POSTGRADUATE STUDY IN THE USA

POSTGRADUATE STUDY IN THE USA

WHY STUDY IN THE USA?
Work with key faculty in the field.Best place for your subject.Develop US-related or comparative research interest.Gain professional qualification or develop your career.Learn about another culture, lifestyle and educational system first hand.Perhaps obtain funding for studies not available here.

MAKING THE DECISION
Is postgraduate study in the USA the right step for my career goals?

Can I afford the expense of the application process and the expense of attending?

Do I have enough time to complete the application process?

Am I ready to commit to the degree course in the USA?

HOW TO CHOOSE
Get a list of the universities which offer your subject.Talk to your tutors and pinpoint leaders in your field.Contact universities for information.When selecting universities, consider:admissions standardsthe cost of attendingfinancial aid possibilitiesthe location, climate, degree requirements and duration

WHAT IS IN AN APPLICATION
Application Form

Scores from a standardised teste.g. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT

Transcript

Recommendations

Statement of Purpose

THE GRADUATE RECORD EXAM
THE GENERAL TESTPaper-Based TestComputer Based Test

THE SUBJECT TESTSPaper-Based Test

New GRE Test (October 2006)4 Hours long, instead of 2 1/2 hoursComputer adaptive formatThe difficulty of each question is determined by whether the previous question was correct.New formats, with different types of questionsGrading scale will be 110-150 points per section.The test will only be offered 30 times per annum.New sample questions available www.ets.org/gre

The New Verbal Reasoning MeasureAnalogies and Antonyms eliminatedMore critical reading questionsSentence-equivalence questions40 minutes, instead of 30 minutes

Quantitative ReasoningNot as many questions dealing with geometryMore data interpretation and word problemsThere will be an online calculator availableFour functions with square root capabilitiesNow 40 minutes, formally 45 minutes.

Analytical WritingMore specific essay questionsTwo essays, with 30 minutes to complete each.Admissions Deans will now have access to read the writing samples.

FUNDING
US University FundingScholarships & FellowshipsTeaching AssistantshipsResearch AssistantshipsIndependent Sponsoring OrganisationsNationality: Fulbright CommissionUniversity: KennedyField of Study: AMBALevel of Study: Post Doctoral

UNIVERSITY FUNDING FACTS
One third of foreign graduate students in US receive financial assistance from universities attended.

University funding more likely for a PhD than a Masters degree programme.

University funding least likely for a professional Masters degree programme.

Deadline for financial assistance occasionally earlier than deadline for application for a place.

HOW TO APPLY
PENULTIMATE YEAR18 TO 15 MONTHS IN ADVANCEResearch US graduate coursesInvestigate all funding optionsRegister for standardised tests (paper and pencil)First funding deadlines arriveRequest application forms, course and financial aid information from universitiesFINAL YEAR12 TO 11 MONTHS IN ADVANCERegister for standardised tests (computer-based)Request recommendationsAcquire official transcriptsWrite statement of purpose9 MONTHS IN ADVANCEFirst university deadlines arrive

TO GET MORE INFORMATION

US Educational Advisory Service (EAS)

62 Doughty StreetLondon WC1N 2JZ

Website: www.fulbright.co.uk/easEmail: education@fulbright.co.ukTel: 020-7404-6994

TO GET MORE INFORMATION
University Careers ServiceRegional Information Centre:The Queens University of BelfastBelfast Central LibraryThe University of EdinburghThe University of ManchesterUniversity of Wales, SwanseaSecondary Information Centre:University of BirminghamUniversity of DundeeUniversity of HullUniversity of PlymouthUniversity of St. AndrewsUniversity of Ulster Magee College

Notes for Presentation
Work With Key Faculty in the FieldAre there outstanding scholars or researchers in a field or research area, based at US universities, with whom students would like to work? Look in journals and books, and ask UK lecturers if there are people they would recommend.

Best Place for Your SubjectThe US may be considered the 'best' place for a field of study, perhaps because of pioneering work or better facilities.

Develop US-related or Comparative Research InterestFor example, US history, politics, literature, approaches to areas of business or education and so on.

