Education in America

Getting into U.S. universities

Presented by:Booyeon Lee AllenUnited States Consulate General Guangzhou

Presentation Overview

Why we are here today

College application process

Focus on essays – how to market yourself

Why we promote U.S. education

Celebrating educational exchange

Good for individual enrichment

Means of promoting mutual understanding and respect among different countries

U.S. government believes…

Foreign students bring diversity and different ideas and culture to universities. America can learn a lot from what foreign students have to contribute.

Students will return to become leaders in their home country and will educate others about U.S. life and culture. This will promote friendly relations and understanding.

Applying to U.S. colleges

The most important part of the application process is not the test

No big Gaokao. TOEFL or SAT only one part of the application process.

Essays are important. They help colleges “meet” the applicant through paper. They help admissions officers build a story about who that applicant is.

How does the process work?

If the colleges offer “early decision” or “early action,” then apply early. You will get a fresh look from the admissions officers, not thousands of applications later.

If your test scores and grades are high, then you the first cut.

How does the process work?

If your essay is unforgettable, then your admissions officer will remember you when advocating for you.

The purpose of the essay is also to demonstrate your ability to write and express yourself at a high academic level.

Three main type of essays

Why you? Why this college? Creative

Why you?

What sets you apart?

What do you think about a certain issue?

What defines you as a person?

Why you?

Examples:

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, or risk that you have taken and its impact on you.

Discuss some issue of personal, local, national or international concern and its importance to you.

Indicate a person, character in fiction, an historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, etc.) who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

Why this university?

Example:

Why do you want to spend two to six years of your life at a particular college, graduate school, or professional school? How is the degree necessary to the fulfillment of your goals?

Creative

You pick the format Short story Poem Stream of consciousness

You pick the content You must still be able to express

yourself as a high academic level

Getting started

Choose a topic Avoid big, general topics

Bad: “Environmental issues”Good: “New power plant in my hometown that has replaced a field of wildflowers.”

Be authentic and personalEveryone has a compelling story to tell. Don’t make things up. Your Chinese upbringing is unique among American student applicants. Simply tell your story.

Getting started

Brain storm supporting details, experiences, stories, images

Concrete Meaningful Relevant

Writing the Essay

Follow the prompt

If directions say 1,000 words, then don’t go over

Make sure you answer the question

Writing the Essay

Choose a verb tense, stick with it

Write in active voice, don’t be vague

NOT “I was chosen as student body president.”

“As student body president, I led a fundraiser for earthquake victims. We raised 20,000 RMB. ”

Writing the Essay

Show, don’t tell NOT “My family is very traditional” “Each March, we place sprigs of

rosemary and thyme outside our front door to commemorate the end of winter.”

NOT “I have been influenced by him and interested in computer since I’m a child.”

“By the time I was three feet high, I was already using my father’s workstation to design 3-D graphics for my school friends.”

Writing the Essay

Edit Don’t be in love with the sound of your

own writing Cut out anything that doesn’t need to

be there If you can say it in 4 paragraphs, get rid

of that 5th paragraph Self-edit Get others to edit your essay

Examples of writing

Who is your hero/from whom do you draw inspiration?

My hero is my mother, whom I admire and respect very highly. From her resiliency in tough situation, I have grown a don’t-give-up-mentality. She taught me to not hide away from problems, but to face it up front and battle it, for the next day is always better. She is also a great listener and a coach who gives me advices that fuel my ambition and hope in doing what I love and loving others.

Example of Writing

Who is your hero/from whom do you draw inspiration?

My mother. She is the very definition of resilience in the midst of trials. She teaches me to never run from problems but to face and fight them. Only then will tomorrow be kinder to you, she says. She has also taught me the value of listening to others intently and loving people deeply.

Questions?

New Web site launched this week!

http://www.educationusa.info/