1. U.S. Graduate Admission Trends and IIE’s University Placement Services University Placement Services Institute of International Education

2. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services2 Overview Trends in U.S. Graduate Admissions Competition Costs Admissions IIE’s Placement Services and Process Tips on Applying to U.S. Graduate Schools

3. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services3 Competition Annually over 1.26 million applications are made strong competition for seats, especially at the PhD level stronger competition for money Overall, only 46% of ALL applications are accepted varies greatly by institution and field of study Biological Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences less than 35% Education and Business over 50% competition at the doctoral level is much higher 58% acceptance rate at the master’s level 25% acceptance rate at the doctoral level Taken from CGS/GRE Survey of Graduate Enrollment- 2006

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5. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services5 Graduate School Costs Graduate School Costs Dramatic increases in graduate tuition and fees On average 6% at private institutions But can be double digit increases at public institutions; beginning to stabilize Differential pricing by department/field Monthly living costs can run from $1200 to $2065 per month Boston is most expensive educational city

6. 6 Graduate Tuition and Fees Overall: average academic year tuition and fees are $21,000 Private institutions: average academic year tuition and fees are $25,000 (range of $7,000 to over $70,000) Public institutions: average academic year tuition and fees are $19,000 (range of $9,000 to $34,000) Generally, highest tuition and fees are in the professional schools such as architecture, law, business, etc. Note carefully: Fulbright grantees tend to request programs where the tuition is higher than the average, usually in the $32,000+ range at private institutions and the $25,000+ range at public. Figures based on IIE 2007 tuition data

7. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services7 Decentralized Admissions Processes Decentralized and layered levels of admission and financial aid decisions Departments make the decision/recommendation focus on talent, expertise Graduate schools approve and admit focus on budget (public) Admissions offices approve focus on credentials and requirements some offices beginning to outsource review of international credentials

8. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services8 Graduate Admissions Processes Ever earlier deadlines frequently December 1 st and 15 th in the most competitive fields, institutions, and at the doctoral level Movement to a paperless admission process

9. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services9 Admission Requirements Requirements vary greatly (tests, minimum scores, subject exams, weight of verbal GRE score; GPA (grade point average); work and writing samples; portfolio requirements, auditions, and interviews; work experience, etc.) vary from institution to institution vary within different programs in institution (sometimes by specialization within the same program) vary by field of study business weighs work experience and essays law weighs prior institutions attended theoretical fields in sciences and humanities weigh prior academic experience and academic references vary from year to year

10. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services10 IIE Placement Services and Process

11. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services11 Timeline October: receive applications October-December: research, finalize plans and apply January-March: follow-up and pursue cost- sharing March-May: university decisions arrive April-June: finalize placements May-June: prepare grants, forms DS2019 preparation

12. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services12 IIE ’ s Placement Services Extensive knowledge of U.S. universities Full range of schools and programs Full range of fields of study Staff specializes in fields of study

13. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services13 IIE ’ s Placement Services Individualized placement approach Conduct extensive research, seeking best academic ‘ fit ’ for each candidate take into account Commission and ECA priorities candidate ’ s preferences candidate ’ s competitiveness cost-sharing needs Advocate on student ’ s behalf to acquire admission and university cost-sharing

14. 14 Placement Process Placement staff screens applications carefully, suggesting revisions when necessary Identifies all additional necessary documentation Conducts extensive research seeking best academic matches at a range of programs Applies on candidates’ behalf to U.S. universities Submits to 4 programs (more for doctoral candidates) Submits to a competitive range of schools Completes U.S. university applications, when necessary (or assist grantee with completing when necessary) Pays all application fees

15. 15 Researching Schools For Good Academic Fit — questions we ask What is best program to submit to? Does program offer specialization or specialized opportunities in grantee’s area? Is the program focus theoretical or applied? How much flexibility does program offer? e.g. interdisciplinary centers, allowing students to take courses outside their major or specialization, offering opportunities to work on global projects, etc. What courses are offered? Do they run? What is size of faculty? What research is the faculty doing? How many faculty specialize in grantee’s area? How stable is the faculty? Do they publish with students? What is the time to degree? What feedback have we received from prior students?

16. 16 Researching Schools For Competitiveness What are requirements for admission? GRE or GMAT minimums; GRE subject exams undergraduate or graduate GPA (grade point average) requirements portfolio requirements, auditions, interviews work experience Questions we ask: How many students apply & what percentage are admitted? What are the average scores of admitted? What is average profile of admitted students? How many admitted students actually enroll? How many candidates are we submitting in a specific field and/or from a specific country? Note: Keep in mind that meeting minimum requirements doesn’t insure admission in most competitive programs

17. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services17 Sending Applications to Universities Forward the Fulbright dossier with a cover letter introducing the applicant Insure that the application presents a consistent and comprehensive view of who the applicant is and what he or she will bring to the program Insure that the elements of the dossier that will be weighed most heavily are the best they can be Highlight strengths of candidate to differentiate him or her from other applicants Stipulate candidate ’ s sponsorship and funding status

18. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services18 Follow-up Aggressively follow-up on status of application Often work with special contacts for special admissions handling and funding consideration Inform applicants of additional documentation and requirements Inform candidates of conditions on admission Aggressively pursue cost-sharing IIE on average acquires over $15,000 in awarded university financial aid per degree-seeking grantee. Accept and decline offers of admission on behalf of students

19. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services19 Finalizing Placements In consultation with the Fulbright Office IIE finalizes the academic placements Balanced consideration is given to candidates’ preferences and available funds IIE accepts one offer of admission on behalf of each grantee and declines all other offers

20. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services20 Research Focus on programs that provide a good ‘academic fit’ specialization research Focus on quality and offerings of program and not reputation of overall institution Understand how the graduate admission process works in the U.S.

21. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services21 What do schools look for? Good fit student objectives match program’s faculty can help student reach goals Diversity Bring a unique talent or perspective student will enhance the program Fiscal resources

22. 22 What do schools weigh? Academics achievement in prior coursework equivalency of prior coursework standardized test scores research and publications writing and work samples Personal qualities and interpersonal skills essays, letters of reference, awards work experience interview (if required) Future potential and leadership accomplishments to date, letters of reference, awards community and volunteer service

23. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services23 Tips on Applying to U.S. Graduate Schools

24. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services24 Reflect and assess Clarify your objectives theoretical or applied specialization/concentration ultimate degree goal Realistically assess your competitiveness background academic and professional standardized tests

25. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services25 What is needed? An application that presents a consistent and comprehensive view of who the applicant is and what he or she will bring to the program insure that the elements of the application that will be weighed most heavily are the best they can be An application that differentiates the applicant from all from other applicants highlight strengths, awards, etc. address areas of weakness

26. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services26 What is needed? A clear and articulate study objective Include all previous post-secondary study and all work experience not just completed degrees Identify all awards and honors that have been received Identify publications Identify work experience

27. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services27 Study/Research Objective Critical component of application Should build upon—not repeat—information in application Describe how background and experiences have prepared applicant for graduate study Intellectual pursuits and interests, professional experiences, service experiences Discuss career goals and how pursuing a graduate degree will assist in meeting goals For master’s study, identify coursework For doctoral study, clearly define research interest

28. 28 What is needed? Letters of references from people who know you well Teachers, instructors, professors Work contacts reputation of referee Not important if the individual does not know you well “Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in either an academic, employment, or community service capacity and who can comment on your intellectual ability, creativity, initiative, sensitivity to others, and leadership potential. We strongly urge that you choose your recommenders carefully and ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.” Suggestions from Harvard University’s School of Education

29. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services29 What else might be needed? Professional work resume Writing sample Work sample Interview Audition Other documentation

30. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services30 Specializations & Interdisciplinary Study Greater level of specialization within programs explosion of new concentrations in some fields, e.g. electrical engineering, telecommunications, education related to technology and distance education, law Interdisciplinary study across disciplines Need to have a faculty member with expertise in student’s specialization to agree to be an advisor even at the master’s level

31. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services31 Interdisciplinary study across disciplines Interdisciplinary centers focused on resolving global issues energy, global warming, environmental issues, global health Pull in faculty, researchers, and funding from diverse disciplines and departments Focus on new and innovative ways to address global problems

32. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services32 Important Additional Information Post – Placement and During U.S. Studies

33. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services33 Dependents You can apply to bring immediate family members (your spouse and children) to the U.S. only if you have additional funding from non- Fulbright sources to provide for their financial support, round-trip international travel and U.S. health insurance coverage. The additional funding amount must be in compliance with levels established by U.S. Federal immigration regulations and Fulbright program directives. You cannot use your Fulbright grant funding to verify support for dependents. Your grant is available to cover your U.S. study costs only. The personal funding must be immediately available, liquid and deposited in a personal account. The amount in the account must have been retained for several months, or have accrued over a similar period to verify an appropriate level of support for your dependents. Any amount of funding provided by a family member or other third party cannot be considered until it has remained in your account for several months. Unless you can satisfy these criteria, IIE cannot issue visa documents for your dependents.

34. Prepared by IIE's University Placement Services34 Restrictions to Summer Activities The following Summer options are available between years of study: Travel to Ukraine at your own expense and return to the U.S. for the start of Fall semester. Remain in the U.S. and support yourself from your own resources. Register for required courses or a required unpaid internship and apply for Fulbright funding support for the Summer. Fulbright funding can only be provided for Summer if the proposed coursework or internship are required for your academic program and you are registered for official credit during the summer. Independent research or non-required study cannot be supported by Fulbright funding. Apply for full-time work authorization for a paid program-related internship or similar position that is not required for your study program. This activity can be considered and approved as Academic Training. You can obtain more information on this option from your IIE contact person after you arrive in the U.S.