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Undoubtedly, there is a wide variety of American universities, so you can always find a great option to meet your aspirations and needs. However, we are aware that applying to these programs can be daunting for those outside the U.S.

Great College Advice is a team formed by leading professional university admissions consultants who support international students and their families through the university admission process in the United States.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to U.S. Universities from Argentina

Research According to Your Educational Interest

The first step to being accepted to any university is research, and this case is no exception. What kind of education interests you? Focusing on the branch that interests you the most is important because not all U.S. universities offer the same specializations. Other relevant data to consider are the geographical location, the size of the university, and the student-to-faculty ratio. Our professional university admissions counselors can help you choose universities with the right environment that matches your educational interests and preferences.

Hiring a University Admissions Advisor

Once you’ve done the necessary research, consider hiring a university admissions counselor as the second step. Admissions (no matter which university you decide to attend) are often a long and complicated process. Having our university admissions counselors on your side will undoubtedly make a difference. At Great College Advice, we are experts in the admissions processes at a wide variety of institution. 

No matter if you think you need to create a general strategic approach, find the best match for your interests, or aim for the most competitive universities in the U.S., we can help by tailoring the university admission plan to your specific needs. From building a list of universities, developing an application strategy to crafting the perfect essay, we will be there to support you in this important process every step of the way!

Initiating the Application Process

With the help we provide, you can narrow down the options to the best-suited centers that meet your needs and promptly start your application. But, what does this process involve?

This process contains several fundamental parts:

Standardized Tests

According to each university’s requirements, you may need to take one or more standardized test, such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS. At Great College Advice, we’ll help you understand which tests you need to take and how to prepare for them.

Personal Essays

Another important aspect to consider is that while some universities do not require an essay, others may require up to five. Personal essays can showcase each applicant’s unique qualities, experiences, and motivations for studying in the U.S. It might sound challenging, but don’t forget that you can count on our support! To help you get one step closer to admission to your dream university, we offer a variety of essay packages to ensure you get the best help when crafting compositions for your chosen institutions.

Letters of Recommendation

In addition to the above, you will also need to submit letters of recommendation written by teachers or professionals who can attest to your academic and personal qualities. We’ll help you understand who to ask for letters of recommendation and, more importantly, how to ask so that you get a glowing letter.

Application Forms

Another point that we cannot overlook is completing the application forms for each university you are applying to. Yes, we know it might seem obvious, but when dealing with so many issues and important matters, it can be overlooked. Pay close attention to deadlines and required documents. The guidance of professionals with knowledge and experience in this matter can help alleviate stress, organize the process, and monitor timelines so that you are always one step ahead.

Financial Documentation

In order to get a visa, you’ll need to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself and pay for tuition and other living expenses. We can help advise you early so that you have plenty of time to navigate this complicated part of the process. 

How to Obtain a Student Visa for the U.S. from Argentina

To enter the United States, Argentine students admitted to the university for which they applied will need an F-1 visa. This document allows its holder to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at a university, college, seminary, conservatory, academic primary school, academic high school, or other accredited academic institution, as well as in a language training program. 

Students must be actively enrolled in a course of study or program that, upon completion, will award them a diploma, degree, or certificate. Additionally, the U.S. government must authorize the school to admit international students. Keep in mind that the F-1 visa is temporary and should not be considered a pathway to permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for the F-1 Visa

• Be accepted at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in the United States.
• Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial funds to support your stay in the United States.
• Be a full-time student at the institution.
• Be enrolled in a course that helps improve and master English, unless already proficient in the language.
• Demonstrate intent to return to your home country once education in the United States is completed. Remember: The F-1 visa is only a temporary visa.

Requirements for the F-1 Visa

• Valid Passport
• DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form
• Form 1-20: The university they finally enroll in will provide this form. In the application, they must indicate the amount of funds required for their education in the U.S. Here also, supporting documentation such as tax records, payment receipts, or bank statements will be required.
• Proof of Medical Insurance
• University Acceptance Letter

What to pack

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure! Once you’re enrolled in your university and have all your documents in order, you will need some essential items for the trip.

