A Simple Guide To Higher Education In The United States Part 8: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) About Studying In The U.S

Here are some questions that international education advisers in various countries are frequently asked about studying in the U.S.    

When should I start the application process if I am interested in studying in the U.S.?    
You should start the application process a year and a half before your planned arrival at a U.S. college campus. The academic year generally runs from September to May or June. So if you plan to enroll in September, you should begin contacting schools in March, April, or May of the previous year.    

What are the best colleges in the U.S.?    
“Best” is a relative term. In the U.S. there is a very wide range of colleges offering diverse opportunities. What is best for you may not be best for another student. It is not advisable to go by so-called ranking only. You need to make a list of your own priorities, do a realistic self-assessment, and then do research in order to find the “best” colleges for you.    

How does one select a U.S. college or university?    
Students select institutions based on some combination of the following: their academic and career goals; the type of institution they want (specialized colleges, liberal arts colleges, institutes of technology, colleges with a religious affiliation, single-gender colleges); the availability, level, and quality of programs in their fields of interest and specializations; the geographic location and setting (rural, suburban, or city-based); climate; costs; the nature of and availability of financial aid; size (number of students and student-faculty ratio); diversity on campus (including the number of international students); availability of special programs such as interdisciplinary studies and internship opportunities; and student life and campus activities.    

What do colleges look for when making their admission decisions?    
Colleges look for a variety of factors, such as a good academic record,  English language proficiency, acceptable standardized test scores, an effective statement of purpose or essay, strong letters of recommendation, proof of financial support, and other program-specific requirements.    

Does the U.S. welcome international students?    
The U.S. is known for its diversity of peoples and cultures. U.S. universities value the perspectives brought to their classrooms and research and heartily welcome international students.    

What attracts international students to higher education in the U.S.?    
International students are attracted to the availability of a large variety of majors and specializations, the U.S. system of accreditation, flexibility in the    educational system, merit-based admission and financial assistance, and the marketability of the degree. Students enjoy their experience in a proven educational system in a country with a diverse culture and a modern outlook.    

What is the cost of higher education in the U.S.?    
In 2023, the average cost of attendance for a student living on campus at a public 4-year in-state institution is $25,707 per year or $102,828 over 4 years. Out-of-state students pay $44,014 per year or $176,056 over 4 years. Private, nonprofit university students pay $54,501 per year or $218,004 over 4 years.

This includes tuition, fees (including computer, lab, or other facilities usage), food, and on-campus or offcampus housing. Additional expenses include books and supplies, transportation, insurance, and personal expenses.    

What financial aid opportunities are available for international students?    
Financial aid is very competitive at the undergraduate level. Scholarships, which are given to top students only, are very rare for international students.    
Financial assistance from foundations, organizations, and the U.S. government is also rarely awarded to international undergraduate students. Less than 5 percent of international undergraduates are financed through these sources. Your educational adviser will be able to tell you whether there are special funds available for students from your country.    

What tests do I need to take and what are the minimum scores required for admission?    
Many colleges and universities require the SAT or the ACT Assessment for undergraduate admission. Also, international students whose native language is not English are required to take an English language proficiency test. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the most widely accepted test. There are many competitive colleges and universities that require SAT Subject Test scores in addition to the SAT. The Subject Tests are in subjects such as biology, history, math, chemistry, and physics. You need to check with the colleges and universities you are applying to and ask if they require any Subject Tests.    
Each college or university has different score requirements for standardized tests. You can strengthen your application by obtaining excellent scores.    

When should I take the tests?    
When applying for standardized tests, keep in mind the time period during which the test scores will be valid. For instance, TOEFL scores are valid for only two years. Try to take tests by October if you plan to study in the  United States in September of the following year. Another thing to take into consideration is that many colleges have financial aid deadlines as early as December, January, or February for enrollment in September, and if you are applying for financial aid, you must make sure that all items in your application packet, including your test scores, reach the colleges and universities of your choice before then. But do not take a test unless you feel prepared to do so. Time yourself and take a lot of practice tests to get used to the pattern of questions and the timing.    

