Studying in the USA

We are increasingly finding that our pupils want to study at an American university and felt that a little guidance might be useful. We have tried to work through the process in a logical fashion highlighting the key points in terms of research, preparation, application as well as deadlines. Throughout this document there are lots of hyperlinks that provide more detailed information so we suggest that you view it on computer so that you can make use of these links easily. Should you have any suggestions of how to further improve this document please do not hesitate to contact me. We are particular keen to glean any words of advice gained through personal experience and would encourage you to get in touch.

Sally Beeson ()

Why study in the USA?

Quite simply because of the liberal arts curriculum. Some UK universities are moving in that direction, butnone in this country offers,let alone insists on, the same breadth of choice. For a bright pupil who does well over all or most subjects but is not captivated by any one particular area, the system is perfect. British universities insist on evidence of commitment to a subject and a passion for studying it. The liberal arts system wants to see a wide range of interests and abilities – it is expected that most students will arrive thinking that they want to specialise in a particular subject but that they will eventually pick something completely different.

The range of subjects covered under liberal arts is surprising – including maths, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, languages, history, music, creative arts, English literature and language. The first two years of study are the broadest. Although all universities have their own exact requirements, Princeton’s model is reasonably typical. For the first two years,a student must take 4 credits per semester (there are two semesters per year) and these must be distributed over a set of 8 subject areas, i.e. you cannot ignore any one area. Please see link below for further information:

After the first two years, students major in one area, and may choose a minor in another, but there is still plenty of scope to include other subjects amongst the credits you select.All courses are four years and the overall system is much more “taught” than in the UK, with many more contact hours and much more structure.

The following website is probably the most important and useful website that you will find. It has a great deal of information about studying at a US university as well as lots of practice material for you to make use of – much of which is free!

Research and university visits

Once you have decided that studying in the US is for you, you need to get on with your research relatively quickly. We recommend that you look at websites (there is a wealth of information available) in order to draw up a shortlist of universities that you are interested in. We then strongly advise that you visit these universities during the Michaelmas long leave of your LVI year. Again, you will need to visit individual websites to check when you can visit and to book a place. The following links provide some more general information on university visits:

‘ We went on a tour in the Spring of Daisy’s LVI and visited Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Brown, one per day – it worked well. I think we (the parents) had rather hoped that once we got there, it would become clear that going to university in the US wasn’t the right thing to do, or wouldn’t be possible, so the idea would go away. But in fact, it proved just the opposite. The visits were crucial.’

Ivy League universities (the equivalent to Oxford and Cambridge in the UK - see table below) are particularly well set up for visits. They have an extensive programme of guided tours throughout the year with talks from Admissions Tutors and current students as well as an opportunity to look around.

Institution / Location / Athletic nickname / Undergraduate Enrolment / Graduate Enrolment / Motto
Brown University / Providence, Rhode Island / Bears / 70036316000000000006,316 / 70032333000000000002,333 / In DeoSperamus
(In God We Hope)
Columbia University / New York City, New York / Lions / 70037160000000000007,160 / 700415760000000000015,760 / In lumineTuovidebimus lumen
(In Thy light shall we see the light)
Cornell University / Ithaca, New York / Big Red / 700413931000000000013,931 / 70036702000000000006,702 / I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.
Dartmouth College / Hanover, New Hampshire / Big Green / 70034248000000000004,248 / 70031893000000000001,893 / Voxclamantis in deserto
(The voice of one crying in the wilderness)
Harvard University / Cambridge, Massachusetts / Crimson / 70037181000000000007,181 / 700414044000000000014,044 / Veritas
(Truth)
Princeton University / Princeton, New Jersey / Tigers / 70035113000000000005,113 / 70032479000000000002,479 / Dei sub numineviget
(Under God's power she flourishes)
University of Pennsylvania / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania / Quakers / 700410337000000000010,337 / 700410306000000000010,306 / Leges sine moribusvanae
(Laws without morals are useless)
Yale University / New Haven, Connecticut / Bulldogs / 70035275000000000005,275 / 70036391000000000006,391 / אוריםותומים
Lux et veritas
(Light and truth)

Admissions Tests

Every pupil applying to US universities must sit SAT or ACT examinations. It is worth investigating both options. Although SATs are more commonly sat, ACTs, if acceptable to your chosen universities, might be a better option for you.