Here we share a list for them to check the most important things to bring as an Argentine student to the United States:

• Health Insurance: Being far from home can present several challenges, so make sure you have up-to-date health insurance documentation in case you need medical attention. If you don’t have this yet, ask your university for more information
• International Phone Plan: So you can communicate while away from home.
• Bank Account: If you don’t already know it, find out the information so you can access your bank account while abroad.
• Copies of Important Documents: Make sure you bring photocopies of documents that are harder to access outside of Argentina, such as your passport.
• Seasonal Clothing: Keep in mind that your new home at university may have a different climate than you are used to, so make sure to plan ahead and bring suitable clothing.
• Prepare for the Adventure: Being accepted into a U.S. university is a significant achievement. As a family, prepare to support and enjoy this new stage of their lives.

We are ready to accompany you on this journey!

At Great College Advice, we offer comprehensive and personalized counseling services to students from around the world, including Argentina.

Here are some of our most popular service offerings:

Roadmap Planning Session 

To start, our team will efficiently and effectively gather the most important information about your child and your family. Once analyzed, we develop a personalized strategy for success in the university admission process.

College Admissions Planning and Advising:

We offer two all-inclusive packages for college planning services.

• Premium Package: Aimed at 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Here, you will receive comprehensive guidance on all aspects of the college selection and application process. This package is excellent for families seeking merit-based scholarships to reduce the cost of college education.
• Elite Package: For students from eighth grade onward who aspire to the most selective schools in our country.

College Essay Guide

College essays can be challenging. If you feel like you have the college application process under control but just need some help with the essays, we’re here for you! We offer essay-only coaching to help get you through what is often the trickiest part of applying to US colleges and universities.

Advantages of Working with U.S. University Advisors

By working with Great College Advice, you’ll receive professional advice tailored to your child’s specific case, their abilities, and aspirations, completely personalized. The comprehensive approach we take ensures that the university selected is the right one. Our counseling has resulted in 97% of students who choose us being accepted into their top three preferred universities.
Connecting with us is easy. We can provide counseling through teleconferencing, phone, email, and our web platform. If you want more information, contact us for a free consultation today.

The post How to Apply to U.S. Universities from Argentina in Eight Simple Steps first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

How many students apply to US universities from Brazil?

Every year, the Institute of International Education (IIE) publishes statistics on international students studying in the United States.  In 2022, IIE reported that there were nearly 15,000 Brazilian students studying at American universities. Of these, approximately half were studying for their undergraduate diploma. This makes Brazil among the top 15 countries in the world sending students to study in the United States.

What kinds of universities exist in the US?

There are over 4,000 institutions of higher education in the United States.  These can be divided into at least three main categories that might be of interest to Brazilian students. 

Community colleges, also known as junior colleges

These are 2-year institutions that offer Associates degrees in a wide variety of academic disciplines. Community colleges also offer technical and vocational training. Some of these colleges are private, but most are public (meaning that they are supported by local and state governments). 

Public four-year colleges and universities 

Every one of the 50 states in the US has several public universities.  These offer Bachelor’s degrees, and may also offer Masters degrees, doctoral degrees, and other professional degrees.  Some of these public universities may be focused on particular disciplines (most often science and engineering). Two leading examples of this sort of specialized public university include Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. Most public universities, however, offer a wide range of degree programs, including diplomas in the arts and sciences, engineering, and business. 

Private four-year colleges and universities

Most of the oldest universities in the United States were formed by private entities and religious groups. These include Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth, and Columbia. These, plus many a few others, were founded while the American colonies were still subject to British rule. Some private universities offer a wide range of degree programs, including Bachelor’s, Masters, and doctorates. Some, however, offer only undergraduate or Bachelor’s degrees.  These are generally referred to as “colleges” though some of these private institutions call themselves “universities” even if they do not offer advanced degrees.  

