studying in the... usa

Transcription

1 studying in the... usa

2 In this brochure you will find a broad range of useful information about finding the right field of study, getting financial assistance and preparing for your stay at foreign university. There are many links to interesting websites. Please check them in order to get a detailed information about study, conditions of admission and enrollment and about student life. Concerning the various pieces of information, please be careful: < the most recent piece of information is always available on the website of the universities! < please contact CEDIES to make sure that your studies will be recognized and allow you to get financial assistance! < make more applications and don t stick to one single institution! Edition: 2015/ Cedies , montée de la Pétrusse L-2327 Luxembourg drafted: 24th July 2015 Any modifications after this date are announced on the websites et

3 studying... in the USA 1 Index CHOOSING YOUR STUDIES 3 < Institutions of higher education < Types of courses 4 < Finding the right study course 5 < Diagram of higher education 6 < Diplomas GEtting in... 9 < Entry requirements Applying for studies 11 < Application deadlines 13 < Application procedures < Tuition Fees living & studying 14 < Living Costs 15 < Financial assistance for studying 17 < Student housing < Conditions for entry in the USA 18 < Social security < Working and studying 19 useful Addresses

4 2 CANADA Maine Washington Oregon Nevada California Idaho Utah Arizona Montana Wyoming Colorado New Mexico North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Kansas Texas Minnesota Iowa Oklahoma Wisconsin Missouri Arkansas Illinois Louisiana Mississippi Michigan Indiana Ohio Kentucky Alabama Vermont New Hampshire Massachusetts Washington, DC Tennessee South Carolina Florida New York Connecticut Pennsylvania North Carolina Georgia Virginia MEXICO CUBA Carte:

5 studying... in the USA 3 Choosing your studies Institutions of higher education The official name of an institution is frequently an unreliable guide to its actual structure or function. Some institutions referred to as universities offer no degree beyond the Bachelors degree, others offer first-professional and Masters degrees but have no doctoral programmes. On the other hand, some institutions that are called colleges offer regular doctoral programs. Furthermore, several technical institutes have developed the characteristics of a general university, having large doctoral programs which offer training in fields other than applied sciences (e.g. Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Types of courses < Liberal Arts Colleges Liberal Arts Colleges/Universities offer university-level education that combine natural and social sciences, as well as human studies. The term «college» is often used when undergraduate studies are concerned. A college may be part of a larger university that has graduate and professional schools. < Community and Junior Colleges Community and Junior Colleges provide a two year course beyond secondary school. Courses are either «Terminal» (leading to employment) or «Academic» (preparing the student for transfer to a four-year college or university). < Technical Institutes Technical Institutes offer two or three-year courses of training for semi-professional occupations such as dental, engineering or medical technicians. Fine Arts and Music are often taught in the colleges and universities described above, but may also be available in specialized academies, schools and conservatories.

6 4 Finding the right study course Listed below are several factors to consider when choosing a college or university: < Relative selectivity How competitive is the university? What percentage of applicants are actually accepted? How important is prestige or reputation in the choice of university? < Courses of study Students wishing to pursue a degree in a professional or more specialized field (such as engineering, forestry or teaching) must look for universities or professional schools that offer these degrees. < Size of the university In the U.S., enrolments can vary from under 1,000 to about 35,000 students.. Some international students prefer smaller communities or feel lost in very large institutions. < Residential facilities < Religion Many private institutions in the United States are affiliated with particular religions. < Geographic location < Tuition fees How much will I have to pay to get enrolled Useful links: < College Net: < College View: < Education USA: < GradSchools.com: < Hobson s U.S. Education Guides: < Fulbright Commission: < Peterson s School Search: < College Opportunities Online Locator: nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/

7 studying... in the USA 5 Diagram of higher education Universities & Colleges PhD / 3 years Masters / 2 years Bachelors / 4 years 4 years Colleges 2 years Colleges Associate Degree

8 6 Diplomas Undergraduate studies Universities offer students a wide range of courses to choose from. Most undergraduate institutions do not require students to decide on a specific concentration (known as a major) until the third year of studies. All course requirements for a students major must be completed before graduation. < Bachelor Degree The Bachelor s Degree requires 4-5 years of studies in Liberal Arts (B.A. degree) or in Science (B.S. degree). A Bachelors degree is required for admission to a graduate level program. The B.A. or B.S. degrees are awarded upon successful completion of a specified number of courses or units (usually 120 credits). The first year is called the Freshman year, the second Sophomore, the third Junior and the fourth Senior. Courses offered during the first two years are referred to as «lower division» courses. «Upper division» courses are taken during the third and fourth year. < Associate Degrees Associates degrees can be obtained at Junior or Community Colleges after 2 years of studies. Both an Associate in Arts (A.A.) and as Associate in Sciences (A.S.) are available. After completing such a degree program, students may continue their studies a further 2 years in a regular college or university to obtain a Bachelors degree.

