We have gathered some criteria to help you throughout your search. All of these factors can be important, but depending on your preferences, some may be more significant than others. Think about these things to refine your priorities.
1. Academic Field (Major)
Unlike universities in most countries in USA you do not have to decide your main field of study (major) when you first enroll. However, if you know what you wish to study, make sure that each of the universities you apply to have an accredited program in this area. Almost all colleges and universities offer popular majors, such as business and information technology. But if you are interested in some more specialized fields, such as marine biology or archaeology, it is important for you to check ahead.
Besides a few specialized institutions of higher learning, more colleges and universities in the USA offer a wide variety of subjects. It is nearly always possible to study your major and pursue other subjects at the same time. Traditional liberal arts colleges normally award Bachelor's degrees in the sciences and in the arts. These schools have the additional advantage of offering a close association with its professors and their research.
You might decide to attend a school that mainly offers courses in your area of study. There are U.S. Colleges that are exclusive to one field, such as business or engineering, for example. On the other hand, perhaps you would rather study at a school where a wider variety of subjects are taught. This gives you more options and flexibility.
2. Degrees & Graduate Schools
Be sure in your research and application process that you are seeking information and applying to the correct degree program. If you have finished secondary school (high school), or have completed some university studies without having earned a degree, you are applying for undergraduate studies (this means for a two-years associate's degree or a four-year bachelor's degree). For most of these programs, you do not have to apply for a specific degree, but just for admission to the college or university.
Master's and doctoral degrees are considered graduate programs, sometimes referred to as “post-graduate.” It is crucial that you make sure that the schools that interest you have the appropriate graduate degree. A degree program that is merely an evening or weekend program may not be intensive enough for you to maintain your status as a full time student. (Many MBA programs are evening and/or weekend programs)
Furthermore, unlike undergraduate admission, your application needs to be submitted directly to the department at the university to which you are applying.
For most graduate degrees, you will have to submit standardized test scores from exams such as the GMAT (for graduate business programs) and the GRE. To qualify for these degrees you must have the equivalent of a four -year university degree.
3. Academic Standards & Prestige (Rankings)
Admission to some U.S. colleges and universities - particularly the most famous and prestigious ones so highly competitive, especially for international students. An educational advisor is useful in determining whether you have a realistic chance of being admitted. For the majority of students that wish to attend one of the top 50 universities in the U.S, find an institution that provides quality education, one that will challenge you academically.
Ask your counselor at Edwise about your probability of being admitted to your selected schools. Be aware that most colleges and universities base their admissions decision on academic performance. Be aware that most USA colleges & universities base their admission decision on academic performance. Your extracurricular activities will also be considered. Scores on standardized admissions tests are important, but your marks or grades from school are much more important.
4. Location & Region
Geographic region and location can be highly influential. You will be living in the United States for possibly years and where you choose to study could affect your overall experience and your access to professional opportunities. Think about what you would prefer or at least which areas are acceptable to you. In total numbers, majority of international students in the United States live on either the East or West coasts.
Along with the geographic location, think about extracurricular activities. Are you interested in any specific type of cultural, sporting or recreational activity to practice outside of your class time? Some people are drawn towards mountain areas, such as Colorado or Vermont, for skiing or snowboarding. Others wish to live near Florida's Atlantic coast or in Southern California so they can surf. Theater fans are drawn to cities like San Francisco or New York City. Some students prefer to live close to communities of their countrymen, making places like New York City and Los Angeles popular while others choose to be somewhere in ''Middle America'' where they can have an almost complete cultural immersion.
It may surprise you that many of the United States most important research universities are located in small cities or towns such as Lawrence, Kansas, or Madison, Wisconsin. These cities might not be famous in other countries, but are well known ''college towns'' with relatively low cost of living and a high quality of life.
5. City, Suburb or Town?
Concentrating on the issue of location, the type of area can be as important as the region. Many of the great universities that attract thousands of international students each year are in small cities and towns. This can be a very big adjustment for students from huge cities, so take that into consideration. Yet, tens of thousands of students each year settle into their studies in small cities or towns. Most people can adapt to a new reality.
One compromise can be suburb residential areas outside major cities where there are many attractive colleges. Suburbs give the tranquility and space needed for world class facilities but are close to the excitement of large cities.