What subjects can Brazilians study in the United States?

Brazilian students can study just about anything they like either as undergraduate or graduate students. The range of programs is nearly infinite.  However, here are some of the most popular kinds of degree programs offered. 

Arts and sciences.  These are the traditional academic disciplines, which not only include the arts (e.g., literature, art history, music) and sciences (chemistry, physics, geology, biology), but also the social sciences (psychology, economics, sociology). 

Business. Brazilian students interested in entrepreneurism, marketing, management, accounting, or real estate may want to elect to study business. Most students elect to study business either at the Bachelor’s or Masters level (also known as an MBA).  Some undergraduate institutions are highly focused on business education, including Babson and Bentley. 

Engineering.  Brazilian students can pursue engineering studies either at a public university like the University of Michigan or the University of Colorado.  Or they can study engineering at more specialized public universities like the Colorado School of Mines or the Illinois Institute of Technology.  Some private universities also specialize in science and technology studies, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).  Some smaller undergraduate colleges also offer engineering degrees, including Swarthmore and Lafayette Colleges.  Or you could study engineering in the Ivy League, including Brown, Harvard, and Dartmouth. 

Arts. Brazilian students can pursue degrees in fine arts, music, drama, dance, or film. These disciplines are offered at many comprehensive universities, whether public or private. However, Brazilians interested in the arts can attend specialized institutions that focus on one or more art forms, such as Juilliard or the Manhattan School of Music.

How do do you apply to US universities from Brazil?

The application process for entrance to American universities is generally quite different than in other countries, especially when it comes to undergraduate education. 

Brazilians applying to American universities for undergraduate degrees must first demonstrate their academic abilities. This is done by submitting the academic record for the last four years of secondary school (in the US, this is called the “transcript”). In addition, students may be asked to submit scores on standardized tests (the SAT or ACT) and one or more letters of recommendation from teachers and school counselors. 

Beyond that, Brazilian students will also present other activities and accomplishments outside the classroom. This might include sports, the arts, volunteer service, employment, family responsibilities, hobbies, academic research, internships, or other involvements. The most selective universities will want to see evidence of excellence in at least one of these general domains. 

The application process itself can be quite confusing for Brazilian students who want to study in the USA. While different universities have slightly different processes, here is a general outline of the steps required to apply to American universities.

• Choose the universities to which you will submit your application
• Perform as well as possible in secondary school by taking the most difficult subjects available to you in your areas of interest
• Develop and expand your accomplishments outside of school
• Take required tests such as the ACT or SAT
• Take a language proficiency test
• Request letters of recommendation from teachers and school officials
• Submit your academic record and other documents to universities
• Prepare for interviews, if they are offered by the university
• Apply on the university website or platform, such as the Common Application
• Pay application fees

Note that the deadlines for applications to American universities may be up to one year before entry. That is, deadlines can be as early as October 1 for entry to university in September of the following year. For the most selective universities, the early round of applications is due in November, and the normal deadlines are generally in January for entry the following September. Thus you cannot decide at the last minute to apply to an American university.  You must prepare your applications well in advance.

How difficult is it to apply to US universities from Brazil?

The difficulty of getting into American universities depends on the type of university you would like to attend.  Community colleges are generally the least difficult, as they are generally open to all.  However, you will need to demonstrate minimum academic competency and the ability to pursue studies in English. 

Admission to four-year universities, whether public or private, can be either easy or difficult, depending on the university. Some have admission rates of 80-90% or more, so as long as you meet the minimum academic and English language requirements, it is not difficult to gain admission to these universities.

However, some American universities are very, very selective, and have admission rates as low as 3%.  Some of the most selective private universities include the eight universities fo the Ivy League, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, University of Chicago, and Duke.  Public universities, too, can be very difficult to get into, including the University of Michigan, the University of California-Berkeley, University of Virginia, and University of North Carolina. 

Things can become even more complicated and competitive when applying for certain kinds of academic disciplines, including computer science, engineering, or economics, as these are among the most competitive programs. Similarly, it can be more difficult to get into business programs at some universities. 

