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The following questions are some of the questions most often asked by
international students who are inquiring about U.S. education.
Q. Is it difficult to be admitted into an American University? A. If you have average test scores and can pay the tuition, it is usually not difficult to be admitted into an American universities. Your biggest difficulty may be getting a high enough TOEFL score. Some universities will admit a student without the TOEFL test. Q. How and when should I apply to a university? A. Contact the admission office where you wish to attend. Usually you must send letters of recommendation, high school or university transcripts and statements of financial support. Apply as soon as you have selected the university. It is a good idea to begin doing your research on U.S. higher education about 18 months before you plan to enter a U.S. program. You will probably want to start corresponding with the schools at least one year in advance. Q. Can I beginning school only in September? A. No. Most universities allow students to enter at the beginning of any of the four semesters. You can enter in the fall (August-September), winter (January), spring (March-April) or summer (May-June) term or semester. Fall is when most students enter. Many international students elect to enter school in the summer semester because there are less students on campus and there is more one-to-one interaction with their professors. This helps them get used to university before they are inundated with the entire student body's presence. Q: How much do American universities cost? A: You will encounter a wide variety of costs, from as low as $5,000 up to at least $20,000 in tuition. In addition, expect to spend another $8,000 to $13,000 for living expenses including room and board. Q: Can I get financial aid? A: U.S. programs do not usually award financial aid to international students, especially undergraduates. It is becoming increasingly difficult for international students to receive aid as funding is constricted by budget cuts in funding higher education and research. It is generally easier to find money for graduate study but even aid for graduate study is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain. U.S. universities are also feeling pressure to find American rather than foreign graduate assistants. But don't let this discourage you from trying. There is a lot of U.S. aid out there but you're going to have to work hard and get out there and look for it. You may be able to qualify for assistance from your government or employer and I would definitely check with your advising agency to see if they have a list of U.S. schools that give financial aid awards to international students. Make sure you begin your financial aid search early and don't give up. Remember that even if you get your tuition paid for with scholarships you will still be responsible for many personal expenses. Go to the international financial aid page for more tips for finding international aid. Q: What are the SAT, The SAT II, and the ACT? Do I need to take these tests? A: SAT I and SAT II (Scholastic Assessment Tests ) and the ACT (American College Test) are standardized assessment tests that predict how well you will do in your freshman year of college. The SAT and ACT both test you in the areas of math and verbal skills. The ACT also tests aptitude in science. The SAT II is a specialized subject test testing in you in many areas. You may need to take these tests depending on which U.S. college or university you wish to enter. Contact the school you're interested in to find out whether you need to take either of these tests. Q: What is the TOEFL? If I already speak English, do I need to take it? A: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language) is another standardized test that evaluates the English proficiency of people to whom English is a second language. If the language spoken in your country of origin is not English, you are usually required to take the TOEFL. Q. If my TOEFL score is high enough to be admitted into my University of choice, does that mean my English is good enough? A. Not always. Consult an English teacher in your country to see if you are ready. Ask them to be completely honest. If you feel you need more English, many universities have language centers with programs to help foreign students before they begin their university program. Sometimes you can enroll in a summer course in English before the regular semester begins. Q: Will the U.S. system recognize British A-levels? A: Students in the British education system who have completed A-levels may sometimes receive credit towards their degrees. This way, you can shorten your study program. Generally, the U.S. university will review your A-levels and then decide whether to exempt you from specific course requirements by issuing you credit. | |
