Choosing the Best Graduate Chapter 2 Programs for You
degree programs, application procedures, academic departments, facilities on campus, and other topics. Many sites include a copy of the college catalog and e-mail addresses for current students (including international students) who can answer your questions. If you don’t find this information on the website, ask the admissions office. Web-based Search Tools Some websites are independent of colleges and universities and allow you to search for programs by subject area, by geographic preference, or by a range of other criteria that you specify — visit the EducationUSA website and click on “Find a U.S. College or University” to get started. Remember that you will be receiving a degree from and spending most of your time with students and faculty from within your graduate program, so you should decide on the type of program you need first, then consider the criteria described below. Before beginning an online search, think about the kind of experience you are looking for in the United States: Do you want to live in a big city, or do you prefer a more rural or suburban location? Do you want to attend an institution that has tens of thou
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sands of students, or are you looking for a small or mid-size college or university? (Keep in mind that individual graduate programs can be quite small or very large, regardless of the size of their host institution.) Do you need access to facilities that could supplement your academic studies, such as museums, other universities, or places to conduct field research? By answering these questions and others you can refine your search criteria and generate a list of schools closely matched with your needs. Social Media Tools Students can access information about U.S. graduate programs through a variety of technological tools and formats. Online videos, social networking groups, podcasts, and blogs about life on U.S. campuses offer genuine stories and experiences directly from students. EducationUSA advising centers can assist you in finding these resources. EducationUSATV, a channel on YouTube, broadcasts videos produced by EducationUSA advising centers to help students through the search process — from taking standardized tests, to completing applications and essays, to securing scholarships and financial aid, to applying for student visas, to
If You Want to Study in the United States: Graduate Study
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