US University Representatives Visit Sydney

On Saturday I attended the Study in the USA Conference held by The World Leading School Association Foundation (WSLA) and the College Admissions Network (CAN) at Redlands School in Cremorne.

Over 250 students and parents were provided the opportunity to hear directly from seven Enrolment Managers and Deans of Admission from select US universities.

The conference started with a panel discussion followed by a college fair where students were able to speak directly to the US university representatives. My time working at a US University as Assistant Director of Admissions regularly took me to events very similar to this and speaking with prospective students.

Topics covered in the panel discussion included: admission requirements and academic flexibility, support for international students, scholarship and financial aid, campus life, and internships and career development.

The attending universities included:

• Brown University

• Northwestern University

• Rice University

• University of Chicago

• University of Southern California

• University of Michigan

• Vanderbilt University

A summary of the panel discussion questions and answers are below.

What are the Liberal Arts? 

Dr Douglas Christiansen from Vanderbilt University spoke of the liberal arts foundation which is unique to US universities.  Students are taught to analyse, think, dig deep and learn. Many students for the first time begin to understand how they best learn rather than just memorising content. Students will learn directly from professors undertaking a transformative learning experience. Additionally, students are encouraged take an array of academic subjects before deciding on what academic focus they choose to pursue.

What is required in the application process?

US University take a holistic admission process meaning they look at several different application components to decide if a student is admissible. James Nondorf from the University of Chicago said, ‘You’re not just a test score a grade.  Admission committees are looking for evidence on how you will make the school a better place. Use the application as an opportunity to tell the admissions teams how awesome you are’.

Internationally Educated note: Application requirements most times include: a personal statement, extra-curricular activities, letters of recommendation, your courses and marks from years 9-12 (referred to as transcripts), SAT test score (sometimes optional) and supplemental essays for individual universities.

What makes an applicant stands out? 

Logan Powell from Brown University reminded the audience that most US universities are largely residential meaning students live on campus. Admission teams are looking to build a community, not fill a classroom. He said universities are looking for committed members who demonstrate resilience. A student should submit an authentic application in their own voice. Powell’s advice was to ‘not try to over gamify your application’ but instead, tell us who you are in your own words. The question of AI was raised and quickly discouraged as a writing tool as the best person to speak of the applicant is themselves. Dr Christiansen from Vanderbilt University also reminded us that the SAT score was only one piece in the holistic admission process.

How is the HSC or IB evaluated?

The panel collectively reassured the audience that an applicant’s courses and marks from years 9-12 will be evaluated within context. Timothy Brunold from University of Southern California said, ‘a student’s trajectory matters as much as what they have been doing’. Each student will look different and will be evaluated within the context of what subjects are available and what they have chosen to pursue. An applicant’s choice in courses provides the admission teams an opportunity to gain an understanding of your academic interest and strengths.

Internationally Educated note: As part of your application to most US universities, your school will submit a school profile which will provide context on your schools grading scale, the rigour of your courses, how students are marked and additional academic information about your respective school.

What is the application deadline?

Dr Yvonne Romero from Rice University outlined if a student chooses to apply early, either through the early action or early decision methods, they will submit their application/s by 1 November. If a student chooses to apply at the regular rounds, these will vary per university and are usually in early January. Students were encouraged to check application deadline carefully.

Can I interview and what is demonstrated interests?

Dr Romero continued to say that some universities will track an applicant’s level of interest. They may do this by tracking your email engagement which can signal how serious you are about applying, or if you have registering and attended a virtual event. A reminder that these emails and information sessions are also a way for the students to confirm if this is the right university for them. Some universities offer prospective students and applicants an interview which are encouraged, if available. Dr Romero also confirmed US universities are not expecting students to travel in person to visit the campus but rather to take advantage of the online resources.

Internationally Educated – A recurring theme in the panel at this stage was an applicant’s authenticity and a student’s ability to write in their own voice in all points of the application. Ms Erica Sanders from University of Michigan said the use of AI will result in a muted and generic application rather than an applicant’s voice stating, ‘it would be a missed opportunity if an applicant used AI to write their personal statement’.

How early do you need to begin the application process?

The application review will begin in year 9 at most US universities. Tim Brunold from University of Southern California said in years 9 and 10, applicants will be looking to develop their fundamental skills which may include time management, focus, considerations on why you want to go to university, extra curriculars as well as online university research. In years 11 and 12 you’d be looking to develop a shortlist of universities and start making contributions towards your applications.  

How do I pay for a US education?

Studying in the US can be a significant financial investment. Dr Yvonne Romero from Rice University confirmed financial aid is available to assist students and families in paying for a university education. Some US universities offer merit aid to international students which is a scholarship awarded from the university because of a significant achievement set out by the respective university. Some universities offer international student’s needs-based aid which is means tested. A students’ financial need may be considered in deciding if a student is admissible.  Additionally, NCAA division I and II universities offer athletic scholarships for high performing athletes and there are also arts-based scholarships at some universities.

What is the difference between a public vs private university?

From an administrative point of view, the main difference between public and private universities is their governance and funding. Private universities also may have a particular mission or focus. Internationally Educated not: As to if a university is public or private many times also has an impact on the student body size and the student-to-teacher ratio, which is often lower at private universities.

How many spots are there for international students? 

Aaron Zdawczyk from Northwestern University in Chicago confirmed that at a private university there are no caps on how many international students they may offer admission each year nor are there any specific caps by country or school. Most universities have between 13-16% international students. Public universities may have a ceiling on how many international students they may offer admission and this will vary per university and/or state.

What type of support is there for international students once on campus?

Timothy Brunold from University of Southern California reinforced US universities have made a big commitment to supporting international students which includes orientations, onboarding, assigning academic advisors, and much more. The pastoral care at US universities is unmatched and campuses take great pride that students are well looked after and supported.

When do I choose an academic area of study or majors

US universities lend themselves to academic exploration your first two years of university. This provides more time for a student to decide what their intended major or area of study they will pursue which will be undertaken in the 3^rd and 4^th years.

A college fair followed the panel discussion where students were able to speak directly with the university representatives. The Study in the USA conference was an outstanding opportunity for interested students and families to learn more about the US university landscape and the application process. One family I am working with said, ‘today was great, it reinforced all the exact information you’ve been providing us since we started working together’. I anticipate this conference will encourages additional US universities to visit and recruit in Australia as they did prior to COVID. Australian students are well prepared academically to pursue US university opportunities at the highest level.

If you’re considering studying in the US, contact us to learn more about our services.