Applying to an American University

A guide to the application process in American Universities and the requirements behind the process.

Contents:

Topic Why apply to the US? ... Types of Colleges and Universities Requirements . Entrance Exams & Preparation ... Intro to the Common App ... Accepting Offers & Choosing a University ... Getting a Visa References 1 2 2 3 7 7 7 8

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Why apply to the US?

There are many reasons why someone might want to apply to the US and can range from personal preferences to social benefits. Here is a list of the most common benefits looked at: An opportunity for Success:
Approximately 70% of influential and lucrative positions in government, nonprofit agencies, and private enterprise worldwide are held by people with American graduate degrees. subject, called a major, and take more focused classes.

A Diversity of Cultures:
Only in America can you truly experience a diversity of cultures from various ethnic backgrounds.

Accreditation:
Most universities in the US are accredited by prestigious institutions and help you suite yourself to globally recognized standards.

A broad education:
Meaning that you will not only learn about your chosen major but topics from humanities, social sciences and physical education.

Ability to pursue further studies:

More than 50% of undergraduates from American private universities immediately pursue postgraduate education.

A Global Community:
America is the first choice of 25% of students wanting to pursue higher education outside their native country meaning you will interact with range of students and become a global citizen.

Flexible Education:
An advantage of studying at most US universities is that you will not choose your major till the second year meaning that you can try out all the courses you like without committing to a fixed one.

Programs to fit your needs:

America offers the most diverse and exciting range of higher education options anywhere in the world. With such a wide selection of learning opportunities, there is truly something for everyone, no matter what your ability or ambitions.

Cheaper Education:
US is recognized as having one of the cheapest education in the world meaning that you dont have to keep a very tight budget.

Ability to change a University: [1]

If you apply to a 2 year college you can transfer to a fulltime 4 year university while gaining credit for the time spent at the college.

High Demand by Employers:

A Prestigious [2] Education:

The top 15 out of 20 Universities in the world are American and 90 in the top 200.

98% of the graduates not pursuing further education secure positions in their chosen careers within six months of graduation from the University. Wide variety of programs:
When you begin university, you will study a variety of subjects, including literature, philosophy, history, mathematics, and science. Only later in your program will you specialize in one

Generous Scholarships and Grants:

Most American institutions award Scholarships and grants to students which can range from $200 to the cost of your whole education.

A wider choice:
Due to the large variety of American universities present you can choose from over 3800 universities and colleges providing every sort of course a student can imagine.

Recognition and Respect for the Degree:

American degrees are highly rated and are recognized in most countries.

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Types of Colleges and Universities

than the word "university" when they talk about four-year undergraduate programs and the bachelor's degree. They use phrases like, going to college" and "a college degree," when they talk about undergraduate In the United States, the word A "university" is a group of schools programs at either a college or a "school" describes any place where for studies after secondary school. At university. people learn. You can call a college a least one of these schools is a college "school." You can even call a where students receive a bachelor's Most "colleges" are separate schools. university a "school." You can use the degree. The other schools in a They are not located in a university. word "school" for any English university are "graduate" (also known Some colleges are part of a university language institute, undergraduate or as "postgraduate") schools where and are located on the university graduate program, or secondary students receive advanced degrees. campus. (The "campus" is the school ("high") school. Therefore, a university offers both the buildings and surrounding area). A bachelor's degree and graduate few colleges offer graduate programs U.S. University or college follows degrees such as the master's (M.A.) in selected subjects. However, it is after high school, or secondary school. and doctorate (Ph.D.). usually universities that offer graduate A college in the U.S.A. is not a high programs. So, Americans use the school or secondary school. College You can earn a bachelor's degree at word" university" and not "college" and university programs begin in the either a college or a university. when they talk about graduate study. thirteenth year of school, when a However, students in the U.S.A. student is 17 or 18 years old or older. prefer to use the word "college" rather A two-year college offers an

You may wonder about what are the differences between these two in the USA. Here is a brief overview[3]:

associate's degree, as well as certificates. A four-year college or university offers a bachelor's degree. Programs that offer these degrees are called "undergraduate" schools.

