01 Undergraduate Seminar 160213

7/29/2019 01 Undergraduate Seminar 160213

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Undergraduate Study

in the US

Undergraduate Seminar, February 16th

, 2013Joanne A. Davidson, EducationUSA Advisor


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What is EducationUSA? Global network of more than 450advising centres in 170 countriessupported by the US Departmentof State.

Primary source of information forpotential under- and post-graduatestudents and scholars around theworld who seek access to UShigher education.

EducationUSA advising centre isbased in the FulbrightCommission in Dublin.


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Why Study in the

US?


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1. Quality and Reputation

of US Universities


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2. Opportunity to Experience CampusLife and Activities


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3. Liberal Arts and Focuson Teaching


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4. Funding Opportunities


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6. Learn About New Cultures andExpand Horizons


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US Higher Education

- An Overview


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What are the key differences?

Much longer application process Apply directly to the university No centralised admissions

process (Note: CommonApplication) Fees can vary significantly Holistic review of your application Students are notified of

provisional acceptance April/Mayof the year they hope to attend Law and Medicine are studied at

postgraduate level


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US Higher Education SystemTypes of Degrees

- Associates Degree: Two

year degree, typicallyoffered at a communitycollege

- Bachelors Degree: Fouryear degree


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Associates Degree: Community /Junior Colleges

Community colleges are often a low-cost option.

Often less competitive admission requirements.

Students studying at a community college may either receive astand-alone two-year qualification (the Associates Degree)or transfer to a four-yearBachelors program in a 2 + 2 format.

Can be a smart option save on first two years and thentransfer!


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www.communitycollegesusa.com


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Four-Year Colleges Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees

Usually four years in length

Follow the liberal arts philosophy and generally include corerequired courses, a major, and electives

The liberal arts philosophy promotes a well-rounded academic

education that develops the student's verbal, written, and reasoningskills. Students begin their degree study by taking classes in a widevariety of courses in the arts, humanities, languages, and the socialand physical sciences before specializing (majoring) in a particularfield.


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www.petersons.com


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How Much Does College Cost?Average College Costs (College Board,

2013)

Community College (2 year) = $3,131.00 / year

Public University (out of state, 4 year):$21,706.00 / year

Private University (4 year): $29,056.00 / year


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Ivy League What does this mean? A sports conference of eight privatecolleges

Some of the oldest higher educationinstitutions in the US

Average acceptance rates are around10%, but often closer to 6%

Ivy League universities include BrownUniversity, Columbia University,Cornell University, Dartmouth College,

Harvard University, PrincetonUniversity, University of Pennsylvania,and Yale University

Excellent, but thousands of otherschools out there


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Applying toUS Colleges


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Typical TimeframeTime Before

EnrolmentNotes

Spring / Summer - Endof 4th early 5th year

1 1

YearsLearn about US higher education and application processBegin choosing universities

Autumn of

6th year BeforeSemester Holiday

10-12

Months

Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities

Register for admissions examsBegin admissions and funding applications

Autumn of

6th year AfterSemester Holiday

8-10

Months

Submit admissions applications

Submit funding applications

Spring of

6th year

4-7

Months

Receive admissions decisions

Summer after

6th year

1-3

Months

Notify universities

Apply for your visa

Read the Pre-Departure Section of Fulbright website.

Aug. / Sept. -- Begin study in the US!

Timeline


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Your Five Steps to Study in the US1. Research Your Options

2. Complete Your Application

3. Finance Your Studies

4. Apply for Your Student Visa

5. Prepare for Your Departure

1. Determine the factors that areimportant to you in choosing auniversity and prioritize these.

2. Narrow your search to amanageable list by using asearch engine to help youidentify universities meetingyour criteria

3. Narrow your options to four orsix schools of interest andresearch them online


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Narrow Your Search


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How To Narrow Down Your Choices

1. Degree:Bachelors programmes in Business

2. Location: Ohio due to family connections, weather

3. Extracurricular opportunities: outdoor adventure, sports ethos

4. Academic opportunities: Study abroad in major field

5. Funding: Looking to minimize up front costs and have a goodchance of receiving funding

6. Prestige: Degree that is accredited (of course) and will berecognised as a top program


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Ensure you meetthe minimumacademicrequirements


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Ohio State University ranks #53 in the worldaccording to the Times Higher Education

Rankings 2012

2013

Remember, though, there are no officialcollege rankings in the US!

