<p>Ok, so here's my story. I'm an international student, planning to go to a us university(why is it called college?) in 2008,to study undergraduate economics I've read things about your application system...but I'm VERY confused.
1. Why do most universities have only a 2009/2010 class undergraduate page?
2.What are all the papers I need to send? (I know about SATS, TOEFL)
3.What's the thing with the essay? Is it like the UK personal statements where you must write about yourself and show passion for your subject?
Or you are giving a title and you must write the essay on that title?
4.Why is so much emphasis put on extra curriculars? I don't even think I can volunteer to work in a hospital here in Romania, I mean, it's just that no one does it.
5.From how many people do you need a rederence???????????
6.Do you need to study for undergrad and then postgrad too?
7.What can one do/work in the USA having studied economics?Are the jobs well paid?
Thanks in advance</p>
<p>The 2009 and 2010 years refer to the year of graduation, and not the year that you start freshman year. People starting freshman year in Fall 2006 will typically graduate in Spring 2010 and are referred to as the Class of 2010.</p>
<p>The word college has two meanings depending on context. A university can be called either a college or a university. It is just common in US English to use the phrase that you are going to college. Nobody would ever say that they are going to university. The other meaning of the word college is a department within a university. A university is a collection of colleges such as "College of Arts and Sciences", "College of Business", or "College of Engineering."</p>
<p>A college application will typically consist of:
a. application form (may be in two parts)
b. application fee (typically around $50)
c. essays written by applicant
d. description of extra-curriculars provided by applicant
e. high school transcript sent directly from applicant's high school
f. two references from teachers
g. one reference from guidance counselor
h. Standardized test scores such as the SAT, SAT II, ACT (SAT and ACT are competing tests and you only need one or the other. Some colleges require the SAT II Subject tests)</p>
<p>A college's website will tell you any additional requirements for international students. The TOEFL will typically be required but it can be waived if your SAT Verbal score is high enough. US universities/colleges will typically be familar with the secondary education systems in foreign countries, but you may have to help them interpret your curriculum or grading system.</p>
<p>The main difference for international students is financial aid. Very few US colleges are need-blind for international students, and the ones that are need-blind are the extremely selective ones. (There are 3400 4-year colleges in the US, but the competition to get into the top 15 or 20 colleges is insane.) In order to get a US Visa to attend college in the US, an international student must be able to prove that they have the financial resources to do so. The US government does not help with financial aid for international students.</p>
<p>Concerning the essay, they will give you a choice of topics and you can pick one. One of the topics is usually to make up your own topic and write on whatever you want. US colleges seek diversity on campus and being international can help you. You can appeal to the college on this basis in the essay.</p>
<p>The competition for the elite US colleges is very tough. The extracurricular activities and volunteer work is used to differentiate between applicants who all have very high academic credentials. An extracurricular activity can be anything. It doesn't necessarily mean a club at school. In fact, it is better for it to be just something that you are very interested in and work at on your own. Large public universities typically care less about this.</p>
<p>Concerning undergrad and post-graduate, a normal college degree in the US is four years. At that time, a lot of people take their degree and go get a job. Some continue to graduate school where they pursue doctorates in their field. Some go to medical school which is very competitive. Some go to business or law schools which is very competitive for the certain prestigious colleges and less competitive for others.</p>
<p>Thanks :) What is a guidance counselor ?</p>
<p>Instead of being a teacher, the guidance counselor is an administrative person that has several hundred students assigned to him/her. The purpose of the guidance counselor is to handle any discipline problems and other administrative matters but he/she does not teach. The GC might help the students signup for classes, plan for college, make career plans and so forth.</p>
<p>And if there is no GC???</p>
<p>Samantha, have you visited the International Students board? They might have some specific info/experiences for you.</p>
<p>I would suggest some administrative person at your school that knows you. Someone who is not a teacher such as the head of the high school. In the US the head of the high school would be called the principal. If anyone else at your school has applied to US colleges or any teachers know anything about it, you might check with them.</p>
<p>ok, thanks</p>