Overview of U.S. Admissions Marco Chávez

Education in the United States NOT centrally controlled Universities specialize in multiple subjects Is very diverse (~4,000 institutions) EVERY UNIVERSITY WILL BE DIFFERENT AND HAVE DIFFERENT PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS

What is a university?

University 4 year institution Typically offers multiple degrees Bachelor’s Master’s Doctorate Is made up of multiple colleges

College A unit of a university A four year institution College of Agriculture College of Social Science Etc. A four year institution That only offers one type of degree: Bachelor’s A two year institution Associate’s Degrees

Department A unit of a college University = The Ohio State University Department of Biochemistry in the College of Science University = The Ohio State University College = College of Education Department = Dept of Early Childhood Education

Graduate vs Undergraduate Master’s and Doctorate Degree Apply to Department Department makes decisions Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree Apply to central admissions office Typically central office makes decision

Where do you begin?

Alumni and other professionals in the field Online Resources #buckeyevisit Professors Alumni and other professionals in the field Online Resources Petersons.com; gradschools.com; ACT.org; Collegeboard.org Bibliographies

Applying to U.S. universities is about research Have You Done Your Research?

Does the university offer your specialization? Is it offered in more than one program? Faculty research interests: Who are faculty involved in your area of specialization? What are the departmental admissions criteria? Research & Publications Examine Curriculum In addition to all other sorts of factors!

Let’s take a little break

Now that you know what you want, what do you need?

Application material Transcripts for ALL coursework Official test scores GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT/TOEFL or IELTS Letters of recommendation Statement of Purpose/Essay Resume/Activities Writing sample/audition tape

Letters of Recommendation WHO Academics Work references (if permitted and related to discipline) People working in the field (if permitted) WHAT Analytical thinking Group work Ability to organize & express ideas clearly Capacity for research

What makes you so terrific The statement of purpose or application essay Who are you? What makes you so terrific

An essay is … A 1-2 page document that talks about Your readiness for that university Your professional or academic goals How the program or university will help you achieve those goals Mid-range cost for public institutions

Ingredients Background on good grades, awards, research Some relevant autobiographical information Goals and specific interests How will that program help you achieve your goals Proofread Know the audience – read website

Questions?

Application material Transcripts for ALL coursework Official test scores GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT/TOEFL or IELTS Letters of recommendation Statement of Purpose/Essay Resume/Activities Writing sample/audition tape

On what are decisions based? Your grades Your test scores Strength of your current program as it relates to you Letters of recommendation Coursework Reading, writing, critical thinking Research area Faculty advisor Research experience Activities

Additional notes Pay attention to details! Check your application status! Ask questions!

Marco Chávez chavez.30@osu.edu