Why Study in the United States?
During the 2003–2004 academic year, more than 570,000 international students enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education, according to Open Doors 2004, the annual report published by the Institute of International Education. Of the 1.4 million students pursuing postsecondary education outside their home countries, more than one-third choose to study in the United States. Why do so many international students choose U.S. colleges and universities?
With more than 3,700 colleges and universities, the United States has one of the finest systems of higher education in the world. At the undergraduate level, excellent programs exist in traditional disciplines, as well as in professional fields. At the graduate level, students often have the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest minds in the world.
More than 500,000 international students study in the United States, and studying abroad is a great way to learn about a new culture and to expand your opportunities. Before you decide to pursue a degree from an American college or university, ask yourself a few key questions:
- How will studying in the United States help me achieve my goals?
- Do I have enough money?
- Do I have adequate English skills?
- Do I want to live away from home?
Choosing the Right School
For information on U.S. colleges and universities, you can talk to friends who have studied abroad, or you can read printed information on schools. You can also find college information online. With the institution search on this site, for instance, you can search for a college using the criteria that are most important to you. Educational advising centers are also a valuable source of information—visit EducationUSA for a list of overseas advising offices.
The U.S. System of Education
In the United States, students begin higher education after completing 12 years of primary and secondary school, usually at the age of 18. Institutions of higher education include vocational and technical schools, two-year colleges (also known as community colleges), four-year colleges, universities, and professional schools such as law and medical schools. The size of schools varies greatly, too, from colleges that enroll fewer than 1,000 students to large universities that enroll more than 50,000 students.
Academic Calendars
A majority of American universities operate under the semester system—approximately 15 weeks of class. Classes and exams occur during two separate semesters. Generally, fall semester begins in late August and ends in mid-December. The spring semester begins in early January and ends in early May. Some schools, however, use a quarter system in which four distinct academic terms each feature 10 weeks of classes and a week of final exams.
Exams
The tests you'll take at a U.S. university will vary by course. Large classes will usually include multiple choice tests capable of being quickly graded by machine. Smaller courses will feature tests that have a mixed format of multiple choice and short answer questions, along with one or two more in-depth essay questions. In general, you take at least two tests in every class—a midterm and a final exam.
Grading System
Most colleges and universities in the United States use the following five-letter grading system:
A=Excellent (four grade points)
B=Good (three grade points)
C=Average (two grade points)
D=Below average (one grade point)
F=Failing (zero grade points)
At the end of each term, the letter grades are converted to points. The number of points a letter grade is worth is multiplied by the number of credit hours completed. The total grade points are then divided by the number of hours. See Figure 1 for an example of how grade point average is calculated.
Calculating Your GPA
Math B x 3 credit hours= 9 points
English A x 3 credit hours= 12 points
Economics C x 3 credit hours= 6 points
History B x 3 credit hours= 9 points
Chemistry A x 4 credit hours= 16 points
Total 16 credit hours= 52 points
52/16=3.25 GPA (grade point average)
Application Timeline
American colleges and universities take deadlines seriously, so be sure to ask each school you're applying to for any important dates.
18 months prior to arrival in the United States:
- Begin your college search.
- Take tests or exams required for admission such as the TOEFL® or the SAT.
12–15 months before:
- Make a list of schools you'd like to apply to and request information from each.
10–12 months before:
- Get all necessary documents in order, such as your transcript (academic record), application essay, and references.
10 months before:
- Mail applications.
3 months before:
- Apply for a student visa.
Admission Requirements
Many schools require you to take two standardized tests to demonstrate academic aptitude and English proficiency. The SAT I measures your reasoning skills and overall academic strengths. Some schools may ask that you take the ACT. Acceptable tests of English language proficiency include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). All tests are given in English.
Academic Preparation
Some universities are competitive, selecting only those students with excellent grades and test scores. A majority of schools require some demonstration that you have succeeded in your previous schooling and that you have the potential to succeed at a more advanced level. Be realistic about your academic record and test scores, and apply to universities with requirements that match your academic background and interests.
Colleges vs. Universities
The terms “college” and “university” are used interchangeably. Differences do exist: a college awards bachelor's (or undergraduate) degrees mainly, while universities also award master's and doctoral (or graduate) degrees. Colleges are generally smaller, as well. If a small school has the program you're interested in, or if you think you'd be more comfortable there, then that may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, larger universities have a wider selection of programs and may be able to provide you with services that a smaller school cannot. The best school is the one that's right for you.
The U.S. system of higher education may differ from what you're accustomed to in your native country. The types of exams administered, the academic calendar, and the grading system may seem unusual to you at first. Make an effort to understand the education system, and your transition to academic life will be more comfortable and less overwhelming.
