You have decided that America is the place to be. You are going for the dream, and you are going to get an American degree come what may. Well if you choose efficiently, the dream will be realized. If you don’t do your research well, the road could be a bit more hazardous than it needs to be.
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 these 3 keys 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. Here goes…
Cost
We had to deliberate on the placement of these three things but eventually decided that cost is the most critical of the three factors. While it is fine to dream, resources dictate choices when you are going to study.
It is critical to get the best that you can afford or the best that might be reasonably available. That is essentially what American students do, coupled with other factors of importance to them. Cost varies as much as the climate in America. Typically, the more established and prestigious the institution, the more expensive it will be.
Cost considerations should include the probability of some financial help from the university, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), your government, or even private donors and foundations. Spend some time looking for financial resources that can supplement your own. But do not delude yourself in the process. Unless you are a gifted athlete in a desired sport, it is unlikely that any university will offer you a full scholarship. Be prepared to pay some part of your cost. But be aware that there are opportunities to get help.
Academic Reputation
A school must first be accredited. Utilize the web. The “accreditation status” of every institution in America is public information. Search the web using that term and you will find objective analysis of just about every school’s status regarding accreditation.
Do not apply to a school if you are unsure of the accreditation status. Typically, you should be even more cautious when applying to a private school. Be extra vigilant if the school does not have a large and distinct campus.
Do not limit yourself to just those schools you know or those your friends attend. You can get a fine education from smaller state schools at a fraction of the cost of larger state schools or private schools. That degree will get you good opportunities in the United States just as well. Be aware that universities, like other businesses, have niches and specialties. Relate your academic subject area to your school’s specialization.
As a general rule, it is better to attend a lesser known school that specializes in your field than a better known one that does not.
Location
We have ALL heard of New York City and probably many of you see it as representative of America. Actually it is most unrepresentative of the country as a whole. And, unless you have a relative that can provide you with free housing, it can be one of the costliest places to live and study.
California? Even more expensive! Personal circumstances can or might dictate where you choose to go geographically. The United States is a very large country. Culture varies a lot depending on where you are. Weather, cost of living, opportunities are all determined by location.
The secret is to know you, and relate your preferences to the country. Hate cold weather, go south; love snow, go north, northeast, or mid-west. Love fast life, choose cities; love peace and tranquility choose rural areas. Again, be willing to go to a place you have never heard of before. You may well find that the road less traveled is the one that will lead you to your dream.
There are several other personal factors that invariably will impact on your decision making. We will touch on these from time to time on our Blog. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss these updates.
Feedback from friends and colleagues is a vital tool to use in doing your research. But beware of utilizing that information as the sole reason for any decision. Nonetheless, students’ perception of their own school, when revealed in larger numbers is important to note.
That sums up the entire process of selecting the best US University for you. Now it is time to talk about the Money. Start your research on Financing your US University Education here.
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