9 studying... in the USA 7 Graduate studies < Masters Degree Masters degrees, such as the M.A., M.S. or M.B.A. require one to two years of study. Accreditation When selecting higher education programs in the USA, students should always choose an institution that is accredited (Regionally accredited). < Doctoral Degree Doctoral degrees require a minimum of 3-4 years of study beyond the Bachelors degree and 2-4 years of study after the Masters degree. < Professional Training Many professions require specific training at a post-graduate level. A law degree (J.D.) requires 3 years of studies beyond the Bachelors degree; a medical degree (M.D.) 4 years of studies beyond the Bachelors degree. In professional fields such as dentistry, veterinary medicine and architecture, 4 years of general undergraduate work is usually required before admission to the program.

10 8 The Credit system Each course carries a certain number of «credits» or «units». The number of credits assigned to each course usually relates to the number of hours of classroom work involved. Students are graded on completed course work and most colleges and universities use the following letter grades to characterize students results: A - Excellent or outstanding B - Above average C - Average D - Below average F - Failing Letter grades correspond to a 4-point numerical scale, which are used to determine percentages and grade point averages (GPA): Letter Grade Grade Percentage Points A % 4.00 B % 3.00 A student s academic standing is often measured by his or her grade point average (GPA). The registrar of the university or college keeps a permanent record of courses taken and grades earned by each student. This record is called a transcript and constitutes the official document proving that a student has attended an institution and achieved a specific status. Rankings Several rankings of universities and colleges on undergraduate as well as postgraduate levels evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a university in comparison to other institutions. Further information Council on Postsecondary Accreditation C % 2.00 D % 1.00 F - below 60% 0.00

11 studying... in the USA 9 GETTING IN Entry requirements No certificate or diploma guarantees admission. Applicants are considered on the basis of their academic record, English proficiency,school references, admission tests, previous experience, proposed project of study, etc. Since admission is not automatic, it is wise to apply to as many as 5 to 10 American institutions simultaneously. Every student has to give evidence of her/his language proficiency: TOEFL-test (Test of English as a foreign language). Further informations As the admission procedures require a lot of time, prospective students should contact these institutions at least months before their admission.

12 10 Admission to undergraduate courses Most American institutions are quite selective which means that they determine the conditions for entry. They are often based on tests: < the College Board s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT). < the SAT I measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities as well as knowledge achieved during secondary education. SAT II is a subject test. You may be asked to take one or more SAT II exams for admission. There are 5 content areas covering English, foreign languages, mathematics, sciences, history and social sciences. Admission to postgraduate degrees For admission to a graduate school, the applicant is expected to present a Bachelors degree or its equivalent. Additional requirements are imposed by the department offering the graduate program. A considerable number of universities use the GRE Graduate Record Examination as criteria for admission. Entry to highly specialized studies is only granted to students having successfully achieved one of the following tests: Law Admission Test; Medical College Admission etc. The GMAT Graduate Management admission test is required for studies leading to the MBA Master of Business Administration. However, specific knowledge in business administration is not required.

13 studying... in the USA 11 APPLYING FOR STUDIES Application Deadlines The deadline for admission applications varies according to institutions but most deadlines range from December to February for enrolment in the following academic year. Application Procedures All students must submit a formal application in order to enroll at an American institution, regardless of academic status or degree course. The entire application process takes several months. Students should begin requesting (or downloading) admission applications one year before the expected date of enrolment. Most institutions have application forms available on the Internet and request that hard copies of your documents be sent by post. Forms that are sent by surface mail for non-urgent mail may not reach universities in time for application deadlines. Most universities will not take an application until it is fully completed. Although application procedures vary slightly by institution, international student applications usually require the following materials: < Institutional application form < Non-refundable application fee (costs range from $10 to $100) < Certified copies of educational documents (academic results) < Certified translations of these documents if not originally in English < Scores for any required entrance examinations < Evidence of English language proficiency < Personal statement and/or biographical essay < Letters of recommendation from teachers or professional colleagues < Financial information, with applications for financial aid if requested

