01 Undergraduate Seminar 160213
Content
Undergraduate Study in the US
Undergraduate Seminar, February 16th, 2013 Joanne A. Davidson, EducationUSA Advisor
What is EducationUSA?
Global network of more than 450 advising centres in 170 countries supported by the US Department of State. Primary source of information for potential under- and post-graduate students and scholars around the world who seek access to US higher education. EducationUSA advising centre is based in the Fulbright Commission in Dublin.
Why Study in the US?
1. Quality and Reputation of US Universities
2. Opportunity to Experience Campus Life and Activities
3. Liberal Arts and Focus on Teaching
4. Funding Opportunities
6. Learn About New Cultures and Expand Horizons
US Higher Education - An Overview
What are the key differences?
– Much longer application process – Apply directly to the university – No centralised admissions process (Note: Common Application) – Fees can vary significantly – Holistic review of your application – Students are notified of provisional acceptance April/May of the year they hope to attend – Law and Medicine are studied at postgraduate level
US Higher Education System
Types of Degrees - Associate’s Degree: Two year degree, typically offered at a community college - Bachelor’s Degree: Four year degree
Associate’s Degree: Community /Junior Colleges
Community colleges are often a low-cost option.
Often less competitive admission requirements.
Students studying at a community college may either receive a stand-alone two-year qualification (the Associates Degree) or transfer to a four-year Bachelor’s program in a 2 + 2 format. Can be a smart option – save on first two years and then transfer!
www.communitycollegesusa.com
Four-Year Colleges Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees
Usually four years in length
Follow the liberal arts philosophy and generally include core required courses, a major, and electives The liberal arts philosophy promotes a well-rounded academic education that develops the student's verbal, written, and reasoning skills. Students begin their degree study by taking classes in a wide variety of courses in the arts, humanities, languages, and the social and physical sciences before specializing (majoring) in a particular field.
www.petersons.com
How Much Does College Cost?
Average College Costs (College Board, 2013) Community College (2 year) = $3,131.00 / year Public University (out of state, 4 year): $21,706.00 / year Private University (4 year): $29,056.00 / year
Ivy League – What does this mean?
A sports conference of eight private colleges Some of the oldest higher education institutions in the US Average acceptance rates are around 10%, but often closer to 6% Ivy League universities include Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University Excellent, but thousands of other schools out there
Applying to US Colleges
Timeline
Typical Timeframe
Spring / Summer - End of 4th early 5th year Autumn of 6th year – Before Semester Holiday Autumn of 6th year – After Semester Holiday Spring of 6th year Summer after 6th year Aug. / Sept.
Time Before Enrolment
1–1½ Years 10-12 Months
Notes
•Learn about US higher education and application process •Begin choosing universities •Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities •Register for admissions exams •Begin admissions and funding applications •Submit admissions applications •Submit funding applications •Receive admissions decisions •Notify universities •Apply for your visa •Read the Pre-Departure Section of Fulbright website. •Begin study in the US!
8-10 Months 4-7 Months 1-3 Months --
Your Five Steps to Study in the US
1. Research Your Options 1. Determine the factors that are important to you in choosing a university and prioritize these. 2. Narrow your search to a manageable list by using a search engine to help you identify universities meeting your criteria 3. Narrow your options to four or six schools of interest and research them online
2. Complete Your Application
3. Finance Your Studies
4. Apply for Your Student Visa
5. Prepare for Your Departure
Narrow Your Search
How To Narrow Down Your Choices
1. Degree: Bachelor’s programmes in Business 2. Location: Ohio due to family connections, weather 3. Extracurricular opportunities: outdoor adventure, sports ethos 4. Academic opportunities: Study abroad in major field 5. Funding: Looking to minimize up front costs and have a good chance of receiving funding 6. Prestige: Degree that is accredited (of course) and will be recognised as a top program
•Ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements
49
University of United Manchester Kingdom Pohang University of Republic of Science and Korea Technology Brown University Tsinghua University Ohio State University Boston University Kyoto University United States China United States United States Japan
70.1
50
69.4
51 52 53 54 54 56
68.9 67.1 67.0 66.8 66.8 66.3
Ohio State University ranks #53 in the world according to the Times Higher Education Rankings 2012 – 2013
Remember, though, there are no official college rankings in the US!