While American universities welcome Brazilian students, they also welcome students from every other country. However, the majority of students at any American university will be American citizens. At some of the most selective universities, international students make up only about 10-15% of the total undergraduate population (the University of Southern California and New York University generally admit a larger percentage of international students). 

It’s important to understand that the average admission rates published on various websites may or may not reflect YOUR chances of admission. If you are uncertain about your own chances of admission to a top American university, you may want to get professional advice. 

How much does an American university cost?

Generally speaking, American universities are more expensive than in other parts of the world. These are the average costs of attending different sorts of universities according to the Education Data Initiative. Note that international students would be expected to pay the “out-of-state” price at a public university, as they are not residents or citizens of the particular state in which the public university. In some cases, international students may, in fact, pay somewhat more than the out-of-state price. 

Note that the prices in the tables below are average prices.  Some of the more selective colleges and universities can be much more expensive.  For example, New York University costs nearly $100,000 per year.  Also note the cost of attendance includes most–but not necessarily all–expenses that a student might incur while studying in the US.  Generally the “cost of attendance” includes lodging, meals, health insurance, technology or other fees, books and supplies, and average travel costs.

PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

**Cost of Attendance does not account for potential lost income nor student loan interest. SOURCE:  Hanson, Melanie. “Average Cost of College & Tuition” EducationData.org, June 25, 2023, https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college

Can Brazilian students get scholarships to attend US universities?

It is possible for Brazilians to get scholarships to attend American universities. There are two types of scholarships. First there are scholarships based on the financial need of the student. Unfortunately the majority of American universities do not provide this sort of scholarship to Brazilian students.  Only the top-ranked schools offer scholarships to Brazilian students based on their need, and of course, these are among the most difficult universities to get into. 

Second, there are scholarships based on the talents and merit of the student.  While top tier universities like the members of the Ivy League do not provide any scholarships based on merit, many other colleges and universities do.  Most of those that do provide merit scholarships to Brazilian students are private universities, as public universities reserve their merit based scholarships for residents of that particular state. 

Navigating the costs of studying in the United States is one of the reasons that professional guidance can be important. 

Who can help apply to US universities from Brazil?

Many Brazilian students–especially those aiming for the top tier of American universities–engage with professional advisors to help them navigate the complicated admissions process.  A professional advisor can help you identify–from among thousands of possibilities–the colleges and universities that suit you best. They can also help you prepare in advance for your applications: some families hire a consultant 3 or 4 years before entry to university so that they can prepare to be competitive for top tier institutions. Further, they can help you with the fairly complex admissions requirements and help ensure that your application presents you in the best possible way. Finally, they can help you with the personal statements and other pieces of writing you may have to complete as part of your application.  Most students–no matter what country they are from–have difficulty in understanding the purpose of these writing assignments and in properly structuring responses that will have the desired result.

The team of professional consultants at Great College Advice is very experienced in helping Brazilian students –and other international students–to apply to competitive universities in the United States. We are a small team of experts who work one-on-one with students as they prepare for university, select the right colleges to suit their educational needs, and complete the complex applications. We have a very strong record of supporting talented Brazilian students who succeed in being accepted to top tier universities.

If you think professional guidance might help give you an advantage, connect with us for a free consultation.  We’d be happy to meet you and explain our process of guiding students toward their own American educational dream.

The post Apply to US Universities from Brazil first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Which is better, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)? Do colleges find one more impressive over the other?

In my opinion, both the AP and IB programs are equally valuable. In that the exams associated with those courses provide an external measure of quality. Any student who does well on the end-of-course assessments associated with either program can genuinely claim to have done college work in a high school setting.

The structures of the two programs are very different, however. Think of AP and IB this way. AP is a smorgasbord: pick the courses you want, leave behind those that tempt you less. IB, by contrast, is a “prix fixe” menu: you get all or nothing. There is a range of choice within IB, but the entire high school curriculum is dictated by those initial choices.

