If you are hoping to enroll at a competitive graduate school in the USA this year, do your chances for acceptance depend on when you submit your application? What does applying to graduate school early say about you to the graduate admissions committee?
Daniel Chatham, Dean of Admissions at a graduate school in California, sheds light on the graduate admissions process from the perspective of the admissions committee in his blog: insidetheadcom.com.
Click on the link below to read a recent blog post about applying early to graduate school:
http://www.insidetheadcom.com/applications/does-it-pay-to-apply-to-grad-school-early/
To learn about different graduate school options still available for Fall 2011 and receive personalized education planning and application support, contact American Education Partners' experienced school placement advisors at: info@americanedpartners.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Budget Cuts at State Universities in Fall 2011
Students planning to attend state colleges and universities this Fall will likely be affected by additional cuts to their state's education budgets. These cuts will affect students in the form of fewer classes, more crowded classes, and higher tuition fees.
California, which has the largest public college and university system in the United States and is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, is expected to be the most severely affected by these education budget cuts.
To learn more about this issue, click on the following story published by InsideHigherEd.com:
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/01/11/brown_budget_proposal_in_california_slashes_higher_education_spending
Students who are planning to apply or have already applied to a state college or university, may want to consider applying to one or two private colleges or universities that offer a similar program. Most private schools offer a similar or higher level of academic study, smaller class sizes, a more personalized education experience, and scholarship opportunities for qualified international students.
For assistance in ffinding and getting accepted to the right college or university for your American education program, contact American Education Partners at: info@americanedpartners.com
We look forward to helping you reach your education goals at the school that is best for you.
California, which has the largest public college and university system in the United States and is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, is expected to be the most severely affected by these education budget cuts.
To learn more about this issue, click on the following story published by InsideHigherEd.com:
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/01/11/brown_budget_proposal_in_california_slashes_higher_education_spending
Students who are planning to apply or have already applied to a state college or university, may want to consider applying to one or two private colleges or universities that offer a similar program. Most private schools offer a similar or higher level of academic study, smaller class sizes, a more personalized education experience, and scholarship opportunities for qualified international students.
For assistance in ffinding and getting accepted to the right college or university for your American education program, contact American Education Partners at: info@americanedpartners.com
We look forward to helping you reach your education goals at the school that is best for you.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Financial Planning For An American University Education
The College Board (http://www.collegeboard.com/) has created a financial planning tool that allows students to compare the costs of attending over 3300 private and public colleges and universities throughout the USA.
This tool helps you plan your American education program in two important ways:
1) Comparing the cost of schools you are interested in to find the best value.
2) Seeing each school's costs over the past several years to estimate how their prices may increase during your program.
Click on this link to view the College Board's financial planning tool:
http://chronicle.com/article/Interactive-Tool-Tuition-Over/125043/
You should only use this financial planning tool as a first step in determining which schools are the most affordable and offer the "best value". Each school provides different amounts of financial aid for international students so it's important to research what kind may be available to you before making your final school decision. American Education Partners' school placement advisors can help you search for scholarship opportunities as well as provide other services that simplify the college or university application process. Contact an AEP placement advisor at: info@americanedpartners.com to learn how we can assist you.
This tool helps you plan your American education program in two important ways:
1) Comparing the cost of schools you are interested in to find the best value.
2) Seeing each school's costs over the past several years to estimate how their prices may increase during your program.
Click on this link to view the College Board's financial planning tool:
http://chronicle.com/article/Interactive-Tool-Tuition-Over/125043/
You should only use this financial planning tool as a first step in determining which schools are the most affordable and offer the "best value". Each school provides different amounts of financial aid for international students so it's important to research what kind may be available to you before making your final school decision. American Education Partners' school placement advisors can help you search for scholarship opportunities as well as provide other services that simplify the college or university application process. Contact an AEP placement advisor at: info@americanedpartners.com to learn how we can assist you.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Taking Short Cuts In Your Education May Cut Your Education Short
As the cost of an American university education continues to increase each year, it becomes more of a challenge for current and potential international students to find the money needed to complete their education from good, reputable schools. With this increased challenge, comes an increased need to seek maximum value at minimum cost. If you are an international student trying to start or complete your university program in the USA, be careful to avoid taking risky short cuts that might jeopardize both your investment and your future goals. Here are some things to watch out for:
1) Schools with VERY low tuition fees - Low-tuition schools do not always equal low-quality, but always compare the prices of schools you are considering with 2-3 other similar schools/ programs (same school type, degree program, accreditation type, number of program hours, etc.). If everything except price is equal, find out what current and former students say about the school.
