What are the criteria for evaluating American universities? How accurate is it?
The rankings are different, and therefore the criteria are different. Subtleties are covered such as the academic level of graduates, “retention rate” (how many students complete study programs), social mobility, and the number of recipients of financial aid. The final performance and GPA, academic reputation of students, resources of institutes and faculties, salaries of teachers, the number of doctoral / postdoctoral degrees among teachers (especially for those who are employed full-time at the university) can be taken into account.
They pay attention to the selectivity of students (which applicants scored SAT points, which results they showed in high school), financial indicators per student and the amount of debt of graduates (a common thing: many take out loans for education). Some rankings also use the parameter of academic citation, the intensity of research by the teaching staff. In general, there are more criteria than the rankings themselves!
What firstly should be considered when choosing a university? Subjects, employer value, percentage of employment in the first year after graduation?
It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.
How to enter a TOP American university? Will graduating from high school in the United States improve chances of admission to Ivy League?
It is not strictly necessary to graduate from an American school, but of course it will help in terms of cultural experience and adaptation to the American education system. From foreign students, the results of ACT or SAT tests are required less and less, but it will be necessary to confirm the level of the English language - as a rule, it is TOEFL or the equivalent. Plus a personal statement, of course.
For foreign students, American universities usually offer a preparatory course - there are such courses for both bachelor's and master's degrees. At INTO, for example, preparatory programs take place right on campus and are fully integrated into the first year of study: beginners gain the necessary credit hours to go straight to the second year.
Don't neglect the help of professional, reliable educational consultants: your research plus his experience will help you navigate thousands of options. Do not force yourself to "fit" into the university that is considered the most prestigious or rated - find the university that is ideal for you and your aspirations.
What are the most popular specialties today?
In the USA, it is business and social science now. Medicine, psychology, biological sciences, engineering are still in demand. International students often choose STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics): they provide the opportunity to extend the visa after graduation to 3 years to work in the specialty.
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.
Is it difficult for a talented student or capable athlete to get a scholarship? What are the approximate scholarships and tuition discounts now?
Partial scholarships are awarded to academically gifted students for both basic and additional applications. Please note that the deadline for scholarship applications is usually earlier than for the main application for admission! For example, the University of St. Louis provides a "Presidential Scholarship" that covers 100% of the tuition, but you must apply for it no later than early December before the year in which you plan to start studying!
The preparation course for the International Year One is often also accompanied by partial scholarships (by the way, without deadlines).
Often the scholarships are repeated from year to year until you complete your chosen degree - as long as you maintain the minimum required GPA (GPA), of course.
With sports scholarships, it is more difficult, the competition and competition is higher here. Applicants can start receiving an athletic scholarship for another two years before entering the university if they register with the NCAA (National University Athletics Association). Sports scholarships do not always cover 100% of the course price, they can be revised every year - that is, there is no guarantee that you will receive it for all four years of undergraduate studies. As a standard: the more popular the sport, the more scholarships are available for it. But the competition is even higher: you must show really outstanding results (and at the same time not play professionally, this is very important!), Attend selections in order to receive a sports scholarship.
Do all universities have an ESL supportive program for foreign students? Do you think is it important?
Usually yes, in one form or another ESL is taught by the university, as well as supporting classes / seminars for foreign students, a pre-sessional English course. INTO partner universities in the United States provide academic English lessons for those whose language level is not yet sufficient to study for a degree. For those who have already “pumped” well in English, but are not sure of their strength to the end, there is an opportunity to integrate the language course into the general curriculum (in the first semester or in the first year). This will save you time and money.
What difficulties can foreign students face while studying at an American university?
Differences in cultures, educational systems, academic standards - and even personal expectations - can be shocking and hindered at getting started. Of course, there is also a difference between high school and university, and then there is an adaptation to a new country and a new language, which is also unusual. Many students also suffer from such seemingly trifles as different weather, food, time zones, etc. INTO centers are aware of all these difficulties and have vast experience in helping foreign students: whole teams of specialists support students in a new country. Literally everything: social events, assistance in opening a bank account, registration at medical institutions, consultations in the student's native language, etc.
