School Selection

1. Which criteria should I consider when selecting a school?

You'll want to consider a number of important factors when selecting a college or university. 

For instance, is the school accredited? What is the quality of its academic programs in your field of study? Where in the United States would you like to study? How many foreign students are studying at the school currently?

Pay attention to these and other important questions early during your search. You'll save yourself a lot of headaches down the road.

2. Where can I get reliable information about various schools?

You can access reliable information about more than 4,000 schools by visiting our Find A School section. You'll find updated information about the academic institution, the local community and the school's own website. 

Once you've identified interesting programs, you can request an application directly from the school. 

Recruiting fairs are another great way to speak personally with school representatives and gather information. For best results, look for fairs that are supported by the U.S. State Department or U.S. Department of Commerce. (Links to new sections coming)

American College Information Centers are available in several cities worldwide. They provide professional counselors and current information from thousands of U.S. schools. (Links to new sections coming)

A number of school directories can be ordered from UScampus.com. You'll find they offer a current listing of various schools' academic programs and extracurricular activities. 

3. What's the difference between a university, college or community college?

It's easy to be confused about the various types of higher education institutions in this nation. 

That's why UScampus.com features a complete description of the differences between a university, college or community college. 

4. Which provides a better education: a private or public school?

There are no hard and fast rules. Either a private or public school can offer an excellent education. 

Keep in mind, however, that academic quality can range broadly between public and private schools in the same state. To help you decide between a private or public institution, you'll want to do some homework. This website provides valuable information about both types.

5. How important a role should school rankings make in my decision making?

School rankings do matter to some degree. They are read by millions of people, including the general public, potential applicants and employers. They also can have an impact on the quality of its applicants, faculty and recruiters.

Remember, however, that school rankings have their shortcomings. What is "best" on one list may not be so on another. Various ranking systems differ in terms of methodologies. Many well-respected schools consider them quite misleading. That's why it is best to evaluate and compare various reports before making a decision. Find out how that school is ranked by visiting this helpful guide. 

6. Which schools are accredited? Why does this matter?

You'll want to pay particular attention to whether a school is accredited. Graduates of accredited institutions have a distinct advantage over other graduates. Many employers may only seriously consider job applicants who have attended an accredited school.

You'll find an overview of the U.S. accrediting system on this site. Check carefully that your prospective schools are not only accredited - but that their individual academic and professional programs are as well. 

7. I'm unsure about my major. How can I possible select the right school yet?

Keep in mind that students often change their major at least once before graduating. 

Although you may not have selected your major yet, it's important to have a general idea of your educational and career plans. Experts call this step a "preliminary personal assessment." 

Consider why you'd like to study in this country. What do you hope to accomplish and how will this academic program help you with your future career? You should also consider your academic, financial and mental preparation. Additionally, you should think about what you do well, and what you enjoy doing.

After you have a general idea of your educational goals, you can decide which schools best meet your needs. You'll also want to consider factors such as accreditation, location, type of school, fields of study and cost. This will allow you to select schools that closely meet your expectations and abilities. You may later modify these objectives, however, this preliminary assessment will help you greatly down the road.