2) Schools that do not provide important information on their websites - Schools that do not show basic information like fees, admissions requirements, course descriptions, campus photos, etc. that you need to make an informed decision may be trying to hide something. If you are required to call or give your email address to get this information, it is a sign that the school is very heavily sales-driven and want to get as many students as quickly as possible.
3) Schools that guarantee job placement or future immigration status to international students - Paid work opportunities for international students are possible through certain U.S. government-approved programs, but any school that promotes job placement or a pathway to immigration status as one of its main selling points is probably less concerned about the quality of its academic program and support services and may actually be in violation of U.S. government regulations.
4) Education short-cut advice from your friends - It may be difficult to ignore trusted friends, but we've seen far too many disastrous results when international students to try take short cuts or "work the system" in order to finish their education program to faster or more easily. Such short-cuts may be difficult or impossible to reverse and could result in losing your student visa status and ability to remain in the United States.
Here is a link to a video clip that shows a private university that was recently shut down by the U.S. government over allegations that it violated several laws and was a "sham" school:
http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_17151508?nclick_check=1
An investment in an American education is one of the most important investments you can make in your future. When done the right way, students are rewarded with valuable knowledge, skills, and cultural experiences that will open doors to many great opportunities in the future.
If you are planning an American education program or the next step in your American education, American Education Partners (AEP) can provide reliable information and support from our U.S.-based staff or one of our many overseas representatives. Contact AEP by email: info@americanedpartners.com to find out how we can help.
1) Schools with VERY low tuition fees - Low-tuition schools do not always equal low-quality, but always compare the prices of schools you are considering with 2-3 other similar schools/ programs (same school type, degree program, accreditation type, number of program hours, etc.). If everything except price is equal, find out what current and former students say about the school.
2) Schools that do not provide important information on their websites - Schools that do not show basic information like fees, admissions requirements, course descriptions, campus photos, etc. that you need to make an informed decision may be trying to hide something. If you are required to call or give your email address to get this information, it is a sign that the school is very heavily sales-driven and want to get as many students as quickly as possible.
3) Schools that guarantee job placement or future immigration status to international students - Paid work opportunities for international students are possible through certain U.S. government-approved programs, but any school that promotes job placement or a pathway to immigration status as one of its main selling points is probably less concerned about the quality of its academic program and support services and may actually be in violation of U.S. government regulations.
4) Education short-cut advice from your friends - It may be difficult to ignore trusted friends, but we've seen far too many disastrous results when international students to try take short cuts or "work the system" in order to finish their education program to faster or more easily. Such short-cuts may be difficult or impossible to reverse and could result in losing your student visa status and ability to remain in the United States.
Here is a link to a video clip that shows a private university that was recently shut down by the U.S. government over allegations that it violated several laws and was a "sham" school:
http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_17151508?nclick_check=1
An investment in an American education is one of the most important investments you can make in your future. When done the right way, students are rewarded with valuable knowledge, skills, and cultural experiences that will open doors to many great opportunities in the future.
If you are planning an American education program or the next step in your American education, American Education Partners (AEP) can provide reliable information and support from our U.S.-based staff or one of our many overseas representatives. Contact AEP by email: info@americanedpartners.com to find out how we can help.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Even Great Students Should Have a "Plan B" When Applying to University
Students applying to top-ranked universities this Fall face tougher competition than ever before. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia have reported receiving record numbers of applications for Fall 2011, yet the number of spaces they are offering has not increased. Click on this link to read a recent article about this:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-14/harvard-receives-35-000-applications-for-undergraduate-admission.html
With many top-ranked universities having to send rejection letters to 90% or more of their applicants, it is important for students to have a "Plan B" in case they are not one of the fortunate very few to get accepted to their first choice schools.