If living in a metropolitan or large city is really important to you, there are hundreds of schools in the heart of major cities.
6. Total Cost For Your Education
Try to calculate the total cost for your studies, including living expenses. Elite, private colleges and universities usually have higher tuition costs than public universities. There are a few private institutions with very competitive costs compared to public universities.
The areas away from the East and West Coasts have a lower cost of living, in some cases, considerably lower. California's two excellent university systems University of California and California State University have dozens of attractive campus locations with relatively inexpensive tuition. But, the cost of living can often be twice than in other states, so your total cost may be higher in California. Please be aware that costs increase every year.
7. Large University OR Small College?
Most international students enroll at large, research universities. Typically these are public universities that are supported by their state government. These offer good ''brand name'' on your resume. But before you decide on these large schools, remember that there are hundreds of smaller universities and colleges that may also be good options for you.
Small colleges generally provide a more sheltered environment and smaller class sizes. Usually they have a better ratio of students to faculty; therefore you may receive more personal attention. This often eases the educational and cultural transition. Integration into students’ life can be easier at a smaller college.
Research-focused universities have more technical majors like architecture and engineering are much lower in tuition fees. This means that you will have other students from your country too.
8. TOEFL Requirements(or TOEFL Waivers)
For most international students, the TOEFL examination is a source of anxiety. But, unless you have been educated in the English language it is almost unavoidable. Each program sets its own requirements and usually the more prestigious the university, the higher the TOEFL score requirement. Always research requirements of each individual school and program before you apply.
Some universities have what is called a TOEFL waiver option which is very attractive to international students. It generally involves studying at the university's intensive English language program through the completion of the final level. Some private language schools, such as ELS Language Centers, have agreements with many universities that allow students who successfully complete the English program and be granted admission without the TOEFL score.
9. Accreditation
Accreditation is the certification that a school or program meets a prescribed academic standard. It is very important to know that a college or university is accredited. If you attend one is not accredited, you will not be able to transfer your credits to an accredited college or university. Your home country may not recognize your degrees, and you may not be able to get the job you want.
There is no national government authority or ministry of Education that sets higher education standard in the USA. Some states authorize or approve schools, but this refers to financial and licensing requirements, not the quality of education.
Instead, college and universities have formed associations that set the standards themselves. These associations called ''accrediting bodies.” evaluate each US college and university. If the institution meets the accrediting associations’ minimum standards it receives an acceptable rating; it is now designated as “accredited.” This means it earns the right to be listed on the accrediting association's list of acceptable schools. A school must maintain these high standards in order to remain accredited.
10. Types of Accreditation
There are different types of accrediting bodies: institutional and professional. Your government may need you earn a degree from a school with both types of accreditation. Institutional accreditation is based upon the entire school. Professional accreditation is based on the standards kept by a particular school, such as law, medicine, engineering, or business, and is determined by judges within those professions.
The degree granting college and universities listed in this copy of study in the USA are fully accredited. Accreditation for schools or programs that do not grant degrees, such as English language institutes, varies depending upon its professional affiliation.
What Edwise Students studying in USA says…?
“I had a fantastic experience with Edwise. The counselor was very patient and guided me through the entire application process. They also clarified all my doubts. On the whole I had a great experience with Edwise.”
Name: Naveen Ramachandran
Country: USA
University: University of Bridgeport
Name: Naveen Ramachandran
Country: USA
University: University of Bridgeport
“Edwise provides a smooth process for each student who dreams of studying abroad.”
Name: Melwin P
Country: USA
University: University of Alabama
Name: Melwin P
Country: USA
University: University of Alabama
“Edwise staff is very helpful right from counseling, application and visa process. Thank you.”
Name: Archana Seshadri
Country: USA
University: Stevens Institute of Technology
Name: Archana Seshadri
Country: USA
University: Stevens Institute of Technology
Overseas Education Consultant
We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 575 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.
Start your education overseas with valuable information on everything you need to know about studying abroad from study permits, temporary resident visas and how much it costs, to finding a program.
Do visit your nearest Edwise branch & choose your university carefully under our expert guidance and ensure that you have all your paperwork in order. Once you apply, and the wait is over, you can really begin to look forward to not only studying in a beautiful and vibrant country, but also to a life experience quite like no other.