The fact is that highly competitive AP students are taking 6, 7, 10 AP courses and doing well on the exams (scores of 4 or 5 out of five possible points). Likewise, highly competitive IB students are not only taking the IB courses. But are scoring 5, 6, or 7s (out of seven) on the diploma tests. However, there are also plenty of students who take lots of AP courses who do not do well on the exams (many do not even take them!). Similarly, there are students in IB programs who are unlikely to fulfill all the requirements of the IB diploma.

As to whether colleges prefer AP or IB? Colleges like them both. Both programs represent tough curricular requirements. But in the end, it’s all about the student’s performance. Did they perform at the very top of the scale for either program? Did they pass the independently administered exams with flying colors? If so, colleges will be heavily recruiting those students, regardless of the AP or IB label.

How to choose AP or IB

For some students, the choice between AP or IB will be simple. Their high school may offer one or the other but not both. So if you don’t really have a choice, embrace the curriculum offered by your school. Also commit to doing the best possible job you can in that curriculum.

Some students may be considering a choice between two high schools. One that offers the AP and one that offers the IB. In this case, consider your own preferences. Do you want a bit more freedom to accelerate your learning in areas that interest you most? Do you want to double up in some subjects in which you perform extremely well, while dialing back on those that are not your cup of tea? If so, you may want to choose the Advanced Placement program. So, that you can pick and choose the AP courses that suit you best.

About IB

Consider the IB, if you tend to like a wide variety of subjects and perform well in all of them. Similarly, consider the IB if you would like to focus in on a particular subject during the two-year diploma program. Some students find that they get more out of their IB chemistry or physics courses. For example, because they dive more deeply into the subject over two years than they can during a one-year AP course.

Unlike the AP program, IB is more of a “prix fixe” or “fixed menu” approach to secondary education. You have six different slots to fill in the curriculum, and you have to choose courses that fill those particular slots.  For example, you must choose from among a narrow range of math courses to fill the “math” slot.  You have a few choices to fill the science slot–and remember, you will study the same science for both 11th and 12th grade. You have to fill the “language A slot” with your mother tongue, and you fill the “language B” slot with a second language at a narrow range of levels. There is a “history/social science slot, too:  the range of courses offered by the IB globally is relatively broad, the but the offerings at your school are likely to be narrowed down to two to four choices. And then there is the “open” slot, which can be either an arts course (drama, music, studio art), a second science course (for those STEM-oriented students), or maybe a second social sciences course.  Again, you make these selections for the entirety of your last two years of secondary school. 

While the IB program worldwide does offer quite a few different courses and curricular options, the reality is that in US public high schools and in the private schools that offer the IB, the range of curricular choices can be quite narrow. For example, there are usually only three different choices for courses in the sciences. Most schools can offer only one or two foreign languages, and the offerings in the social sciences are likewise restricted. The reasons for this narrowness are primarily practical. Smaller IB programs don’t have the numbers of students to justify a wide variety of subjects in certain areas.

Economies of scale dictate the choices. For example, an IB program in a small private or international school may not have a large enough enrollment to offer a full range of courses in the social sciences or fine arts. So look carefully at what the school does (and doesn’t offer) before you sign up for that school.

About AP

If the IB is a fixed menu, then the AP is more of a buffet or smorgasbord approach: choose the things that you find most appetizing and make a academic meal of it. 

The AP program is not a full curriculum.  Rather it is a collection of rigorous high school syllabi that are presented to students who want to challenge themselves. The courses are then assessed according to a normed standard created by the College Board. Exams are corrected by individual subjects by groups of qualified AP teachers nationwide during a single week in the summer.  Thus, whether you attend school in a public school in Wyoming or a private school in Massachusetts, a score of 5 on the AP exam is considered a high achievement.  A 3 is a “passing score,” while 2s and 1s are considered failing.  

Thus it is possible, and not all that uncommon, for students to have lower grades in the AP course and then to ace the exam. It is more common, however, to get a high grade in the high school class and then fail the exam (more on this issue in a moment). 

