Getting Organized: Collecting Information on US Schools
Once you’ve selected a number of schools that are of interest to you, it’s time to contact them directly for more information. The first step is having course catalogs and application materials sent to you. This can usually be done on-line, but you can also do so by phone or mail. Some, if not all, of these documents may be directly available from the institution’s Web site. Additional information you may want includes:
- Admission requirements for international students
- Financial aid options
- Housing information
- Available medical plans and/or insurance
- Information regarding student activities
- Student life
After you have familiarized yourself with the application materials and the course catalogs, as well as the other materials, you may still have some important questions. If so, we recommend calling or E-mailing the international student advisor at the institutions that interests you. Ask them any questions you may have.
As an international student, be sure you understand admission requirements that apply to you, especially those concerning English language fluency and academic preparedness.
In addition to answering questions about admissions, the international student advisor may also provide you with information about financial aid, visa requirements and deadlines. Some general questions you might ask are:
- What are the financial aid options for international students?
- Are international students eligible for institutional funding, or must they find outside means to fund their education?
- What financial information does the US government require in order to issue an international student visa?
- Is campus employment available for international students?
- Does the school provide housing for international students and at what cost?
- Does the school offer a meal plan?
- What kind of health insurance plan is available to international students?
If the international student advisor is unable to assist you, he or she will most likely be able to refer you to the school officer who can.
If you are a graduate student, or an undergraduate interested in pursuing a specialized degree, you may also want to contact the chair of the department in which you will major. The chair could provide information about:
- Departmental and degree requirements
- Classes offered and faculty qualifications
- Departmental events and/or conferences
- Student to faculty ratio
- Current and graduated students’ individual projects and topics
Masters or PhD candidates may specifically ask if the departmental budget can support their research. Some departments may even offer merit-based scholarships or fellowships.
The sooner you get started collecting materials and information, the more informed you will be. This will help you not only in choosing a school, but also in successfully completing your application. Note that: admissions committees in the United States often look favorably on students who have done their “homework,” and demonstrate knowledge of their school in the application. In order to improve your chances of getting into the school of your choice, learn more about the schools to which you want to apply. Competitive schools look for students who they believe will be a good fit.
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