Study in a US university
How do I choose a university?
Identify the fields of study that interest you. Some universities specialize in science and technology, while others are focused on liberal arts, and others offer a wide variety of majors to choose from.
Contrary to universities in most countries, in the USA you don’t have to decide your primary area of study (major) when you initially enroll at a university. It’s OK to have more than 1 interest, and some universities have open curriculums that allow you to explore different fields of study or even design your major!
Geography is important. Think about the weather, cultural or religious factors, whether you prefer a big city or a suburban or rural setting, access to international airports, and non-academic activities; for example, if you like skiing, you might want to go to an area where it snows in winter.
Size. Do you prefer large, public universities with lots of options to choose from, or would you be more comfortable in a small setting with more personalized attention?
Competitiveness. Getting admitted to certain colleges and universities in the United States, especially the renowned and prestigious ones, can be extremely competitive, particularly for international students. It can be beneficial to consult an educational advisor to assess your chances of realistic admission. For the majority of students, it is often more sensible to search for a reputable institution that will provide a challenging academic environment, and, most importantly, be a good fit, rather than solely focusing on attending one of the top 20 universities in the United States.
What do top universities look for?
- Commitment and enthusiasm for their chosen field of study.
- Critical thinking and the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly
- Time management and independent study skills
- Good oral and written English
- Extracurricular activities
- Community involvement
The admissions process
Choosing a university that’s right for you
If you have decided that you want to study in the US, then the next step is finding universities that are a good fit for you. Don’t just choose the most famous or the top university in the field you want to study. Many universities offer a high quality of education, so you have to look at things like university life, size, location, housing facilities, etc.
Tests
Taking the TOEFL is highly recommended. Sometimes other tests (CAE, IELTS) are admitted; it depends on the university. If you are a foreign student studying in a language other than English, you will need to demonstrate that your level of English is high enough to do well in a US university.
Navigating the Common App
The Common Application is a unified online college application utilized by over 1,000 colleges and universities. It makes the admissions process more efficient and easier for both students and colleges, allowing students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application form.
Writing the essays
Most universities will ask applicants to submit a series of essays that vary in length. These allow the admissions committee to learn more about the candidates and are not related specifically to academics. Apart from the essays required by each university, there is a long essay of 650 words that’s part of the Common App and is required by all universities.
Recommendation letters
You will have to get between 2 and 4 letters of recommendation, from both academic and non-academic sources, such as teachers, counselors, coaches, and other people who know you well and have worked with you in different capacities, such as a manager in your part-time job, or the head of an organization where you volunteer.
The interview
A lot of the more competitive universities will ask applicants to undergo a personal interview, usually with an alumni. These help to add information of a different nature to the application since the candidates can offer information that was not included in the application. Knowing what can be asked in the interview and preparing the answers is very important.
Work with an experienced trainer
With me, you have the opportunity to work individually with a native USA speaker who is knowledgeable about the exam and has completed the official ETS TOEFL course. In addition to working on grammar and specific vocabulary for the exam, I will help you with your strategy, teach you how to take notes, and above all, we will work on the speaking and writing parts, crucial for achieving a high score. Contact me for a free initial assessment!
I recommend the experience for her adaptability and flexibility to prepare classes according to the student’s needs, incorporating interesting and current topics. I would also emphasize the advantage of being fully bilingual, since she explains complex concepts in a natural and understandable way.