through the Common App system visit For Medical and Dental courses it is their website[4].) However some highly recommended by universities that the students attain some sort of universities maintain their own Most universities in the US usually experience either at a local hospital or application systems and a separate require the students to have had an application needs to be sent to them. at a charity organization a great education up to year 11, but due to the opportunity at Doha College is the You are also recommended to send in high level of competition in Hamad Work Experience (Contact the universities it would be a good idea to all your test results but (including Biology Department for further wait till you finish your A Levels IGCSE and A- level) but some information). universities do not require them, it is before attending a university. better to check the university website Since American Universities prefer a It doesnt disadvantage you if you well-rounded student they will be before taking any action. Most have taken an A Level rather than an American universities also require putting high emphasis on your extraAP which is the American equivalent students to send in their SAT or ACT curricular and out of school activities, since most universities offer college as well as 3 SAT II results but not all. Doha College offers various such credit for the A level subjects (These tests are further discussed I the activities namely, DCMUN (contact offered, in a few it is possible to skip t next section.) Mr Butler), Debating (contact Mr up to half a years lectures with the Henly), International Award (Mr Universities also require you to send I credit. Kerr), World Challenge (Mrs your school transcript which should be Thompson) and the Extra Curricular Like the UCAS in the UK, most requested them from (Miss Anna Activities (EA Notices). These American university accepts Trache atrache@dohacollege.com schools are also interested in the applications through the Common sports activities of the students and App which is a combined application some universities highly value them. system for the universities. (For the

Requirements

latest information about the universities accepting applications

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Entrance Exams & Preparation

Nearly all universities[5][6] in the US require the students to either take a SAT[7] or ACT[8] exam. (The universities that put SAT/ACT as optional can be found on the website in the References) The results of the tests are available A 15 minute section (either approximately 3 weeks after the test CR or M), A 10 minute W online. section. The tests finishes after 3 hours 45 minutes. CT is offered by the ACT group and is usually offered every week after the SAT in the same months. It SAT vs ACT and What are they? The test is completely multiple choice contains an English (E) section, Maths SAT and ACT are two different tests except for the Essay and 15 maths grid (M) section, Science (S) section and offered by different private in questions. The mathematical an optional Essay (Es) section on a institutions to assess the skills gained formulas needed for the test are given given prompt {with extra fee} by the students during their time at before each section. Once a student however for undergraduate admission school. finishes a section and time is called he the Essay is required by the cannot go back to the section. universities. AT is run by College Board a non- The test is marked by an OCR The format is: profit organization. And is offered 6 machine and the marking method is as 45 minute E section times a year and can be taken as many follows: 60 minute M section times as liked (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Essay is marked by 2 35 minute CR section May, and Jun). Registration opens one examiners each awarding a 35 minute S section month before the test date and can be mark out of 6 making a total 30 minute Es made for a variety of locations. The of 12 marks. The test is finished after 3 test contains 3 Writing (W) sections CR section = 52 marks hours and 25 minutes. including 1 essay on a given prompt, 3 W Section = 52 + 12 (essay) Critical Reading (CR) sections and 3 The test is completely multiple choice M Section = 48 marks Maths (M) sections as well as 1 Each correct answer = 1 mark except for the essay, and results are experimental section which isnt Each incorrect = -0.25 marks available after 2.5 weeks. The Science assessed but the students dont know Each unanswered = 0 marks section is thought to be hard by what section it is. students before looking at the test but Each wrong Grid-in = 0 marks usually contain basic questions such The format is that the students start These raw marks are then converted as naming equipment and basic data with a: onto a Scaled table with 800 as analysis. Once a student finishes a 25 minutes Essay, followed maximum in each section (2400 total section he cannot return to it once by either a CR or M section. in the paper). All the students are time for that section is called. A 5 minute Break given a start from 200 points in each A 25 minute section (either The marking is done by an OCR and section meaning a test achieving 0 CR, W or M), another 25 the method is as follows: minute section (either CR, W marks overall will achieve 600 points Essay is marked by an in total. or M). examiner separately Another 5 minute Break The student is allowed 4 free reports E section = 75 marks A 25 minute section (either to be sent before getting the results but M = 60 marks CR, W or M), another 25 most students spend $11 to send each CR = 40 marks minute section (either CR, W report after they know their SAT S = 40 marks or M). score. Correct answer = 1 mark Another 5 minute Break Incorrect or Blank = 0 (NO Score remarking and verification are A 20 minute section (either PENALTY FOR offered by the exam board at an extra CR, W or M), another 20 GUESSING!!) cost and involve the papers being minute section (either CR, W marked by a person. These raw marks are then converted to or M). a scaled score of 36 for each section

