Study in the United States | Apply to a US University

Are you interested in going to university in the United States? If you want an American style liberal arts education, are interested in exploring the diverse culture and landscape of the United States, or just want to try something new, completing your university education in the United States may be a great option for you. Whether you’re an undergraduate interested in a bachelor’s degree, or want to come to the US to earn your master’s or doctorate degree, there are likely to be many potential options to help you pursue your dreams.

Why Apply to a University in the United States?

Universities in the United States are respected throughout the world, meaning that studying there might be one avenue to earn a top notch liberal arts education. Not only might you pursue specialized study in your field of choice, but, as a hallmark of liberal arts programs, you might also develop a well-rounded foundation across disciplines. Plus, the United States is home to many companies and organizations in a variety of industries, potentially enabling you to take your knowledge out of the classroom and into the real world.

The United States has a lot to offer outside the classroom, too. From the vibrant and unique regional cultures and communities throughout the United States, to the vast, sweeping vistas of untouched landscapes, national parks, historic sites and museums, there’s a ton for you to explore.

Respected universities, internship opportunities, a diverse culture… Studying in the United States could have many potential benefits and this attract students from around the world. You might not be the only international student in your university or program. You could have the opportunity to meet and befriend not only American students but people from around the globe, further enriching your American experience. Wherever you choose to attend, studying in the United States might be the personal and academic experience of a lifetime.

What Is It Like to Study in the United States?

Depending on your background, studying in the United States might be a new and exciting experience. American university education, especially at the baccalaureate level, tends to emphasize liberal arts education. That means that your program may aim to provide a diverse and well-rounded education by exposing students to a variety of disciplines throughout their academic career. In other words, in addition to your major courses, you might learn the basics in a wide variety of areas. As a result, many students are able to start attending university with an undeclared major, taking advantage of the opportunity to explore a few different areas at the introductory level before settling on their program.

Another unique quality of American university culture: sports. College athletics holds a unique importance in the United States, especially if you attend an NCAA Division 1 school. Especially at those schools, games for the sport in question (American football and basketball in particular) may not only be an extracurricular pastime, but also a major event, for students, faculty, and even the surrounding community. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a passionate fan, or interested in studying a subject related to competitive athletics (such as sports medicine), choosing to attend one of these schools might be a great opportunity. You could expand your horizons, experience a unique aspect of American culture, or, depending on your course of study, bring your studies out of the classroom and into the real world.

Deciding Where to Study in the United States

Saying the United States is a big place is a bit of an understatement. With distances from the east to west coast ranging from 2,600 to 3,200 miles, there is an awful lot of room for unique regional cultures to grow and flourish. With that in mind, you might have a lot of great options when you’re choosing where to study. How do you know which programs might be great for you?

One way to narrow down your options might be your intended course of study. In some cases, a particular region might be uniquely suited to your preferred subject area. Whether that means choosing a coastal region for marine biology, the Pacific Northwest for forestry, Washington DC to immerse yourself in history and international politics, the Silicon Valley or the entertainment industry in California, or a city with a thriving visual and performing arts culture like New York, your specific academic or professional interest might lead you to schools in a certain region.

But what if you’re not quite sure what you want to study? You might still be able to identify some areas that might be suited to your interests. For example, do you identify more with the creative mindset and laid back nature the west coast is known for? Or do you think you’d fit in better with the longer history and faster pace of the east coast? If you’re interested in particular cultural experiences (say, national parks and forests, history and the arts, or a quieter small town atmosphere), ease of travel, or even a certain climate, this might help narrow down your choices of where to go.

Things to Remember When Preparing to Go to University in the United States

If you’ve decided you want to go to university in the United States, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, preparing to apply and attend your preferred program might be an involved process. Between preparing to travel and live in a new country, to choosing and applying to the right schools, to figuring out how to fund it all, there’s a lot to consider. Here are some things you might want to keep in mind:

• English Proficiency – Some universities in the United States might require proof of a certain level of English proficiency, if you come from a non-English speaking background. One accepted way of providing this, if English is not your first language, is by completing a proficiency exam like the TOEFL.
• Placement Tests – Some universities might require a standardized placement test like the SAT or ACT.
• Obtaining Your Visa – If you’re planning to complete your full degree in the United States, you might want to make sure your visa allows you to do the things you want to do, such as travel, obtain internships, or get a job for some extra spending money.
• Budgeting The Trip – While as an international student you might not be eligible for US federal aid, that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to fund your education in addition to loans. Some schools might have money set aside as grants and scholarships for international students. You might also be able to apply for scholarships and grants from other organizations. Remember also to account for other living expenses when budgeting. These could include books and supplies, food, transportation, health needs, travel, and other potential expenditures.
• Insurance – Do you need health insurance? Some universities might require it. If this is the case, you might want to follow up with your chosen schools, as they may be able to assist you or provide guidance in obtaining it.
• Other Application Requirements – The specific application requirements at each of your potential universities might vary. Make sure you’ve collected all the necessary and submitted it according to each school’s requirements. If you used the common application, make sure to double check that your intended university does not have additional requirements.

These are only some of the things you might need to think about throughout your process of selecting potential schools, applying, and preparing to attend school in the United States. Depending on your particular circumstances, you might have more considerations unique to your situation.

Find and Apply to US Universities

Are you ready to find and apply to universities in the United States? UniversitiesAbroad.com is here to help! We’ve collected some great potential United States universities for you to consider. If you’d like to narrow the options down a bit more, you can filter by your intended degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate). Then get started reading up on potential programs, and reach out to the ones you’re interested in for more information or to begin the application process!