Discover Yourself in America™ ThinkEducationUSA.com

Your Guide to Studying in the USA

Global Partners

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책자는 한국어로 온라인에서 제공됩니다Cette brochure est en ligne en français

Esta brochura está online em português

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What Makes Attending a College or University in the USA Different? Universities in the USA use a “liberal arts” model that develops broadly educated graduates who have strong writing, reading, research, and problem-solving skills. That means you will be prepared for virtually any job or career. Students at U.S. colleges and universities are active participants in their education. Individually, in research and project teams, and in the classroom, you will be encouraged to think critically, be creative, ask questions, and apply concepts in real-world situations.

Starting Your SearchWhich U.S. universities are best? Your goal is not to find the “best” university; it is to find the university that is best for you! Will you be most comfortable at a large school or a small one, in a warm climate or a colder one, in a city or in a suburban or rural area? Whatever your preferences, there are many excellent options. Contrary to popular belief, there are no official rankings of U.S. institutions.

Visit the ThinkEducationUSA website (www.ThinkEducationUSA.com) where you can learn about the colleges and universities listed on the following pages by viewing their videos, reading their profiles, and visiting their websites. You also can search an online database of all U.S. schools by size, major, or location.

Who Are

You?

“I am the product of my education and experience.”

You are young, intelligent, and curious about the world beyond your own country. You have interests and ambition; you are comfortable with newness and change. You want to learn and grow. You are someone who wants to discover who you are and who you can become. You want the unlimited learning opportunities that will come from continuing your education at a college or university in the United States.

U.S. colleges and universities are among the best in the world.

U.S. schools are known worldwide for the quality of

their facilities, re sources, faculty, and programs.

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Why Study in the

USA?

You Will Have Many Choices There are more than 4,300 colleges and universities in the USA, any one of which can offer you excellent facilities, programs, faculty, and a range of social and academic environments.

Your University Degree Will Have Value A degree from an accredited U.S. college or university is recognized and valued around the world. Your degree will prepare you for a lifetime of learning and a wide range of jobs and professions in your home country – and around the world!

You Can Create a Program That Fits Your Interests You can choose from hundreds of courses, majors, and programs. You can begin at a small community college, transfer to a four-year college or university, and earn a degree. Once you complete your undergraduate studies, you can earn a master’s or other advanced degree or professional certification.

1. You will be welcomed with open arms.

2. You will get a world-class education.

3. You will learn from new friends who have different perspectives.

4. You will teach others about your life, your country, and your culture.

5. You will make friends for life from all over the world.

6. You will become a global citizen.

7. You will improve your English language skills.

8. You will earn a degree that is respected everywhere.

9. You will have the best time of your life.

10. Employers will value your global perspective, your skills, and your understanding of the world.

Experience the

United States

History... Diversity... Natural beauty... Exciting cities... Comfortable small towns... Interesting people... Impressive architecture...

Seasonal traditions... Regional foods... Political heritage... And much, much more

Great Reasons To Study

in the USA

10

Private Colleges, Universities, and InstitutesThese terms are almost interchangeable: Colleges tend to be smaller, universities larger. Institutes often specialize in just a few subject areas.

State UniversitiesState universities are supported by state governments. They are often large and divided into “schools” or “colleges” (engineering, business, the arts, and others). State schools also are typically less expensive than private colleges and universities.

Community CollegesCommunity colleges usually offer two-year programs and degrees, after which students can transfer to a four-year university or college.

Technical InstitutesTechnical institutes specialize in higher education programs, degrees, and certifications in technical fields, such as: electronics, web development, computer programming, computer networking, and computer drafting/design.

Art InstitutesArt institutes offer higher education programs that prepare students for careers in creative fields, such as: graphic design, interior decorating, fashion design, and industrial design.

English Language Institutes and ProgramsEnglish as a Second Language (ESL) and Intensive English Language programs are ideal for students who want to improve their English language skills before applying for admission to a college, university, or institute.

What Is the

Difference Between...

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Start EarlyBegin your college or university search early – 12 to 18 months before you plan to be in the United States. There are lots of great resources to help you, such as ThinkEducationUSA.com.

