Studying in the USA Created by CoverMore

1. Studying in the USACreated by CoverMore

2. What You Need To Do Before Applying • Take the SAT or ACT test (University entrance exam basically) • They both takes roughly 4-5 hours and are difficult for those not used to standardized testing • Covers Critical English Reading, Maths, and English Writing (including writing an essay) • Be prepared to see words you have never seen before and probably never will see again e.g. pertinacious, eudaimonia, iconoclast, etc. • Some universities require SAT II Subject tests • Most universities that require these require that you to submit 2 scores from DIFFERENT subjects (submitting Math I and Math II won’t count as two scores) • The exams cover a wide range of subjects from English and Spanish to World History and Physics • If you grew up in a non-English speaking country, you will have to send English Proficiency test scores; TOEFL is the most common, but many schools accept IELTS as well. • Often schools will require that you disclose your financial ability to attend university and will require you to turn in bank statements and income records. • Understand the requirements for US students visas (more on this later). • To have completed 12 years of education.

3. Deciding Where To Go In The USA The United States is a big place, but using some basic criteria can help you to better determine what part of the country you want to go to school in and in what type of school you want to study. Here are some helpful criteria to get you started in your decision making: • Region: Northeast, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, Southeast etc • Weather: hot all year, seasonal, mountain weather, similar to home country • City: small town, major city, University town, or rural location • Proximity to outdoor recreation: beaches, mountains, lakes • Total travel time from your own country • Transportation options at school • Getting to/from school: major airports, train stations, bus routes • Getting around at school: taxis, subways, private cars • Private or Public University • Size: Small, Medium or Large • Academic Focus: Liberal Arts or Research-centric

4. Cost • As a foreigner you will have to apply as an out-of-state student, which means you will higher fees than students who live in the state where the school is located. • Note: this only applies to public universities • The amount you will have to pay will depend on the type of University you want to go to. • The cheapest start around $10,000 for tuition, housing, and a meal plan. • The most expensive can easily be more than $40,000. • If you have a good academic record you might be able to apply for academic scholarships, which will lower the fee. • You should also look at other scholarships that the University is offering because you might be eligible to apply.

5. College Application and Visa • Each school application will be different, but many use the Common Application • Many schools will have a application supplement that you will have to fill out • You will probably need to submit at least 2 essays for each university • One about yourself (personal statement) • One about why you want to attend the university • Some schools require a larger number of essays, so be sure to check each application thoroughly • Most schools require you two submit letters of recommendation from people who know you well: teachers, employers, religious leaders etc • High School transcripts • Standardized Test Scores • Other relevant materials: • Artwork, musical compositions, sports highlight reel, etc • Most schools will charge a small application fee • Once you are accepted you will receive an I-20 form • You must then make an appointment at a local US embassy that deals with Visa application • You will need to provide prove that you will be able to cover the fees. • You will also need your I-20 form

6. What American University Classes Are Like • The American University System is slightly different from other systems. In the US everyone has to take core subjects (Maths, English, A Science, A Social Science, and an Art course), but requirements will vary by school and department • Tests are for the most part Multiple Choice, but vary by school and department • Grade ranges are 60-69= D, 70-79= C, 80-89=B, 90-100= A • You will usually take between 4 and 5 classes per semester. For each class you will have 3-4 hours of class per week. • Your final Grades for a class have a point’s value that combines to make your degree at the end. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1. • Your degree will be calculated by the total amount of points you acuminate across the years, divided by the total amount of hours you have studied. It is called your Grade Point Average (GPA)

7. What University Life Is Like • Your class schedule will be split up depending on if your classes are 1 or 2 hours long. You are able to pick your scheduleand if the classes are available you can have a schedule where you only go to class 3 days of the week, or one that means you only spend 3-4 hour in class a day • Most students take at least 4 classes a semester • Most students’ schedules are busy during the morning and just after lunch, but are free in the afternoons and evenings • American universities are very social settings with lots of organized and university-sponsored activities • Fellow students are very friendly and helpful • You will probably live on campus in dorms your first 2 years • You will probably have the option to move off campus during your last 2 years

8. What To Expect From Other Students • Americans are extremely friendly and helpful • Expect them to be fascinated with your accent • There will be plenty of student-run activities to join in with • Expect students to be just as passionate about their college sports teams as any professional sports team they may support.

9. Benefits Of Studying In The US • You will have a life changing experience • If you graduate from a US university, it is easier to get a work permit to live in the US and your degree will be respected around the world • You will have a chance to study in one of the top university systems in the world • As the US has more universities than any other country, you will be able to find the degree that fit your needs. • If English is not your native language, you will get lots of opportunities to improve. • You will experience a new culture: music, food, art, etc…

10. Disadvantages Of Studying In The US • If you’re a US College Graduate and apply to jobs outside of the US you might encounter issues of companies not understanding the US Grading System. • You are away from family and friends for a long time • When you first go over there, you will have to make an entirely new group of friends (but this is also an advantage) • Even if you are of legal drinking age in your own country, you are not allowed to drink before you are 21 years old. While drinking on campus is a common part of university life in other countries, it is very different in the US

11. Important Information To Know Before Going • Beware of sensitive subjects including wars, religion, same-sex marriage, politics, guns, and ethnicity. • Laws vary greatly depending on the state you are in so make sure you know the laws in the state you plan to stay in. • The nationwide drinking age is 21 and the police will arrest foreigners if they are caught drinking before the age of 21 • Any run-ins with the law may affect your ability to stay enrolled and keep your visa

12. American Health Care System • The first thing to know is that it is important to have health insurance • It is extremely expensive to see a doctor without health insurance e.g. to get 4 stitches in your hand can set you back $800. • The health care system is ranked lower than countries like Chile for universal health care in a country. • Most universities provide bare bones coverage and the cost is included in your tuition/fees • Even though universities will cover a small part of health care fees, it is important to have your own Insurance just in case you get in an accident that is not covered by the university. Cover-More Travel Insurance: www.covermore.com.au

13. Helpful Links Here are several links that can help you find test centres, decide which universities to attend, and much more... • http://sat.collegeboard.org • http://www.educationusa.info • http://www.collegeboard.org/ • http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard/ • http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ If you want to find out additional information about a specific university. You should head to the universities main site, and they will provide you with informative information about themselves. This study was commissioned by Cover-More Travel insurance as general information to assist people interested in travelling to the USA for study. It is not intended as an official document nor was it prepared by any US educational institution. The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of Cover-More Insurance.