1. Overview of U.S. Admissions Marco Chávez

2. 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

3. What is a university?

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Where do you begin?

9. 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

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

11. 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!

12. Let’s take a little break

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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Questions?

20. 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

21. 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

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

23. Marco Chávez