Studying In America

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StudyingInAmerica
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By Joel McClurg
And Andrew Potter
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Part IWhy Study In The United States?
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I. Why?

• A. There are over 3,600 higher learning
  institutions throughout the US.
• i. Hence, there is something for everyone. (EVEN
  YOU!)
• 1. Multitudes of study
• a. Costs
• b. Environment and Location

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I. Why?

• B. Access to a Program That Interests You!
• i. Is the program or topic of study better
  developed in the states or Romania?
• II. Is English Language one of your priorities
  and pertinent to your goals?

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I. Why?

• b. Access to a program that interests you
  (continued)
• III. What about international Experience?
• Are you interested in ultimately working overseas?

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I. Why?

• c. There is a large degree of flexibility in the
  programs.
• i .The ability to shift majors / degrees / and
  even institutions is well developed.

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I. Why?

• d. 500,000 international students are currently
  studying in the US (and 500,000 students cant be
  wrong).
• i. It is absolutely achievable.
• ii. It can be financed and affordable.

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I. Why?

• e. The opportunity for international travel
  (cmon)
• i. Expand your horizons
• 1. Meet new people
• 2. Build perspective and experience
• 3. Envelop yourself in a new culture (for better
  or for worse)
• 4. Have the opportunity to spread your own culture

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Part IIThe Commitment
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II. Commitment

• a. This is a large commitment, one that will take
  over a year of dedicated work
• i. Months of research to be done
• ii. Upwards of three (!) standardized tests to
  prepare for and take
• iii. Piles of applications to be carefully filled
  out, both for school and financial aid
• 1. Each including many steps
• iv. The deadlines are strict, with no room for
  error

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Dont Worry!
That is what this presentation is for.
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Part III. Before You Begin...
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Part III. Before?

• a. Take time to consider your interests and
  opinions
• i. Is studying in the US an absolute necessity
  for your desires and goals?
• 1. It can be a very expensive and difficult
  experience (i.e. can cause stress)

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Part III. Before?

• a. Take time to consider your interests and
  options (continued)
• ii. What program career are you interested in?
• 1. Does your path exist in Romania?
• 2. Is studying in the US your best option?

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IV. Undergraduate Study In The US
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IV. Undergrad

• a. A very unique system, which can seem a little
  complicated
• i. the difference between colleges, universities,
  and Institutions...
• 1. Colleges are typically small sized, and only
  offer undergrad degrees and programs
• 2. Universities are generally larger, and offer
  undergrad and graduate degrees

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IV. Undergrad

• a. A very unique system (continued)
• 3. Institutes usually specialize in closely
  related topics of study (art, fashion,
  technology)
• 4. It is important to remember that these
  definitions are not absolute
• 5. Within each college or university are
  typically different schools, each for a
  different area of study, such as Humanities

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IV. Undergrad

• ii. Bachelors and Associates degrees
• 1. Bachelors degree is typically 4 years
• a. It can be a little shorter, or longer,
  depending on the area of study and whether the
  program is accelerated

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IV. Undergrad

• 2. Associates degrees are two years long
• a. Terminal The Associates Program ends with a
  degree
• b. Transfer The Associates Program corresponds
  to the first two years of the Bachelors Program
• i. The rest of the degree will then be continued
  at a four-year institution
• c. Associates Degrees are typically offered at
  Junior or Community Colleges

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Part V. Types of Schools
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V. Schools

• a. The Liberal Arts Philosophy
• i. Most programs in America use the Liberal Arts
  Method
• 1. This means that all students are required to
  take a number of foundation courses
• a. This means students of science will be
  required to take humanities and social sciences
  classes
• b. Students studying literature and languages
  will be required to take some science and math
  courses

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V. Schools

• b. State Universities
• i. These are schools that are funded or
  subsidized by the state government
• ii. These schools are typically very large, with
  a big student base (20,000 or more)

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V. Schools

• c. Private Universities
• i. Private Universities are funded by endowment,
  private donations, grants, and tuition fees
• 1. Hence, these schools are generally more
  expensive than state universities

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V. Schools

• ii. Private universities are generally very small
  
• 1. Some have 2,000 students or less
• iii. Sometimes, it can be easier for
  international students to get financial aid
  scholarships at private universities
• 1. This is because these institutions pride
  themselves on having a diverse student base of
  international students

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V. Schools

• d. Community/Junior Colleges
• i. These are the colleges where you will go for
  an Associates Degree
• ii. International students are attending
  Community / Junior colleges with an increasing
  frequency

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V. Schools

• iii. Community colleges are typically the
  cheapest (yea!) option for pursuing higher
  learning
• 1. However, it can be much tougher (boo!) for
  international students to get financial aid at a
  community college
• a. Government aid (as a community college is a
  public institution) is typically reserved for US
  citizens only