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and the student receives the average overall as their score out of 36. The student is allowed 4 free reports to be sent before getting the results but most students spend $11 to send each report after they know their SAT score. Score remarking and verification are offered by the exam board at an extra cost and involve the papers being marked by a person.

The main differences are: There is no penalty on the ACT while on the SAT there is a penalty of mark as well as 0 for the question. This means that the students can guess on the questions they dont know. The SAT is usually more accepted but now a days ACT is also accepted by nearly all universities (check with separate university). The ACT is shorter overall meaning less time being stressed

Which one to do
The marks the student achieves in each test varies by their ability in each section and student reviews can be found online.

There is an extra cost for the writing section on the ACT and isnt mandatory. The ACT is preferred by more mathematically oriented students. The ACT is more school curriculum based while SAT places emphasis on Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. It depends on individuals, as to which one they do better, if you have time and can spare enough money you can try out both but universities just require just one of the tests

what test you take but it usually Mandarin. The tests needed by the depends at what time you take it. university is based on what type of course you might want to study but is On a given day a maximum of 3 tests usually 1 maths and 2 sciences. A few universities also require 2 or can be taken with a 5 minute break in more SAT II tests which focus on a There are 2 SAT II maths tests Maths1 between each. Similar to the SAT the certain subject and are around 2 hours and Maths2, where Maths2 is based SAT Subject Tests allow Score long each and worth 800 marks. The on AS knowledge while Maths1 on Choice (ability to choose what scores subjects range from Maths to US IGCSE knowledge. It doesnt matter to send to universities). History, to English Literature and

Other Tests SAT Subject

available on special request in Doha Others require the students to take an which has to be made while Other Tests English IELTS or TOFEL. These are basically registering. Language two different tests serving the same purpose of assessing the English The test costs around $230 in Qatar There are 2 different English language proficiency of students. st but ranges from $170 to $250 in other tests offered for students not from 1 countries, and it can be taken in any language English countries; First Even though both are meant to test location you are in. Language English countries include: English language they do so in US different ways. The test is available 3 times a week UK and is taken at Qatar Foundation. The Canada test contains the following sections: OFEL is conducted by an Australia [9] American institution (ETS ) and New Zealand Reading: 60 -80minutes containing Zimbabwe (limited to some therefore require the test taker to spell 36-56 questions in US English but will not penalize for universities) Listening: 60-90 minutes containing using UK English. There are 2 types Nigeria (limited to some 34-51 questions of TOEFL available the TOEFL ibt universities) Break which is done on computer and a Speaking: 20 minutes containing 6 Some universities accept a B at GCSE TOEFL which is done on paper. tasks as an Evidence of English proficiency Writing: 50 minutes containing 2 Both tests are usually of the same (check with individual university). level but the paper based test is only

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tasks Unmarked Questions For the reading questions paragraphs are given after which questions are asked. For Listening the student hears a prerecorded speech twice from which questions are asked, you cannot listen to it again or skip part of it. The speech can also be various English accents such as US, UK, Australian, etc. The speaking section requires the person to record answers into a mike for the 6 tasks given.

Each section is heard only once. Section 1 A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. Section 2 A monologue set in an everyday social context e.g. a speech about local facilities. Section 3

Speaking 11 to 14 minutes The Speaking component assesses your use of spoken English it is conducted as a face to face interview. Part 1 The Examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes. Part 2 You will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic to finish this part of the test.

A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university The writing section asks the student to tutor and a student discussing an write 2 short essays on the topics assignment. given. During the test there are some unmarked questions which the test taker doesnt know about.

Part 3 Section 4 A monologue on an academic subject You will be asked further questions e.g. a university lecture. connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions will give you the The scores are available within 12 Reading 60 minutes opportunity to discuss more days online and range from a scaled of The Reading component consists of abstract ideas and issue. The part of 0-30 on each sections and a total of 040 questions. the test lasts between four and five 120. Includes three long texts which range minutes. from the descriptive and factual to The TOEFL is accepted all over the The results are available 2 weeks world in the US, UK, Australia, New the discursive and analytical. later and include 4 free reports which Zealand, etc. can be sent after the test has been Writing 60 minutes taken. It costs QR 875. ELTS is conducted by the British Topics are of general interest. Council and Cambridge English Overall: Language Assessments, therefore is Task 1 conducted in British English. You will be presented with a graph, Doing either test doesnt make a table, chart or diagram and asked to difference since there isnt a Again there are two versions of the describe, summarise or explain the preference by universities. But test but this time they are either information in your own words. You different universities have different Academic or General Training. may be asked to describe and explain requirements for the test marks. Students are required to take the data, describe the stages of a process, Academic test. how something works or describe an As well as these it is a students selfpreference, as some prefer talking The test is conducted on paper 3 times object or event. with an actual interviewer while Task 2 a month, the whole year around. others get nervous while talking in You will be asked to write an essay front of a person. Listening 30 minutes in response to a point of view, You will listen to four recorded texts, argument or problem. Responses to On the other hand some universities monologues and conversations by a both tasks must be in a formal style. waive the English Language test range of native speakers, and write based on your SAT scores such as your answers to a series of questions. Carnegie Mellon which waives it if

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you get 600 /32 or above in CR and Writing/ English.

Test Preparation:
Preparing for the tests?

Preparing Alone vs a course:

Most students that prepare alone usually buy guides or tests by the actual Examiner which are usually quite cheap and contain actual Tests. Some prefer to go to tuition since they offer better tips as well as explanation on mistakes. These courses are available online as well as in person at centres in Doha. Here is a list of Books for tests and their Providers: Books: SAT o College board SAT Preparation Guide o Princeton Review Guide o Princeton Review 11 Actual Tests o Kaplan Revision Guide o Kaplan Practice Papers o Barrons guide to 2400 ACT o Original ACT revision guide o Princeton Review ACT o Princeton Review ACT Papers o Kaplan ACT guide o Kaplan ACT papers o Barrons 36 ACT IELTS o IELTS offers many online books for revision on their website

TOEFL o TOEFL offers many books online as well on their website. Courses- The 2 biggest providers are Princeton & Kaplan o Princeton Course at Test Prep Doha.
infoqatar@scoreplus.com

Free Exam Papers Web: www.freeexampapers .com Xtreme Papers Web: http://www.xtremepa pers.com/ SAT Free Practice Web:

Kaplan courses are available at Georgetown and Carnegie Mellon Qatar

Online Classes o Kaplan also offers online classes with a great online system and online practice papers... o Web: http://www.kaplan.co m/ o Arbor Bridge offer online coaching at 24 hours a day Web: http://www.arborbrid ge.com/ o Geometric Qatar offers exam preparation classes Web: http://geometriccentre.com/ o Veritas Prep was founded by a 2400 student and offers online classes: Web: http://www.veritaspre p.com/ Free Preparation: These offer free SAT/ ACT/ IELTS and TOEFL revision o I Need A Pencil Web: http://ineedapencil.ck 12.org/

http://www.collegebo ard.org/ o ACT free practice Web: http://www.actstudent .org/ Other Ways of Preparation o The maths section for SAT I goes up to CH2 in C2 maths. While for ACT its the whole of C2. o For SAT II the science the topics covered are up to AS sciences while for maths II they go up to FP1 whereas Maths I is till C3. o The ACT also tests Sciences which is usually till the IGCSE sciences knowledge. o Some people just prefer studying from textbooks from school and hope to do well. Suggestions: o It is a good idea to do at least 1 practice paper before to know the test format o For SAT and ACT you should try and do them more them once since most people raise their score up to 100 points in the SAT but after 3 tries they usually go up by 10.

