United States Study:FAQs

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Assembling General Information

Decided you want to apply to US universities? Only familiar with ones often cited in popular culture? Wondering where to begin?

How do I figure out where to apply to? How many universities can I apply to in the US?

You can apply to an unlimited number of universities in the US--in theory. However, since many have individual application systems and cost upwards of $60 each, this poses its own constraint.

How should I narrow down my list?

• figure out a list of about 20 universities you are at all interested in
• cut it down to about 15 that you could actually see yourself attending for 3 to 4 years (you will most likely receive some advanced standing for A level or IB exams)
• take a look at the application processes for the universities on your list
• cut your list down to a more manageable number, considering the work you'll have to be doing alongside applications/UCAS app/A levels or IB
• the number and type of essays required in the application and SAT exams and Subject Tests

What should I take into consideration?

• Do you want to be on a coast? In a big city? Would you mind being in a small town?
• Will the university offer advanced standing if you do well on your A levels? Will it affect your decision to attend the university if you have to spend the full 4 years?
• How important is knowing one's major from the get go or is it fairly easy to switch? how easy is it to double major?
• Do you want quirky programs, small classes, would you mind large lectures, do you want to study abroad, etc?
• How do my qualifications stack up against the students they usually admit?

How do I learn more about the universities?

Most universities have all the information you need under the "Prospective Students" or "Admissions" header on their websites. However, don't hesitate to email your questions to the admissions office to find out specific information. Some universities are more responsive than others, though.

For a lot of basic information on US colleges and deciding which ones could fit your needs, The Princeton Review has a nice quiz and database.

Note: Keep in mind, most universities require the SAT. For more information on the SAT see here.

Applying

The Princeton Review has links to many college applications here.

You can either apply though the Common Application (the website or downloaded forms) or the Universal College Application [link: https://www.universalcollegeapp.com/].

For some universities, appluication will have to be made using their own webistes and forms.

The Common Application

What is it?

The Common Application is somewhat like UCAS in that you can apply to different universities all through the same general application. However, similarly to Oxbridge, most of the universities have "supplements" but more on that later.

How do I register for it?

Register here.

What universities accept it?

This chart shows the universities and what you need in addition to the common app.

What kind of information is included?

On the Common Application, you will fill in your academic information, from grades to SAT scores, and will have to complete a personal statement, a short essay. However, on most of the supplements, additional essays are required.

Other Popular University Applications

• U of Arizona

• University of California - One of the systems that appear most often on this site is the University of California. To apply, you will use a central application system, located here.

• Columbia

• MIT - start this application early, it's a bit intense.

Glossary

College - catch all phrase for an institute of higher education in the United States.

Early Action/Early Decision Overview

Major - focus of study. US colleges allow for many other options outside of ones core focus, and encourage the study of more than one topic, with most requiring some level of "general education" to establish a breadth of study.

Schedule:

Early Action and Early Decision programs will require you to apply earlier, but you will also hear back sooner. Regular admissions will notify you most likely in mid-March to early April, and you will most likely have to make a decision by early May.

Also See

• Applying to the United States

US Universities and Courses

Here are some guides about some US Universities and specific courses:

• Columbia University
• Studying Medicine in the USA

The original content for this page was taken form the thread by on megx TSR forums.