USA
- Searchable database for studying in the USA
- Not sure what you want to study? Try this tool which allows you to enter you primary courses (it is designed for A-Levels, but you can put in your three Higher Levels for IB or Advanced Placement courses). Another favorite is the FREE MyMajors assessment. In about 20 minutes you will get a personalised report of majors you may find suitable
- Use the Common App where ever possible. Accepted by over 800 universities, it is one stop shopping.
US University Key Facts and Unique Aspects
- With over 4500 colleges and universities, there is something for everyone such as:
- There are about 200 Liberal arts and science colleges –see more below for this truly unique educational opportunity
- There are 38 Women’s Colleges well worth investigating for a superlative education. Learn more here.
- Many colleges follow a semester system, but there are some really innovative calendar systems like quarter systems and block schedules. Some allow you either a longer holiday or more immersive learning in J-Term (as in January).
- You can pursue hundreds of different majors. You may well enjoy the challenge of creating your own major–—over 1100 colleges let you do this now. Unlike the UK and Europe, Law and Medicine are post degree programs you pursue after your bachelor degree.
- Beyond your major, colleges have very different ways of educating you. Some follow a more open curriculum, letting you define your learning outside of your major. Others may have a more prescriptive approach known as a Core Curriculum and/or follow the GreatBooks tradition. Some may require you to pursue a Capstone and Senior Thesis; many will allow you to pursue Undergraduate research
- Have you considered how the community will treat each other? Does you college have an Honor Code or offer Service learning?
- There are privately funded and publicly funded universities in the USA. One hidden gem to consider are Honors Colleges at the public universities–this will give you a higher quality, more intimate education for a fraction of a private school price. College transitions has the skinny on 50 programs. Here are 20 questions you should ask.
- Some colleges offer unique partnerships with other universities like:
- Columbia offers a dual degree withTrinity College Dublin in 9 Subject areas.
- St Andrews in Scotland and College of William and Mary in Virginia.
- World Bachelor of Business bachelor degree offered between USC, HKU and Bocconi–you get a Bachelor degree from three countries.
- Sciences Po in France offers joint degrees with Columbia, UBC, NUS, UC Bekrely, Sydney, Keio, UCL and Frei in Germany.
Application Process
- How to apply is the same for everyone
- Many universities use the Common application. If possible, just use that.
- Some public universities such as California, Texas use their own application portals.
Entry Qualifications
- Most US Colleges will accept the US high school diploma, IB Diploma or other diploma. Some may give you credit for IB or AP scores.
- Many traditional require SAT or ACT. This past year, virtually everyone was test optional, meaning you do not have to send any scores. See a complete list here. Go deeper and explore a campus’ Mid-50th SAT/ACT score (IE what a typical student scores). Many will let you self-report.
Application timeline:
- When to do what by
- For many colleges the regular deadline is January 1. Some exceptions include:
- University of California: November 1 to 30
- University of Texas–Dec 1 (Priority Nov 1)
- University of Florida–November 1
- Georgia Texas Oct 15 (Early Action)
- Investigate now to take charge of your deadlines.
- Some colleges offer Early Action (Apply by November 1 and find out either mid December of end of January if you are in.
- Some colleges offer Early Decisions (Apply by November 1 and find out mid December). This is binding, meaning they they admit you, you will withdraw all your applications from around the world.
Tuition fees:
- Average Tuition fees (in US Dollars/year):
- Private: $XXXX (same for Citizens and non-Citizens alike)
- Public Instate
- Public Out of state:
- Examples for international students
Research Links
- Touring campus via videos with
- Campus Reel
- The Art of College –360 Degree Drone/walking tours of 100 colleges — Complete list here
- Another video tour, professionally done is YouVisit
- Reading reviews on Unigo
- Reading reviews on Niche
Liberal arts Education
The USA is home to about 200 Liberal Arts and Science Colleges. Many public schools offer a liberal arts education.
Learn about the advantages for pursuing business through a liberal arts lens.