By Paul Tringale
Director, Conference Bureau
Tufts University

Students from abroad who are considering attending US universities have an opportunity to grow and contribute academically and socially to a university community. The challenge these students face is understanding the differences among the 3,500 plus colleges and universities in the states. The standards for admission vary widely from institution to institution. More than ten students submit applications for each place in the class, and 8 of 10 are capable of doing the work. An essential part of the admissions process involves making the match between student and institution. According to Allan Clemow, Director of Admissions at Tufts University, "Colleges want students who will benefit from the educational experience but also add to the richness of campus life. The idea of a study plan allows students to discuss their backgrounds, ideas, and goals for determining how the student may fit within the programs and degree options offered by the institution."

What is considered for admission

Although some specifics may vary, a specific example can provide a general sense of what admissions criteria for US colleges and universities are like. The Tufts University Committee on Admissions considers an applicant's potential for academic success as the most important factor in determining admission. Other variables include: the quality of the applicant's high school program, performance in that program, results of standardized tests, recommendations, and special talents. The committee on admissions also looks for evidence of academic enthusiasm, creativity, independence, and determination. Applicants who show a multi-dimensional aspect to their character through extracurricular activities offer advantages to the campus community. Such activities include involvement in leadership and service, as well as talent in the arts and athletics.

Differences in the educational systems and in expectations

In evaluating applicants from international schools, the committee on admissions at Tufts University acknowledges the differences in educational systems around the world and the variety of grading methods and examinations used in assessing a student's aptitude for academic success at the university level. The committee also realizes that in many schools extracurricular activities are either not available or are limited. Standardized test results are interpreted by the committee in the context of the international background of the student. "Not only do secondary school preparation and the college study options in some student's home countries differ significantly from those in the US, but degree programs, majors, concentration areas, paraprofessional programs, and even individual course requirements may be very different from what the student is expecting to experience," says Clemow.

The Application

The application for admission includes: an application form, high school transcripts, results of standardized tests, a teacher's report, two essays, and the application fee. The essay questions ask the student to describe and discuss an important experience or achievement; discuss a personal, local, national or international issue and how it is important to him/her; describe the influence that a specific person has had on him/her; or describe what roll the student has played as a citizen in the community. A formal study plan with details of academic or career goals is not required. However, applicants may, through a study plan, choose to elaborate on their backgrounds and their reasons for a particular intellectual direction. In this way, according to Clemow, "The student has the chance to articulate a vision, however tentative." The additional information that could be provided in a study plan has potential to be useful for admissions officials. "This gives students a special opportunity to explain the system under which they are studying, special academic options they have taken, and how they see themselves using the resources of the American university system to continue their intellectual and professional training," says Clemow.

Graduate Schools

For students applying to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts, the personal statement is a significant part of the application. Applicants are asked to give specific reasons for deciding to do graduate work in their chosen fields and to include such details as: experiences that led the student to consider applying for graduate training; objectives in applying; and how applicants believe the Tufts graduate program will help them pursue their objectives and careers. As with undergraduate admissions, a formal study plan is not required. A student may submit additional material, such as a writing sample, directly to the intended department of study. In addition to the application materials, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy asks students to answer several essay questions. Applicants should have a definite idea of what they want to accomplish at the Fletcher School, but should be prepared to make changes to their academic plans. According to Paul D. Bauer, Director of Admissions at the Fletcher School, "Some students do change their minds on what direction they will take once they arrive at the Fletcher School and see what options become available to them."

A study plan may be help students to focus on academic goals as they begin to explore colleges and universities. However, as is the case with Tufts University, study plans are not always specifically required. With or without a study plan requirement, students can inform admissions officials through their essays of their potential for success and value to the campus community.