Hi!
Since the age of about thirteen (or around that age I guess anyway … not that it matters), I’ve dreamed of attending a university in the U.S. (probably motivated from all the NCAA gymnastics I watch!). I know it’s hellishly expensive and I don’t come from the most well-off family, but I honestly do think it will be feasible on the long run (a la, the memories you make).
In terms of academics, I’m not gunning for Harvard/Yale-level admission – I have 8 GCSEs and am currently studying for 3 A-Levels. At present, I haven’t taken the SAT, and was wondering if anyone could advise me on whether I should or not? – I can’t envision what score I’d get on the SAT anyway, but I guess I’d maybe rank between 40-60th percentiles. At the end of the day, I know who I am as a student and I’m not a straight A* student, so colleges with sub-30% acceptance rates could be pushing above my weight, per se!
I wish to pursue a degree in Liberal Arts – I’m toying with the majors along the lines of Theatre; English; Media or Creative Writing, so I’m really interested in a school with a strong department in this field.
However, I really need a school that caters for international students well – they need to preferably offer scholarships for international students or provide some form of financial aid. If not, I was wondering if you know any other ways to get scholarships/aid outside of a school, privately. I’m not sure if intl students can apply for Work-Study programs!
Geographically, I don’t mind where the school is, but I would really love a college with a great student life!
Please let me know if you have any suggestions; thanks so much!!!
Hi, it depends on the school (there are literally thousands) but most will take 2 years of GCSE study and having your A-levels is an added bonus. What kind of school are you looking for besides one with a good Liberal Arts program? What factors are important to you?
some things to consider:
City versus suburban
Diversity
Religion
Greek life
Political climate
Class sizes
And you say geography doesn’t matter, but it might - do you like warmer climates or are you ok with tons of snow, do you want to be near major cities or is that not a factor, etc…
Thanks
You may find one possible option is to matriculate at a university in the UK, and then come to the United States to study abroad for a year.
Hey! Thanks for the guidance.
To address these:
City vs Suburban – I would prefer city, but suburban if it isn’t too much of a trek to a city!
Diversity – The more the diverse, the better!
Religion – I’m not religious, so no religious affiliation would be preferable
Greek life – I’m not fussed about greek life, honestly.
Political climate – Not desired either.
Class sizes – 25-40 should be sufficient, but I’m not TOO bothered about that.
Climate – I would prefer a warmer climate than cold, but I do come from England so I’m prepared for all Arctic conditions lol!
Thanks a lot.
Not that many schools give scholarship to international students. They would have to be very top tier students for schools to give FA/scholarship. It is why most international students in the States are generally fairly wealthy. US college tuitions are also a lot higher than other countries. You would be better off to enroll in an UK school and study abroad in the US.