University of United Southern States California King's College London Katholieke Universiteit Leuven École Normale Supérieure Seoul National University Pennsylvani a State University United Kingdom Belgium
57
66.2
58
66.1
59
France Republic of Korea United States
65.9
59
65.9
61
Resources for Finding a University
Some online university search engines www.petersons.com www.princetonreview.com www.communitycollegesusa.com
Teachers, professionals in your field, or alumni University websites Accreditation: www.chea.org US News and World reports, Princeton Review, College Board
Funding Your Studies
Consider funding at the same time as you are researching colleges!
Start your scholarship search early Work closely with the Financial Aid Offices at the universities Put in extra time and effort to seek out and apply for scholarships Be flexible in choosing universities Note you may need to ‘collect’ funding from multiple sources
Cost of Attendance
• Tuition and fees can vary significantly between universities • May be a set semester/yearly rate or calculated on a percredit basis • Cost of living: books, personal expenses = $8,500 - $10,000 Awarded on basis of: Academic merit Financial need Niche criteria Athletic ability In State vs. Out of State? Applies to public (State) schools. Gives discounted tuition to people from that state. Does not typically apply to international students.
-
Four Main Sources of Funding
1. Personal/family funds
2. Loans 3. Scholarships and merit and need-based aid from US universities 4. Scholarships from external organisations
Funding Application Deadlines
To start in Sept 2013 you must apply by February 1st 2013 Apply for all Scholarships/funding by the Admission application Deadline but DOUBLE CHECK the requirements with the Financial Aid Office. This varies significantly in difference
Can students work and study?
International students on F1 visas can:
Work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during school vacations.
University of Notre Dame - Undergraduate Scholarship for Irish Students
Eligible students must have Irish citizenship, reside in Ireland, excellent academic record, and have demonstrated financial need.
Apply directly to Notre Dame by published deadline (typically December). Contact: Jennifer Nemecek - International Admissions Liaison, Europe [email protected]. Ranked 12 by Forbes,17 by US News and World Report, and 1 by the Business Week ranking of undergraduate business institutions.
www.admissions.nd.edu
Admissions Tests
Admissions Tests
• Admissions Tests are intended to supplement, not replace, students high school records. Leaving Cert is still important and, typically, required.
• Sit SAT/ACT in 5th Year, if possible, and again in 6th Year if a higher score or subject tests are required Options: - SAT Subject Tests - ACT & ACT with Writing (no test site in Ireland ..yet!) - English-language proficiency exam (if required)
SAT: www.collegeboard.org
Reasoning test sections : Critical Reading, Math, Writing
Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Cost: $50 registration fee plus international processing fee of $31
Upcoming Dates: Saturday May 4th / Apply by March 26th Saturday June 1st / Apply by April 23rd
Scores: 3 sections marked 200-800. Max is 2400
Test centres: Dublin: St. Andrew’s College, Booterstown Waterford: St. Augustine’s College, Dungarvan
SAT Subject Tests
Many competitive universities will also require two or three SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT
You may sit either the Reasoning Test or up to three Subject Tests on one testing date One-hour, multiple-choice tests are offered in the following subjects: Literature, US and World History, Mathematics Level 1 & 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Japanese, and Korean.
ACT Test: www.actstudent.org
Sections in: English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing
Exam Fees: $74
Testing sites:
England: ACS Hillingdon International School (Hillingdon-Middlesex), TASIS England (Thorpe – Surrey), Marymount International School (Surrey) Scotland: International School of Aberdeen
Tips for Success: Preparing for the Exam
Carefully review the admissions test requirements
Register early and online
Sit the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT by October/November if possible
Properly revise before sitting the exam
Choose SAT Subject Test subjects wisely
Completing a Successful Application
An Application to a US College
Application form including CV and two or three essays Admissions exam scores – SAT / ACT Transcript and/or school report
You’ve narrowed the search so now you must ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements and put together a carefully considered application package!
Application fee
2-3 recommendation letters Leaving Certificate Results
What are they evaluating?
Academic achievement – Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, final results from all four years Academic potential: Admissions exam scores Extracurricular involvement – do not underestimate this! Reason for attending institution / personal attributes:
Interest in your academic field of choice Character Leadership abilities Why you fit
Check the Deadline
Deadlines can vary from institution to institution so ensure you know when you must have your application in. Usually around late January / early February, but sometimes December.
