U.S. College Admissions INTRODUCTION TO THE U.S. COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS

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1 U.S. College Admissions INTRODUCTION TO THE U.S. COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS BY NANCY MACHLES ROT HSCHILD, A SSOCIATE DEA N SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

2 Why Study in the U.S.? The advantages of attending school in the United States: A diverse geography: east coast vs. west coast and the Midwest in between Varying sizes: small college to large university Liberal arts based education or schools specializing in specific fields Flexibility to change majors or even transfer to another school Time to explore your academic interests Holistic approach to admissions Global acceptability by employers world-wide

3 Where to Begin? PERSONAL INVENTORY OF WHAT S IMPORTANT TO YOU

4 Determine Your Priorities Academic Interests and Options Flexibility Can you explore? Size Setting Location Internships Residential Campus Study Abroad Research Opportunities Diversity of Students College Spirit Extracurricular Activities Sports Clubs Professional Organizations Community Service Affordability

5 Research: Finding the Right Fit o o o o o College Search Programs - Generate a computer list of colleges meeting your individual criteria using a college search program: School College/Career Center or EducationUSA Fulbright Office Admissions Offices College Representatives and College Fairs Current Students & Alumni

6 Review College Websites Private vs. Public/State Institution? Religious Orientation Vision/Mission Statement What does the website highlight? Latest events: Lectures, Visiting Artists, etc., Faculty Successful alumni? Special Speakers Student Projects Special Opportunities: Study Abroad, Internships Virtual Tour Follow on Facebook!

7 Develop an understanding of what each school has to offer where it is located, what it offers, etc. For example: Syracuse University

8 MAJORS School of Architecture 465 students Architecture The College of Arts and Sciences 4,481 students African American Studies Anthropology Applied Mathematics Art (through Arts and Sciences) Art History Biochemistry Biological and Medical Physics (through Physics) Biology Biophysical Science Biotechnology Chemistry Citizenship and Civic Engagement Classical Civilization Classics (Greek and Latin) Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Pathology and Audiology) Earth Sciences (Geology) Economics Energy and its Impacts English and Textual Studies Environmental Sciences (through Biology or Geology) Ethics European Literature Fine Arts Forensic Science French and Francophone Studies Geography German Language, Literature, and Culture Greek (through Classics) History History of Architecture International Relations Italian Language, Literature, and Culture Latin (through Classics) Latino-Latin American Studies Linguistic Studies Mathematics Middle Eastern Studies Modern Foreign Languages Modern Judaic Studies Music (through Arts and Sciences) Music History and Cultures Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Policy Studies (Public Affairs) Political Philosophy Political Science Psychology Religion Religion and Society Russian and Central European Studies Russian Language, Literature, and Culture Sociology Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture Women s and Gender Studies Writing and Rhetoric Professional Advising Programs: Predentistry Prelaw Premedicine Preveterinary Medicine Dual and Combined Enrollment: School of Education S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science School of Education 484 students Teacher Prep: Inclusive Early Childhood Special Education Inclusive Elementary and Special Education Health and Physical Education Spanish Education Non-Teacher Prep: Health and Exercise Science (includes Pre-Physical Therapy and 3+3 DPT) Selected Studies in Education Dual Enrollment: The College of Arts and Sciences English Education Mathematics Education Science Education Social Studies Education College of Visual and Performing Arts Art Education Music Education College of Engineering and Computer Science 1,429 students Aerospace Engineering Bioengineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Mechanical Engineering Systems and Information Science (dual enrollment: School of Information Studies) Combined Enrollment offered through: The College of Arts and Sciences David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics 1,158 students Child and Family Studies Nutrition Nutrition Science and Dietetics Public Health Social Work Sport Management School of Information Studies (ischool) 515 students Information Management and Technology Systems and Information Science (dual enrollment: College of Engineering and Computer Science) Dual Enrollment: Martin J. Whitman School of Management S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Martin J. Whitman School of Management 1,651 students Accounting Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises Finance Management Marketing Management Real Estate Retail Management Supply Chain Management Dual Enrollment: School of Information Studies S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications 1,274 students Advertising Broadcast and Digital Journalism Graphic Design Magazine Newspaper and Online Journalism Photography Public Relations Television - Radio - Film Dual Enrollment: The College of Arts and Sciences Martin J. Whitman School of Management School of Information Studies College of Visual and Performing Arts 1,889 students School of Art and Design Department of Art: Ceramics History of Art Illustration Jewelry and Metalsmithing Painting Printmaking Sculpture Dual Enrollment: School of Education (Art Education) Department of Design: Communications Design Environmental and Interior Design Fashion Design Industrial and Interaction Design Department of Transmedia: Art Photography Art Video Computer Art and Animation Film Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies: Communication and Rhetorical Studies Department of Drama: Acting Drama - Theater Management (B.S.) Musical Theater Stage Management Theater Design and Technology Setnor School of Music: Music Music Composition Music Industry Performance (Organ, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, Wind Instruments) Recording and Allied Entertainment Industries (The Bandier Program) Dual Enrollment: School of Education (Music Education)

9 School Spirit! 300+ Organizations and Clubs, Visiting Speakers, Concerts

10 Next Steps Develop your list of schools Discuss your interests/schools with your college counselor for advice Create a chart with requirements & deadlines Sign-up for necessary exams Ask your counselor and teachers for letters of recommendation in advance Schedule personal interviews, if recommended/available it shows interest

11 Financing Your Education: An Investment in Your Future Talk with your parents/guardians throughout the process If you are an international student, keep in mind that financial aid may be limited If you are a U.S. citizen, you will be able to apply for federal student aid More expensive private colleges and universities usually have more financial assistance to offer Consult with your EducationUSA/Fulbright Advisors and college counselors Be sure you understand how to apply/be considered for financial assistance Once you are admitted, you may appeal for more assistance.

12 The Application Process HOW TO MAKE YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT

13 Applying for Admission What you have done, what you say about yourself and what others say about you. The Common Application Test Scores: SAT or ACT Optional, Required or not English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS Transcripts and National Exam Results Teacher/Counselor Recommendations Portfolios or Auditions for Talent-based Programs Financial Support Information Application Fee Admissions Plans Early Decision I Early Decision II Regular Decision

14 Personalize Your Application Provide context for Academic environment Your achievements Personal circumstances Personal Statement/Essay - Help the Admissions Committee to know you better Tell your story Narrow and deep is better than broad and shallow It is not experience but your REACTION to the experience that matters Take advantage of personal interviews, if offered Demonstrate that you have researched the school that you explain why x school/program is a good fit for you.

15 Summary of Process Research Colleges Take tests, prepare to apply Apply Receive offers, make final decision Enroll

16 Suggestions Create a special address with your name to use for all college related communications Consider summer college programs Try to establish a specific contact person at the colleges in which you are interested Take initiative to make sure that your application is complete. Check website or contact school Don t wait until the deadline to apply Follow-up with school if you have any concerns about the admission decision or scholarship you can sometimes appeal decisions related to admission and/or financial aid If direct admission/enrollment is not possible, discuss other pathways with the college. Perhaps starting at another college and then transferring after one or two years Community Colleges may be a less expensive option and a pathway to 4-year institutions.

17 Let s stay in touch! Europe College Fairs Personal Interviews Information Sessions Online Syracuse University: Admissions: admissions.syr.edu Virtual Tour On-Campus Information Sessions & College Meetings Personal Interviews Campus Tours European Student Organization

18 Syracuse University Nancy Machles Rothschild, Associate Dean, Office of Admissions