The American University System Explained
While there are many opportunities that can bring you to the United States, many young internationals find that they start their time in America as a student. American Universities are among the best and attract students from around the globe. That being said, the American university system is quite different to its international counterparts in areas including admission requirements, admission processes, visa requirements, class structure, and costs. This guide will explain some of the differences you can expect to see as an international student in New York City.
Getting In
Whether you are coming to the United States as an undergraduate or graduate student, most American universities will require a number of standardized tests in order to grant admission. The types of tests you will be required to take will also depend on the programs you are trying to get into.Generally speaking, any program is going to require any international applicant to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if they are from a country where English is not the main language. This is to ensure that international students will be able to take and understand the classes at the university that will be taught in English. Another test for most undergraduate programs will be the SAT (formerly the Scholastic Assessment Test.) Your score on this test will play a large part on determining whether or not you are accepted to certain universities, as well as your performance from grade school. While the SAT is an American test, it is offered in many other countries to students wishing to study in the U.S. For details see the CollegeBoard website.On the graduate level, the SAT is not required but you will still be required to take the TOEFL or Test of Spoken English (TSE) as well as a number of other tests, depending on the type of program. As graduate school is much more focused, the tests will vary on the program you are applying for. The most common tests are listed below:
- Liberal arts, science or math programs – Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Business and MBA programs – Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Law Schools – Law School Admission Testing (LSAT)
- Medical Schools – Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Your scores on the standardized tests will help determine where you can apply to study. If you do not score well on these tests, don't expect to get into the internationally known Ivy League schools such as Columbia University or Princeton University.The application process, especially for graduate school, can be both time consuming and expensive. Many universities require an application fee, and if you are applying to many universities, these fees easily add up. The application process can also require essays, portfolios, letters of recommendation, and interviews. Each university and program is different so you will need to review each program's requirements to determine what exactly is involved in their application process.
Something that may be foreign to many international students is the way in which the US university system approaches a concentration or “major.” Unlike many countries where you specifically apply to a certain department to study a specific course, in the U.S. many students simply apply to the university. US universities work on a credit system where a certain number of credits are required towards the student’s major, a certain number are required toward “core requirements” and a certain number are used for “electives,” that is any classes which might interest the student. The exact numbers of required credits in each section vary between universities. Thus, though it is advised, it is not required that you have a major or concentration selected upon starting university; you can complete one to two years of university as you concentrate on core requirements and electives before determining what major you will focus on. Another surprise for many international students is that students can (and most do) change majors even after starting their coursework.Many US university students opt to add a minor area of study to their course. This means they will take a set number of classes focused on a specific topic - a foreign language, for example. While minors do not appear on graduation diplomas, they can still be helpful when listed on resumes as they show an educational background in that topic.Sets of classes that all students must take are the university’s “core requirements.” These are classes determined by each university, but generally require a certain number of science, math, English (writing or literature), history, and cultural classes. Be sure to look into your university’s core classes as you will be required to complete them in order to graduate.
US University Schedule
Students should also be aware that they are responsible for building their own schedule. This will include selecting classes correct for your concentration and ensuring that you meet the credit requirements for each semester. Generally speaking, students should aim to have between 12 and 18 credits each semester, as most universities require about 120 credits to graduate. Averaging 15 credits each semester will allow students to graduate in the typical, four-year plan followed by most universities.
Visas
Once you get accepted into one of your universities of choice, you can then start the process of obtaining a student visa, or the F1 visa. Your spouse or dependents can also be granted visas, called the F2 visa. The process of obtaining these visas can take up to 120 days, so the earlier you apply the better. In order to be eligible, you must possess all of the following attributes.
- accepted at a university, college or trade school
- possess sufficient funds to pursue the course of study
- be prepared for the course of study
- intend to leave the United States after completing the program
The process will require visits to the US consulate in your home country, including at least one interview. You will need to submit a number of forms (DS-156, DS-157), show you have a valid passport for travel to the United States, submit photographs for each applicant, prove your acceptance to a university through either Form I-20A-B or I-20M-N. You will also need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents and plan on returning to your home country after you complete the program in which you are enrolled. For more details on student visas, reference the U.S. Department of State's website.
US University Costs
The cost of universities is certainly something that is going to surprise many internationals who are considering a program in the United States. The costs vary depending on where you study and your residency status in certain states, but note that either way it is likely to be considerably more expensive than what you would pay studying in your home country. Universities in the United States will require additional expenses for international students while also charging some of the highest tuition rates in the world. Some additional expenses include mandatory health insurance, room and board, textbooks, and supplies as well as personal living expenses. Well-respected private schools such as Columbia University can easily amount to more than $60,000 per year when all expenses are included, though less costly public schools, such as the City University of New York, would cost considerably less for international students.While the thought of attending a U.S. university may be very appealing, it is important to know what you are signing up for in terms of admission, your class schedule, required coursework, visas, and financial requirements. Be sure to carefully consider all of your options and take all the necessary steps to make your time studying in New York City enjoyable.