Some institutions offer rolling admissions
Early Action and Early Decision:
Allow you to apply early to US universities and receive admissions decisions well before the usual spring decision date, usually by December or January. If you are accepted by a university under Early Decision you must withdraw all other applications to US universities and commit to attend that university. With Early Action you have until spring to make a decision on a university and are not required to attend the university that accepts you under Early Action.
Application Form
Completed online and will personal essays and CV Personal attributes: Interest in your academic field of choice Character Leadership abilities Reasons for wanting to attend the university Each university has their own individual online application except for those using the Common Application
Common Application – www.commonapp.org
The Common Application is used by over 450 American universities. It is somewhat similar to the UK’s UCAS. You will save time by being able to complete information and essays that you can submit to multiple universities But approximately two thirds of universities ask for supplemental information and/or essays. Confirm admissions requirements on the school’s website
Personal Statement / Essay
Tips for Success
Very important Opportunity to set yourself apart and showcase your unique qualities as an applicant 1-3 essay questions per university Likely able to re-use elements of essays for different universities
Use clear, concise language Address the essay question fully Avoid vague or empty statements, clichés and cultural references that may not translate well to a US audience
If you re-use an essay, be careful to double-check that all references within the text are to the correct university
Proofread extensively Most importantly, be yourself! Don’t give the admissions officers the answers you think they want to hear; give them the truth.
Transcripts
Listing of your academic qualifications and marks (3rd – 6th Years)
Provide your school / guidance counsellor with information about what to include in a transcript: Junior Certificate results Predicted Leaving Certificate results Academic honors Information about other qualifications earned Information about the school Years attended
Signed, sealed, and on school lettering head
Approximate Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Unofficial GPA conversions • There is no official conversion for Irish results so leave this section blank unless specifically required to fill
GCSEs and A Levels (UK approx conversions)
UK Letter Grade A* A B C D E US Letter Grade A+ A B+/AB C D US Grade Point Average 4.3 4.0 3.3 - 3.7 3.0 2.0 1.0
Recommendations
Ask someone who knows you well, both in and out of the classroom
Letter should be a marketing tool for you as an applicant Consider meeting with your referee to discuss letter Make sure referee is aware of deadlines and paperwork to complete Above all, encourage referees to be enthusiastic, positive, descriptive, and anecdotal and avoid being restrained and too modest
Recommendation Letters (cont.):
Ireland: “Joe Murphy is a very likeable student with a solid future ahead of him. He interacts well with his classmates and seems to be quite popular amongst his peers. Academically, he achieves decent marks and has good relationships with his tutor, although he could be more focused upon deadlines...” USA: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Joe Murphy who ranks amongst the top five percent of students within his classes. He is not only passionate about his field of study, but also about involvement in the community and school. I have no doubt he will be an asset to your programme…”
Final Application Checklist
Read the Study in the US section on our website www.fulbright.ie and make sure that study in the US is right for you Investigate Degree Options: two-year Associate’s or fouryear Bachelor's degree Start researching and choose the four to six universities to which you will apply Decide whether you need to take an admissions test and register Request a transcript from your school and two or three reference letters Draft your application essays Submit by application deadlines Alongside your admissions applications, apply for funding from US universities and external funding bodies NOTE: Some institutions require a full medical prior to enrollment in US colleges.
Visas
F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Generally, straight-forward process in Ireland:
Once accepted receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) from the US university Complete SEVIS application (I-901) and pay fee ($200) online Complete visa application and pay fee ($160/€136) online Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Dublin
Refer to US Embassy for visa enquiries:
http://dublin.usembassy.gov 1580.478.472 (Operator Assisted €2.40/min)
EducationUSA Services
US Study Website - Advisory Services: Comprehensive information on undergraduate / postgraduate study in the US is available through: www.educationusa.info or www.fulbright.ie Email / Phone Queries E-Alerts: Sent out on a regular to students, parents, and career advisors updating you on advising tips, US study information, and events/seminars that EducationUSA will be organising.