With more than 4000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States, the choices for "Plan B" schools are vast. Plan B schools need not be the school where you will complete your program, they can be just a stepping stone to your dream university. You can improve your chances of getting accepted to your dream school by applying as a transfer student after completing at least 1-2 years of general education courses at another college or university.
Many nationally- and regionally-ranked colleges and universities are still accepting applications for Fall 2011 so it is not too late to apply to some very good schools. American Education Partners has experienced school placement advisors who can develop a solid long-term education plan and help you apply to many great schools for Fall. To find out how AEP can help you, send an email to: info@americanedpartners.com
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-14/harvard-receives-35-000-applications-for-undergraduate-admission.html
With many top-ranked universities having to send rejection letters to 90% or more of their applicants, it is important for students to have a "Plan B" in case they are not one of the fortunate very few to get accepted to their first choice schools.
With more than 4000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States, the choices for "Plan B" schools are vast. Plan B schools need not be the school where you will complete your program, they can be just a stepping stone to your dream university. You can improve your chances of getting accepted to your dream school by applying as a transfer student after completing at least 1-2 years of general education courses at another college or university.
Many nationally- and regionally-ranked colleges and universities are still accepting applications for Fall 2011 so it is not too late to apply to some very good schools. American Education Partners has experienced school placement advisors who can develop a solid long-term education plan and help you apply to many great schools for Fall. To find out how AEP can help you, send an email to: info@americanedpartners.com
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Acceptance Guarantees to America's Top-Ranked Universities
Because the goal of so many students from around the world is to enroll in a top-ranked American university, there never seems to be a shortage of so-called "experts" claiming to have sure-fire strategies that all but guarantee acceptance to these prestigious schools. By all means, listen to good advice from experienced aand reputable education professionals, but never let yourself be fooled into believing there is any such thing as a guaranteed way to get into a top-ranked university. No matter how well-developed and systematic these "guaranteed" strategies may be, they are usually based on past admissions data and fail to acknowledge the fact that admissions criteria for each school changes every year and is known only to a small group of people on the admissions committee. Students who would be considered a "perfect fit" for the university last year, may not be rejected this year because of the different set of students applying and the changes in the type of students the school is now looking for.
Because top-ranked universities only have space to accept about 10% - 20% of the qualified applicants each year, students can improve their chances for acceptance by not only working very hard to get excellent grades, but also starting their university preparation as early as possible in their high school years. Top-ranked universities seek students with a long and consistent history of getting excellent test scores and grades in challenging courses, being involved in school clubs and sports, and demonstrating leadership qualities in a number of academic and personal endeavors.
Here are some basic tips to follow as you begin your planning and preparations for applying to top-ranked American universities:
1) Interview yourself - Before you decide which schools you are going to apply to, ask yourself several questions about your interests and goals - why do you want to study in the USA? What do want to get out of your experience? What do you want to do after you finish your education in the USA? Also, consider the type of environment you would like to live in and what kind of cultural, recreational, and social activities you like or would like to be involved in. You will spend a lot of your time with schoolwork in university, but it will be important to live in a place you like and are able to do things you enjoy during your free time.
2) Research - Find out which universities offer the things you feel are most important to you and your goals. The best place to do this is the university's own website. There are other websites that offer school ranking information and even comments from actual students who are enrolled there.
3) Interview others - Most American universities have international student associations that you can contact before you decide which school you are going to apply to. Contact these associations to find other international students who are enrolled in the program you are planning to apply to. Ask the students about their experiences at that school. What do they like or not like about it? What kind of support systems do the university offer? What kind of special career/ cultural/ recreational/ social opportunities are available? Do they recommend that you apply to their school?