Gain Professional Qualification or Develop Your CareerFor example, MBAs were invented in the US and US MBAs are well-respected around the world.

Learn About Another Culture, Lifestyle and Education System FirsthandThis is an opportunity to gain international experience and broaden horizons in an English speaking country.

Obtain Funding for Studies Not Available ElsewhereFunding for some areas and for some students, can be easier to obtain from universities in the US.
Is Postgraduate Study in the US the Right Step For My Career Goals?Anyone interested in professional programmes should talk to the appropriate UK professional association about the acceptance of US qualifications for practice and also consult prospective UK employers. Studying in the US does not entitle UK students to remain in the country after completing their training.

Can I Afford the Expense of the Application Process and the Expense of Attending?Applying for graduate study in the US is expensive. The required standardized tests can costs as much as $195 and universities charge a non-refundable application fee of between $30-100. In addition, some universities require that prospective students cover the international mailing costs of catalogues. Attending a university without financial aid can cost $11,000 - $46,000 per year, including living expenses.

Do I Have Enough Time to Complete the Application Process?US university application deadlines range anywhere from December to June, but the application process is long and involved. To make sure that complete applications are in before the deadline, it is wise to start 12-18 months in advance, allowing time to take standardised tests, obtain transcripts and recommendations, complete application forms and apply for funding.

Am I Ready to Commit to the Degree Course in the USA?Unlike UK postgraduate degrees, both US Master's and PhD programmes involve coursework as well as independent research. There are no pure research degrees. US graduate qualifications generally take longer to complete than their UK equivalent. US Master's degrees are usually completed in 18 months - two academic years. A US Doctoral degree will rarely take less than 5-6 years, with some subjects taking an average of 8 years to complete.
Obtain a List of US Universities That Offer Your SubjectCertain lists of US universities by subject are available from The Fulbright Commission's Educational Advisory Service (EAS) and from UK university careers services. Compendium directories and university prospectuses are also available to assist in comparing departments. The information can be found also on www.petersons.com or www.review.com.Talk to Your Tutors and Pinpoint Leaders in Your FieldBritish faculty may be able to suggest suitable programmes and appropriate US faculty in your field of interest. Some may themselves have spent some time at a US university. Visiting US faculty and postgraduate students on campus are equally useful when researching appropriate programmes. Professional bodies/associations and professional journals can also be helpful. Contact the Universities for InformationYou should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions by email, telephone, letter or fax for information about their programmes. You should also contact specific departments for their brochure, faculty profiles and to enquire about possibilities for financial aid. Many universities now charge for sending information overseas so a great place to find information is on the internet. Most universities have all their information on their websites. The Fulbright Commission's website contains links to useful websites including home pages for US universities.Consider Admission StandardsApplicants need to assess their credentials accurately and match them to the department's admissions requirements. Directories, often indicating expected grades, standardised test scores and the percentage of applicants accepted, will discuss admission standards.Consider the Expense of AttendingThe cost of postgraduate education in the US can be as high as over $35,000 per year for tuition and fees alone for one academic year (9 months), not including living costs, which if in a metropolitan area can reach up to $20,000 per year. Financial Aid PossibilitiesUS universities announce the possibilities of scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships or research assistantships in their prospectuses. This information is also available from guides such as the Peterson's Graduate Directories.Consider Location, Climate, Degree Requirements, DurationThe United States has several distinctive climatic regions. Urban, rural and suburban campuses offer different advantages and pose separate problems. Depending on the degree, some universities may have shorter programmes for the same degree than others. Many degrees state a requirement that students show a foreign language proficiency (this is flexible) or at PhD level to undergo a rigorous qualifying examination.
Application FormAn application form will ask for standard personal and educational details. It may also ask the applicant to indicate sources of funding for each year of study. Applicants should indicate any personal/family or other funds they are willing to commit, and state if attendance is dependent on university funding or other funding.Scores From a Standardised Test e.g. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCATMost graduate programmes require some kind of standardised test score. Such tests theoretically allow objective comparison between all applicants. GRE is the most commonly required for arts and science programmes, GMAT is for business programmes, LSAT for law and MCAT for medical school. These tests are generally computer-based. All tests can be prepared for and no student should be unduly intimidated. TranscriptIntended to show a student's academic performance over a period of time, not just a final degree classification. Official transcripts should include:a) course title/descriptionb) course duration and datesc) course performance (i.e. grades, percentages etc. ideally with a key to explain the grades e.g. A=70%+, B=60-70% etc)d) university stamp/seal and be on letterhead paper****All transcripts must be originals; copies will not be accepted. Transcripts are usually available from university registrar for a fee. If not, departmental listing with stamp/seal and appropriate signature can act as an alternative.RecommendationsUsually at least two recommendations are required from someone who is familiar with your academic history. The recommendations should be placed in signed and sealed envelopes. Students are advised to talk at length with referees regarding their plans highlighting what the selection committee is looking for. Students should also discuss research and potential teaching skills if applying for an assistantship. Although not essential, it can be very useful if referee is known by the department the student is applying to. Statement of PurposeUS universities require a personal statement or essay from their applicants. This part of the application allows the applicant to express their motivations, strengths and aspirations. This can be one of the most important components of the application and a chance for the applicant to really sell him/herself. Typed and error free, the statement should be tailored to the individual university and contain specific reasons why the applicant has chosen a particular programme. Handouts, books and group advising sessions can offer guidance on the statement of purpose. These guides are available at the US Educational Advisory Service.
What is the GRE?The GRE is a standardised exam required by many US universities for application into postgraduate courses. There are two types of tests; the General Test and Subject Tests.