For all services please contact Joanne at: [email protected] / 01.660.7670 www.fulbright.ie Twitter: Fulbright_Eire / Facebook: Fulbright Ireland / LinkedIn: Fulbright Ireland
Undergraduate Seminar, February 16th, 2013 Joanne A. Davidson, EducationUSA Advisor
What is EducationUSA?
Global network of more than 450 advising centres in 170 countries supported by the US Department of State. Primary source of information for potential under- and post-graduate students and scholars around the world who seek access to US higher education. EducationUSA advising centre is based in the Fulbright Commission in Dublin.
Why Study in the US?
1. Quality and Reputation of US Universities
2. Opportunity to Experience Campus Life and Activities
3. Liberal Arts and Focus on Teaching
4. Funding Opportunities
6. Learn About New Cultures and Expand Horizons
US Higher Education - An Overview
What are the key differences?
– Much longer application process – Apply directly to the university – No centralised admissions process (Note: Common Application) – Fees can vary significantly – Holistic review of your application – Students are notified of provisional acceptance April/May of the year they hope to attend – Law and Medicine are studied at postgraduate level
US Higher Education System
Types of Degrees - Associate’s Degree: Two year degree, typically offered at a community college - Bachelor’s Degree: Four year degree
Associate’s Degree: Community /Junior Colleges
Community colleges are often a low-cost option.
Often less competitive admission requirements.
Students studying at a community college may either receive a stand-alone two-year qualification (the Associates Degree) or transfer to a four-year Bachelor’s program in a 2 + 2 format. Can be a smart option – save on first two years and then transfer!
www.communitycollegesusa.com
Four-Year Colleges Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees
Usually four years in length
Follow the liberal arts philosophy and generally include core required courses, a major, and electives The liberal arts philosophy promotes a well-rounded academic education that develops the student's verbal, written, and reasoning skills. Students begin their degree study by taking classes in a wide variety of courses in the arts, humanities, languages, and the social and physical sciences before specializing (majoring) in a particular field.
www.petersons.com
How Much Does College Cost?
Average College Costs (College Board, 2013) Community College (2 year) = $3,131.00 / year Public University (out of state, 4 year): $21,706.00 / year Private University (4 year): $29,056.00 / year
Ivy League – What does this mean?
A sports conference of eight private colleges Some of the oldest higher education institutions in the US Average acceptance rates are around 10%, but often closer to 6% Ivy League universities include Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University Excellent, but thousands of other schools out there
Applying to US Colleges
Timeline
Typical Timeframe
Spring / Summer - End of 4th early 5th year Autumn of 6th year – Before Semester Holiday Autumn of 6th year – After Semester Holiday Spring of 6th year Summer after 6th year Aug. / Sept.
Time Before Enrolment
1–1½ Years 10-12 Months
Notes
•Learn about US higher education and application process •Begin choosing universities •Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities •Register for admissions exams •Begin admissions and funding applications •Submit admissions applications •Submit funding applications •Receive admissions decisions •Notify universities •Apply for your visa •Read the Pre-Departure Section of Fulbright website. •Begin study in the US!
8-10 Months 4-7 Months 1-3 Months --
Your Five Steps to Study in the US
1. Research Your Options 1. Determine the factors that are important to you in choosing a university and prioritize these. 2. Narrow your search to a manageable list by using a search engine to help you identify universities meeting your criteria 3. Narrow your options to four or six schools of interest and research them online
2. Complete Your Application
3. Finance Your Studies
4. Apply for Your Student Visa
5. Prepare for Your Departure
Narrow Your Search
How To Narrow Down Your Choices
1. Degree: Bachelor’s programmes in Business 2. Location: Ohio due to family connections, weather 3. Extracurricular opportunities: outdoor adventure, sports ethos 4. Academic opportunities: Study abroad in major field 5. Funding: Looking to minimize up front costs and have a good chance of receiving funding 6. Prestige: Degree that is accredited (of course) and will be recognised as a top program
•Ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements
49
University of United Manchester Kingdom Pohang University of Republic of Science and Korea Technology Brown University Tsinghua University Ohio State University Boston University Kyoto University United States China United States United States Japan
70.1
50
69.4
51 52 53 54 54 56
68.9 67.1 67.0 66.8 66.8 66.3
Ohio State University ranks #53 in the world according to the Times Higher Education Rankings 2012 – 2013
Remember, though, there are no official college rankings in the US!