49

University of

Manchester

United

Kingdom 70.1

50

PohangUniversity ofScience andTechnology

Republic ofKorea

69.4

51BrownUniversity

UnitedStates

68.9

52TsinghuaUniversity

China 67.1

53Ohio StateUniversity

UnitedStates

67.0

54BostonUniversity

UnitedStates

66.8

54 KyotoUniversity

Japan 66.8

56University ofSouthernCalifornia

UnitedStates

66.3

57King'sCollegeLondon

UnitedKingdom

66.2

58KatholiekeUniversiteitLeuven

Belgium 66.1

59coleNormaleSuprieure

France 65.9

59SeoulNationalUniversity

Republic ofKorea

65.9

61Pennsylvania StateUniversity

UnitedStates
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-manchesterhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-manchesterhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/brown-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/brown-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/tsinghua-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/tsinghua-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ohio-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ohio-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/boston-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/boston-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kyoto-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kyoto-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-southern-californiahttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-southern-californiahttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-southern-californiahttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kings-college-londonhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kings-college-londonhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kings-college-londonhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/katholieke-universiteit-leuvenhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/katholieke-universiteit-leuvenhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/katholieke-universiteit-leuvenhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ecole-normale-superieurehttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ecole-normale-superieurehttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ecole-normale-superieurehttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/seoul-national-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/seoul-national-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/seoul-national-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pennsylvania-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pennsylvania-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pennsylvania-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pennsylvania-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pennsylvania-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pennsylvania-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/seoul-national-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/seoul-national-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/seoul-national-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ecole-normale-superieurehttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ecole-normale-superieurehttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ecole-normale-superieurehttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/katholieke-universiteit-leuvenhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/katholieke-universiteit-leuvenhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/katholieke-universiteit-leuvenhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kings-college-londonhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kings-college-londonhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kings-college-londonhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-southern-californiahttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-southern-californiahttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-southern-californiahttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kyoto-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/kyoto-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/boston-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/boston-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ohio-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/ohio-state-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/tsinghua-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/tsinghua-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/brown-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/brown-universityhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/pohang-university-of-science-and-technologyhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-manchesterhttp://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-manchester


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Resources for Finding a University

Some online university search engines- www.petersons.com- www.princetonreview.com

- www.communitycollegesusa.com

Teachers, professionals in your field, or alumni

University websites

Accreditation: www.chea.org US News and Worldreports, Princeton Review, College Board
http://www.petersons.com/http://www.princetonreview.com/http://www.communitycollegesusa.com/http://www.chea.org/http://www.chea.org/http://www.communitycollegesusa.com/http://www.princetonreview.com/http://www.petersons.com/


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Funding YourStudies


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Consider funding at the same time as you are

researching colleges!

Start your scholarship search early

Work closely with the Financial Aid Offices at the universities

Put in extra time and effort to seek out and apply for scholarships

Be flexible in choosing universities

Note you may need to collect funding from multiple sources


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Cost of Attendance

Tuition and fees can varysignificantly betweenuniversities

May be a set semester/yearlyrate or calculated on a per-

credit basis Cost of living: books, personal

expenses = $8,500 - $10,000

Awarded on basis of:

Academic merit

Financial need

Niche criteria

Athletic ability

In State vs. Out of State?

- Applies to public (State) schools.

- Gives discounted tuition topeople from that state.

- Does not typically apply tointernational students.


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Four Main Sources of Funding

1. Personal/family funds

2. Loans

3. Scholarships and merit andneed-based aid from USuniversities

4. Scholarships from externalorganisations


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Funding Application Deadlines To start in Sept 2013

you must apply by

February 1st 2013

Apply for all

Scholarships/funding by

the Admission application

Deadline but DOUBLECHECK the requirements

with the

Financial Aid Office.

This varies significantly in

difference


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Can students work and study?