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V. Schools

• iv. There is less of an On-Campus feel at
  junior colleges, as there is very little
  on-campus housing (AKA Dorms)
• 1. This is very different from four-year schools
  with a large number of students living on campus
  in dormitories

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V. Schools

• v. Be sure to verify the accreditation of your
  community college
• 1. Especially if youre planning on transferring
  to a bachelors program after your first two
  years
• 2. Be sure to use your academic advisor /
  counselor as much as possible to verify that your
  credit hours will transfer

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V. Schools

• vi. Entrance scores for the TOEFL are typically
  lower at community colleges
• a. Even if your score is under the acceptance
  standards, there is a possibility of enrolling in
  an ESL (English as a Second Language) program
• 1. ESL courses will then have to be taken at the
  school until your English ability is deemed
  satisfactory

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V. School

• e. Distance Education
• i. For distance education, you stay at home (even
  in your home country), and take courses
  electronically through television or the internet
• 1. Requires a large degree of self discipline

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V. School

• ii. Some face to face contact will occasionally
  be necessary, however
• iii. Make sure to research these programs to
  ensure that they are accredited and that your
  degree will be of use to you in the future

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VI. Bachelors Degree
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V. Bachelors

• a. International students cannot be part-time
  students-- they must take a full course load each
  semester as indicated by the school
• i. This could be anywhere from 14 to 20 hours of
  school per week

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VI. Bachelors

• b. The academic calendar
• i. The school year varies from school to school
• 1. However, the academic calendar is usually from
  Sept. to May
• a. School can be divided into semesters,
  trimesters, or quarters
• Summer classes are available at most schools

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VI. Bachelors

• c. Degree courses
• i. Core courses foundation of the degree and
  required for all students
• ii. Major courses courses in the subject of a
  students concentration
• iii. Minor courses courses in a concentrated
  subject, but usually only half a students major
• iv. Electives (the greatest thing ever) Courses
  taken in other programs to experience other
  classes / topics / information (like bowling)

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VI. Personal Experiences
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VII. Beginning Your Search
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VII. Searching

• a. The US Educational Information and Advising
  Center
• i. Resource Centers maintained by the Fulbright
  program to provide Romanian students with
  necessary resources for pursuing study in America
• 1. The main center is in Bucuresti
• 2. But centers exist in Cluj, Iasi, Sibiu, and
  Timisoara

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VII. Searching

• ii. The centers have updated college catalogues,
  guides, reference books, and student directories
• iii. They also have loads of test preparation
  materials
• 1. TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT
• iv. Finally, the centers offer group and
  individual advising for Romanian students
• 1. Group advising is free!

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VII. Searching

• v. Explore more at
  http//tinyurl.com/r3sjhq

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VII. Searching

• b. The Internet
• i. Almost all schools in America have websites
  that can be accessed online. Use them to
• 1. Contact the school for brochures and
  information
• 2. Get in touch with international students at
  the school
• ii. Compare programs and financial aid support

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IX. Making a School Short-List
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IX. Shortlist

• a. Your goal is to gradually build a list of 10
  to 20 schools that you are interested in, and
  match your needs
• b. This is a long process, and you should begin
  researching 12 - 18 months in advance (not like
  studying for an exam)

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IX. Shortlist

• i. Get to one of the US Educational and Advising
  Centers in Romania
• 1. Sit in on group sessions
• 2. Meet with and talk to advisors
• 3. Read through the resources
• ii. Use the student contact information to
  contact international students (preferably
  Romanians) at any schools you become interested in

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IX. Shortlist

• iii. Research the school online
• 1. Use the schools website
• 2. Use some of the college search websites
  available on the internet to compare programs

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IX. Shortlist

• c. Remember, the US school system does NOT have
  accreditation overseen by a government agency
• i. Hence, research degrees carefully and ensure
  that they will be accredited in Romania, by
  organizations and potential employers
• d. Keep your major in mind, and make sure the
  schools on your list have fields of concentration
  that interest you (This is the most important
  thing)

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IX. Shortlist

• e. Try to understand each schools Academic
  Emphasis
• i. That is to say, try and identify how the
  school approaches learning
• 1. Is it a liberal arts school, with a necessary
  core foundation?