University of United Southern States California King's College London Katholieke Universiteit Leuven École Normale Supérieure Seoul National University Pennsylvani a State University United Kingdom Belgium
57
66.2
58
66.1
59
France Republic of Korea United States
65.9
59
65.9
61
Resources for Finding a University
Some online university search engines www.petersons.com www.princetonreview.com www.communitycollegesusa.com
Teachers, professionals in your field, or alumni University websites Accreditation: www.chea.org US News and World reports, Princeton Review, College Board
Funding Your Studies
Consider funding at the same time as you are researching colleges!
Start your scholarship search early Work closely with the Financial Aid Offices at the universities Put in extra time and effort to seek out and apply for scholarships Be flexible in choosing universities Note you may need to ‘collect’ funding from multiple sources
Cost of Attendance
• Tuition and fees can vary significantly between universities • May be a set semester/yearly rate or calculated on a percredit basis • Cost of living: books, personal expenses = $8,500 - $10,000 Awarded on basis of: Academic merit Financial need Niche criteria Athletic ability In State vs. Out of State? Applies to public (State) schools. Gives discounted tuition to people from that state. Does not typically apply to international students.
-
Four Main Sources of Funding
1. Personal/family funds
2. Loans 3. Scholarships and merit and need-based aid from US universities 4. Scholarships from external organisations
Funding Application Deadlines
To start in Sept 2013 you must apply by February 1st 2013 Apply for all Scholarships/funding by the Admission application Deadline but DOUBLE CHECK the requirements with the Financial Aid Office. This varies significantly in difference
Can students work and study?
International students on F1 visas can:
Work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during school vacations.
University of Notre Dame - Undergraduate Scholarship for Irish Students
Eligible students must have Irish citizenship, reside in Ireland, excellent academic record, and have demonstrated financial need.
Apply directly to Notre Dame by published deadline (typically December). Contact: Jennifer Nemecek - International Admissions Liaison, Europe [email protected]. Ranked 12 by Forbes,17 by US News and World Report, and 1 by the Business Week ranking of undergraduate business institutions.
www.admissions.nd.edu
Admissions Tests
Admissions Tests
• Admissions Tests are intended to supplement, not replace, students high school records. Leaving Cert is still important and, typically, required.
• Sit SAT/ACT in 5th Year, if possible, and again in 6th Year if a higher score or subject tests are required Options: - SAT Subject Tests - ACT & ACT with Writing (no test site in Ireland ..yet!) - English-language proficiency exam (if required)
SAT: www.collegeboard.org
Reasoning test sections : Critical Reading, Math, Writing
Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Cost: $50 registration fee plus international processing fee of $31
Upcoming Dates: Saturday May 4th / Apply by March 26th Saturday June 1st / Apply by April 23rd
Scores: 3 sections marked 200-800. Max is 2400
Test centres: Dublin: St. Andrew’s College, Booterstown Waterford: St. Augustine’s College, Dungarvan
SAT Subject Tests
Many competitive universities will also require two or three SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT
You may sit either the Reasoning Test or up to three Subject Tests on one testing date One-hour, multiple-choice tests are offered in the following subjects: Literature, US and World History, Mathematics Level 1 & 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Japanese, and Korean.
ACT Test: www.actstudent.org
Sections in: English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing
Exam Fees: $74
Testing sites:
England: ACS Hillingdon International School (Hillingdon-Middlesex), TASIS England (Thorpe – Surrey), Marymount International School (Surrey) Scotland: International School of Aberdeen
Tips for Success: Preparing for the Exam
Carefully review the admissions test requirements
Register early and online
Sit the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT by October/November if possible
Properly revise before sitting the exam
Choose SAT Subject Test subjects wisely
Completing a Successful Application
An Application to a US College
Application form including CV and two or three essays Admissions exam scores – SAT / ACT Transcript and/or school report
You’ve narrowed the search so now you must ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements and put together a carefully considered application package!
Application fee
2-3 recommendation letters Leaving Certificate Results
What are they evaluating?
Academic achievement – Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, final results from all four years Academic potential: Admissions exam scores Extracurricular involvement – do not underestimate this! Reason for attending institution / personal attributes:
Interest in your academic field of choice Character Leadership abilities Why you fit
Check the Deadline
Deadlines can vary from institution to institution so ensure you know when you must have your application in. Usually around late January / early February, but sometimes December.