With the AP program, students can choose to take one or two of these rigorous, nationally normed courses.  Or they can take 10 or 12 or more, depending on the structure of the school schedule and their own academic appetites. Similarly, students can focus their AP courses in subjects where they have relative strengths.  The STEM student could double down on science and math AP courses, while others may opt for more courses in the social sciences or languages.  

Extracurriculars and social considerations

One thing I have noticed over my years of experience in working with students in both AP and IB programs is that IB students often have a harder time balancing extracurricular commitments and their social lives with the rigors of the IB diploma program.

The IB is an “all in” proposition: once you sign up for the diploma program, you have to complete all the requirements in all six courses plus Theory of Knowledge. Plus there are the additional requirements of the Extended Essay and CAS (“Creativity, Activity, Service”). In addition there are a variety of assessments and that keep the pressure on students to perform.

It can be very difficult for IB diploma students to focus on their extracurricular pursuits and still perform academically at the highest levels. Top athletes as well as those who excel in the performing arts sometimes struggle to balance all their commitments.

On the other hand, some students pursuing an IB program that is embedded in a large public high school can benefit from the camaraderie in the IB program. These students take virtually all of their classes together, and it is sometimes easier for students to create strong friendships with like-minded peers.

The cafeteria-style AP program, however, can be better for students who want to find a better balance. They can choose only those AP courses that interest them, and in which they feel the can (and want to!) succeed.

It’s all about high school

The question raised at the beginning of this post is about college: which curriculum would be better for college admission? The answer is both and neither. The question of which curriculum to choose (assuming you actually have a choice) is about shaping your high school experience.

The IB is fundamentally a European high school experience. It was crafted in Europe to be a sort of curricular compromise. It is an amalgam of the British, French, and German secondary school curricula. And it is generally much more narrowly focused than the traditional high school experience in the United States.

The wide range of choice and flexibility of the Advanced Placement program is a product of American educational values. We recognize that no two students are identical. Each student has the ability to select the subjects and level of challenge that is right for him or her. Freedom to choose is at the heart of the program.

So if you do have a choice between AP and IB, don’t focus on which will give you a better shot at the Ivy League. Both will do the job (as long as you perform at the highest level).

Rather, consider which curricular structure best suits your personality, learning style, preferences, and academic curiosities. And don’t neglect other factors, like your extracurricular priorities and your personality. These non-academic factors can be decisive.

AP or IB?  Case studies

Andrew:

This young man attended a small K-8 school for gifted and talented students. He was smart and attentive, and generally a pleasant young man with a lot of curiosity and academic ambition. He also was a little bit quirky and goofy. And he had a small, tight-knit group of friends who were as quirky and goofy as he. His primary extracurricular talent was piano. He could pound out a technically perfect and emotionally wrenching Beethoven sonata as if he were eating a peanut butter sandwich.

When choosing high schools, I encouraged him to consider the IB program at a school across town. There he would be among a small, tight-knit group of academically focused students. And where he could thrive within the relatively stricter confines of the IB diploma program. He eventually went on to major in computer science at the University of Chicago (which itself was a great fit for this academically serious, quirky, creative young man).

Nick:

A strong musical and theater talent from a young age. Nick attended the same small K-8 school, where he had many friends. As a socially gregarious youth, Nick had nevertheless outgrown the social limitations of his small school. He was itching for new challenges. Additionally, the school with the IB program (which he could have attended with Andrew) was relatively weak in its music and drama offerings. His other choice was a large public high school with a Grammy-award winning fine arts program with three different orchestras, four different bands, and six different choirs.

He could also take an enormous variety of AP courses. Including music theory and juggle the responsibility of taking on lead roles in the annual musical. After taking 12 AP courses and earning a 35 on the ACT, Nick won several performing arts and academic scholarships at highly selective liberal arts colleges. He majored in music with a minor in Spanish. He studied history in Spain and won a research scholarship to study music in Cuba.

