirement. This test may be taken more than once and the highest score obtained will count.
Is it necessary to be computer literate?
Being computer literate is currently necessary to function in American universities. Courses in operating computers, however, are offered for all levels including those who have never before touched a computer. Almost all universities are connected to the Internet, the worldwide information superhighway. American universities provide students access to terminals through computer labs, many open twenty-four hours a day. By the end of a student's course of study, he or she is virtually an expert at operating a computer.
Are the tests and examinations during the course of study difficult?
Most tests are multiple choice format and reflect a student's reasoning ability as much as material covered during the course. Many professors follow a bell curve and grades are based on the relative performance of classmates. Professors and assistants are very accessible to students and many resources are available to every student. The success rate at American schools is high; once admitted, the majority of students graduate. For example, Harvard's graduation rate is 97 percent; Princeton's is 95 percent.
What is the difference in America between a college and a university?
A College (of Arts and Sciences) is an institution providing four years of post secondary education in the liberal arts and sciences. Universities are larger institutions which include a College of Arts and Sciences but may also include a Medical School, a Law School, and other specialized schools, all grouped together on the same campus, and administered through the same organization. Often, however, the two words are used interchangeably. Most liberal arts colleges are also in the campus format, containing housing, food service, libraries, clinics, and many other amenities on a common site.
Do international students feel isolated living away from their home country?
In fact there are many international students in almost every American university. In addition, the natural friendliness of American college students and the relaxed, casual atmosphere of the campus contributes to a generally easy adjustment by international students in most cases. Sports, fraternities, clubs and many activities also promote getting acquainted.
Is it possible for families to visit a student in the USA?
Families are always welcome on American campuses. Numerous activities and conferences are organized especially for them. There are usually hotel facilities on or near the campus.
Are caps and
gowns always worn at graduation ceremonies?
Yes, and parchment diplomas are conferred. Graduation ceremonies are significant events in American colleges and universities, particularly when conferring the Bachelor degree.
Graduation signifies the beginning of a student's adult professional life and is referred to as "commencement".
It is a very moving moment in the life of the student and his family; tears of pride and joy are shed at this ceremony.
Download the complete FAQ as
TXT file for easy printing HERE
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