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IX. Shortlist

• 2. Do they rely on community/internship based
  training as part of your studies?
• 3. Is it a research based school which uses
  hands-on techniques rather than focusing on
  lecture based classes?
• 4. Is the school large or small?
• a. Large schools mean less interaction with
  professors

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IX. Short-List

• f. Understand how the school approaches
  Admissions
• i. Admissions Standards vary greatly, and are
  usually dependent on high school grades and SAT
  scores
• 1. Extracurricular activities are highly valued
  in the US school system
• 2. Your TOEFL scores will affect your admission
  to universities as well

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IX. Short-List

• g. What is your lifestyle?
• i. Consider whether you will be comfortable where
  the school is located
• 1. Research each schools climate and local
  community
• 2. Would you be happy both inside and outside the
  school? (This point is extremely important)

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IX. Short-List

• h. The Costs of school () are very important and
  need to be taken seriously
• i. Room, food, and tuition (that rises), travel,
  and other expenses
• ii. It is required of international students to
  NOT take full-time work

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IX. Short-List

• 1. Hence you will not be able to work to finance
  your education while in the states
• 2. Your first priority on a student visa is to
  study (and make your parents proud, like this kid)

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IX .Short-List

• I. Dont forget to research how each school
  treats international students
• i. Check school directories to see how many
  international students are enrolled
• ii. Is there a large sense of community among
  international students?
• 1. Dont be afraid to contact other students by
  e-mail

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IX. Short-List

• J. Look beyond the Ivy League
• i. There are thousands of good schools in the US,
  so be sure to look beyond the big names
• 1. Big names are typically more expensive on
  account of their prestige
• 2. Your needs and interests are more important
  than a schools reputation

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IX. Short-List

• ii. Remember that no official school ranking
  exists
• 1. Any that you can find on the internet are
  subjective (like the picture) and usually limited
  to one area of study

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X. Getting In
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X. Getting In

• a. Entrance Requirements
• i. A diploma that would allow you to attend
  university in your home country
• 1. High school or secondary school diploma
• ii. School transcripts from your high school

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X. Getting In

• ii. Letters of Recommendation
• 1. Find three professors, community members
  fluent in English that would be willing to write
  a letter explaining why youd be a good candidate
  to study in America
• a. I think this professor would really help you
  get in --gt

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X. Getting In

• iv. Test of a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• 1. These are required to study in the states
• 2. The student visa is difficult to get if you
  cant speak English fluently
• 3. It is a computer test that MUST be
  pre-registered for. It is held in following
  places
• a. Bucuresti, Arad, Oradea, Timisoara
• i. There is a paper based version in Cluj

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X. Getting In

• b. There are four sections on the test
• i. Reading (reading comprehension of academic
  literature)
• ii. Listening (listening comprehension)
• iii. Speaking (communicate orally in academic
  context)
• iv. Writing (write in a manner appropriate for
  university coursework)

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X. Getting In

• 4. http//tinyurl.com/olovc8
• v. Standard Academic Test (SAT and ACT)
• 1. Most US schools require these scores
• a. However, some schools dont require that
  international students take them- be sure to
  check and see

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X. Getting In

• 2. http//tinyurl.com/qk33u6
• 3. The SAT is comprised of three sections
• a. Critical reading
• b. Math
• c. Writing

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X. Getting In

• 4. The SAT is administered six times a year, and
  pre-registration is necessary
• a. It can be take in Bucuresti, Arad, Baia Mare,
  Cluj, and Iasi
• i. www.collegeboard.com
• ii. The SAT costs about 80 (250 RON)
• 5. ACT is similar to the SAT, and may be
  necessary (or preferred) at some institutions -
  plan on taking it as well
• a. Pre-register or research the act here
  www.act.org

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XI. Paying For School
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XI. Paying

• a. Plan ahead! (12 Months in advance)
• i. First step is calculating your expenses and
  creating an estimate for what it will cost to
  attend school

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XI. Paying

• 1. Tuition
• a. Costs of courses
• 2. School Fees
• a. Health care, student activities, etc.
• b. These fees are mandatory for international
  students

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XI. Paying

• 3. Living Costs
• a. This is the spend to live stuff, such as
  food and housing
• b. Living costs are highest in California and the
  North East
• c. Dont forget books and school supplies
• d. Transportation
• i. To America
• ii. Within America
• 1. Be sure to check on a schools public
  transportation

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XI. Paying

• ii. Assess your personal funds and find ways to
  pay
• 1. Your savings
• 2. Relatives and family

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XI. Paying

• iii. Identify external sources of financial
  assistance
• 1. Scholarships Merit based, on education and
  performance
• a. Some Romanian only scholarships
  www.aroy.org/Scholarships/index.htm
• 2. Financial Aid Need based, on situation
• 3. Contact local resources and try and get them
  to sponsor you
• a. Local government, businesses, and organizations

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XI. Paying

• b. Be realistic with your expectations and needs
• i. It can be difficult for international students
  to get financial aid from institutions within
  America
• ii. Dont assume that youll receive aid from
  your school

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XI. Paying

• c. Working while attending school
• i. Currently, international students can only
  work part-time or less
• 1. This means under 20 hours of work per week
• ii. And you can only have on-campus work for your
  first year of study
• 1. A part-time job cannot cover all expenses and
  full tuition-dont expect it to
• d. www.edupass.org/finaid

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XII. Preparing A Successful Application
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XII. Application