4) Make your best impression with your personal statement - Top-ranked schools receive tens of thousands of applications from great students throughout the world each year, many of whom appear very similar on the application form - great class and test scores, involvement in clubs and sports throughout high school, etc. The personal statement is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the other great students, to show the admissions committee exactly who you are, what motivates and excites you, what you know about the university and how it will help you reach your goals, and what contributions you can make to it as a student. How well you can express yourself in writing will further demonstrate your ability to communicate thoughtfully - an essential skill needed to successfully participate in a rigorous academic environment.
By all means, ask for help and suggestions before you submit your personal statement, but do NOT make the mistake of getting somebody else to write it for you or use a software program that has fill-in-the-blanks personal statements. Admissions staff can quickly tell a real personal statement from one that is not and if yours is suspected of not being authentic, it will quickly result in your application ending up in the "REJECTED" pile.
American Education Partners (AEP) has experienced university placement advisors who help international students understand and successfully navigate the American university admissions process. AEP also helps students enroll in a variety of helpful academic and test preparation programs that provide them with the best chances for acceptance to top-ranked universities in the USA. To learn more about AEP programs and services, visit our website at: http://www.americanedpartners.com/ or send email to: info@americanedpartners.com
Because top-ranked universities only have space to accept about 10% - 20% of the qualified applicants each year, students can improve their chances for acceptance by not only working very hard to get excellent grades, but also starting their university preparation as early as possible in their high school years. Top-ranked universities seek students with a long and consistent history of getting excellent test scores and grades in challenging courses, being involved in school clubs and sports, and demonstrating leadership qualities in a number of academic and personal endeavors.
Here are some basic tips to follow as you begin your planning and preparations for applying to top-ranked American universities:
1) Interview yourself - Before you decide which schools you are going to apply to, ask yourself several questions about your interests and goals - why do you want to study in the USA? What do want to get out of your experience? What do you want to do after you finish your education in the USA? Also, consider the type of environment you would like to live in and what kind of cultural, recreational, and social activities you like or would like to be involved in. You will spend a lot of your time with schoolwork in university, but it will be important to live in a place you like and are able to do things you enjoy during your free time.
2) Research - Find out which universities offer the things you feel are most important to you and your goals. The best place to do this is the university's own website. There are other websites that offer school ranking information and even comments from actual students who are enrolled there.
3) Interview others - Most American universities have international student associations that you can contact before you decide which school you are going to apply to. Contact these associations to find other international students who are enrolled in the program you are planning to apply to. Ask the students about their experiences at that school. What do they like or not like about it? What kind of support systems do the university offer? What kind of special career/ cultural/ recreational/ social opportunities are available? Do they recommend that you apply to their school?
4) Make your best impression with your personal statement - Top-ranked schools receive tens of thousands of applications from great students throughout the world each year, many of whom appear very similar on the application form - great class and test scores, involvement in clubs and sports throughout high school, etc. The personal statement is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the other great students, to show the admissions committee exactly who you are, what motivates and excites you, what you know about the university and how it will help you reach your goals, and what contributions you can make to it as a student. How well you can express yourself in writing will further demonstrate your ability to communicate thoughtfully - an essential skill needed to successfully participate in a rigorous academic environment.
By all means, ask for help and suggestions before you submit your personal statement, but do NOT make the mistake of getting somebody else to write it for you or use a software program that has fill-in-the-blanks personal statements. Admissions staff can quickly tell a real personal statement from one that is not and if yours is suspected of not being authentic, it will quickly result in your application ending up in the "REJECTED" pile.
American Education Partners (AEP) has experienced university placement advisors who help international students understand and successfully navigate the American university admissions process. AEP also helps students enroll in a variety of helpful academic and test preparation programs that provide them with the best chances for acceptance to top-ranked universities in the USA. To learn more about AEP programs and services, visit our website at: http://www.americanedpartners.com/ or send email to: info@americanedpartners.com
Sunday, January 2, 2011
What Determines the Cost of an American University Education?
