International College Student eBook - Study, Work, and Live in the United States - www.studentguideusa.com Page 1 of 45 Table of Contents Table of Contents................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 4 Why study in the USA? ...................................................................................................... 5 Planning and the Key to Success ........................................................................................ 7 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 7 Advantage of early planning........................................................................................... 7 Language Tests - TOEFL ............................................................................................... 8 SAT I & II - Tests........................................................................................................... 9 The ACT test................................................................................................................... 9 The GMAT test............................................................................................................... 9 Picking the right university............................................................................................... 10 Introduction................................................................................................................... 10 Geographic Location..................................................................................................... 10 What a Different Climate Can Offer............................................................................. 11 Picking the right major...................................................................................................... 12 Introduction................................................................................................................... 12 Advantages of the American Educational System........................................................ 13 Value of Education ....................................................................................................... 13 Types of Higher Education Institution.......................................................................... 14 Specialty and Professional Schools .............................................................................. 15 Undergraduate and Graduate Studies................................................................................ 16 Undergraduate Studies.................................................................................................. 16 General Education......................................................................................................... 16 Graduate Studies........................................................................................................... 17 Full or Part Time Student.............................................................................................. 17 Grading ............................................................................................................................. 18 Grade Point Average - Importance of Grades .............................................................. 20 Tuition and Living Expenses ............................................................................................ 21 Introduction................................................................................................................... 21 The Tuition Bill ............................................................................................................ 21 Cost of Housing ............................................................................................................ 21 Books & Material.......................................................................................................... 22 Travel............................................................................................................................ 22 Insurance....................................................................................................................... 22 Other Expenses ............................................................................................................. 22 Financing your Studies ..................................................................................................... 23 Introduction................................................................................................................... 23 Financial Aid from your home country ........................................................................ 23 Loaning Money............................................................................................................. 23 Grants............................................................................................................................ 24 Scholarships.................................................................................................................. 24 Private funds ................................................................................................................. 25 Page 2 of 45 Working while Studying............................................................................................... 25 Financing Strategies.......................................................................................................... 26 Introduction................................................................................................................... 26 A Real World Example..................................................................................................... 30 Final Step – Sending in your application.......................................................................... 33 Waiting for Acceptance ................................................................................................ 34 How to get more information?.......................................................................................... 35 The Web........................................................................................................................ 35 International Student Counselor ................................................................................... 36 Professors...................................................................................................................... 36 Other Students............................................................................................................... 36 Application Check List ..................................................................................................... 37 University Research Check List........................................................................................ 38 US Average Climate Zones and Weather ......................................................................... 39 Reputation and Quality of Universities............................................................................. 40 United States Population Density ..................................................................................... 42 General Education Requirements ..................................................................................... 43 Major Course Work Requirements ................................................................................... 44 Abbreviated Budget Example........................................................................................... 45 Page 3 of 45 Introduction You are standing on the threshold to the adventure of your lifetime. Taking the big step over to the United States is a life changing experience. Studies in the United States are much more than just getting an education. You will become fluent in another language, experience things you could only dream of, and make lifelong friends from all over the world. This guide was written by former international students for future international students. Our goal is to pass along our experience to you - given what we now know and wish we would have known before we started our journey. There is no doubt that tons of information can be found about universities in the United States. But how do you apply and what is the right choice for you? Piecing together information from different sources is time consuming -- not to mention confusing -- for international students. This guide will take you through the information jungle. It takes a step beyond the dry and standardized material you will find elsewhere and actually gives you advice that you can use. Throughout our guide, you can read about other students’ experiences and what they recommend. We have also developed several tools to make it easier for your application and budgeting efforts -- making your future experience in the United States the best endeavor of your life! Page 4 of 45 Why study in the USA? Studying in the Untied States has a number of exciting possibilities not found elsewhere. In many other parts of the world, getting into a popular education program is often very difficult with many students applying but only a few being accepted. This might force you to accept your second or third choice or specializing in a field that is of less interest to you. Education in the United States has several advantages: - Easier