Basics of U.S. Higher Education Shushanna Abovyan EducationUSA Adviser

Why? Applying to U.S. universities is complex It is very different from applying to Armenian universities BUT  With instruction and hard work it is possible  With the right strategies you have a very good chance of going to the U.S. to study

Why U.S. Higher Education Advantages and Characteristics of the U.S. System Why Study in the U.S.? U.S. is a premier destination for higher education because of: Ease of access and mobility Diversity of student body, faculty and programs Quality of curriculum and professors High value on lifelong learning Self-directed learning and individual accountability

Degrees and Years Studying Undergraduate degrees Graduate degrees Community College 2-year or junior college (AA,AS) Bachelor’s degree = 4 years Bachelor’s of Arts BA Bachelor’s of Science BS Master’s Degree = Bachelor’s degree + 2 years Master’s of Arts MA Master’s of Science MS Master’s of Business Administration MBA Master’s of Science in Computer Science MSCS Doctorate Degree = Bachelors + Masters + 3 or more years Doctorate of Philosophy PhD Doctor of Medicine MD

Public VS. Private Public  Funded by state  Often large (over 20,000 students)  Tuition may be lower  LESS fin aid available for international UG students Private  Funded from private donations, tuition, etc.  Often smaller  Tuition often higher  MORE fin aid available for international UGs

What’s Your Major? This means “What are you studying?” Students can choose a major and a minor (optional). For example, You can major in Business Administration and minor in Math. You can major in Biology and minor in Psychology. You can major in Psychology.

What are Credits? Most classes are 3 credits each Most students take about 15 credits each semester or 30 credits in an academic year You need 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree One semester = weeks

Grades AA-B+BB-C+CC-D+DD-F 100 – 93% % 89 – 87% % % 79 – 77% % % 69 – 67% % % 59 – 0%

Grading System-GPA A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 F = 0 Maria’s semester grades Biology – B Chemistry - A Statistics – A Art History - C Raul’s semester grades Latin American Literature – A Chinese Language - B Organic Chemistry – C Russian History - B 3.25 GPA ?

Scholarship Programs vs Individual Applying U.S. Embassy Yerevan, Armenia American Councils Armenia Fulbright ProgramFuture Leaders Exchange Program Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Professional Fellows Program The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) The Eurasia/South Asia Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA)

Apply Individually and Find the Best Fit

Step 1-Research Your Option  Define Your Priorities  What Undergraduate/Graduate Programs are Available in the USA?  Choose the Best Undergraduate Graduate Program for You  Identify Types and Sources of Financial Aid  Prepare for Standardized tests (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, etc)

Step 2-Finance Your Studies  Make Your Budget  Invest in Yourself!  The cost of living and studying varies across the US.

Step 3-Complete Your Application  Online Application (Common Application for Undergrad)  Statement of Purpose  Official transcripts of your academic performance (+Diploma)  Letters of recommendation  Test Scores All in Անգլերեն & Notarized

Step 4-Apply for Your Student Visa F-1 Student Visa J-1 Exchange Visa  Receive your certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status: either Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (for J visa)  Pay SEVIS fee  Schedule Your Interview and Apply for Your Visa

Step 5 –Prepare for Your Departure Join the EducationUSA Armenia in JULY for PDO

Why/What is EducationUSA? The Official Source on U.S. Higher Education EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State supported network 400+ Advising Centers 170+ Countries 500+ Advisers EducationUSA American Councils Armenia

EducationUSA Armenia Services Lectures/Workshops/Webinars (U.S higher Education, Essays, Motivation Letters) Individual Consultation Meeting the EducationUSA Adviser Sample Testing TOEFL, GRE, SAT, GMAT Online Library educationusalibrary.americancouncils.am All the services are FREE

EducationUSA Special Events Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO)  Helping students make final preparations for their studies in the USA EducationUSA Fairs  Official Representatives from U.S. HEIs  Alumni of U.S. HEI

Join EducationUSA Fair 2016

EducationUSA Projects Student Ambassador Program  Student Ambassadors in the RA Regions  10 Lectures in the RA Regions  Open to Everyone (interested in U.S. Higher Ed) Competitive College Club  Students  Year Round lectures  Competitive to U.S. colleges/universities

EducationUSA Projects Student Ambassador Program  Student Ambassadors in the RA Regions  10 Lectures in the RA Regions  Open to Everyone (interested in U.S. Higher Ed) Competitive College Club  Students  Year Round lectures  Competitive to U.S. colleges/universities

Join t Imperium Plaza Business Center4/7 Amiryan Street 0010 Yerevan EducationUSAArmenia americancouncils.am EdUSAArmenia

Questions? Thank YOU