Attending college in the US, is one of the American dreams,
many international students seek to achieve.
A decision to attend college in the US should not be a last minute
thought. To be successful, it requires a well thought out plan. This
will be a students’ new home for the next four years. With over 2,500 schools
to choose from, this can be a daunting task. What should you consider?
Budget
The cost of university ranges depending on public vs.
private. Tuition ranges from $5000 at public schools to
$30,000 for private schools. This does not include room and board, books,
health insurance or incidentals. However, in the US, you cannot judge a school
by its price tag.
There are schools with solid programs without the hefty
price tag. Do your research. Allow your intended major to guide you not the
brand name or the price tag. Decided
your intended major and search for schools with robust programs in that field.
Compare the school’s national ranking with their program’s ranking. The school’s national ranking came be very
different from program ranking. Take Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia
Tech) ranks #36 nationally; their engineering program ranks #6.
Look for the schools
that are looking for you. Schools
seeking to increase the diversity on their campuses should be at the top on
your list alongside schools offering scholarships to international
students.
