1. Applying to The United States 4800 Higher Education Institutions 900 majors

2. Graduate: Master’s and Doctoral Degrees Medical School M.D. 4 years Law School J.D. 3 years Graduate School Ph.D. 3-5 years M.A./M.S 2 years M.B.A. 2 years Undergraduate: Bachelor’s Degree M.Arch 2 years Community Colleges Associate Degree 2 years Colleges/Universities 4 years Colleges/Universities 2 years Dental School D.D.S. 4 years

3. Features of U.S Higher Education System Different from other systems around the world -a “best fit” for the institution is key -the college will consider the all round student U.S. bachelor’s degrees usually take 4 year to complete; associate degrees take 2 years Credit System Runs from Sept to May 2 terms, or semester (16-18 weeks); trimester or 3 quarters (10- 12 weeks) Plenty of choices; variation in size Liberal Arts Colleges [Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Amherst] Highly specialized institutions [ Embry Riddle Aeronautical Engineering University]

4. Undergraduate Degrees in the USA  Bachelor’s degree = four years  Associate Degree = two years  Not standardized/ No central ranking body  Different to degrees in the other major destinations for WIS students: o Flexibility o Emphasize a broad, well rounded education: o Math, science, the arts, social sciences and language- before finally need to choose a specialization.

5. Undergraduate Program [Education USA] Core courses Elective courses Major courses Internship Study abroad Co-op Bachelor’s Degree

6. The Application Process for Regular Decision [Education USA] February - May 2013: Research and take SATs June – August 2013: Register for re-sits and Subject Tests Filter your choices Request Teacher References [subject teachers] June September – December 2013: -Take the tests -Request transcript pack -Submit applications January – March 2014 Some non- Common –App university application deadlines April – May 2014 By May 1, decide on one college that you will attend. June – August 2014 -Apply student visa -Pre-departure -Freshman orientation

7. The Application Components Application Forms Common Application (www.commonapp.org)www.commonapp.org University of California (http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply- online/index.html)http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply- online/index.html State University of New York https://www.suny.edu/applysuny/https://www.suny.edu/applysuny/ High School Transcript English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) Standardized Tests (SAT or ACT) Letters of Recommendation Statement of Purpose/Application Essays Evidence of financial support (required for the I-20 visa form)

8. The Common Application-Standardized application process for first-year and transfer applications at undergraduate level 456 member institutions www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Members.aspx www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Members.aspx Students must check for supplements and extra materials required on college website Other systems such as Cal State Mentor, UC Regents, CUNY, SUNY, individual schools online application Application Forms

9. WEST ISLAND SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT PACK Student transcript – grades from Y10-Y12 UA Grades School Profile Explanation of English medium of instruction Certified copies of IGCSE certificates Secondary school report/counselor recommendation Two/three teacher evaluations

10. Letters of Recommendation Tutor writes “counselor recommendation” Two or three subject teachers [must be currently teaching the student]  Evaluates how well students meet the requirements  Paints a picture that highlights the student as an unique individual Choose recommenders who know your abilities best Give recommenders plenty of time to write your letters

11. A very important part of your application - helps in the Final Decision It demonstrates your – Writing skills – Analytical ability – Critical thinking – Aims and aspirations – Uniqueness There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers to a college essay question Remember : be yourself and start early https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an- effective-application-essay-college-admissions https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an- effective-application-essay-college-admissions Lunchtime activity run by Ms Tang this term Personal Essay

12. The IB and ID Diplomas Is widely accepted in addition to the standardized admission tests (ACT or SAT) where required. The rigorous nature is factored in the evaluation for admission University recognition directory http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/directory/index.cfm http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/directory/index.cfm May qualify for Advanced Standing credit (receive a score of 5 or above on Higher Level examinations) Check with individual college to determine how credits may be granted ID Students will need to contact college directly to ask if their “package” will be accepted. CAS is very important.

13. It’s never too early to contact colleges; do research Make sure to also contact Office of Financial Aid if necessary. Be optimistic but realistic when applying to colleges Keep a copy of all your applications Check email regularly for any requests for information from schools or updates on the admission process Check out upcoming information seminars and fairs Advice to students

14. Finance Your Studies Scholarships – Merit Based – Need Based (Need Blind Vs Need Based) Online Resources – www.fundingusstudy.org www.fundingusstudy.org – www.finaid.org www.finaid.org – http://www.usscholarshipguide.org/ http://www.usscholarshipguide.org/ – EducationUSA Weekly Updates

15. www.fundingusstudy.org

16. Examples of Destinations for WIS Students 2012 Destinations 2012 University of Pennsylvania University of Chicago [3] Scripps College Rhode island School of Design New York University Bentley College Northeastern University of Southern California University of Maryland Pratt Institute New York University of Wisconsin -Madison

17. Examples of Offers Made to WIS Students for 2013 Offers 2013 Cornell [2] Carnegie Mellon NYU Stern U.C. Berkley U.C.L.A. University of Southern California Babson College Boston U Parsons Loyola Marymount

18. Your Official Source on U.S. Higher Education EducationUSA.state.gov Destinations of WIS Students 2012