The US University System Making an Informed Choice July 2009

US University System in a word or two Welcoming Forward thinking Interdisciplinary Interactive A true sense of community Individual-focused

Why study in the USA? The distinguishing differences Developing the total student Classroom + Dorm living + Internship + Student Org’s Learning more than facts - critical thinking Read, defend, debate, present & respond Making major decisions later Get involved, talk with faculty, then decide Flexible – Changing your mind / major…it’s possible but do it early first three semesters

Why study in the USA? The Experience Flexible curricula Accessible faculty, Office hours, mentoring Counseling/advising available start to finish Campuses—a sense of place Degrees recognized worldwide English-based; language of global business Opportunities for advanced degree

US University System Private vs. Public Universities What’s the difference? Private (University of Hartford) Source of Funding - No funding from the State of Connecticut…little from the US Government. Dependent on the fees of students for Operating expenses Tends to be more expensive Usually smaller/ more student support / class size vs. 300) Not effected by Government Budgets to cut programs and services

US University System Private vs. Public Universities Public Source of Funding - Receives 30-40% of Operating Budget from the State Cost - are generally lower but on the increase during difficult economic times Size - Student populations from 10,000 to 60,000. Class size 50 – 400 Really good at Sports (Univ. of Conn., Univ of Florida)

US University System Undergraduate vs. Graduate Undergraduate Two-year (Associate’s Degree. Typically a “Community College,” “Junior College.”) Four-year (Bachelor’s Degree) (Specialty institutions—art, music, dance) Five-year (Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, dual-degree programs) Graduate Master’s Degree (MBA, M. Sci., M. Arts, M. Ed.) Doctoral (Ph. D, Ed. D) Post Doctoral (Additional study or research) Professional (Medicine, Law, Dentistry)

US University system Progressing through the system Secondary School Diploma Specialty Institutions/Programs Two-Year (Associate’s Degree) Programs Specialty Institutions/Programs Four/Five-Year (Bachelor’s Degree) Programs Specialty Institutions/Programs Graduate (Master’s Degree) Programs Doctoral Programs (Ph. D, Ed. D) Professional Programs (Law, Medicine, Dentistry)

The Bachelors Degree Four Years of Study Eight Academic semesters of 15 weeks each Three parts over four years General education subjects – English, Math, Laboratory Science, History, Economics Major – seven to fifteen subjects depending on degree. Electives – subjects you chose

How do you chose the right Univ? Start with questions Can I be admitted? Is the Univ’s degrees accredited / recognized? Are their fees within my budget? Think four years! Are they located in a good/safe area? Will I receive the support I need to be successful? Does the University provide services for Intl students?

How do I learn about Univ’s? Outside to Inside Use the Univ. Web page – Learn about the area around the University, size, degree programs of interest, Admission Criteria. Visit – Schedule a visit or just stop in. If you don’t schedule a visit you need to lower your expectations about what you will be able to see and do. Become a student – If time allows stay the night and go to class this is the best way to learn if the school is right for you.

How do I learn about Univ’s? Outside to Inside Chat / /talk with Enrolled students – the best option is to speak with students from your country/city who are currently enrolled. Ask the admission office for names and s of enrolled students. Chat / /talk with Alumni / Graduates – Ask the Admission Office to provide the names & s of former students

Getting started Start early – 1 year prior to enrollment Required Documents Application & Fee High School Academic records Exams - SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS Essay / Writing Sample Letters of Recommendation Proof of Financial Support

Admissions Systems Rolling admission – Applications considered once they become complete. Decision follows shortly. Date based Admission – Applications reviewed up until the deadline…then all decisions mailed the same day (April). Early Decision – Applicants apply with the understanding that if admitted will withdraw applications from other Univ’s. Students notified in Nov. Dec of final year of High School. Early Action – Apply early decision early but no commitment from applicant to attend.

How decisions are made Using the best predictors of Academic Success Academic Record – by far the best predictor…most weight given to this item in the students application. Grades/Notes Rank among classmates Subjects studied Level of subjects (Standard, College Preparatory, Advanced) Test Results – helpful but rarely used above Academic record

How decisions are made Essay, Writing Sample – Puts flesh on the application Letters of Recommendation – What others say about your potential for success Activities (Student Org’s, Community Service, Sports)

Financial Aid for International Students Types of Financial Aid Need based – offered to you on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Must fill out form from the University or standard form to be considered. Money from the University not Federal or State governments within the USA Merit based Scholarship / Grant – offered to you on the basis of demonstrated talent (Academic, Artistic, Music, Sports). This aid will vary widely by University in the US.

Useful references The College Board US Government

Questions?