If you are seeking an affordable education in the United States, understanding the individual factors that influence each expense will help you select a high-quality program with the kind of living situation and opportunities you are most interested in.
Here are the main expenses you will have while attending an American college or university:
1) Tuition and Fees
2) Housing/ Meals
3) Books
4) Medical Insurance
5) Personal Spending
Tuition and fees are the largest expense of attending school in the USA, but they vary significantly from school to school. Private school tuition and fees are generally much higher than public schools, but many offer academically-qualified international students with more financial aid opportunities. Tuition and fees may also differ slightly depending on which state or region of the USA your school is located in. For example, public university tuition fees in Midwestern and Southern states are often far lower than the same types of public universities in the Western and Eastern states.
The second highest expense while studying in the USA will be your housing and meal expenses. Living on campus is the most convenient option, especially for first-year students, but is not usually the cheapest option. Most college and university campuses have plentiful apartment housing near the school that can be rented by several students together. This arrangement helps reduce the cost of monthly rent and utilities that each student pays. Before deciding on whether to live on campus or off, learn the pros and cons of each choice to decide which is the best choice for you.
Book expenses can be significantly reduced by buying used books, instead of new ones or buying them online through sites like Amazon, eCampus.com, etc.
Medical insurance costs may be reduced if purchased overseas. Before buying any outside insurance plan, be sure that the coverage you purchase meets or exceeds your school's minimum requirements and that there are nearby doctors and hospitals that will acccept your insurance plan.
The last major expense factor is your personal spending. This expense varies greatly with each student, but is also influenced by the location of the school. Schools that are located in smaller cities generally have lower costs of living and fewer places where you may be tempted to spend money unnecessarily. Depending on the type of living accommodations, your social lifestyle, and the kind of transportation you use, your personal spending may be anywhere between $200 and $2000 each month.
If you are seeking a good college or university program in the USA, and would like expert help in selecting the best school and education plan within your budget, American Education Partners (http://www.americanedpartners.com/) is available to provide you with free pre-application advising and school recommendations. Contact AEP's placement advisors by email at: info@americanedpartners.com
Here are the main expenses you will have while attending an American college or university:
1) Tuition and Fees
2) Housing/ Meals
3) Books
4) Medical Insurance
5) Personal Spending
Tuition and fees are the largest expense of attending school in the USA, but they vary significantly from school to school. Private school tuition and fees are generally much higher than public schools, but many offer academically-qualified international students with more financial aid opportunities. Tuition and fees may also differ slightly depending on which state or region of the USA your school is located in. For example, public university tuition fees in Midwestern and Southern states are often far lower than the same types of public universities in the Western and Eastern states.
The second highest expense while studying in the USA will be your housing and meal expenses. Living on campus is the most convenient option, especially for first-year students, but is not usually the cheapest option. Most college and university campuses have plentiful apartment housing near the school that can be rented by several students together. This arrangement helps reduce the cost of monthly rent and utilities that each student pays. Before deciding on whether to live on campus or off, learn the pros and cons of each choice to decide which is the best choice for you.
Book expenses can be significantly reduced by buying used books, instead of new ones or buying them online through sites like Amazon, eCampus.com, etc.
Medical insurance costs may be reduced if purchased overseas. Before buying any outside insurance plan, be sure that the coverage you purchase meets or exceeds your school's minimum requirements and that there are nearby doctors and hospitals that will acccept your insurance plan.
The last major expense factor is your personal spending. This expense varies greatly with each student, but is also influenced by the location of the school. Schools that are located in smaller cities generally have lower costs of living and fewer places where you may be tempted to spend money unnecessarily. Depending on the type of living accommodations, your social lifestyle, and the kind of transportation you use, your personal spending may be anywhere between $200 and $2000 each month.
If you are seeking a good college or university program in the USA, and would like expert help in selecting the best school and education plan within your budget, American Education Partners (http://www.americanedpartners.com/) is available to provide you with free pre-application advising and school recommendations. Contact AEP's placement advisors by email at: info@americanedpartners.com
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