    
How important are standardized test scores?    
Standardized test scores are only one part of the application procedure and not the sole decision-making factor in the admissions process. They are a valuable tool in assessing the potential of students applying from varied educational backgrounds to succeed in the higher educational system of the U.S. While the format of each test varies, most focus on measuring the verbal, analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills of students.    
The level of skills required in a particular program may vary by the field of study and by the school or department. The ability of an international student to succeed in a particular program or school is determined only after a comprehensive review of the entire application packet.    

What is a grade point average?    
A grade point average (GPA) is the most common method of measuring a student’s academic performance. For each course, grades are awarded on a scale of A to D and F. At the end of each term, letter grades are converted into numerals on a 4.0 scale (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0) and each numeral grade is multiplied by the number of credits each course is worth. These numbers are added together and then divided by the total number of credits taken to determine the student’s GPA for that term. A GPA is calculated for each term, cumulated each year, and a final GPA is calculated. (Note: Most programs use a GPA scale of 4.0, although a few schools use a scale of 5.0.)    

A C average or better is generally expected of undergraduate students.    

What are credits?    
Students receive their degree by completing a specified number of credits.    
One credit is roughly equivalent to one hour of class time per week. Each course earns a specified number of credits (usually 3 or 4). Sometimes the terms “semester hours,” “quarter hours,” or “units” are used instead of  “credits” or “credit hours.”    

What is the academic year for colleges in the U.S.?    
The academic year usually runs from mid-August to the end of May.    
However, it varies for each college or university. It may be divided into semesters, quarters, or trimesters. In addition, many schools provide a summer term of six to eight weeks. Students sometimes take summer courses to lower their course load during the regular terms or to earn their degrees more quickly. There are at least two main breaks during the academic year: two to four weeks in December and January and about a week in the spring (called Spring Break).    

What is the difference between applying for the fall and spring semesters?    
As stated above, the academic year begins with the fall semester, which is when most students are admitted. Orientation programs are held with this in mind, and some prerequisite courses may only be offered in the fall.    
However, students can apply for initial admission in the spring semester if admissions have been opened up by a particular school or department.    
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that since most allocations for financial aid are made for fall enrollment, those who start in the spring are less likely to receive financial assistance.    

What is a transcript, and what does “official transcript” mean?    
A transcript is a detailed account of a student’s educational record that lists courses taken and the grades received. An official transcript is issued by the school awarding the grades/degree and is certified by the designated issuing authority of that school. The official transcript must be issued in a sealed envelope with the school’s stamp and the official’s signature or initials across the flap.    

What does the application packet contain?    
The application packet contains a completed application form with the application fee, official transcripts, official test scores, an essay or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, proof of adequate financial resources, an affidavit of support, request for financial assistance (if applicable), and any supplemental materials.    

Should I have a native speaker or a company write my application essay?    
The essay is the one section of the application that gives admissions officers a chance to get to know your personality and nonacademic background. Don’t waste the chance to show them how unique you are by having someone else write your essay. Only you can distinguish yourself from the hundreds of other students; at highly selective schools, the essay can be the deciding factor between two similar applicants. The essay is not a list of achievements or an autobiography. Depending on the question asked, focus on one event, book, or person that affected your view of the world. Talk about something personal, good or bad, and write so that the admission officers will remember you.    

What should be included in recommendation letters?    
Recommendation letters can be a critical factor in the selection process and should discuss the following:    
- The content of the course the student took and the methods of teaching that were used    
- The student’s performance in the class, including a comparison to other students in the class    
- The student’s attitude toward learning, including evidence of his or her motivation, commitment, curiosity, independence, and creative thinking    
- The student’s character, strengths, and uniqueness    
- Prediction about the student’s impact (academic, personal, and/or extracurricular) on a college or community    
    

What are some useful tips for potential U.S.-bound students?    
Be clear about your objectives. Consult different resources to gather information. Plan well in advance. Work systematically, keeping academic strengths as priorities. Make intelligent use of available information. And while you are in the U.S., work hard, learn about the country, and promote understanding about your home country.    

Where can I get more information about higher education in the U.S.?    
To learn more about studying in the U.S., visit  www.educationUSA.state.gov www.ed.gov www.finaid.org www.studyUSA.com www.ets.org www.collegeboard.com