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Undergraduate Study in the USA

Types of Institution

There are approximately 3,200 accredited degree granting institutions in the United States. College is a generic term for any form of post-secondary education. The word never applies to secondary level education. There are several types of colleges:

Two-year community colleges / junior colleges
These colleges award associate degrees at the completion of two years of full-time study. Many students transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in an additional two years.
Four-year colleges
These colleges award bachelors degrees upon completion of four years of full-time study. There are over 1,800 colleges in the States, about one third of which are private institutions. Colleges tend to focus on undergraduate education rather than research.
Liberal arts colleges
Most liberal arts colleges are private institutions. These colleges focus on undergraduate studies in the humanities, social sciences and sciences. There are over 900 liberal arts colleges in the States.
Universities
A university generally offers a broad range of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and has an emphasis on research. Universities can vary considerably in size and the diversity of the programs they offer. There are more than 700 universities in the States.

There are both public and private universities and colleges in the United States. There is no distinction in quality between the two types. Private institutions usually charge higher tuition fees. The same fee normally applies whether the applicant is an in-state resident, an out-of-state resident, or an international student. Public institutions have two levels of tuition rates, one for residents of the state and one for all other students.

In 2001-2002 there were about 583,000 international students enrolled in U.S. higher education programs. Australian students in the U.S. number around 2,707, about 54% of whom are undergraduates. In the past decade, the number of Australian students in the U.S. has increased by over 50%.

Most bachelors’ degrees in the United States are earned through a broad program of study. It is often possible to complete up to two years of study before having to choose a major, the area in which more concentrated studies are done in the final two years. It normally takes four years to obtain a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The Australian system of three years to obtain an ordinary degree and four years for an honours degree does not exist in the United States.

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Study in the USA

Admission requirements vary significantly from one college to another. Some institutions are very selective, while others accept most applicants. In general, the following components of your application will all be taken into account in the admissions process:

As a general rule, American universities and colleges expect international applicants’ records to reflect at least 12 years of primary and secondary schooling, and to meet the entrance requirements of the tertiary institutions in their home country. Australian students have the advantage of adding geographical diversity to the composition of the student body, which many admissions officers find highly desirable.

A Planning Timetable for Organising Admission

It takes a considerable amount of time to research the possibilities of studying in the United States and then to apply for admission. You should start planning your U.S. education twelve to eighteen months before you intend to commence your studies, especially if you are seeking financial aid.

The U.S. academic year runs from approximately 1 September to May or June, with a summer break between June - August.

Between April and August of the year before you hope to commence your studies, you should:

Between September and December of the year before you plan to commence your studies, you should:

Types of Admission Applications
Nonrestrictive plans
Regular Decision

You submit an application, typically by early January, and receive a decision in early April. You can apply to other colleges and wait until May 1 to accept.

Rolling Admission

Applications reviewed when received. Decisions made throughout admission cycle.

Early Action

You apply early, usually by November 1, and hear back between mid-December and February. You don’t have to accept.

Restrictive plans
Early Decision I

You commit to a first-choice institution. If you get in and the financial aid package is satisfactory, you are required to enroll. Colleges ask that you have only one early decision application pending at a time. If admitted early decision, you must withdraw any other applications. Application deadline: Usually November 1. Notification: mid-to-late December. In general, an enrollment deposit is due two to three weeks after acceptance.

Early Decision II

Some colleges have two rounds of early decision. Second-round deadlines are in January, with mid-February notification.

Single-Choice Early Action

A few ultraselect colleges restrict early action applicants to a single choice. The expectation is that you do not apply early elsewhere until after you hear back (confusing exception: nonrestrictive early action programs at public colleges or universities). You have until May 1 to give your final answer.

Between April and June of the year in which you wish to commence your studies in the U.S.

Admission Tests

American colleges commonly require a score on either the SAT or ACT. Many will accept scores on either test, but some request the SAT only or the ACT only. Be sure to check college websites and/or the application materials themselves to determine each college’s requirements. There is no “pass” mark for these admission tests. Your test scores are just one part of the whole application.

