Transcript US University System - University of Hartford

The US University System
Making an Informed Choice
July 2009
US University System
in a word or two
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Welcoming
Forward thinking
Interdisciplinary
Interactive
A true sense of community
Individual-focused
Why study in the USA?
The distinguishing differences
• Developing the total student
Classroom + Dorm living + Internship + Student Org’s
• Learning more than facts - critical thinking
Read, defend, debate, present & respond
• Making major decisions later
Get involved, talk with faculty, then decide
• Flexible – Changing your mind / major…it’s
possible but do it early first three semesters
Why study in the USA?
The Experience
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Flexible curricula
Accessible faculty, Office hours, mentoring
Counseling/advising available start to finish
Campuses—a sense of place
Degrees recognized worldwide
English-based; language of global business
Opportunities for advanced degree
US University System
Private vs. Public Universities
What’s the difference?
Private (University of Hartford)
Source of Funding - No funding from the State of
Connecticut…little from the US Government.
Dependent on the fees of students for Operating expenses
Tends to be more expensive
Usually smaller/ more student support / class size 20-30 vs. 300)
Not effected by Government Budgets to cut programs and services
US University System
Private vs. Public Universities
Public
Source of Funding - Receives 30-40% of Operating Budget from
the State
Cost - are generally lower but on the increase during difficult
economic times
Size - Student populations from 10,000 to 60,000.
Class size 50 – 400
Really good at Sports (Univ. of Conn., Univ of Florida)
US University System
Undergraduate vs. Graduate
Undergraduate
• Two-year (Associate’s Degree. Typically a “Community
College,” “Junior College.”)
• Four-year (Bachelor’s Degree)
(Specialty institutions—art, music, dance)
• Five-year (Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy, dual-degree
programs)
Graduate
• Master’s Degree (MBA, M. Sci., M. Arts, M. Ed.)
• Doctoral (Ph. D, Ed. D)
• Post Doctoral (Additional study or research)
Professional
(Medicine, Law, Dentistry)
US University system
Progressing through the system
Doctoral Programs
(Ph. D, Ed. D)
Professional Programs
(Law, Medicine, Dentistry)
Specialty Institutions/Programs
Graduate (Master’s Degree) Programs
Specialty Institutions/Programs
Four/Five-Year (Bachelor’s Degree) Programs
Specialty Institutions/Programs
Two-Year (Associate’s Degree) Programs
Secondary School Diploma
The Bachelors Degree
Four Years of Study
Eight Academic semesters of 15 weeks each
Three parts over four years
• General education subjects
– English, Math, Laboratory
Science, History, Economics
• Major – seven to fifteen subjects depending on degree.
• Electives – subjects you chose
How do you chose the right Univ?
Start with questions
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Can I be admitted?
Is the Univ’s degrees accredited / recognized?
Are their fees within my budget? Think four years!
Are they located in a good/safe area?
Will I receive the support I need to be successful?
Does the University provide services for Intl
students?
How do I learn about Univ’s?
Outside to Inside
• Use the Univ. Web page – Learn about the area
around the University, size, degree programs of interest,
Admission Criteria.
• Visit – Schedule a visit or just stop in. If you don’t
schedule a visit you need to lower your expectations about
what you will be able to see and do.
• Become a student – If time allows stay the night and go to
class this is the best way to learn if the school is right for you.
How do I learn about Univ’s?
Outside to Inside
• Chat /email /talk with Enrolled students – the best
option is to speak with students from your country/city who are
currently enrolled. Ask the admission office for names and emails of
enrolled students.
• Chat /email /talk with Alumni / Graduates – Ask the
Admission Office to provide the names & emails of former students
Getting started
• Start early – 1 year prior to enrollment
• Required Documents
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Application & Fee
High School Academic records
Exams - SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS
Essay / Writing Sample
Letters of Recommendation
Proof of Financial Support
Admissions Systems
• Rolling admission – Applications considered once they become
complete. Decision follows shortly.
• Date based Admission – Applications reviewed up until the
deadline…then all decisions mailed the same day (April).
• Early Decision – Applicants apply with the understanding that if
admitted will withdraw applications from other Univ’s. Students notified
in Nov. Dec of final year of High School.
• Early Action – Apply early decision early but no commitment from
applicant to attend.
How decisions are made
Using the best predictors of Academic Success
• Academic Record – by far the best predictor…most weight given to
this item in the students application.
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Grades/Notes
Rank among classmates
Subjects studied
Level of subjects (Standard, College Preparatory, Advanced)
• Test Results – helpful but rarely used above Academic record
How decisions are made
• Essay, Writing Sample – Puts flesh on the application
• Letters of Recommendation – What others say about
your potential for success
• Activities (Student Org’s, Community Service,
Sports)
Financial Aid for International Students
Types of Financial Aid
• Need based – offered to you on the basis of demonstrated
financial need. Must fill out form from the University or standard form
to be considered. Money from the University not Federal or State
governments within the USA
• Merit based Scholarship / Grant – offered to you on the
basis of demonstrated talent (Academic, Artistic, Music, Sports). This
aid will vary widely by University in the US.
Useful references
• The College Board
http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/index.jsp
• US Government
http://www.educationusa.state.gov/
Questions?