But your most important resource in deciding on a college or university is… you! Think first about what you want and need from your education, and in what kind of an educational setting you will be most comfortable.

When you have a clear idea of your own needs and expectations, you will be able to decide whether a particular school’s size, location within the USA, institutional focus, degree offerings, clubs and organizations, reputation, and student diversity are right for you. Among thousands of options, there will be many schools – not just one or two – where you can excel and enjoy your educational experience.

Consider the Possibilities Each state in the U.S. has state-supported universities and private colleges, community colleges, technical schools, and English language schools and institutes. You are probably familiar with some well-known U.S. institutions, but the college or university that is right for you – where you will succeed and enjoy a great college experience – may be one that you have never heard of before doing your research.

Call or e-mail the schools you are most interested in to begin a dialogue with the admissions office. Also, let each college or university know which academic subject you wish to study because there may be different requirements for admission for that major. Make sure to ask each institution what the total cost per year will be for an international student, so you and your family can plan accordingly.

Register To Take the TestsNo matter where you apply for admission, you will need to submit the results from tests such as the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE. Use the timeline in this brochure to learn about when to register and take the tests required by each of your school choices.

Select Your Top 10 ChoicesThere is no limit to the number of schools you can apply to, but your research should help you narrow your list to about 10 schools. Make your choices as diverse as your interests. Consider small and large schools; well-known and not so well-known; urban, suburban, and rural; and schools in different parts of the United States.

Take the

Next Steps

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Submit a Great ApplicationWhether you apply using the Common Application or with a school’s own application form, submit the best, most complete application you can, including – if it is required – a thoughtful essay or writing sample. Whenever possible, customize your application.

Apply for a VisaMost students enter the U.S. with an F-1 student visa, but a J-1 or M-1 visa may be what you need, based on the course of study you have chosen. You also will need to register with SEVIS. You can apply for a visa at the nearest American embassy or consulate. Be prepared for your visa application interview. Remember, these interviews are by appointment only and take time to complete. You can find all you need to know about visas online at EducationUSA.state.gov or by meeting with an EducationUSA adviser in your country.

How Much Will It

Cost?

This is one of the most important questions you will ask before applying to attend school in the United States.

Costs vary widely depending upon the type of school and its location. Moreover, tuition costs will not be your only expense. You need to budget for housing, food, books, transportation, and other expenses.

According to the College Board, the average annual tuition at a four-year public institution in the U.S. is $18,548 per year. But the average total cost, including additional expenses, is $26,741 per year.

In determining what you can afford, you will need to evaluate your own personal resources and identify potential sources for financial assistance (such as grants and scholarships). You should start by researching the availability of grants and scholarships within your own country.

Remember, scholarships are competitive, and are usually awarded based on merit. For example, good grades or strong athletic skills may lead to scholarship opportunities. Financial aid, however, is often available based on your need. This type of need is evaluated based on your income and your family’s income.

You need to start thinking about your financial needs at least one year in advance of your enrollment. In most cases, U.S. colleges and universities only offer financial aid at the beginning of the academic year.

For assistance in researching financial aid sources, you may want to contact an EducationUSA adviser in your country. A list of advisers can be found online at www.educationusa.info.

You also can find many resources online. The ThinkEducationUSA.com website has a list of many of the organizations that offer scholarships and financial assistance.

ALABAMAAuburn University Graduate School 16254University of Alabama

English Language Institute 16077

ARIZONAArizona State University American English

and Culture Program 12743 Western International University 15826

ARKANSASUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville 15475University of Arkansas Spring

International Language Center 15468

CALIFORNIACalifornia Lutheran University Graduate

Program in Computer Science 16263El Camino Language Academy 16055Foothill and De Anza Colleges 13593Los Angeles Harbor College 14115MiraCosta College 14325National University 14424Santa Barbara City College 14961University of California Riverside 15484 University of California Santa Barbara 15487University of Southern California 15655

COLORADOArapahoe Community College 12722University of Denver 15506

CONNECTICUTSacred Heart University 14881University of Bridgeport 15477

FLORIDAFlorida Gulf Coast University 13580Santa Fe College 16241University of Florida English