The importance of this cannot be overestimated: according to our statistics, students who quickly and effectively overcome difficult adaptation learn better (higher average score) and subsequently build their careers more successfully.
What additional activities and clubs are there for students?
Almost anything! Social, sports clubs and events, excellent studying conditions, hundreds of equally passionate peers who are ready to share your interests and hobbies. Universities on their online portals always post comprehensive information about such communities, at the beginning of the academic year they organize introductory events: come and get to know each group and club personally!
In terms of costs, how much is spent on accommodation and everything else?
Much depends on the location of the university, city and state. Major cities on the east and west coasts are the most expensive in terms of cost of living: New York, Los Angeles. If you do not take these expensive centers into account, then 15-20 thousand dollars will be enough for a year.
Freshmen are usually offered places in residences on campus (and sometimes this is required): it is a little more expensive, but very convenient and safe, it will help to integrate into the environment. It is possible to rent private accommodation off campus (and if rented with other students, it will be much cheaper).
Remember that medical care and insurance in the United States is very expensive (and insurance is a must!) = About $ 3000 per year. Do not neglect your insurance, or the treatment can empty your pockets.
If we talk about food, students (especially those who live on campus) prefer to take a meal plan: 2-3 times a day or several times a week, the options may be different. Cafes and restaurants on campus are varied, the food is delicious and very high quality.
Are students allowed to work while studying?
In most American universities - no more than 20 hours per week. There are many vacancies right on campus - from student ambassador to assistant in a library or local restaurant; there are paid internships, internships, joint programs.
How has COVID-19 affected student enrollment? How are universities adapting to the pandemic, how they help students?
All US universities have tried to make their campuses as safe as possible - for both students and employees. There are fewer public events, the number of lectures has been reduced (most have been moved online). Some courses have completely gone online, some have become hybrid, mixed: online seminars and lectures + face-to-face classes in mini-groups. In public places, it is mandatory to wear masks, and hygiene and cleaning measures have been strengthened.
INTO Universities provided free COVID-19 tests to all of their students who came to campuses in the fall. Those who could not come were given the opportunity to study online until they could come to the United States for full-time study.
What advice do you have for potential applicants before applying to US universities?
Choose a university that really suits you - do not try to "adjust" yourself to a prestigious or ranked university. If you are not sure of your capabilities, do not dwell on the first top 10: believe me, many opportunities of less prestigious universities will be able to give you what you need to develop and become a specialist.
Pay special attention to additional opportunities besides academic ones. For example, if you decide to study science and technology, choose a university where you can participate in real research while still undergraduate (this is how George Mason University works, for example).
Consider geographic location. Where do you want to live, what kind of weather and climate will be comfortable for you. It is interesting to study in the center of a metropolis, but the convenience, safety, quality of services and cost can be inferior to the campus of a small university in a small city or area. But even a highly distant university in one of the outlying states can make you bored.
Understand what is more important for you: a huge university with a campus-city, where thousands of students study in giant amphitheater-classrooms, or a more intimate, calm atmosphere in a small college.
Of course, the specialty you want to study should be at the forefront. But do not forget about parallel opportunities - the same sport.
Remember timing, don't delay preparation! Research, selection, comparison of different factors - all this will take time.
Both career and education are gradual processes. You can get a bachelor's degree in one institution, and for a master's degree go to a completely different one. And the better your bachelor's results, the more prestigious options will be available to you in the future.
The US higher education system is the largest in the world: we have nearly 5,000 universities. Your personal interests, developments, options and opinions found on the same Internet, plus the advice of a professional consultant - this is the recipe for success. Feel free to take advice and listen to other opinions. Remember that even when you have made your choice, arrived in the USA and started studying, you can change your educational path - our education system is very flexible and gives everyone this opportunity.