Some institutions offer rolling admissions
Early Action and Early Decision:
Allow you to apply early to US universities and receive admissions decisions well before the usual spring decision date, usually by December or January. If you are accepted by a university under Early Decision you must withdraw all other applications to US universities and commit to attend that university. With Early Action you have until spring to make a decision on a university and are not required to attend the university that accepts you under Early Action.
Application Form
Completed online and will personal essays and CV Personal attributes: Interest in your academic field of choice Character Leadership abilities Reasons for wanting to attend the university Each university has their own individual online application except for those using the Common Application
Common Application – www.commonapp.org
The Common Application is used by over 450 American universities. It is somewhat similar to the UK’s UCAS. You will save time by being able to complete information and essays that you can submit to multiple universities But approximately two thirds of universities ask for supplemental information and/or essays. Confirm admissions requirements on the school’s website
Personal Statement / Essay
Tips for Success
Very important Opportunity to set yourself apart and showcase your unique qualities as an applicant 1-3 essay questions per university Likely able to re-use elements of essays for different universities
Use clear, concise language Address the essay question fully Avoid vague or empty statements, clichés and cultural references that may not translate well to a US audience
If you re-use an essay, be careful to double-check that all references within the text are to the correct university
Proofread extensively Most importantly, be yourself! Don’t give the admissions officers the answers you think they want to hear; give them the truth.
Transcripts
Listing of your academic qualifications and marks (3rd – 6th Years)
Provide your school / guidance counsellor with information about what to include in a transcript: Junior Certificate results Predicted Leaving Certificate results Academic honors Information about other qualifications earned Information about the school Years attended
Signed, sealed, and on school lettering head
Approximate Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Unofficial GPA conversions • There is no official conversion for Irish results so leave this section blank unless specifically required to fill
GCSEs and A Levels (UK approx conversions)
UK Letter Grade A* A B C D E US Letter Grade A+ A B+/AB C D US Grade Point Average 4.3 4.0 3.3 - 3.7 3.0 2.0 1.0
Recommendations
Ask someone who knows you well, both in and out of the classroom
Letter should be a marketing tool for you as an applicant Consider meeting with your referee to discuss letter Make sure referee is aware of deadlines and paperwork to complete Above all, encourage referees to be enthusiastic, positive, descriptive, and anecdotal and avoid being restrained and too modest
Recommendation Letters (cont.):
Ireland: “Joe Murphy is a very likeable student with a solid future ahead of him. He interacts well with his classmates and seems to be quite popular amongst his peers. Academically, he achieves decent marks and has good relationships with his tutor, although he could be more focused upon deadlines...” USA: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Joe Murphy who ranks amongst the top five percent of students within his classes. He is not only passionate about his field of study, but also about involvement in the community and school. I have no doubt he will be an asset to your programme…”
Final Application Checklist
Read the Study in the US section on our website www.fulbright.ie and make sure that study in the US is right for you Investigate Degree Options: two-year Associate’s or fouryear Bachelor's degree Start researching and choose the four to six universities to which you will apply Decide whether you need to take an admissions test and register Request a transcript from your school and two or three reference letters Draft your application essays Submit by application deadlines Alongside your admissions applications, apply for funding from US universities and external funding bodies NOTE: Some institutions require a full medical prior to enrollment in US colleges.
Visas
F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Generally, straight-forward process in Ireland:
Once accepted receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) from the US university Complete SEVIS application (I-901) and pay fee ($200) online Complete visa application and pay fee ($160/€136) online Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Dublin
Refer to US Embassy for visa enquiries:
http://dublin.usembassy.gov 1580.478.472 (Operator Assisted €2.40/min)
EducationUSA Services
US Study Website - Advisory Services: Comprehensive information on undergraduate / postgraduate study in the US is available through: www.educationusa.info or www.fulbright.ie Email / Phone Queries E-Alerts: Sent out on a regular to students, parents, and career advisors updating you on advising tips, US study information, and events/seminars that EducationUSA will be organising.
For all services please contact Joanne at: [email protected] / 01.660.7670 www.fulbright.ie Twitter: Fulbright_Eire / Facebook: Fulbright Ireland / LinkedIn: Fulbright Ireland