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Common App (CA) and what it is?

The common app is part of the American admission system, and serves the same purpose as the UCAS in the UK. There are currently over 500 member colleges and universities[11] with the CA most of which only accept applications through this channel. But if you are applying to a university not a member of the Common App then you need to check with the University Directly for their Application Procedure. The advantage to the students using the Common App is that they have to fill in fewer forms while repeating the same information over and over again. Sometimes though universities require you to submit extra information packs of the university that you would be applying to. When you have finalized for them. your decisions you can pay the fee for Using the common can sometimes be each universitys application[10]. a cumbersome process especially when they keep on updating the In addition to this you have to write website and their system. one essay which is part of the whole application. There are usually five To start you need to first create an questions[12] you can choose from account on the Common There you (However these questions usually vary have to fill in all the information for over time therefore check on the yourself, your parents and about your Common App). school. You will also have to submit your After this you can start selecting reports to the universities but for that schools that you would be applying to you will have to send them to the and add them to your dashboard. university directly. There you can see the supplemental essays that you have to write for each

Accepting Offers & Choosing a University

Depending on the university having rolling or exact date admissions (Rolling refers to universities that choose candidates as they get applications from them where as exact date ones dont choose till the due date therefore if you are applying to a rolling admissions university it is advisable to apply early.) you will get your offers. Most American universities dont give conditional offers however those that do usually require you to maintain your current level. When you have received replies from all your universities you can start selecting the ones based on preference. You can send the replies directly back to the university

Visas
A bank statement showing sufficient funds for living costs. For the interview you will require the To start the process[13] fill your After the interview you will have to following documents: university will send you a SEVIS wait for your Visa to be processed and generated I-20 form which you will Passport (Valid for at least 6 receive a confirmation from your need while finning out the Online months) Local Embassy. Non-Immigrant education IS-20 form. SEVIS I-20 form After you receive your confirmation After this you will have to apply to the Proof of English language you will have to go to the embassy to American Embassy in Qatar[14] (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT get the visa. through their website for an or an exempted nationality) appointment. Visa Application confirmation page You will also have to pay the Visa 2 Passport photos application fee before you attend your Application Fee payment interview which is usually $160 but receipt can vary from nationality to School Transcripts nationality, during the application Departure dates
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The visa type you will be applying for process you will receive the exact amount you have to pay. will be the F1 visa for students.

References
1. http://www.universities intheusa.com/americaneducation.html 2. Rankings: http://www.timeshighe reducation.co.uk/worlduniversityrankings/201314/world-ranking 3. Universities and colleges list: http://studyusa.com/en /a/107/what-is-thedifference-between-aschool-college-anduniversity-in-the-usa 4. https://www.commona pp.org/Login#!PublicPa ges/AllMembers 5. Optional or Not Required Sats University:

http://fairtest.org/unive rsity/optional 6. Sat Subject Tests Universities: TO see which universities require these tests: http://professionals.coll egeboard.com/testing/s atsubject/about/institutio ns 7. College Board Website: http://sat.collegeboard. org/home 8. ACT Website: http://www.actstudent. org/ 9. TOEFL Website: http://www.ets.org/toe fl 10. Over here you can find the application Fee and requirements for each

university https://www.commona pp.org/Login#!PublicPa ges/ApplicationRequire ments 11. To see what schools are Members: https://www.commona pp.org/Login#!PublicPa ges/AllMembers 12. Questions and advice: http://collegeapps.abou t.com/od/essays/a/com mon-application-essayprompts.htm 13. For detailed steps: http://travel.state.gov/c ontent/visas/english/st udyexchange/student.html 14. Their Website: http://qatar.usembassy. gov/

If there are any problems or inaccuracies you can contact me at ashakil@dohacollege.com.qa For More Information on applying to universities please see Mrs Iram Lone in the careers office or contacting her by ilone@dohacollege.com.qa

Hope you find the information Helpful!! Wishing you best of luck in your life ahead.

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