TOP1: Studying in the US is Expensive, Yet the Number of Applicants Remains High
Among them, whether public or private, the most expensive is the United States.
The United States is undoubtedly the world's top education powerhouse, with a total of 3,632 institutions of various types. The costs vary by region and type of university.
This year, the number of Chinese undergraduates in the US has exceeded graduate students for the third consecutive year. In the 2017 academic year, there were 142,851 Chinese undergraduates studying in the US, a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Chinese graduate students in the US totaled 128,320, up 4.1%. Non-degree students and those on Optional Practical Training (OPT) numbered 19,749 and 59,835 respectively, increases of 13% and 14.6% year-on-year. The large number of OPT students reflects the value students see in gaining work experience after graduation.
Over one million international students studied at US higher education institutions, reaffirming that the United States remains a top choice for higher education. The number of international mobile students studying in US colleges and universities surpasses that of any other country in the world.
TOP2: What Are the Advantages of Studying in the US?
One might ask why nearly one million international students still choose to study at US higher education institutions each year despite the high costs.
1. Compared to other countries, the US has the highest education quality, with many world-renowned universities. It also provides opportunities for "geniuses," "eccentrics," and students with expertise in specific fields to attend prestigious schools.
2. American education is progressively continuous, so American students tend to be self-motivated in their choices, unlike many Chinese students who are more passive. The learning atmosphere is therefore superior to that of domestic institutions.
3. Rather than saying US study abroad costs are more expensive, it's more accurate that there is a wider variety of scholarships. University scholarships (institutional scholarships) are divided into non-service scholarships, service assistantships, and school loans. The vast majority of graduate schools offer the first two types of aid. Although not all such aid can cover the full cost for a year, most cover more than two-thirds of the total amount.
4. Once you obtain a student visa, you have the opportunity to work and apply for immigration, and your family members can also come to the US.
5. Flexible and efficient credit accumulation allows students to complete their studies in a shorter time.
6. The open and free choice of majors gives students more time to consider their future.
7. Professional accreditation bodies manage and regulate various institutions, recognizing credit transfer between institutions.
9. US law permits students to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week and to do full-time off-campus internships during holidays. This provides work-study opportunities, helping students reduce their family's financial burden and gain social experience and skills.
10. The multicultural environment comprising various ethnicities is equal, open, and free, facilitating students' integration.
The Advantages of US Study Are Clear, and the Trend of Younger Students is Evident
In recent years, the trend of studying abroad at a younger age has become apparent, with more and more high school and even middle school students choosing to study abroad. Consequently, applying for US undergraduate programs requires more foresight and preparation. Below, CheersYou（清柚教育） will outline some details of US undergraduate applications.
What Are the Requirements for Applying to US Undergraduate Programs?
01
You need a domestic high school diploma.
Chinese students applying to US universities must have completed 12 years of primary and secondary education. For Chinese students, this means having a high school diploma before studying at a US university.
02
A certain level of English language proficiency is required.
Chinese students need to submit TOEFL test scores. Some universities also accept IELTS scores. It is best to confirm with the university which English language qualifications they recognize before applying.
03
Other standardized test scores required.
Some universities require Chinese students to submit certain standardized test scores. For undergraduate applicants, the main tests are: the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), commonly known as the "US college entrance exam," SAT II Subject Tests, the American College Testing (ACT), and Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which are pre-university courses for high school students worldwide planning to study in the US. In general, choose between the SAT and ACT based on your situation. If you are applying to top 30 universities or engineering majors, it is recommended to take SAT II Subject Tests. If your high school does not follow the AP curriculum, taking AP exams is encouraged if time permits, but it is not mandatory; it is considered a nice supplement.
Application Requirements and Checklist for US Undergraduate Study
Meeting the above conditions only provides applicants with a basic prerequisite for applying to US universities for undergraduate admission and scholarships. To complete the application for US undergraduate study, applicants must also submit the following required materials:
01
Application Form & Application Fee:
Students who meet the university's requirements need to fill out the school's unified application form according to each school's specifications. The form can be completed online and submitted directly. If applying through the school's website, have a credit card ready to pay the application fee online.
02
High School Diploma and Transcripts (GPA):
High school students applying for US undergraduate programs who have not yet graduated should provide transcripts and proof of enrollment. High school transcripts should be in both Chinese and English, each stamped with the school's official seal. If applying to top 30 or top 50 universities, a score of 80 is not enough, and the number of students applying to prestigious schools is increasing. It is recommended to have a high school GPA of 85 or above, or around 90. The higher the GPA, the better. In addition to the final GPA score, US universities also consider the student's high school, grade/class ranking (e.g., the majority of students admitted to top 10 US universities are in the top 5% or 10% of their grade/class), and the trend of grades from 9th to 12th grade, among other factors.
03
Standardized Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, SAT II):
Students applying for US undergraduate programs should submit test scores according to each school's requirements.
04
Personal Statement (Essay):
US universities generally require one or more personal essays from undergraduate applicants. These materials are important documents for admission and scholarship applications. The general principle for writing essays is to focus on your own characteristics, as US universities want to learn about you as an individual. Therefore, applicants should write about what makes them unique. Also, strictly control the word count of each essay according to the university's specific requirements.
05
Recommendation Letters:
Students applying for US undergraduate programs typically need 2-3 recommendation letters in English. Based on the typical situation of Chinese students, you can ask your homeroom teacher, grade level leader, or school administrator to write them. It would be best to obtain a recommendation letter from the principal.
06
Study Plan:
Some schools do not require a study plan, while for others, the essay effectively serves as the study plan. More commonly, graduate programs require it. However, if an undergraduate student can write a thoughtful and in-depth study plan, it can certainly be helpful for the application.
07
Resume:
A resume is an essential document for scholarship applications. When applying for university admission and scholarships, prepare a suitable resume.
08
Other Supporting Documents:
Applicants should also submit other documents that can fully demonstrate their abilities. In particular, if applicants have won awards in international competitions or participated in various sports or community activities outside of class, it will greatly increase their chances of admission and scholarship awards.
No matter where you study
We will all encounter different scenery
Meet different people
Before that
We must pack our bags well
No matter the difficulties
We can all forge ahead bravely
