Although there are many countries to study in, most people still have the United States as their main goal. The following is a list of information aboutMaterials that must be prepared for studying in the United StatesPreparation materials for studying in the United States, ,US study visa materials, ,US study entry materials, ,Materials Engineering in the United StatesThe problem.
1. Materials that must be prepared for studying in the United States
1. Language materials for studying in the United States
When choosing to study abroad, everyone seems to have a consensus - you have to take TOEFL to go to the United States, and IELTS to go to the United Kingdom. However, times have changed, and this concept should be abandoned. Currently, IELTS is also highly recognized in the United States. More than 3,400 schools recognize IELTS scores. Some top American universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), will clearly state that they "prefer IELTS."
Judging from the test habits of Chinese candidates, we are more suitable for IELTS. First of all, IELTS can be taken in paper or computer, while TOEFL is only taken in computer. We who are used to paper-based tests will find IELTS more familiar. Secondly, from the practicality of the test, the oral test of IELTS is a face-to-face communication with the examiner, while the oral test of TOEFL is still a human-computer dialogue. From the experience of living in the United States, communication with people in actual life and study is actually very important. The process of preparing for the IELTS oral test is just the process of practicing our practical application of English, which is helpful for the candidates' subsequent face-to-face interviews, admission interviews, etc.
In terms of the difficulty of the test, the TOEFL test is more academic, with a high requirement for professional vocabulary, a vocabulary of 8,000-10,000, and a test duration of about 3 hours, which can be considered a marathon test. The IELTS test content is more everyday, and the scenes and topics tested are more common in life. The vocabulary requirement is equivalent to that of the CET-6. The IELTS written test lasts 160 minutes, and the oral test is about 10-15 minutes. The separate arrangement of the oral and written tests can alleviate the pressure caused by the test duration to a certain extent, and is more conducive to full preparation for the test.
2. Academic records for studying in the United States
In addition to language scores, the academic performance materials for undergraduate study in the United States mainly include academic performance (GPA). GPA refers to the grade point average, which is an indispensable condition for studying abroad. Generally speaking, in order to apply to a good school in the United States, the GPA must be at least 3.0 (out of 4.0 points), and for the top 30 schools in the United States, it must be at least 3.5 (out of 4.0 points). It is recommended that students who want to study abroad should prepare as early as possible, and their usual grades can be stable at around 90 points.
3. Documents for studying in the United States
The application materials for studying in the United States include letters of recommendation, personal statements, resumes, and other school-specified materials.
Recommendation letters are usually two to three. Current students can choose their teachers, academic paper advisors, or professors with whom they have had academic exchanges as recommenders. If they have good internship experience, they can also choose their internship supervisors. The content of the recommendation letter generally includes the background of the recommendee, the professional foundation of the recommendee, learning ability, research direction, etc. If the school you are applying to provides a recommendation form, you must fill it out carefully according to the recommendation form.
The personal statement is mainly used to show the applicant's professional ability and academic research. The way of presentation is not fixed. For example, it can be the topics you have studied in your professional field, the literature you have read, relevant internship experience, the direction you want to study in the future, and the plans and prospects after the end of your studies.
A resume is an introduction to personal information. It should be brief and concise. One page is enough. It should generally include basic information, contact information, education experience, work and research experience, honors received, skills and expertise, etc. In addition to academic performance, American universities also pay great attention to non-academic indicators, such as extracurricular activities, competitive games, or charity activities, so these aspects must be reflected in the resume.
In addition, some schools may also require you to submit materials such as essays, portfolios, and proof of assets, so when preparing materials to study in the United States, you must go to the school to check them carefully.
2. Interpretation of common misunderstandings about studying in the United States
Myth 1: International students can’t get help
Teaching secretaries and the International Student Program Office will provide assistance to international students, and many schools provide English corners and corresponding courses to help international students improve their English level.
Many professors realize that international students have language difficulties when they first come into contact with all-English textbooks, and they are usually willing to help these students or designate a few American students to help international students. In fact, our American classmates are a huge resource. Some people think that they don’t care about international students, but in fact American students are very friendly and very willing to provide various kinds of help to international students.
Myth 2: American colleges and universities are located in unsafe large cities
Many American movies are shot in big cities, such as New York and Austin, and most people think of crime and drugs when they think of big cities. But this is not entirely true. There is no doubt that big cities do have higher crime rates than some small towns, but colleges and universities often have many campus police to ensure the safety of the college. If there is a robbery, the local police station will immediately notify the school, and the school's security measures will often be on alert to prevent some criminal cases from happening. In some larger schools, there are often school buses between several campuses, and at night, some schools' school buses can even take students to off-campus apartments. Many colleges and universities have multiple campuses, some of which are located in suburbs or small towns, so it can be said that American colleges and universities are not all located in big cities.
Myth 3: Many students in American universities like to party
In TV and movies, we often see American campus life scenes where they often attend various parties. Many international students worry that they can't adapt because they don't like parties. However, the fact is that even if you don't like attending parties, you will adapt quickly.