Language Institute 16246University of Miami Intensive

English Program 16243University of South Florida 15653University of West Florida and

Intensive English Program 15680

GEORGIAGeorgia State University 13652Savannah College of Art and Design 14969Thomas University 15384 University of West Georgia 15681

HAWAIIHawaii Pacific University 13744University of Hawaii at Manoa 15518

IDAHOIdaho State University 13834

ILLINOISCollege of Lake County 13221Eastern Illinois University 13463University of Illinois at Chicago Tutorium

in Intensive English 15529University of Illinois at Springfield 15530

INDIANAIndiana Institute of Technology 13851Manchester College 14173Saint Mary’s College 14909

IOWACoe College 13205Kirkwood Community College 14001University of Northern Iowa 15601Wartburg College 15764

KANSASEmporia State University 13516Pittsburg State University 14731University of Kansas 15535

KENTUCKYEducationKentucky 16250Northern Kentucky University 14530University of Kentucky 15537

MASSACHUSETTSBay Path College 12845College of Our Lady of the Elms 13227International Language Institute

of Massachusetts 13885Middlesex Community College 14289Mount Ida College 14387Salem State College 14923Western New England College 15831

MICHIGANFerris State University 13563 Miller College 16242Northern Michigan University 14532University of Detroit Mercy 15508

Featured Schools on ThinkEducationUSA.comThis is a partial list of the more than 4,000 accredited colleges and universities in the USA. You can search the entire database of schools online at ThinkEducationUSA.com.To go directly online to learn more about a featured school, use the school’s 5-digit number: ThinkEducationUSA.com/12345

MINNESOTASt. Catherine University 16130St. Cloud State University 15140University of Minnesota Twin Cities 15566

MISSOURIColumbia College 13264Cottey College 13322University of Central Missouri 15492

MONTANACarroll College 13051Montana State University 14354

NEBRASKAChadron State College 13110University of Nebraska at Omaha 15576

NEW HAMPSHIRESouthern New Hampshire University 15080

NEW JERSEYFairleigh Dickinson University 13550Felician College 13562Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 14876

NEW MEXICOUniversity of New Mexico 15583

NEW YORKCity College of New York 13163Daemen College 13348Dowling College 13433New York Medical College 14472SUNY Plattsburgh 15171

NORTH CAROLINAGuilford College 13711St. Andrews Presbyterian College 15133

NORTH DAKOTANorth Dakota State University 14502

OHIOMiami University 14273Ohio State University Moritz

College of Law 16248Ohio University 14594University of Cincinnati 15496University of Dayton 15504Youngstown State University 15925

OKLAHOMAOklahoma Christian University 14601

OREGONLane Community College 14043Portland State University Intensive English

Language Program 14750

PENNSYLVANIADrexel University English Language Center 16124Edinboro University 13483

PENNSYLVANIA (continued)

Harcum College 13730Messiah College 14262Pennsylvania State University Intensive

English Communication Program 16249Slippery Rock University 15020University of Pennsylvania English

Language Programs 15609University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown 15616

RHODE ISLANDBryant University 12971University of Rhode Island 15632

SOUTH CAROLINAUniversity of South Carolina 15647

SOUTH DAKOTASouth Dakota School of Mines

and Technology 15036

TENNESSEEMiddle Tennessee State University 14286

TEXAS Dallas Baptist University 13352Intensive American English Institute 13811International Language Institute 16091Texas Christian University Neeley

School of Business 16258 Texas Tech University 16109University of North Texas 15598

UTAHSelnate International School 16127University of Utah 15370

VERMONTSaint Michael’s College 14913

VIRGINIAMarymount University 14208

WASHINGTONCascadia Community College 13059City University of Seattle 13165Northwest University 14552Shoreline Community College 15005

WEST VIRGINIAWest Liberty University 15808

WISCONSINMarquette University 14193Milwaukee School of Engineering 14313St. Norbert College 14914

ONLINE UNIVERSITIESExcelsior College 13548Walden University 15752

STUDY USAStudy USA Consortia 16255

18 Months Before Classes Begin Search for colleges that meet your needs. Use every resource: your parents, teachers, counselors, friends. Attend international study fairs. Meet with visiting representatives from U.S. schools and visit ThinkEducationUSA.com. Consider size, location, institutional type, and cost, as well as your intended major, career goals, and degree desired.

