1. Doing your research Study in the USA

2. Things I hear a lot My mum and dad say… I’ve never heard of... I only want to go to… My brother went… I’ll add extra later… The more applications the better… I already know…

4. “Fit” and the football stadium “Just Try” students 80-100% match 50% match As an applicant you want to be on the playing field – even then, only some people will “score”

5. Times are tough… MIT – acceptance rate = 9% MIT – international student acceptance rate = 3% International student applications up 23% in last 5 years…

6. Important information – do you know…? The difference between a university and college? The difference between state and private? What “Liberal Arts” is? The difference between early decision / early entry / regular / rolling admission

7. When researching Think about Size Location Style of education Graduation rates Teachers Scholarships Specific programs Academic requirements Don’t worry about “Name” Rankings Where your friends are going Where your family went Where your parents want you to go Keep an open mind!

8. How should I research? Go to overview websites Go to School’s websites Virtual Visits Apps Books / brochures / prospectuses

9. Overview sites Colleges That Change Lives www.ctcl.com www.ctcl.com College Confidential www.collegeconfidential.com www.collegeconfidential.com Unigo www.unigo.comwww.unigo.com College Prowler www.collegeprowler.com www.collegeprowler.com Impressive Schools with impressive results Data and information By students for students

10. Using a school’s website Look at: ABOUT – mission / philosophy / history ADMISSIONS – criteria / international students / requirements / how to apply ACADEMICS – courses / academic requirements PLUS – news / honors programs / entertainment / scholarships / rankings

11. Other resources Virtual tours www.youniversityTV.com www.collegetours.com School websites Books / Apps Princeton Review - 373 Best Colleges Colleges That Change Lives Fiske Guide - Book or iPad Application

12. How to build a list Make sure your choices: Offer what you need Offer what you want Are appropriate Aim for between 5 and 10 Needs Wants Appropriate

13. So… Have a researched list with a mix of: Reach Mid range Foundation Universities choose students who “fit” their profile Find out the unique qualities of a school Don’t worry what other people think or say – this is between you and the institution Make the choice personal!