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发信人: gourmand (大食客), 信区: AdvancedEdu
标  题: You May Want to Know
发信站: BBS 水木清华站 (Mon May  4 19:09:45 1998)

You May Want to Know

Below are some of the questions most often asked by international students
who are inquiring about U.S. education:

Q: Which universities offer the "best" programs in my field?

A: The "best" program is the one that meets your specific needs. However,
if you are concerned about numerical ratings, there is no "official"
ranking of U.S. programs. You can find many surveys in magazines and other
publications. There are directories which index universities in categories
such as "selective" and "most selective." Please keep in mind the criteria
used for these rankings and remember that this information may change from
year to year.

Q: What is the "best" major, or field of study?

A: Again, the "best" study program combines your interests and your
personal strengths. You might also want to consider which careers are most
marketable, and how your expertise would meet the specific needs of your
country.

Q: How much do American universities cost? Can I get financial aid?

A: You will encounter a wide variety of costs, from as low as $5,000 up to
at least $20,000 in tuition. In addition, expect to spend another $8,000 to
$13,000 for living expenses including room and board.

U.S. programs do not usually award financial aid to international students,
especially undergraduates. Even with aid for graduate study, funding is
becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain because of budget cuts in
funding for higher education and research, and pressure on U.S.
universities to find American rather than foreign graduate assistants.

Your advising agency may have a list of those U.S. colleges and
universities that offer a limited amount of money to selected international
applicants. You may also be able to qualify for assistance from your
government or employer. In any event, you should allow sufficient time if
you do seek financial assistance, and you should be aware that even with
substantial financial support you will still be responsible for many
personal expenses.

Q: Will the U.S. system recognize A-levels?

A: Students completing A-levels in the British education system may receive
advanced credit toward a U.S. university degree for this work. This way,
you would shorten your study program. Generally, the U.S. university will
review your A-levels and determine whether to exempt you from some
requirements.

Q: What are the SAT, The SAT II and the ACT? Do I need to take these tests?

A: The Scholastic Assessment Tests SAT I and SAT II and the American
College Test are standardized assessment tests. The SAT and the ACT measure
general aptitude in Math and verbal skills, while the SAT II's are
specialized subject tests. You may need to take these tests depending on
which U.S. college or university you wish to enter.

Q: What is the TOEFL? If I already speak English, do I need to take it?

A: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language) is a standardized test
that evaluates language proficiency of people whose native language is not
English. If the language spoken in your country of origin is not English,
you are generally required to take the TOEFL. However, if you have studied
in an English speaking country, you should ask the university admissions
officers if they will waive the TOEFL requirement for you.

Q: What else do I do to apply?

A: You must apply to each college or university by completing its
application form. The form is likely to have multiple pages and ask for
recommendations from your teachers, essays and information on your
educational background and activities.

Q: When should I start the application process?

A: It is a good idea to begin doing your research on U.S. higher education
about 18 months before you plan to enter a U.S. program. You will probably
want to start corresponding with the schools at least one year in advance.

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