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Y! MyWebSelecting a University in the US
The process of
selecting a university is vital to your
ultimate
success if you choose to study in the US. This is not the place to be
sloppy. Choose incorrectly and your student life in the US will be very
difficult.
Lucky for you, we have guided enough international students through the process of selecting a US University that we can confidently recommend the following specific path for you to follow.
Going off to University in the US is a big deal. Not only because you are coming to America and starting a journey, but also because this very decision of going to university will largely influence where you work, where you live, what kind of house you live in, what you drive, who your circle of friends will be, and many more.
We are telling you this not to put you under unnecessary pressure, but to impress upon you the need to give this area some serious thought.
Why a US University?
The first thing we want to chat about is the question of "Why a US University?" My American Degree is all about studying in the US, so the fact that you are reading this means that you have probably thought about this question before
If you have thought about it and are convinced that a US University is the place to be, then great! If you have not, then we encourage you to get totally sold why a US University Degree is the way to go.
The last thing you need is to spend valuable resources getting to the US and into a US University only to discover that you would be better off elsewhere . To help you feel good about your decision to study in the US here are our "Top 7 Reasons to Study in the US". Read them carefully before you move on.
What Happens After You get the Degree?
There is a popular saying that you should always begin with
the end
in mind. This holds very true when selecting a US University. 
The
clearer you are now about what you want your life to be like after you
get your US university degree, the more confident and decisive you will
be in selecting a US University.
For example do you wish to return home immediately after study or do you want to get some work experience in the US under say, a program like Optional Practical Training? One of the key factors that determine your likelihood of employment in the US after you receive your degree is the marketability of your field of expertise. And your field of expertise varies significantly among universities. In "Begin with the End in Mind-what happens after your studies in America?" we discuss this issue in more detail. Be sure to read it, to understand why you must be clear NOW about your intentions for after you get your prestigious US degree.
Types of US Universities
We are getting closer to you selecting that perfect US University for you, but we are not quite there yet. First let's figure out which type of university that best suits your. Or better yet which type US University best caters to your needs, wants, and desires.
n the US all universities are not created equally. The education system here might be a little more complex than you are used to at home. So take some time to understand the different types of US universities and colleges. This will help you narrow down the list of universities to choose from, and more importantly help you find that perfect match.
The Brand Name, Ivy League, Big School Issue
While we are talking about types of universities we thought we should also enlighten you on the "Brand Name" university issue. In our more than 15 years of advising thousands of prospective international students on studying in the US we have seen too many become hung up on brand name universities.
It is
great if after following our selection process you
arrive at
the conclusion that a "Brand Name" university is what you must attend.
But often we find students fixation on these so called "Brand Name"
universities to be based on superficial analysis and inadequate counsel.
Luckily you won't be one of those students. The truth is there are several smaller lesser known US Universities that are true gems just waiting to be discovered by you. Before you are tempted follow the "Brand Name" crowd, and waste time and money find out why these smaller state universities might be your best option.
It should comfort you to know that the majority of doctors, engineers, accountants, and even political leaders, etc that we helped to gain access to US universities got their start at one of these smaller universities.
The Selection Factor
You are now only one step away from having all the keys necessary to crack the code of selecting the perfect US university for you. Once you get this final key you will be able to look at any US University, and very quickly give it the thumbs up or down. In other words, you will know without guessing if it's the one for you. That final key we call the Selection Factor, and it's the last thing you need to know to be able to select your university.
So there you have it, your complete guide to selecting the right US university for you. You are now miles ahead of the typical international student in your abiliity to evaluate and select a US University. Follow the guidelines laid out for you above and we promise that selecting a US university will not only be smooth, but it will also be fun.