14 12 Each institution will specify the type of official records it requires to evaluate past education. Usually, admissions officers will want the student s entire academic record for secondary courses. U.S. institutions often prefer that transcripts of previous educational work be sent directly from the former schools. Application Essay Most applications ask students to provide an essay that details his or her purpose in seeking admission to the chosen field and institution. This essay should include study plans, research plans, personal strengths in the chosen field and plans for the future. This is one of the most important parts of the application. Essays should be carefully presented in a clear, wellwritten manner. When required, the biographical essay helps admissions officers get to know the applicant. These essays should emphasize individual strengths, interests and goals. All applicants should realize that their ability to persuasively explain their background, interests and assets will have a significant impact on their application for admission. Letters of Recommendation If institutions request letters of recommendation, ask two or three people to write letters on your behalf. The university will specify the number of letters to be submitted. Present or former teachers, professors or employers who have known you for at least 6 months can help you. For recommendation letters to be effective, they should contain insights into your seriousness of purpose, academic promise, motivation, adaptability, personality and character. Statements about research ability, as well as preparation and promise in the specific field, are also necessary. Proof of Financial Resources Most institutions require applicants to submit financial forms or bank statements that state the amounts and sources of funds available to pay educational and living expenses in the U.S. Usually, this information must be confirmed or witnessed by a responsible individual, such as an officer of the bank where the applicant s funds are being deposited. If a sponsor or parent is contributing financial support, they will be asked to confirm the availability of funds. In some cases, written confirmation of this information will be requested.

15 studying... in the USA 13 Academic year The average semester lasts 15 weeks and is usually followed by a brief examination period. The academic year is divided in periods of study, called semesters. The Fall semester starts in August and lasts until around the middle of December. After a vacation period of approximately a month, universities begin again around the 15th January for the Spring semester finishing in mid-may. A summer semester completes the academic year between the beginning of June and mid-august. Tuition Fees In the USA, tuition fee largely depends on whether you plan to study at a Public or Private Institution (refer to the difference between public and private Institutions here). Note: The tuition fee is different for different universities and varies widely with courses and popularity of the Institution. It can vary from as low as $ 5000 per year to as much as $ per annum for some private universities. Having pointed out that not all private universities charge as much as Cornell, it s also worth noting that not all public universities are cheaper options. Highly ranked public colleges such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are increasingly competitive, and increasingly expensive. UCLA advises international students to allow $55,000 per year, at the very least, to cover fees and other expenses. Estimated tuition fee (per year): Private Institution: $15000 to $30000 per year. At some Universities, it could go beyond $ per year Public Institution: $10000 to $20000 per year Community College: $8000 to $12000 per year

16 14 LIVING & STUDYING Living Costs Estimated Living Cost: $10000 to $12000 (per year). An average of $700 to $1000 per month should be considered as safe. This includes your accommodation (room and board), travel, food, some books, some clothing and may be some entertainment expense too. Please find below a range of costs that have been considered while estimating the above listed living expenses: < Books and study materials will cost $500 to $1000 approximately per academic year < Travel costs within the US will be between $300 and $700 approximately < Room and Board will cost between $3000 and $7500 approximately per year. Allow an additional $1000 to $2000 for vacation periods when the dormitory might be closed < If you will be living off campus, the cost of renting an apartment will be between $300 and $600 a month, but could be much higher contingent on the location of the school. Meals should cost about $2500 a year, assuming that you do not fancy too many outings < Clothing will cost $500 or more annually (if you go to cold place, you better buy some clothes that suit their weather; otherwise you may shiver) < Personal expenses will cost around $2000 approximately per year The College Board publishes college costs, required admissions tests, and other useful information in The International Student Handbook of US Colleges < Health / Medical Insurance: $300 to $500 per year per person < Car: If you wish to buy a car, assume that it will cost you around $4000 a year

17 studying... in the USA 15 Financial assistance for studying Aide financière de l Etat CEDIES grants financial assistance for studying in higher education (Aide financière de l Etat pour études supérieures). The application for this support has to be completed for the winter term, online between 1st August and 30th November aides.etudes.lu Financial aid by American institutions The number of US scholarships available for foreign students is quite limited. There are 8 general types of financial aid in the United States: < administrative assistantships < fellowships < grants < loans < research assistantships < scholarships < teaching assistantships < work study programs Please note that most assistantship forms of aid are reserved for graduate level students. Administrative assistantships are rare and are based on student needs and academic qualifications. These assistantships usually require 10 to 20 hours of work within the administrative offices of the university. Fellowships are typically based on academic merit and carry no teaching or research obligations. Fellowships usually cover tuition plus a cash stipend.

