Comparing US Schools
How to get organized and collect information.
Once you select several colleges and universities in America that interest you, it is time to contact them directly for more information and start comparing US schools.
The first step is having course catalogs and application materials sent to you. This can usually be done online, but you also can do so by phone or mail. Some, if not all, of these documents may be available on the institution’s Web site.
Additional information you may want includes:
- Admission requirements for international students
- Financial aid options
- Student housing information
- Available medical plans, health care options and/or insurance
- Information about student life
What to Compare
After you have familiarized yourself with the application materials, course catalogs and other materials, you still may have some important questions. If so, you can call or email the international student services office at the institutions that interest you.
As an international student, be sure you understand admission requirements that apply to you, especially those concerning English language fluency and academic preparedness. For example, you may have to take the TOEFL or the SAT or ACT.
In addition to questions about admissions, you also might ask:
- 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 a student visa?
- Is campus employment available for international students?
- Are college dorms provided 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?
Comparing US Graduate Schools
If you will attend a US graduate school, or if you are 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:
- Requirements for a master’s degree and a doctoral degree
- Classes offered and qualifications of the professors
- Departmental events and/or conferences
- Student to faculty ratio
- Current and graduated students’ individual projects and topics
Master’s or PhD candidates may ask specifically if the departmental budget can support their research. Some departments may even offer merit-based scholarships or fellowships.
The sooner you collect materials and information, the more informed you will be. This will help you not only compare US schools, but also complete your university application.
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 a college acceptance letter from the school of your choice, learn more about the schools where you want to apply.
Next: Academics at US Universities
Previous: Types of US College Degrees
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