International students onF1 visas can:

Work up to 20 hours perweek on campus during

the school year and upto 40 hours per weekduring school vacations.


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University of Notre Dame - Undergraduate Scholarship

for Irish Students Eligible students must have Irish citizenship,

reside in Ireland, excellent academic record,and have demonstrated financial need.

Apply directly to Notre Dame by publisheddeadline (typically December).

Contact: Jennifer Nemecek - InternationalAdmissions Liaison, [email protected].

Ranked 12 by Forbes,17 by US News andWorld Report, and 1 by the BusinessWeek ranking of undergraduate businessinstitutions.

www.admissions.nd.edu
mailto:[email protected]://www.admissions.nd.edu/http://www.admissions.nd.edu/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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AdmissionsTests


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Admissions Tests are intended to supplement, not replace, students highschool records. Leaving Cert is still important and, typically, required.

Sit SAT/ACT in 5th

Year, if possible, and again in 6th

Year if a higherscore or subject tests are required

Options:

- SAT Subject Tests

- ACT & ACT with Writing (no test site in Ireland ..yet!)

- English-language proficiency exam (if required)

Admissions Tests


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SAT: www.collegeboard.orgReasoning test sections : Critical

Reading, Math, Writing

Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Scores: 3 sections marked 200-800. Maxis 2400

Test centres:

Dublin: St. Andrews College,Booterstown

Waterford: St.Augustines College, Dungarvan

Cost: $50 registration fee plusinternational processing feeof $31

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday May 4th / Apply byMarch 26th

Saturday June 1st / Apply byApril 23rd
http://www.collegeboard.org/http://www.collegeboard.org/


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SAT Subject Tests Many competitive universities will also require two or three SAT

Subject Tests in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT

You may sit either the Reasoning Test or up to three Subject Testson one testing date

One-hour, multiple-choice tests are offered in the following subjects:Literature, US and World History, Mathematics Level 1 & 2, Biology,

Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, ModernHebrew, Italian, Latin, Japanese, and Korean.


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Sections in: English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing

Exam Fees: $74

Testing sites:

England: ACS Hillingdon International School (Hillingdon-Middlesex),TASIS England (Thorpe Surrey), Marymount International School(Surrey)

Scotland: International School of Aberdeen

ACT Test: www.actstudent.org
http://www.actstudent.org/http://www.actstudent.org/


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Tips for Success: Preparing for the Exam Carefully review the admissions test

requirements

Register early and online

Sit the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT byOctober/November if possible

Properly revise before sitting the exam

Choose SAT Subject Test subjects wisely


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Completing a

Successful Application


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An Application to a US College

Application form including CV and two orthree essays

Admissions exam scores SAT / ACT

Transcript and/or school report

Application fee

2-3 recommendation letters

Leaving Certificate Results

Youve narrowed the

search so now you must

ensure you meet the

minimum academic

requirements and put

together a carefully

considered applicationpackage!


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What are they evaluating?

Academic achievement Junior Certificate,Leaving Certificate, final results from allfour years

Academic potential: Admissions exam

scores

Extracurricular involvement do notunderestimate this!

Reason for attending institution / personalattributes: Interest in your academic field of choice Character Leadership abilities Why you fit


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Check the Deadline

Deadlines can vary from institution to institution so ensure you knowwhen you must have your application in.

Usually around late January / early February, but sometimes December.

Some institutions offer rolling admissions

Early Action and Early Decision: Allow you to apply early to US universities and receive admissions decisions well before the usual

spring decision date, usually by December or January. If you are accepted by a university under Early Decision you must withdraw all other applications to

US universities and commit to attend that university.

With Early Action you have until spring to make a decision on a university and are not required toattend the university that accepts you under Early Action.


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Application Form

Completed online and will personalessays and CV

Personal attributes: Interest in your academic field of

choice Character Leadership abilities Reasons for wanting to attend

the university

Each university has their ownindividual online application exceptfor those using the CommonApplication


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Common Applicationwww.commonapp.org

The Common Application isused by over 450 Americanuniversities.It is somewhatsimilar to the UKs UCAS.

You will save time by being

able to complete informationand essays that you cansubmit to multiple universities

But approximatelytwo thirds ofuniversities ask for

supplemental informationand/or essays.

Confirm admissionsrequirements on the schools

website
http://www.commonapp.org/http://www.commonapp.org/


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Personal Statement / Essay

Very important

Opportunity to set yourself apartand showcase your uniquequalities as an applicant

1-3 essay questions per university

Likely able to re-use elements ofessays for different universities

Tips for Success

Use clear, concise language

Address the essay question fully

Avoid vague or empty statements, clichsand cultural references that may nottranslate well to a US audience

If you re-use an essay, be careful todouble-check that all references within

the text are to the correct university

Proofread extensively

Most importantly, be yourself! Dont givethe admissions officers the answers

you think they want to hear; give themthe truth.


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Transcripts Listing of your academic qualifications

and marks (3rd 6th Years)

Provide your school / guidancecounsellor with information about what to

include in a transcript: Junior Certificate results

Predicted Leaving Certificate results

Academic honors

Information about other qualifications

earned Information about the school

Years attended

Signed, sealed, and on school lettering

head


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Approximate Grade Point Average (GPA) Unofficial GPA conversions There is no official conversion for Irish results so leave this sectionblank unless specifically required to fill

GCSEs and A Levels

(UK approx conversions)UK Letter Grade US Letter Grade US Grade Point

Average

A* A+ 4.3

A A 4.0

B B+/A- 3.3 - 3.7

C B 3.0

D C 2.0

E D 1.0


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Recommendations Ask someone who knows you well, both in and out of the classroom

Letter should be a marketing tool for you as an applicant

Consider meeting with your referee to discuss letter

Make sure referee is aware of deadlines and paperwork to complete

Above all, encourage referees to be enthusiastic, positive,descriptive, and anecdotal and avoid being restrained and toomodest


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Recommendation Letters (cont.):

Ireland: Joe Murphy is a very likeable student with a solid futureahead of him. He interacts well with his classmates and seems to bequite popular amongst his peers. Academically, he achieves decent

marks and has good relationships with his tutor, although he couldbe more focused upon deadlines...

USA: It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Joe Murphywho ranks amongst the top five percent of students within his

classes. He is not only passionate about his field of study, but alsoabout involvement in the community and school. I have no doubt hewill be an asset to your programme


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Final Application Checklist

Read the Study in the US section on our websitewww.fulbright.ie and make sure that study in the US isright for you

Investigate Degree Options: two-yearAssociates or four-year Bachelor's degree

Start researching and choose the four to six universities towhich you will apply

Decide whether you need to take an admissions test andregister

Request a transcript from your school and two orthree reference letters

Draft your application essays Submit by application deadlines

Alongside your admissions applications, apply for fundingfrom US universities and external funding bodies

NOTE: Some institutions require a full medical prior toenrollment in US colleges.
http://www.fulbright.ie/http://www.fulbright.ie/http://www.fulbright.ie/http://www.fulbright.ie/http://www.fulbright.ie/http://www.fulbright.ie/


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Visas

F-1 Student Visa or J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

Generally, straight-forward process in Ireland: Once accepted receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019

(J-1) from the US university

Complete SEVIS application (I-901) and pay fee($200) online Complete visa application and pay fee ($160/136)

online Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in

Dublin

Refer to US Embassy for visa enquiries: http://dublin.usembassy.gov 1580.478.472 (Operator Assisted2.40/min)


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EducationUSA Services

US Study Website - Advisory Services: Comprehensive information onundergraduate / postgraduate study in the US is available through:

www.educationusa.info orwww.fulbright.ie

Email / Phone Queries

E-Alerts: Sent out on a regular to students, parents, and career advisorsupdating you on advising tips, US study information, and events/seminars thatEducationUSA will be organising.

For all services please contact Joanne at:

[email protected] / 01.660.7670www.fulbright.ie

Twitter: Fulbright_Eire / Facebook: Fulbright Ireland / LinkedIn: Fulbright Ireland
http://www.educationusa.info/http://www.fulbright.ie/mailto:[email protected]://www.fulbright.ie/http://www.fulbright.ie/mailto:[email protected]://www.fulbright.ie/http://www.educationusa.info/

01 Undergraduate Seminar 160213

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