Applying to The United States

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

2. Graduate:Master’s and Doctoral Degrees Graduate School Ph.D. 3-5 years Dental School D.D.S. 4 years Medical School M.D. 4 years Law School J.D. 3 years M.B.A. 2 years M.Arch 2 years M.A./M.S 2 years Undergraduate: Bachelor’s Degree Colleges/Universities 2 years Colleges/Universities 4 years Community Colleges Associate Degree 2 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) and • Plenty of choices • Liberal Arts Colleges [eg Claremont Mckenna, Scripps, Amherst] • Highly specialised institutions [eg 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: • Flexibility • Emphasize a broad, well rounded education: • Math, science, the arts, social sciences and language - before finally need to choose a specialization.

5. Undergraduate Degrees • Diversity of choice • Not standardized • No central ranking body • Different process and admission polices at every institution • Flexibility • Emphasize a broad, well rounded education: Math, science, the arts, social sciences and language-before finally to choose a specialization. • Therefore offers not based on scores alone

6. Undergraduate Program[Education USA] Bachelor’s Degree

7. The Application Process for Regular Decision [Education USA]

8. The Application Components • Online Applications • Common Application (www.commonapp.org) • University of California (http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply-online/index.html) • Non Common Application: Eg. Texas at Austin, Parsons, Georgetown • High School Transcript • English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) • Standardized Tests (SAT or ACT) • Letters of Recommendation (School Report and Subject References) • Statement of Purpose/Application Essays • Evidence of financial support (required for the I-20 visa form)

9. Application Forms The Common Application-Standardized application process for first-year and transfer applications at undergraduate level 456 member institutions 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

10. West Island School Support Documents • Student transcript – grades from Y10-Y13 • School Profile • Explanation of English medium of instruction/explanation of CEEB codes • Certified copies of IGCSE certificates (or previous school transcript) • Secondary school report/counselor recommendation • Two/three teacher evaluations • International Supplement

11. Examples of Destinations for WIS Students 2012 and 2013 entry

12. Examples of Offers Made to WIS Students for 2014 entry

13. 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

14. Personal Essay • 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 earlyhttps://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions • Lunchtime activity run by Ms Tang this term

15. The IB and ID Diplomas IB Diploma- • 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 • May qualify for Advanced Standing credit (receive a score of 5 or above on Higher Level examinations) • Check with individual school to determine how credits may be granted • CAS is very important. ID Students- • ID Students will need to contact college directly to ask if their “package” will be accepted. • CAS is very important.

16. It’s never too early to apply to schools, do research 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

17. Finance Your Studies • Scholarships • Merit Based • Need Based (Need Blind – US citizens with socioeconomic background not considered Need Based – international student socioeconomic background is considered) • Online Resources • www.fundingusstudy.org • www.finaid.org • http://www.usscholarshipguide.org/ • EducationUSA Weekly Updates

18. www.fundingusstudy.org

19. EducationUSAHong Kong

20. Destinations of WIS Students 2013