How
to Choose the Right College:
There are
a multitude of guides both on- and off-line to help guide you in your
search for a U.S. college or university. When looking for a college,
we first recommend you read the excellent guidelines by the trusted
Peterson's
College Guide.
The online version of
the Peterson's Guide (it is published in both online and print format)
lets you search for all types of undergraduate, graduate and vocational
programs and helps with test preparation and financial aid issues. In
the guide you will find listed for each college the types of tests required
(e.g. the SAT), if any, the average GPA (grade-point
average) of accepted applicants, the ratio of acceptances to applications,
and other admissions and program information.
!
The SAT, or Scholastic
Assessment Test, is the most commonly required standardized aptitude
test for admission to U.S. colleges and universities. Most, but not
all, schools require it. The test is designed and administered by the
College Board. Click here
for a list of test dates and fees.
The College
Board website also lists locations and contact information for Overseas
Educational Advising Centers around the world. These centers
can help you search for colleges and assist you with admissions applications,
financial aid, and standardized test information.
The
U.S. News and World Report College Rankings - a nationally respected
guide cinsidered the definitive ranking of best colleges. universities
and graduate programs in the U.S. Updated annually, with sections on
public universities, private colleges, regional schools, and graduate
and professional programs. Ranking factors include academic reputation,
faculty resources, quality of campus life, and student selectivity.
College
Board's Guide to International Education - valuable info and
links on applying to colleges, testing information, resources in your
home country.
Embark.com
- helps you prepare for college, choose the right school, apply to college
online, and obtain financial aid. One special feature is an interactive
"matchmaker"
that matches you to schools that best suit your preferences for location,
cost, size, academic focus, and student life.
The
Application Process:
Colleges
vary in their application deadlines. The typical college application
deadline is in the fall of the previous year in which you wish to attend.
Acceptances are issued in the spring.
The application
normally includes:
- An official
high school transcript, or its equivalent
- 2-3
letters of recommendation from former teachers
- An application
essay in which the applicant is usually asked to describe his or her
special aptitudes and interests,
- Record
of your standardized test results (SAT, TOEFL, advanced placement
exams)
How
to Pay for College:
Most public
financial assistance, such as the U.S.
Department of Education's Student Financial Assistance Program (SFAP),
is restricted by law to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
However, some scholarships and grants are available. For more information,
check out the list of resources compiled at the NAFSA
(Association of International Educators) website.
General
Resources for U.S. permanent residents and citizens
There are
a number of different student loans and grants available to help students
pay for college. The U.S. Department of Education offers both need-based
(Stafford subsidized loans, Pell grants) and non-need based (Stafford
unsubsidized loans, PLUS loans for parents of dependent children) loans.
Need-based loans are calculated based on the cost of the college minus
the amount the student or his parents can contribute. Contact the student
financial aid office at the college you are applying to or check the
U.S.
Department of Education's online Student Guide for 2000-2001
for current information on all types of loans. The toll-free number
is 800/4-FEDAID (800/433-3243) to obtain a free guide.
You can
also apply for federal student aid online at:
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Other
Useful Links:
The Motley
Fool Guide to Paying for College: http://www.fool.com/money/payingforcollege/payingforcollege.htm
College
is Possible.org - An excellent guide to financial aid resources, college
prices, choosing a college, and more:
http://www.collegeispossible.org/paying/paying.htm
http://www.collegeispossible.org/choosing/international.htm