• a. Begin 12 - 18 months in advance
• i. Cut your short-list from 10 - 20 to 5 - 12
• 1. You should ultimately have
• a. 1-2 reach schools (dream schools)
• b. 2-4 realistic schools (good schools where you
  have a strong chance of being accepted)
• c. 2-3 back up schools (schools where your
  acceptance is almost assured)

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XII. Application

• ii. Request application materials from your
  schools
• 1. Most applications are completed online
• 2. Most require an application fee

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XII. Application

• iii. Make sure you have completed all the
  necessary admissions tests no less than 9 months
  in advance
• 1. SAT, ACT, TOEFL
• 2. On test day, dont forget to specify which
  schools you want the scores to be sent to on the
  day of the test
• a. You will save a lot of time and money this
  way, rather than requesting scores and sending
  them out on your own later

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XII. Application

• b. Remember to request official transcripts and
  diplomas from your high school so you can include
  them in your application
• c. Personal statement
• i. An opportunity to really show your passion and
  intellect
• 1. This is your chance to display a little
  something extra to set you apart from other
  applicants
• 2. Do not take this lightly!

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XII. Application

• d. Teacher recommendations
• i. Get three of these lined up, as some schools
  require two and others require three
• 1. Make sure two of them are from someone
  affiliated with the education process a teacher
  or director
• ii. Give your recommendations enough time to
  focus and write a good letter for you

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XII. Application

• e. Financial Statement
• i. Proof that you can cover the first years
  expenses
• ii. These are typically forms already included in
  the application

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XII. Application

• f. Deadlines
• i. Universities all have different deadlines, but
  most are typically between January and March the
  year of the admission
• 1. Pay attention to these deadlines, as they are
  strict and cannot be negotiated

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XIII. Student Visas
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XIII. Visas

• a. Once youve been accepted to school,
  immediately begin applying for your student visa
• i. You will most likely need the F-1 visa, for
  international students
• ii. Begin this process as early as possible
• b. Make sure you are well prepared, and have all
  the necessary documentation

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XIII. Visas

• c. There are details and forms found at
• i. http//bucharest.usembassy.gov/Visas/Student.ht
  ml

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XIV. Time-Table Of Action
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XIV. Action

• a. 12-18 months prior
• i. Ask yourself why you want to study in the
  states
• 1. What are your priorities for school
• 2. Is studying in America the best option
• 3. Does it present an opportunity unavailable in
  Romania
• 4. Can you afford it?
• 5. Are you prepared to commit to this long process

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XIV. Action

• ii. What Universities meet your needs?
• 1. Research extensively
• 2. Visit a US Educational Information and
  Advising Center in Romania
• iii. Create a table with deadlines and dates for
  schools
• 1. Applications, Financial Aid, Tests

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XIV. Action

• iv. Register to take standardized tests
• v. Begin to narrow down your schools and make a
  short list
• 1. A maximum of 20, but 5 - 12 is ideal

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XIV. Action

• b. 12 months prior (assuming you are applying for
  fall enrollment)
• i . August
• 1. Contact schools and request applications,
  financial aid forms, and course catalogues
• 2. Register to take your standardized tests
• a. SAT, ACT, TOEFL
• i. SAT II, if necessary

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XIV. Action

• ii. September - December
• 1. Request an official transcript from your high
  school
• 2. Request letters of recommendations (3)
• 3. Submit completed applications
• a. Admission and Financial Aid
• 4. Check that all necessary forms have been
  completed and sent
• 5. Take any necessary admission tests

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XIV. Action

• iii. January - April
• 1. Meet the deadlines these are non-negotiable
• 2. Continue to smile

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XIV. Action

• April - June
• 1. Letters of acceptance or rejections arrive
• 2. Choose which school to attend, and notify them
  in the advised manner
• 3. Send letters of regret to the schools you turn
  down
• 4. Organize your finances arrange to have funds
  transferred to a US bank
• a. Verify that your travel and living expenses
  are covered
• 5. Finalize all arrangements for housing and
  medical

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XIV. Action

• v. June - August
• 1. Apply to the US Embassy for a visa upon
  receipt of a I-20 form
• 2. Make travel arrangements
• 3. Contact your schools International student
  office to confirm details of your arrival and get
  dates for student orientation

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XV. Useful Websites
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XV. Websites

• a. http//educationusa.state.gov (An overview)
• b. www.edupass.org (US undergraduate system)
• c. www.embark.com (Awesome research/planning
  tool)
• d. www.collegeboard.com (College search site)

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XV. Websites

• e. www.collegeview.com (College search site)
• f. www.chea.org (Accreditation information)
  (not to be confused with www.chia.com)
• g. http//www.edupass.org/finaid/ (Financial Aid)

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XVI. Good Luck (Especially anyone named Chuck)