12 Months Before Classes BeginRegister to take tests (ACT, SAT I and II, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE) as needed for the institutions you are considering. Narrow your list to about 10 schools. Contact colleges and universities to indicate your interest.

September-DecemberNarrow your list to about 5 U.S. universities. Request recommendations from teachers and obtain transcripts from your current school. Fill out and send admission applications. Take the required tests.

January-AprilYou receive notification of admission. Choose from among the acceptances and notify the college or university you wish to attend. Create a complete financial resources chart: arrange tuition payment method, choose housing, and make sure you have enough money for daily living expenses.

May-JulyFill out SEVIS form I-901, which includes a processing fee. Apply for a visa at the nearest American embassy or consulate. Make travel arrangements. Stay in touch via phone or e-mail with the college or university admissions office.

July-AugustAttend a pre-departure orientation at your local EducationUSA center to get helpful tips that will ensure your success from the moment you arrive in the USA.

AugustPack your bags and travel to the United States!

Timeline for Your Applications/Admissions

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ThinkEducationUSA Facebook Quiz Game

Discover Yourself in America, the ThinkEducationUSA Facebook Quiz Game, is a fun way to learn about American universities and service providers.

Participants in the game compete to win real prizes, including: cash vouchers that can be used for application fees; phone cards; and school merchandise, such as t-shirts and sweatshirts.

All you need to play the game is a Facebook account. You win points by answering questions about U.S. schools. The number of points you win depends on the difficulty level of the question. As players advance levels, the questions become more difficult.

Play the Discover Yourself in America game today. It is a fun way to learn about American universities, and you will have a chance to win real prizes!

apps.facebook.com/discover-america

Play Our Facebook Game!

Konchanika (Kendra) CholvisitThe University of California, RiversideClass of 2011Country: ThailandMajor: Business Administration (Marketing Concentration) Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)

William Andres Montoya RiveraLuther CollegeClass of 2012Country: ColombiaMajors: Political Science, SociologyDegree: Bachelor of Science (BS)

Hear from Students Studying in the USA

“I plan on attending graduate school in the U.S., where I intend to focus on peacemaking and conflict resolution in the hopes of using the knowledge gained to promote peace in Colombia.

Through my experience at Luther College, I have gotten the chance to put my ideas for peacemaking into reality; I have had the opportunity to gain the knowledge necessary to help create a better world.”

“After graduation, I would like to gain a well-rounded experience through internships in various countries to start building a brand management career.

My independence and experience in the U.S. has allowed a lot of room for growth in this challenging, but definitely rewarding, environment.”

Honglin Li Montana State UniversityClass of 2012Country: ChinaMajor: Biomedical Sciences Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS)

“I hope in the future to be a person who is able to help people and save lives.

MSU is a good place to study because of its peaceful surroundings and many study resources.

After my first year of study, I believe the U.S. has the best educational system in the world.”

EducationUSA Advising Centers are ideal places to begin your search for information about U.S. colleges and universities. You may visit a center in person or access information about courses of study, degree options, costs, financial aid, cultural issues, and more at www.EducationUSA.state.gov.

EducationUSA is a global network of more than 400 advising and information centers in 170 countries supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. At each center, students can get valuable information about educational opportunities in the United States.

EducationUSA centers are staffed by professional advisers, many of whom have first-hand experience because they have studied in the United States themselves or they have received State Department-approved training.

More than 25 million prospective international students each year use EducationUSA services, either in person, by telephone, through e-mail, or online. These centers are the official source of information on all accredited U.S. higher education options.

www.EducationUSA.state.gov.

EducationUSAEducation

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Recognized by over 6,000 educational institutions and professional bodies world-wide, including over 3,000 U.S. programs and institutions. IELTS tests all the language skills necessary for your successful study experience in the U.S. and other English-speaking environments. IELTS is the real-life test for the real world that puts you first.

