Studying in the U.S.
When do I begin my search for universities in the States?
We recommend that you start your search at least 12-18 months before your intended departure date.
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When are university application deadlines?
For students interested in starting their studies in the fall (end of August/ beginning of September) deadlines may start as early as November (the year before) and as late as the spring just before classes begin in the fall. Each university has its own deadline, therefore, it is best to find out exactly when the deadlines are for each university that you intend to apply to.
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My son/daughter is very good at sports and would like to look for a sports scholarship. Is this possible?
There are numerous sports scholarships available for talented young student men and women. Schools that offer teams in specific sports can be found in most of the college resource guides. But first it will be important to follow the rules for sports scholarships. Information on these can be found at http://www.ncaa.org/eligibility/cbsa/
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What is a cooperative education program?
A number of universities offer cooperative education. It is a program where the student attends class for usually a semester and works in a specific field for the next semester. Class the following semester and work the next semester until the program is completed.
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What is accreditation? And why is it important?
Accreditation is a voluntary process that a school elects to go through in order to receive a "stamp of approval" from an accrediting association. Accreditation tells us that the educational institution has reached a level of performance, integrity and quality that warrants the confidence of the educational community and the public. Usually, only credits and degrees from accredited educational institutions will be recognized by other educational institutions and employers.
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I want to go to university in the US. I speak excellent English. Do I have to take the TOEFL?
Most educational institutions require that international students or students educated abroad take the TOEFL or some equivalent exam to be certain that the students English is of a sufficient level, both written and spoken, to be able to work at university level in English. If you had all or several years of your primary and secondary education at an English language school you will probably not be required to take the exam. If not, even if your mother tongue is English, you will probably be required to take the TOEFL exam.
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Are "colleges" and "institutes" in the U.S. as good as "universities"?
Degree-granting institutions in the United States can be called by any of these terms, and colleges and institutes are in no way inferior to universities. As a general rule, colleges tend to be smaller than universities and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while universities offer graduate degrees.
Note: a Junior College/Community College or 2-Year College is not the same as a 4-year college. Community Colleges offer Associate degrees, not Bachelor's degrees. Students may attend a Junior College or two-year college and then transfer to a 4-year college or university to complete their degree.
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Is it best to stay on-campus or off-campus during my first year in the States?
We recommend that you live on-campus for the first year. Students should apply for housing immediately after admission acceptance. Housing is often limited on campus so it is important to apply early.
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Are financial aid or scholarships available for International Students in the USA?
Some universities in the US offer scholarship awards. For the most part, the competition is great and the awards do not cover all the expenses. It is generally easier to get financial aid at the graduate level, in the form of a teaching or research assistantship.
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How do I apply for financial aid/scholarships in the US?
Students must apply directly to a university financial aid department. This process is done in cooperation with the admission application. However, the deadlines may be different.
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Where can I find a university that gives financial aid?
Not all colleges and universities have financial aid available for international students. The College Board's International Student Handbook lists all US universities and whether or not they offer financial aid. But it is also wise to find out from the individual universities that you are specifically interested in whether or not they have financial aid available for their students.