The General Test measures a student's verbal, quantitative and analytical abilities through general multiple choice questions and a writing assessment. The writing assessment consists of two essays: Present Your Perspective on an Issue and Analyze an Argument. All students required to take the GRE must take the General Test. The Subject Tests measure knowledge of a specific subject area (e.g. biology, history). Some programmes will require specific Subject Tests in addition to the General Test.

There are two formats for taking the General Test: the computer-based test and the paper-based test:Computer-Based testing has three sections: verbal, quantitative, and analytical, lasting about two and a half hours total. The test is adaptive, meaning as the student proceeds through the test the level of difficulty of the questions will be adjusted depending on how well the student is doing. The analytical writing section consists of a 45-minute "Present your Perspective on an Issue" essay and a 30-minute "Analyse an Argument" essay. The test lasts two and a half hours. The computer-based tests can be taken in London and Twickenham.

The paper-based General Test is only available in areas of the world where computer-based testing is unavailable. The Subject Tests can only be taken by paper-based testing. The 8 Subject tests are: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology.

Who takes the GRE?Both international and American students take the same test. More Master's courses require the GRE than PhD programmes. Professional programmes require other admission tests. MBA students need to take the GMAT, for legal education the LSAT and for a medical programme the MCAT.

How do I register?Computer-Based testing: Mail, Fax, Phone to the Netherlands if taking the test in the UK.Paper-Based testing: Mail, InternetSee test bulletin available at EAS for further details.
US UNIVERSITY FUNDING

Scholarships and FellowshipsThese outright grants which allow the holder to concentrate solely on studies are rare, but worth looking out for. Fellowships are generally for PhD dissertation research level only.

Teaching Assistantships and Research AssistantshipsAssistantships are offered to graduate students in return for teaching, research, laboratory supervision or administrative work. Assistantships vary in the amount of time involved and money earned and do not necessarily cover all costs. However, a standard assistantship will require up to 20 hours work per week and cover tuition and/or provide a stipend. Sometimes, the assistantships are not available for the first year of study. Students should contact university departments to find out about teaching or research assistantships available and the graduate admissions office for information on general administrative assistantships available. These positions are good for furthering a students career; TAs will have experience teaching at the postsecondary level and RAs may have a chance to be published.

