us university applications an overview of the application process for parents and students...
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US University Applications
An overview of the application process for parents and students
Updated:17 September 2014
Agenda
▪ Education in the US/Liberal Arts
▪ Creating a list of schools
▪ Application process
▪ Timeline
▪ Testing
▪ The evaluation process
▪ Costs and financial aid
▪ Q&A
Reasons for considering the United States
▪ Flexible course of study (Major/minor, Liberal Arts, Undeclared)
▪ 4 years
▪ Numerous choices; high regard for IB programme
▪ Diverse student population
▪ Extracurricular opportunities and sense of community
▪ Financial aid (some)
College Options
1. College vs. University
2. Liberal Arts vs. Pre-professional
3. Public vs. private
4. Single-gender institutions
5. Schools with religious affiliation
Factors to consider when creating a list of schools
▪ Good fit (most important)
▪ Academics
▪ Size
▪ Location
▪ Climate
▪ Reputation
▪ Financial aid
A quick word on rankings
▪ When used correctly, they can be useful
▪ Treat with caution!
▪ Do you agree with the CRITERIA? Graduate Research & Professor Publication Data - US News and World Report
Employability/”ROI” – Forbes Rankings Undergraduate Experience – Colleges that Change Lives
College vs. University
College
▪ Offers only undergraduate programs
▪ Smaller classes
▪ Close faculty/student interactions
▪ Research/mentoring opportunities
University▪ Offers undergraduate and graduate
programs
▪ Larger lectures
▪ Facilities--generally more expansive
▪ Very competitive sports programs
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***THESE TERMS ARE OFTEN USED INTERCHANGEABLY***
Watch out for The College of William and Mary as well as Dartmouth College….they are universities!
IB Requirements for Entry
ARCHITECTURE Recommend HL Maths and HL Science
ART & DESIGN Portfolio usually required; Art or DT usually required
BUSINESS & COMMERCE No specific prerequisites; IB Business usually not required
ECONOMICS No specific prerequisites; IB Economics usually not required
ENGINEERING Recommend SL or HL Maths and 1 or more HL Sciences
SCIENCE Recommend HL Maths and 1 or more HL Science
LAW Not available as an Undergraduate option
ENGLISH LITERATURE Recommended IB English A: Literature
MEDICINE Not available as an Undergraduate option
PSYCHOLOGY No specific pre-requisites; IB Psychology usually not required
The Application Process: Six Steps
▪ Step 1: Self-Evaluation - Know Thyself………………Years 7 - ?
▪ Step 2: Researching Colleges/ Universities…….......Years 11, 12,13
▪ Step 3: Testing…………………………………………...Years 12, 13
▪ Step 4: Selecting Colleges/ Universities………..……Years 12,13
▪ Step 5: Applying………………..…………………….......Year 13
▪ Step 6: Results and decision……………………….......Winter/Spring Year 13 (or later)
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Timeline (abbreviated)Year 11
▪ Start doing research on colleges
▪ Work hard on IGCSEs
▪ Take the PSAT
Year 13
▪ Formalise college list
▪ Finalise Personal Statement/essays
▪ Work closely with counsellor and visiting reps
▪ Complete applications (Nov-Jan)
▪ Receive decisions – loosely conditional (Dec-April)
Year 12
▪ Work hard on IB Diploma
▪ Meet with counsellor to discuss process and options
▪ Plan out testing schedule (PSAT & SAT during Year 12)
▪ Meet with visiting reps
▪ Go on a college tour and visit the campuses
▪ Draft Personal Statement
▪ Work closely with Counsellor, develop preliminary list
Testing
▪ Most schools will want either SAT or ACT. Some will want Subject Tests.
▪ Some schools are “Test Optional.”
▪ It is a piece of the puzzle – certainly not THE determining factor.
▪ There are external providers who do an excellent job of helping students increase their test scores.
▪ IELTS (TOEFL) is required if proficiency in English is in question: dependent on difficulty and grades of English class. This is usually not a problem for Patana students but can be helpful.
Test Timing
▪ PSAT – PRACTICE SAT – No prep needed
▪ Plan out test prep/pick dates
▪ SAT – Administered by Collegeboard
▪ ACT – Administered by ACT.org
▪ Subject Tests – Administered by Collegeboard, only needed by some (most selective) schools
▪ Oct, Year 11 and Oct. Year 12 at BPS
▪ Summer/Fall Year 12
▪ Winter/Spring Year 12, Fall Year 13 at BPS
▪ Winter/Spring Year 12, Fall Year 13
▪ Spring Year 12, Fall Year 13 at BPS
Application plans/timing
▪ Early Decision (ED): a ‘Binding’ agreement to only one college
▪ Deadline usually November 1/15 (ED 2: Jan. 1/15)
▪ Not a good idea if ANY uncertainty or if Financial Aid is needed
▪ Early Action (EA): a ‘Non binding’ agreement
▪ Deadlines range from November 1st to December 1st
▪ Can be an advantage (Lehigh University: ED/EA 68% accepted; RD 35% accepted)
▪ Restricted EA/EA Single Choice:
▪ Nonbinding but may only choose one and may not apply to other binding programs
▪ Regular Decision: normal avenue for applying
▪ Deadlines vary from November (California) to March
▪ SHARE YOUR STORY.
▪ DESCRIBE A FAILURE AND LESSONS LEARNED.
▪ REFLECT ON A TIME WHEN YOU CHALLENGED A BELIEF
OR IDEA.
▪ DESCRIBE A PLACE WHERE YOU ARE PERFECTLY
CONTENT. WHY IS IT MEANINGFUL?
▪ DISCUSS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR EVENT THAT MARKED
YOUR TRANSITION FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE READER TO KNOW ABOUT YOU IN 250-650 WORDS (MAX)?
Personal Statement
What universities look for...
▪ Difficulty of curriculum (IB Diploma/Certificates)
▪ Four years of grades (transcripts)
▪ Test scores (SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, IELTS/TOEFL)
▪ Essay: self-awareness, independence, originality, thoughtfulness, honesty, passion, good fit
▪ 3rd Party Opinions: Letters of Recommendation
▪ Talents: academic, musical, athletic
▪ Ability to pay
How do Admissions Offices Evaluate Candidates?
Rating systems address:
Academic Qualifications (first and most important)
Extracurricular Strength Personal Qualities Overall
Institutional priorities
Costs and Financial Aid
▪ Collegeboard Data:
▪ “Moderate" budget for in-state public university averaged $21,447 USD
▪ “Moderate" budget for private university averaged $42,224 USD
▪ Merit-Based Aid vs. Need-Based Aid
▪ Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware
▪ Domestic student vs. International student
▪ Financial Aid adversely affects decision (except need-blind schools)
▪ Doug Thompson List for International Financial Aid (link here)
QUESTIONS?
THANK YOU!