on Jul 21st, 2008Applying to US Universities vs. Australia Universities
I’ve been contemplating whether to further my studies in the States or back in Australia so I’ve been doing some research. Applying to U.S. Universities is such a hassle and unless you’re brought up in that environment or really determined to study in the States, one would seriously consider applying for other Universities in U.K. or Australia.
Problems
1. They want so many things from me!
Different Universities have different requirements of transcripts and test scores and references. Some require you to take extra tests, beyond the usual SAT and GRE, whereas some require you to have 3 references PLUS extra papers for your references to sign and sealed in envelope then mail it back to the States. I’ve graduated from my first degree for almost a year and I haven’t been too close with my lecturers, I’m not sure any of them will remember me or have any inclinations to refer me to the University I’m trying to apply for. But of course, most nice people will just write you a generic reference so as not to ruin your life.
2. Not easy to transfer from another country’s education system
The U.S. Universities offer 4 year Bachelor Degree courses and are unlikely to recognize my 3 year Degree (the good Universities at least). I’ve called up the Centre for American Education in Singapore and they advised me to call up school by school to see which ones will unconditionally recognize my 3 year degree. Some might even offer me to take up extra credits before admitting me to graduate school. But all these are hypothetical and assumptions, since, I don’t intend to call up all the schools in California.
3. AMERICA IS SO BIG.
There are simply too many Universities! I’m not a straight As student so I can strike off the top 10 schools in U.S. definitely. Next, I’ve got some relatives living in San Francisco, California, so I guess it would be good for me to narrow down my choices to colleges in California. University of California alone have almost 10 campuses! Goodness.
4. Writing ‘About Me’s
Seriously, I don’t know what to write! One of my brilliant interns gave me some advice that his RJC seniors passed down to him, if you’re applying to USA you should write personal statements more geared towards academic focus whereas if you want to apply to U.K. you should write more personal information. I want to write “PLEASE ACCEPT ME!!!!” all over the papers. 
Sigh. I guess I’ll be applying to Singapore and Australian Universities after all. Hunting for the right school is almost as tedious as hunting for the right job.
Related posts:
You write very well.