applying to the united states 4800 higher education institutions 900 majors

Applying to The United States 4800 Higher Education Institutions 900 majors

Graduate: Masters and Doctoral Degrees Medical School M.D. 4 years Law School J.D. 3 years Graduate School Ph.D. 3-5 years M.A./M.S 2 years M.B.A. 2 years Undergraduate: Bachelors Degree M.Arch 2 years Community Colleges Associate Degree 2 years Colleges/Universities 4 years Colleges/Universities 2 years Dental School D.D.S. 4 years

Features of U.S Higher Education System Different from other systems around the world -a best fit for the institution is key -the college will consider the all round student U.S. bachelors degrees usually take 4 year to complete; associate degrees take 2 years Credit System Runs from Sept to May 2 terms, or semester (16-18 weeks); trimester or 3 quarters (10- 12 weeks) and Plenty of choices Liberal Arts Colleges [eg Claremont Mckenna, Scripps, Amherst] Highly specialised institutions [eg Embry Riddle Aeronautical Engineering University]

Undergraduate Degrees in the USA Bachelors degree = four years Associate Degree = two years Not standardized/ No central ranking body Different to degrees in the other major destinations for WIS students: o Flexibility o Emphasize a broad, well rounded education: o Math, science, the arts, social sciences and language - before finally need to choose a specialization.

Undergraduate Degrees Diversity of choice Not standardized No central ranking body Different process and admission polices at every institution Flexibility Emphasize a broad, well rounded education: Math, science, the arts, social sciences and language-before finally to choose a specialization. Therefore offers not based on scores alone

Undergraduate Program [Education USA] Core courses (General Education) Elective courses Major courses Internship Study abroad Co-op Bachelors Degree

The Application Process for Regular Decision [Education USA] January-May 2014: Research and take SATs June August 2014: -Register for re-sits and Subject Tests -Filter your choices -Request Teacher References [subject teachers] -Draft College Essays September December 2014: -Take the tests -Request transcript -Submit applications January March 2015 Some non- Common App university application deadlines April May 2015 By May 1, decide on one college that you will attend. June August 2015 -Apply student visa -Pre-departure -Freshman orientation

The Application Components Online Applications Common Application (www.commonapp.org)www.commonapp.org University of California (http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to- apply/apply-online/index.html)http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to- apply/apply-online/index.html Non Common Application: Eg. Texas at Austin, Parsons, Georgetown High School Transcript English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) Standardized Tests (SAT or ACT) Letters of Recommendation (School Report and Subject References) Statement of Purpose/Application Essays Evidence of financial support (required for the I-20 visa form)

The Common Application-Standardized application process for first-year and transfer applications at undergraduate level 456 member institutions www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Memb ers.aspx www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Memb ers.aspx Students must check for supplements and extra materials required on college website Other systems such as Cal State Mentor, UC Regents, CUNY, SUNY, individual schools online application Application Forms

West Island School Support Documents Student transcript grades from Y10-Y13 School Profile Explanation of English medium of instruction/explanation of CEEB codes Certified copies of IGCSE certificates (or previous school transcript) Secondary school report/counselor recommendation Two/three teacher evaluations International Supplement

Examples of Destinations for WIS Students 2012 and 2013 entry 20122013 University of PennsylvaniaCornell [2] University of Chicago [3]UCLA [2] Scripps CollegeUC Berkeley [2] Rhode island School of DesignNYU New York UniversityNYU Stern Bentley CollegeUniversity of Southern California NortheasternOTIS College of the Art University of Southern CaliforniaSouthwestern University of MarylandPortland State Pratt Institute New YorkUC Santa Barbara University of Wisconsin -MadisonUC Santa Cruz

Examples of Offers Made to WIS Students for 2014 entry Offers 2013 Cornell [2]Chicago Columbia [2]NYU University of PennsylvaniaBabson College UC Berkeley, LA, SD, SB, Riverside, Irvine Syracuse University of Southern CaliforniaMiami ParsonsRhode Island School of Design LynnLoyola Marymount Texas at DallasTufts SyracusePace

Letters of Recommendation Tutor writes counselor recommendation Two or three subject teachers [must be currently teaching the student] Evaluates how well students meet the requirements Paints a picture that highlights the student as an unique individual Choose recommenders who know your abilities best Give recommenders plenty of time to write your letters

A very important part of your application - helps in the Final Decision It demonstrates your Writing skills Analytical ability Critical thinking Aims and aspirations Uniqueness There are no right or wrong answers to a college essay question Remember : be yourself and start early https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for- writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for- writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions Lunchtime activity run by Ms Tang this term Personal Essay

The IB and ID Diplomas IB Diploma- Is widely accepted in addition to the standardized admission tests (ACT or SAT) where required. The rigorous nature is factored in the evaluation for admission University recognition directory http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/directory/index.cfm http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/directory/index.cfm May qualify for Advanced Standing credit (receive a score of 5 or above on Higher Level examinations) Check with individual school to determine how credits may be granted CAS is very important. ID Students- ID Students will need to contact college directly to ask if their package will be accepted. CAS is very important.

Its never too early to apply to schools, do research Be optimistic but realistic when applying to colleges Keep a copy of all your applications Check email regularly for any requests for information from schools or updates on the admission process Check out upcoming information seminars and fairs Advice to students

Finance Your Studies Scholarships Merit Based Need Based (Need Blind US citizens with socioeconomic background not considered Need Based international student socioeconomic background is considered) Online Resources www.fundingusstudy.orgwww.fundingusstudy.org www.finaid.orgwww.finaid.org http://www.usscholarshipguide.org/http://www.usscholarshipguide.org/ EducationUSA Weekly Updates

www.fundingusstudy.org

EducationUSA Hong Kong

Destinations of WIS Students 2013 Country% UK39.74 HK17.31 US11.54 Australia8.33 Canada7.05 Others3.2 Gap Year9.62 Employment and Military1.92