18 16 Grants are often based on financial needs and academic merit and do not carry work or research obligations. The Commission for Educational Exchange administers the Fulbright Grant Program for citizens of Belgium and Luxembourg. Grants are available for graduate level studies and post-doctoral research and lecturing. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence as well as a strong knowledge of English. The application should be made one year before the student starts studying in the USA! Research assistantships (RAs) are based on academic qualifications and research interests. The student assists a faculty member in conducting research and is usually compensated with a tuition waiver and modest salary or stipend. Again, RA positions are generally reserved for advanced masters or doctoral students. Scholarships are based on academic merit and generally carry no repayment obligations. Depending on the sponsor, scholarships may cover partial or full tuition costs. Teaching Assistantships (TAs) are based on academic qualifications. TAs usually require a student to work 15 to 20 hours per week in areas such as lecturing, grading papers, supervising laboratory classes, etc. Students usually receive a tuition waiver and a modest salary or stipend. TA positions are often reserved for advanced level students. Work-study programs provide jobs for students with financial needs. The program encourages community service work or work related to each students course of study. Applicants for financial assistance may have to take additional tests or provide additional proof of eligibility for aid. < fellowships (also based on the student s academic achievements). Fellowships normally cover tuition fees and living expenses < grants (based on the student s academic achievements and his financial needs) Further information

19 studying... in the USA 17 Student housing Practically all American universities/ colleges are located on a campus with housing facilities (residence halls). Trying to get a room in one of the residence halls is the best solution for students starting their studies. However, with the number of students increasing, there is no guarantee that you will be allocated a room. Student housing departments on campus provide information for accommodation on and off campus. Conditions for entry in the USA American Visas A valid passport with at least 6 months before expiry and U.S. visa are needed to enter the United States. Students and scholars generally fall under the Non- Immigrant classifications of «Exchange-Visitor» (type J) or «Student visa» (type F1). The possibility for employment is governed by the type of visa issued. Under no circumstances is it possible to cover all educational expenses by working in the USA during your studies. Information concerning U.S. visas is available from: The Consular Section of the United States Embassy Boulevard Emmanuel Servais 22 L Luxembourg N.B.: not every visa allows you to work in the USA. If you are considering work while studying, check whether your visa allows it. For further information: American Embassy in Luxembourg, The Consular Section.

20 18 Social security School Insurance Requirements If you are an international student planning to study in the USA, you will need health insurance, and most US colleges and universities require that your insurance plan meets certain requirements. Health Care on Campus Most college and university campuses offer some type of general medical care. During your first week on campus, take a copy of your medical records (including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions) to the school s health care center or infirmary. If you prefer to visit a medical practitioner off-campus, you have several choices (though the cost is generally higher). Working and studying American visas require international students to study full-time and limit employment to supervised work that is directly connected to their field of studies. Some international students may be permitted to work part-time on campus after their first year of studies. In the USA there are now numerous restrictions on employment for foreign nationals. Even when employment is permitted, it is usually limited to no more than 20 hours per week. Most international students are limited to on-campus employment. Please contact the Centre commun de la sécurité sociale in Luxembourg for further information:

21 studying... in the USA 19 USEFUL ADDRESSES Administrations < Commission for Educational Exchange between the USA, Belgium and Luxembourg Bvd. de l Empereur 4 B-1000 Bruxelles Tél / adviser@fulbright.be < American Embassy The Consular Section 22, bvd. E.Servais L-2535 Luxembourg Tél < Ministère de l Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche (bourses étrangères) 18-20, montée de la Pétrusse L-2327 Luxembourg Tél < Centre de Documentation et d Information sur l Enseignement supérieur (CEDIES) 18-20, montée de la Pétrusse L-2327 Luxembourg Tel < Ambassade du G.D. de Luxembourg à Washington 2200, Massachusetts Avenue N. W. WASHINGTON D.C Tél.: ( ) /72 luxembassy.was@mae.etat.lu Site Internet: washington.mae.lu < Consulat général à New York 17, Beekman Place New York, N.Y Tél: newyork.cg@mae.etat.lu Site Web: newyork-cg.mae.lu < Consulat général à San Francisco M. Georges SCHMIT, 1 Sansome Street, suite 830 San Francisco, CA Tél: sanfrancisco.cg@mae.etat.lu Site Web: Before enrolling in a foreign institution of higher education, we advise you to get in touch with CEDIES for information on whether your study course is recognized as a higher education degree in the country you are studying and whether you are entitled to the Luxembourg aide financière de l Etat.

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24 Centre de Documentation et d Information sur l Enseignement Supérieur 18-20, montée de la Pétrusse L-2327 Luxembourg Tél.: Fax: cedies@mesr.etat.lu Edition 2015/2016