How to apply to USA universities
Getting into a U.S. university is not an easy task. The main difficulty is the process of collecting and submitting documents, which should be done in advance, because some papers can take more than one month to process, and the time for submission of documents is always strictly regulated.
The first step on the way to study in America will be the selection of an appropriate university. You can send applications to multiple universities, their number is not limited. Many rankings have lists of potential places to study, based on area of specialization, state, or the quality of their graduates. Choose not only by the prestigiousness of an institution, but also by the promise of a particular college or university. For example, many universities have contracts with local organizations where students can train as interns. This not only increases your chances of graduating well, but also your chances of being hired by U.S. companies. Also, do not rely on general indicators, but on how strong the research base and teaching staff in the department where you will study. An important consideration is the cost of tuition and the ability to apply for government funding. Many universities provide scholarships from the institution, government funding, or affiliations with specific organizations that give financial assistance to students.
Once you have made your choice, find out about admission procedures: application deadlines and admission requirements. This information is usually freely available on college websites. If something causes difficulties, you can always contact a representative of the university by sending an e-mail or calling (the information is usually posted in a conspicuous place). There, on the websites of institutions, you can find an electronic form that must be submitted within a specified period. It is a questionnaire where you need to enter your personal data, plans for study and life, information on education and family, personal interests and other aspects of interest to the university administration.
Then begins a complicated and troublesome process of paperwork. As a rule, in addition to passport data, applicants must submit:
- A certificate of graduation from a technical school, college, or high school. Often a list of the subjects studied in the last three years and their grades are also requested;
- a motivation letter or essay. This serves as a “calling card” for the student, showing his or her plans for the future and his or her motivation to study at the university. It usually tells you whether or not a student is accepted, because it also shows how literate you are and how committed you are to making a difference;
- letters of recommendation. Usually two to three letters from the dean or president of the school where you previously studied are required. If possible, you might also include work references in your field of study – that’s a plus;
- SAT or ACT scores. They are used to assess the knowledge and abilities of future students, and are the basis for competitive selection. Requirements of universities for the scores vary. You can take them at specialized centers;
- medical certificate of absence of socially dangerous diseases (AIDS, tuberculosis);
- evidence of financial solvency of the applicant. Usually these are bank statements which provide enough money to pay for your living expenses while you are studying;
- awards, grants, and prizes, if any.
Peculiarities of admission to different specialties may vary. For example, in America you cannot become a physician without first taking a bachelor’s degree. The idea is that someone who wants to study medicine can present a bachelor’s degree in any specialty, but it is preferable if it is related to health and health care. It is only with the diploma in hand that a student can take courses to prepare for entry into medical specialties. These courses do not last long, and after they are completed, students are required to write an exam. If applicants score high enough, they are admitted to universities. Prospective lawyers have to go through roughly the same procedure.