Myth 4: There are no extracurricular activities for international students
In fact, campus life in the United States is rich and colorful. They don't want their students to just study all day long, they want them to have critical thinking and become talents with comprehensive qualities. There are many clubs and organizations in American colleges and universities for international students to join. At Brown University, there are many computer science groups, photography associations, and nutrition and health clubs. Many schools have their own school spirit and will call on students to participate in the school's rich campus sports programs, such as American football, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer. Volunteers are also a very popular on-campus and off-campus activity project. Volunteers have the opportunity to teach mathematics to students in primary and secondary schools.
Myth 5: You have to pick a major right away
In many cases, schools allow students to enter school without a major, and usually choose their major in their sophomore year. Schools encourage students to take a variety of courses, try new things, and explore new areas of knowledge, because you don't know if you like it until you really try it. Of course, it would be ideal if you know what you want to study before entering school, but it is very important to try new things and broaden your horizons. This is why many American universities set up some courses that are not related to students' majors and require them to be completed, because American universities hope that the students they eventually cultivate will have a variety of skills and a broad perspective.
3. Interview details for applying to study in the United States
1. First impressions matter
Arrive 10 minutes before the interview. If you are stuck in traffic, please inform your interviewer in advance. Being late is a very bad thing. The same is true for remote interviews. In addition, bring a copy of all your application materials in case the interviewer needs them. Of course, formal attire is also essential. These are the most basic requirements, but they are indeed very important.
2. Keep it authentic
As we mentioned above, the purpose of the school interview is to get to know you as a person, so nothing is more important than being authentic. One of the most important things that attract applicants is their different backgrounds. So no matter what your background is, you can talk freely with the interviewer. Of course, you should not present a negative image, but your most natural side.
3. Be Prepared
Although the entire interview process is centered around your experience and ideas, it does not mean that you do not need to prepare. Good expression and communication, as well as your own outstanding deeds, all require good preparation to be presented. Because you must organize and express your important experiences from childhood to adulthood, the stories you are proud of, and your unique characteristics in a good language. Don't underestimate this process, it plays a vital role in the success or failure of the interview. At the same time, you also need to prepare your understanding and enthusiasm for the school. After all, the school also values the sincerity of the applicant.
4. Practice
The first step in interview practice should be to familiarize yourself with your own application materials, essays, etc. But when you are familiar with them, you should prepare one more part: think about the questions that people who read these materials may ask, and prepare answers to these questions. Then ask your teachers and classmates to help you do mock interviews. In fact, anyone who can give you honest feedback can do it. You can ask them some classic questions, such as what achievements you are most proud of, who is your leader in your mind, why did you choose to study at this time, etc.
5. Ask valuable questions
Interviewers always have different understandings of their schools and programs, so take the opportunity to ask questions during the interview. Some classic questions such as: Why did you choose this school, what is your favorite activity, what is your favorite class, are all good questions. If you can be more specific, it will be even better. These questions will not only give you a deeper understanding of the program, but also show your enthusiasm for the program.
4. Accommodation arrangements for international students in the United States
1. School Dormitory
With the advantages of low cost, convenient classes and guaranteed safety, it is the first choice for domestic students to study abroad. However, the general supply is limited. Although international students can submit applications effectively, the success rate is not high.
The application is made directly on the school's website. There will be a special dormitory application entrance. Everyone needs to fill in their personal information, check the services they want, sign the contract and pay the deposit, then they can submit the application. If successful, the deposit will be converted into rent, otherwise it will be refunded.
The internal facilities of the dormitory are relatively simple, generally including a bedroom and bathroom, and the furniture includes a bed, wardrobe, table and chairs. Electrical appliances basically need to be purchased by yourself. In addition, a public laundry room and kitchen are provided, which can be used freely after moving in.
2. Off-campus accommodation
Considering the limited number of dormitories, apartments are a very important part of the school's surrounding supporting services. Formal apartments will have their own websites, and you can submit your application directly on the website. You don't have to worry about being cheated, which will affect your study abroad.
If you choose a larger apartment, you can make an appointment on their website just like applying for a dormitory. Select the house you are interested in and make a reservation. Be sure to pay attention to the configuration and charging standards to ensure that you can obtain the benefits of the contract.
Since you are renting a house, you have a strong sense of personal initiative, so you must examine all aspects of the situation, including the distance from the school, the convenience of travel, and the safety of the surrounding area, and be able to obtain reliable information from different aspects.
3. Homestay
Boarding can be said to be a way to save money and worry. You can directly live in a local family. For students, there will be someone to help them adapt to the new life and play a guardian role. However, as outsiders, everyone needs to adapt to the family's habits and change their lifestyle.
Applications must be made through official channels. Some schools have direct channels, and you can also apply through an agent. The process is not complicated, and you do not need to prepare much materials. You can also put forward your own requirements to facilitate allocation and screening.
Summary of materials that must be prepared for studying in the United States
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