For more information, visit www.ielts.org

IELTS Puts People First

America’s Most Widely Accepted College Entrance Exam!

Students around the world can take the ACT for admission to any 4-year college and university undergraduate program in the USA.

No other test can make that claim!

Not an aptitude or intelligence test, the ACT tests you on material you’ve learned in high school.• The multiple-choice tests cover four areas:

English, math, reading, and science.• The Writing Test (optional) measures skill

in planning and writing a short essay.

Register to take the ACT in your country at www.actstudent.org

Global Partners

Making Your Education Count

WES makes it easier for U.S. academic institutions to understand your home-country education and to comprehend what your grades mean for possible admission or transfer credit.

WES’ new international credential advantage package (ICAP) provides verified transcripts and certified educational evaluation reports. We also store them for delivery to any academic institution now, or in the future.

Visit wes.org/icap

Determine your U.S. grade point average with the WES calculator at wes.org/igpa Promotional code: WS26y5ac943

About Our Global Partners

Global Partners are organizations that provide international students with essential services such as entrance exams, English proficiency tests, and international grade credential reports.

All of the Global Partners offer in-depth information about their programs and services.

More information about each of the Global Partners can also be found on the ThinkEducationUSA.com website.

We encourage you to learn more about what each of the Global Partners offers so that you can make an informed decision about which services best fit your needs.

thinkeducationusa.com/globalpartners

The Unmatched Advantage of the TOEFL® Test

The TOEFL® test is the most accepted, respected and accessible English language test in the world. It is conveniently available at 4,500 testing loca-tions in 165 countries, and is recognized by more than 7,500 institutions – which means you can GO ANYWHERE. Our recent survey showed that 4 out of 5 admissions officers* prefer the TOEFL test over other tests – one more reason to register today at:

www.toeflgoanywhere.org/thinkedu

*Source: Survey of 263 admissions officers at U.S. universities, of which 212 accept both the TOEFL test and the IELTS™ test and 152 state a preference.

Global Partners

The SAT: Your Ticket to Studying in the U.S.

Applying to a university in the United States? Most four-year undergraduate universities require scores from a standardized admission test. The SAT® is the most widely used admission exam for entry to U.S. universities. Administered and respected throughout the world, the SAT provides a valuable opportunity to show American universities that you’re prepared for higher-level study.

When you register for the SAT, you can access a wealth of free university planning resources to help you practice for the SAT, find the right university and complete the application process. So if you’re ready to get started, register today!

sat.collegeboard.com

Learn English Effectively in the U.S. with ELS Language Centers!

• ELS offers the largest group of U.S. campus-based English language instruction centers, with more than 50 study locations throughout the United States. ELS has helped more than one million international students learn English quickly and effectively since 1961.

• More than 600 U.S. universities accept ELS Intensive English Program completion as fulfill-ment of their English language requirement.

• Most ELS centers are located on college cam-puses. With ELS, you will experience student life before you begin your university studies!

www.els.eduwww.USAUniversityGuide.org

Search for American UniversitiesThinkEducationUSA.com is an innovative multimedia website for students who are interested in learning more about attending a university in the USA.

Advanced Search ThinkEducationUSA.com includes a fully searchable database of all accredited universities in the United States. Featured schools on the website include expanded profiles and videos.

ThinkEducationUSA.com The website includes a translation feature that allows you to read a profile or watch a video in your own language, which makes it easier to share information with your parents, siblings, teachers and counselors. You also will find links to reliable sources of information about U.S. service providers and profiles of students currently attending school in America.

Free iPhone AppDownload our free “Find Colleges” app from the Apple iTunes Store.

Marketing Partner

Organizations supporting students coming to the U.S. should contact the Commercial Section of the nearest American Embassy for more information. www.buyusa.gov

Search Online

Response OptionsOnline: thinkeducationusa.com/info • Mobile Web: m.thinkeducationusa.com

E-mail: information@thinkeducationusa.com • Fax: 1-413-584-1688Mail: ThinkEducationUSA, P.O. Box 865, Northampton, MA 01061 USA

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