“The SAT and ACT serve the same purpose in the admissions process at most universities; however, the exams themselves are both quite different. Do some research on both of the examinations and perhaps take a practice test to see which you think suits you best.”

US University Perspective - Mark Butt, Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Johns Hopkins University

ACTs

The ACT is a curriculum-based test which testsEnglish, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. The test is 2 hours, 55 minutes with an optional 30 minute Writing section as the final section. The more competitive US universities will require students to take the Writing section (which is not available on the February testing date in 2013-15). The ACT is particularly suited to those studying the sciences and Maths.

Much more information is available online:

SATs

There are two types of test you might be considering – the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests. If you are applying to IvyLeague universities you are likely to need to sit the SAT reasoning tests and 2 or 3 subject tests of your choice. Otherwise, it is likely that you will only need to sit the SAT Reasoning Test becauseyour A-Levels will count as the Subject Tests. Some universities will also require you to sit an entrance test– check on the university websites – they are all different.

In order to sit any SAT tests, you will need to register with College Board:

Go to More to Explore click on SAT and then on Log in or sign up for an account and then click onCreate an Account.

When creating your account, it is absolutely crucial that you ensure you have spelt everything correctly; if, for example, the spelling of your first name is incorrectly entered or you use a shortened version which doesn’t match your photo id (passport/driving licence), on test day you will not be permitted to sit the test. Remember that in the US when writing the date the month is entered first – beware of this when putting in your date of birth.After putting your information in you will be asked to confirm it is correct – make sure you check this carefully.

‘’There is absolutely no leeway for making errors in applications or registration – we saw people turned away in tears because they had got it somehow wrong. You can take one or two tests in one day (each lasts up to three hours) so you are there for several hours with short snack breaks.’

There is a lot of information on the College Board website so take time to explore the site fully and make good use of the information and resources available. You should be able to do the following:

  • complete an online SAT course
  • access an official SAT study guide
  • get sample SAT questions and answers
  • have a go at a free SATpractice test
  • see your test scores
  • see dates and deadlines e.g. for registration or when scores are available
  • search for colleges
  • get careers information
  • access an app for iPhones or iPod Touch to get a Question of the Day sent directly to your phone or iPod

Candidates with Access Arrangements (SEN)

You will need to visit the SSD student page where you can find out what the application requirements are and how to apply for testing accommodations (access arrangements e.g. extra time, word processor etc.). The application can be made online or on paper but the former may save time and get a response or decision more quickly (reviewing accommodations requests takes approximately 7 weeks so you will need these in place well before you register to take a test).

Registering for Test Dates

As there is a limited number of venues in the UK for testing make sure you register at the earliest opportunity or you may find everywhere is fully booked. Bear in mind that most students will take the test a number of times in order to submit the best score possible. Some of the venues may not offer every test date so do check and keep a record of when and where you have registered for testing.

Test Day

SAT tests take place on Saturday mornings – you will need to be at the venue by 7.30 am so, depending on where the test is taking place, you may need to make arrangements to go home the evening before and for someone to drive you there early the next morning. Alternatively you could book accommodation near the venue to avoid having to get up so early to travel to the test centre. The SAT Reasoning Test takes until about 1 – 1.30 pm to complete so let whoever is picking you up know.

Before your test day carefully read the Test Day Checklist about what you can or can’t take with you to the SAT. Research the venue so that you know where it is and any particular instructions you need e.g. for parking. Gather together your equipment well in advance so that you’re not rushing around looking for it at the last minute.

You must take a print off of your Admission Ticket and a form of photo id with you e.g. passport or (provisional) driving licence. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THESE YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED. (To get your Admission Ticket sign into My SAT and click on“Print Admission Ticket”.) Check the ID Requirements information on the website to ensure you take an acceptable form of ID with you.

The use of mobile phones and certain other electronic devices as noted below is prohibited within SAT test centres, and you should not bring these devices to the test centre.

  • Cell phones or smart phones, including BlackBerrys, iPhones or Android devices
  • iPods or other MP3 players
  • iPads or other tablet devices
  • Laptops, notebooks, PDAs or any other personal computing devices
  • Pagers or any other texting devices
  • Separate timers of any type
  • Cameras or other photographic equipment
  • Any device capable of recording audio, photographic or video content, or capable of viewing or playing back such content.