SAT

The SAT is the test most commonly held worldwide, and it is taken by over 1 million students annually. The SAT is held six times a year between October and June, at various sites throughout Australia. Special requests can be made for alternative centers or for accommodations appropriate to disabilities. In 2006-7 the cost of the test is US$63.50. If you miss the registration deadline, it may be possible to sit the test on a standby basis. (Note the standby fee is an additional US$36.50). The SAT Registration Bulletin contains information about test dates, special requests, registration information and deadlines, test centers, fees, what the tests involve, sample questions and test taking tips. The SAT website is http://www.collegeboard.com

Some colleges may request scores on some SAT II Subject Tests which test knowledge in particular areas of study, eg, English, history, maths, etc. The SAT I: Reasoning Test and the SAT II: Subject Tests cannot be taken on the same test date.

The SAT I and II Information and Registration Bulletins and SAT Sample Test and Tips Bulletin are available from all the EducationUSA Advising Centers in Australia. Test preparation materials are available from the advising centers located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

SAT dates for 2007-2008

English Language Tests

In most cases, Australian students do not have to sit any English tests (eg, TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language), although often material sent to overseas enquirers may appear to suggest that such a test is a firm requirement. Your application and school records will indicate whether or not your education has been in English. If English is not your first language OR if the majority of your studies have been completed in a language other than English, you will probably be required to take the TOEFL Test. This can be found at www.toefl.org. Registration Bulletins are available from all EducationUSA Advising Centers. Test preparation materials are available from the advising centers located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

ACT

The ACT is designed to access students’ general development and their ability to complete university level work. The test covers four “skill areas,” English, maths, reading and science reasoning. Students can only register for this test online, and the basic fee is US$44.50. It is not possible to take the ACT on a stand-by basis. More information on the ACT is available at www.act.org.

PSAT

The PSAT measures critical reading, math problem solving, and writing skills that are developed over time. The test, which is usually taken in Year 11, is an excellent practice test opportunity for the SAT. It also gives American citizens the opportunity to qualify for scholarship and recognition programs. For more information on the PSAT see the PSAT website. Test preparation materials are available from the advising centers located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Contact any EducationUSA Advising Center for more infomation about the PSAT.

AP

AP (Advanced Placement) Exams are available as 35 exams in 19 subject areas. These exams allow students to receive advanced placement and/or credit at many U.S. undergraduate institutions, for university level knowledge and work completed prior to starting tertiary level studies. For more information on AP Exams see the AP website.

Finances

More difficult than gaining admission, is finding the funds required to pay for tuition and living costs. Higher education in the United States is very expensive. Careful financial planning is essential. Universities and colleges will not accept foreign students without evidence of guaranteed means of support, and visas cannot be obtained without that evidence. The national average tuition fee at four-year U.S. colleges and universities in 2002-03, was US$10,428 at public institutions, and US$18,273 at private ones. The 2002-03 national average tuition fee at two-year US colleges, was US$6,744 for public institutions, and US$9,890 for private ones. The average cost of on-campus room and board at any type of institution is US$5750 per academic year. Tuition costs increase around 5% per year.

There is very little financial assistance for international students, from either Australian or American sources, for undergraduate or first degree study in the USA. For links that may provide assistance in the search for financial assistance, please refer to the Financial Assistance section of ourwebsite.

If you don’t have funds to pay for your own education, you should narrow your search to those colleges which make financial aid available to international students. Most of the Australians studying in the States for bachelor’s degrees, support themselves by way of personal or family funds. Statistics indicate that at the undergraduate level, about 80% of international students finance their own education. The International Student Handbook of U.S. Colleges, published annually by The College Board, lists those colleges which offer financial assistance to international undergraduates. A list of some websites with financial aid information for international students appears in the Financial Assistance section.

If you are applying for need-based financial assistance for international students, you will be asked to complete a detailed financial aid application which will require you to list your own and your parents’ income and assets. All these questions should be answered honestly.

For information on scholarships for student athletes, please see the Sports Scholarships section of our website.

Student Exchange Programs

It is possible to go to the United States on a one or two-semester student exchange program. Australia’s universities now have many international student exchange agreements in place with U.S. institutions. These exchange programs allow the student to undertake study at an approved university overseas, and have that study credited towards their Australian degree. Gaining credit for the overseas study enables the student to complete a degree in the normal length of time required. For further information, students should contact the International Office at the Australian university where they are currently enrolled.

Last update Wednesday, 13 February 2008

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