Both Andrew and Nick chose the programs that would make their high school experiences comfortable and successful. They were able to enjoy high school and perform to the highest level. And they both succeeded in their own way. In both cases, it was not the particular curriculum that made them successful. Rather, it was the self-understanding of their personal priorities that enabled them to get the most out of their high school experience.

The importance of pass rates at your school

One thing parents (and students) ought to keep in mind as they look at schools and at individual teachers: ask about their pass rate. That is, ask what percentage of students enrolled in these programs take and pass (or get perfect scores) on the AP or IB assessments? The answer to this question will be a better indicator of program quality than the label. I have several clients who are getting very high grades in AP courses, but who will never be able to pass the AP exams. Their teachers are simply not up to the job of presenting such a demanding curriculum and helping students achieve to the standards set by that curriculum.

So to reiterate, both the AP and IB programs are excellent preparation for college, and the colleges seek out students to excel in either environment. Students and teachers should look beyond the labels to ask about the quality of the programs on offer. Just as we don’t judge books by their cover, we should not judge a program by its label.

Which should you do: AP or IB?

If you have the option of choosing one of these programs over another, the choice can be difficult. The path you choose has a huge impact on your academic life in high school, and can also affect your extracurricular life (not to mention the amount of sleep you get!). So it’s important to choose wisely. 

The college prep experts at Great College Advice have loads of experience in guiding students in this big decision. We can help by asking questions to elicit your true feelings and your rational priorities.  Either of these curricular programs can be pathways to college success. Both are respected by college admissions officers. But which is right for you?

If you need to talk through these priorities and preferences, give us a call or contact us on our website. We’d be delighted to help you map your college journey.

Great College Advice

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1. There are attractive alternatives in other, neighboring states.
2. Illinois has not offered easy roads to being classified as “in-state” student for tuition purposes.
3. Out of state students also have many other options.
4. State lawmakers have eviscerated the higher education budget for year (as has been the case in so many other states).

Some of these reasons are not ones that universities in Illinois, including UIUC, can really do much about.  But this may also explain the dip in UIUC’s ranking in 2018.  This year it is #52, while it was #41 in 2014.
If it were a nimble private college, UIUC might be able to objectives a bit better and make the necessary changes quickly to both regain students and its ranking,  But as a public university, it will take quite a long time for it to adjust its game plan and improve its fortunes.

Educational Consultant

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Converting Your GPA
One of the most difficult aspects of the application process for international students is determining how your grades compare to a U.S. GPA.  Most colleges and universities will state the average GPA of their applicants. Unfortunately there is no definite way to create a direct translation of most international GPAs into a US GPA.   Most admission representatives will research the curriculum you are enrolled and estimate if you have an A average, B average, etc.
For example, if you are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, a score of a 7 or 6 may be considered an A in the U.S. system (which would approximately be a 3.7 to a 4.0 GPA).  If you are enrolled in the A-level program, a score of A or B would more than likely be considered an A in the US system.
Curriculum and Class Rank
Not only are your grades important, but so is the challenge of the curriculum you are taking.  High level courses in the International Baccalaureate program (along with obtaining the full IB diploma) are going to be considered more challenging than standard level courses.  In India, a student who is enrolled in the math/science track is going to be considered to be taking a more challenging curriculum than a student who is enrolled in the commerce track.
Most colleges and universities will want to see a profile of your school that describes what type of curriculum is available to you.  They will also be looking for information on your class rank.  They will want to see how your grades and curriculum compare to the other students enrolled at your school.
Educational consultants definitely help their international clients to determine how U.S. colleges and universities may view their curriculum and grades.  We can provide insights on how your transcript may be viewed in the U.S. admissions process.
Our next post will guide you through the standardized tests that are required for international students.

Educational Consultant

The post International Applicants: How Do Your Grades Compare? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

Educational Consultant

The post International Applicants: How the Application Process Works in the U.S. first appeared on College Admission Counseling.