When you arrive you will firstly go through a security check – the Test Supervisor will check that everything on your Admissions Ticket and photo id match – i.e. name, date of birth etc. You will then be seated in the test room. You must keep your Admission Ticket with you at all times.

You should make sure you have the following with you:

  • Two HB pencils
  • Soft eraser
  • Pencil sharpener
  • An acceptable calculator (read the calculator policy on the website)

‘Nice to have things’ to take with you:

  • A watch (without an audible alarm)
  • Extra batteries and backup equipment
  • A bag or backpack
  • A drink and snacks (for your break)

The SAT Reasoning Test consists of 10 timed sections varying from 25 to 10 minutes long. (The SAT Subject Tests are 1 hour long each and you may do up to 3 in a session.) The first section is always an essay and the remainder are focused on your Maths and English Language skills. The Test Supervisor will read out the instructions for completing the information required on the Answer Sheet and also give you a five minute warning before the end of each test section. Follow instructions carefully and make sure you ask if you are not sure. Short breaks are scheduled between each section of the Reasoning Test but after a group of 3 sections there are longer breaks so that candidates can go to the toilet or have a drink/snack.

At the end of the test, make sure you take all your possessions with you. You can cancel your test scores should you wish to by either completing a form supplied by the Test Supervisor or online. You may also report any suspected malpractice or maladministration online should you need to.

Bradfield does not offer coaching for SATs and we are not a SAT centre. This means that you will have to make your own arrangements in terms of coaching and sitting your SATs test. SATs are very different to anything we do in the UK and thus we strongly recommend that you seek help to prepare.

‘One of James’teachers, trying to help her with the Literature paper (critical appreciation done by multiple choice!) described it as “reductive, restrictive and ridiculous” and we wouldn’t disagree. You need to get into the mind-set of the test process, delivering what is required and only that, not what you would like to say.’

There are a number of institutions that run SAT courses, for example Greens in Oxford and the Kaplan test prep – please use the links below. Alternatively, you may prefer to arrange you own private tuition:

Results

Results take a few weeks to arrive and come in the form of a numbered score for each test of up to 800.The way in which your overall SAT score is calculated isquite complicated; a clear explanation can be found here:

Your SAT scores should be forwarded directly to your universities through College Board. However, there can be a delay and, if you are close to the deadline, it is advisable to contact the university directly with your results. Please check individual websites for further details.

US universities have entry requirements in terms of SAT scores just as UK universities have entry requirements in terms of A-level grades or IB points. Achieving SAT scores within the right range is crucial to achieving an offer. That said, SAT scores alone are not enough. US universities are incredibly keen on the all-round contribution that you will make to their institution. The following quote is taken from Yale’s website:

Transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendations help paint a picture not only of a student’s accomplishments to date but also of the ways in which an applicant has taken advantage of the opportunities available to him or her…Again, we are looking for students who will make the most of Yale and the most of their talents. Knowing how you’ve engaged in the resources and opportunities at your high school gives us an expectation of how you might engage with the resources at Yale if admitted.

In selecting future Yale students, President Brewster wrote, “I am inclined to believe that the person who gives every ounce to do something superbly has an advantage over the person whose capacities may be great but who seems to have no desire to stretch them to their limit.” Within the context of each applicant’s life and circumstances, we look for that desire and ability to stretch one’s limits.

Application

General

The vast majority of US universities subscribe to The Common Application which is a centralised system rather like UCAS. For the full list of universities that subscribe please use the link below:

Should you wish to apply to a university that does not subscribe to The Common Application you will need to visit that university’s website to look at how you should apply.

The Common Application allows you to apply online or through the postal system. The online application is the best approach although some universities do insist on postal application, for exampleearly applications for Brown University. It is important to check such details well in advance of deadlines. In general, you should aim to submit your application whether online or via the postal system at least a couple of weeks prior to the deadline. The final deadline for regular applications is 1st January and this is absolutely set in stone. There is an early application option for exceptional students. The deadline for this is 1st November; please use the link below to learn more about whether early application is appropriate for you:

bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/the-facts-about-applying-early-is-it-right-for-you