University preparation in Los Angeles, California 2024

Universities in Los Angeles are very popular with applicants from many countries. In Los Angeles, students are taught by world leaders in higher education such as the University of California, Los Angeles and the California Institute of Technology. Diplomas of these universities are welcomed by employers all over the world, their graduates have no problems with finding a job anywhere in the world.

Los Angeles itself attracts future students: the ocean coast, warm climate, tourist places. The main attraction of Los Angeles is Hollywood: people come here to join the famous American cinema. There are more than 300 museums, which is important for art lovers. Many universities in Los Angeles offer programs in different types of art, including those related to filmmaking.

The application process for university preparation in Los Angeles typically involves the following steps:

• Online Application: Start by completing the online application, which may require a fee of approximately $100.

• Essays: Along with your application, include two brief essays that provide insights into your background, country of origin, ambitions, hopes, achievements, and more.

• Academic Records: Submit documents confirming your completion of high school or any previous educational institution, including information on recent grades if you don't yet have your certificate.

• Test Scores: Include results from standardized tests like SAT, TOEFL, or others, depending on the requirements of the program.

• Financial Information: While not mandatory for all programs, some may request information about your annual income or that of your parents, especially if you're applying for scholarships or financial aid.

• Social Security Number: If applicable, provide your social security number.

• Citizenship or Visa Information: Include details about your citizenship status or visa.

• Recommendation Letters: Prepare recommendation letters from relevant sources.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What advice do you have for applicants who plan to enter US universities? Let's say they have 3-4 years to prepare.

Learn, learn and learn again! Almost the most important is good grades (usually from the last 3 years in secondary school). Of course, high school must be completed. Even at school, I advise you to determine which subjects and directions interest you more than others, in which you are especially good and talented. This will answer the question of which career is right for you.

Do not forget about extracurricular activities, just do not overwork yourself, do not load too much on your shoulders, otherwise you will get tired beyond measure.

Of course, work on your English: it should be as fluent as possible.

Remember that the education system in the United States is very flexible: in many colleges and institutes, you can choose a specialization not immediately, but by the end of the second year.

Los Angeles offers numerous high-quality educational programs for international students seeking higher education. Whether you're pursuing a master's degree, doctoral research, or a bachelor's program, Los Angeles institutions provide options that align with your goals.

International students can choose specialized courses that match their aspirations, including programs in business administration, law, medicine, social sciences, information technologies, cultural studies, journalism, and public relations. Moreover, Los Angeles offers short-term courses in areas such as animation, special effects, sound engineering, acting, and writing.

With approximately 40 universities in Los Angeles, the city boasts a diverse educational landscape. The University of Southern California, nestled in the heart of Hollywood, offers film education opportunities, while Caltech excels in science and technology. Below, you'll find details about admission conditions and tuition fees for these prestigious institutions.

American educational system includes middle education, Bachelor, Master, and postgraduate programs. The last three stages belong to the higher education in Los Angeles. The students obtain education in prestigious colleges and universities. In the USA, college and university are practically the same thing, but with one small difference: many colleges lack research programs and doctoral studies. In other aspects, these are full-fledged universities, where you can obtain Bachelor degree. American colleges and universities are divided in two types: state and private. The main differences concern sources of financing, tuition fee, passing score and admission conditions. As a rule, private universities are more prestigious and expensive compared to state one.

It is also worth mentioning the so-called intermediate stage - two-year community colleges, where you can obtain incomplete higher education (associate degree). Upon completion of studying the graduates can start working or transfer immediately to the third year of university. In this case the tuition fee will be lower, so this option of studying is popular among the international students.

1. University of California:

• Known for producing 13 Nobel laureates and sporting achievements.

• Ranked 12th globally by Times Higher Education in 2015.

• Offers around 300 specializations across various fields, from science to literature, art, engineering, and more.

2. University of Southern California:

• The oldest private university in the USA, excelling in law, arts, technology, international business, biology, medicine, and linguistics.

• Features a renowned film studio and counts industry giants like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg among its alumni.

• Attracts around 7,000 international students from over 100 countries annually.

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech):

• A leading institution specializing in exact sciences and engineering.

• Manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, responsible for launching most of NASA's automated spacecraft.

• Boasts 32 Nobel laureates, recipients of national scientific medals, and members of national academies of sciences.

• Despite its academic prowess, Caltech maintains a small student body with about 900 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students.

The cost of studying in Los Angeles typically covers accommodation in a residence, meals, books, educational materials, transportation, and pocket money, with an average cost of around $59,000. However, if you opt for renting a flat or living with relatives, tuition fees can significantly decrease.

Scholarship and grant opportunities are available for students. While financial assistance from universities is typically reserved for US citizens or permanent residents, numerous sponsorship and loan programs exist to support international students pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles.