Everything to Know about Universities in The USA
Universities in the USA are leaders in the education world. At least 8 universities in the USA are in the top 10 universities in the world. The academic quality of universities in the USA is considered to be among the best.
Ivy League schools are the eight selective private institutions in the Northeast that make up the Ivy League Athletic Conference. Over time, the term “Ivy League” became synonymous with prestigious colleges.
Each Ivy League college has its own unique achievements that make it important. All carry a certain reputation with them, and each school has programs that excel especially in the medical and legal fields, making them some of the most sought-after schools in the world.
Their admission process is highly selective, which helps schools ensure that they only accept the best and brightest. Many famous people have graduated from Ivy League schools, such as George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
There are 2 kinds of universities in the USA, public and private. Let's find out more about them.
Public Universities in the USA
At first glance, you may be confused about which universities in the USA are actually public universities. Lucky for you, we're here to help you learn more about public universities in the USA!
What is a Public University?
In contrast to private universities, public universities are funded primarily by state governments through tax revenues and subsidies. These institutions, which range in size from small liberal art colleges to large research institutions, can be found in each state in the USA.
Now, let's deep dive into the features of public universities in the USA!
Bigger in size
Generally, public universities are larger as there are more students enrolled. This is partly due to in-state tuition, which allows locals to pay lower tuition than students from other states or countries. As a result, the admissions process can be more competitive, although they collect a bigger application pool.
Apart from having larger campuses, public universities also have larger classes, with some holding hundreds of students. Public universities also offer more facilities to meet their students' needs, including restaurants, bowling alleys, and movie theatres.
A Wider Selection of Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Due to a large number of enrolled students, you can easily find hundreds of student organizations, ranging from general interests to specific ones. On top of that, there will be more social events, campus performances, and extracurricular activities.
Read here to know more about public universities in the USA.
Private Universities in The USA
Chances are, you might have heard of Ivy League universities. Well, are you actually aware that they are private universities? Are you familiar with the features of private universities? Save your worries; we'll cover everything you need to know about private universities in the USA!
What is a Private University?
A private university, which can be in the form of a nonprofit or for-profit organization, is an educational institution that is not funded or run by the state government. Instead, funding comes from students' tuition fees, private donor endowments, and contributions.
Read on to find out the features of private universities in the USA!
Stricter Admission Criteria
Public universities usually admit a large number of applicants and possess flexible eligibility criteria. But this is not the case in private universities, as they are known to accept a limited number of seats and pose strict eligibility requirements.
Higher Tuition Fees
When it comes to tuition fees, private universities charge higher as their operation is dependent on students' educational costs. While the cost of attending private universities may sound excessive, they often provide scholarships or financial aid to students who demonstrate financial need.
Geographically Diverse
Private universities charge the same tuition rates for all state residents in the USA, which attracts students from all over the country. As a result, the student population is often more diverse in terms of US geography. That means if you plan on attending a private university in Minnesota, for instance, you'll have a better chance of meeting students from other states besides Minnesota!
Still curious? Find out more here.
You must be wondering what universities, regardless of them being private or public, are the best in the USA? Fret not! We got you covered. Here is the rank of the top universities in the USA.
The Rank of Universities in The USA
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university located in Illinois. Its primary campus is in Chicago's Hyde Park area, founded in 1890. Additionally, this university has inspired many international students from all around the world.
California Institute of Technology (CALTECH)
The California Institute of Technology, based in the California suburb of Pasadena, is one of the world's foremost private research universities. This university is associated with the AAU, HHMI, and NASA (JPL). Additionally, Caltech is now known worldwide for its expertise in engineering and natural science.
Harvard University
As the number 3 in QS World University Rankings, international students compete to apply to Harvard. This institution was the first university to be established on September 8, 1636, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. This university is among the hardest ones to get in, with only a 4% admission rate.
Curious about more of the best universities in the USA? Find out here.
So, now you know about the universities in the USA. But do you know the requirements for applying to one? Let's dive deeper into the subject.
How to Apply to Universities in The USA
The requirements are not complicated but you need to be well prepared. Many international students fail because they don't prepare well enough. Make sure you have these things covered:
Resume
When you are talking about how to apply to universities in the USA, the resume is among the most important. You should start compiling a resume early on. This resume can contain the various awards you have received and your volunteering experiences during school. To make your resume attractive, you can start volunteering and start personal projects as early as possible.
School Transcript
Your grade transcript is a collection of all your grades during your time in school. This document covers your overall grades from Grade 9 until you graduate. Also, the purpose of this document is to provide the university staff with an overview of your academic performance during school. Therefore, make sure you study hard from the start!
SAT or ACT
The SAT/ACT is the entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The purpose of the SAT/ACT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college and to provide a common data point with which to compare all applicants. Taking an SAT is no longer an obligation. Still, taking an SAT test will put you ahead of the race.
There you go. This is pretty much everything you need to know to achieve your academic success. Being in a top university means you have a higher chance of getting into a top company in the future.
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