INDEPENDENT SPONSORING ORGANISATIONSStudents need to investigate sources of independent sponsorship early and should not leave it until after they have been accepted by a university. These organisations will stipulate that applicants must meet certain criteria. Application deadlines may be early (10-15 months ahead of study) and the application forms can be quite elaborate sometimes including interviews. Information is available at The Fulbright Commission's EAS library which has a large selection of funding directories. Libraries at EAS Regional Information Centres hold a smaller selection of funding directories. Information is also available on the internet. The Fulbright Commission's own award programme (not the Educational Advisory Service) is looking for British or EU nationals normally resident in the UK who have, or expect, a 2:1 or better from a UK university and who can demonstrate evidence of leadership qualities. There are no institutional or subject specifications for the traditional Fulbright awards, but a number of new business co-sponsored awards are looking for students doing an MBA or business-related degree. There are other awards that are connected to specific universities. The Kennedy Scholarship and the Thouron Award are examples of these types of awards. The Kennedy Award is for study atHarvard/MIT and the Thouron Award for University of Pennsylvania. The Association of MBAs (AMBA) is one of the few organisations offering a loan scheme for MBA students. AMBA has a selected list of accredited business schools where a student can study. Some awards are only for a certain level of study, such as postdoctoral research.
One Third of Foreign Graduate Students in US Receive Financial Assistance From University AttendingThis covers all nationalities and subject areas. Around 50% fund themselves and 15% find funding from other sources e.g. sponsored awards.

University Funding is More Likely for a PhD Than a Master's DegreeWith limited funding resources available, there is a trend towards giving money to students who make the greatest commitment to a department and its studies.

University Funding for a Professional Master's Degree Least LikelyThe general view is that these degrees are designed to be career, and hence salary enhancing, and therefore much less funding is available. Funding for performing arts is also difficult unless the student is exceptional. Depending on the university, most funding will be available for sciences and less for social sciences and humanities.

Deadlines for Financial Assistance Sometimes Earlier Than Those for a UniversityStudents should double-check all deadlines.
PENULTIMATE YEARThe Spring term of the penultimate year is a good time to begin researching universities, prepare for admission tests and research funding.

1. We stress the need for early research as nearly 1800 US universities offer postgraduate degrees because deadlines are early and there are many components to applications.

2. Application information should be obtained from two main sources at a US institution: the Graduate School and the department.

3. Researching funding options should begin in the penultimate year. Funding and sponsoring organisations deadlines fall in the autumn, even earlier than the US university admissions deadlines.

4. Registration materials for the relevant standardised test/s (paper-based) should be obtained and preparation for the examination/s should begin.

FINAL YEAR1. Register, prepare for and take standardised tests (computer-based).

2. The autumn term of final year is the time to pull the entire process together. Obtain transcript, recommendations and write statements of purpose.

3. All components of the application should reach universities by their deadline. Most deadlines fall between January and March.
EAS: The Fulbright Commission's EAS can offer help and advice on any further queries students may have. It is open to any member of the public 1.30-7.00pm on Mondays and 1.30 - 5.00pm Tuesdays to Fridays and offers:

1. Resource Centre with test registration materials, lists of universities by subject and general information on the application process.

2. Reference library that holds a comprehensive collection of university prospectuses, subject guides and funding directories.

3. Fulbright Technology Centre with computers which offer internet access, test preparation packages for computer-based tests and university search packages for a fee.

4. Monthly seminars (contact EAS to check time and topic), and individual advising sessions by appointment for students further ahead in the application process.

5. Annual Success in the US postgraduate seminar and undergraduate College Day.
University Careers Service: Inform students about any resources your centre can offer.

Regional Information Centres and Secondary Information Centres:EAS maintains five Regional Information Centres (RIC) in Swansea, Edinburgh, Manchester and Belfast. EAS also has five Secondary Information Centres (SIC) in Birmingham, Dundee, Londonderry, Plymouth and Hull. This information is situated at each universitys career service department. Any student can use the Centres. However, the Centres do not have educational advisers to answer questions, so questions on US study should be e-mailed, posted, or telephoned to EAS, where there are always trained advisers and information officers are available. The RICs hold the current Peterson's Guides, funding directories, some subject directories and prospectuses; the SICs hold the previous year's editions.