Notes on US Education Fair...

Notes taken during US Edu Fair 

Since it was on my list of "what-to-do's" today, here we go:

Applying for US unis:

Steps:

1. Select 10-15 unis:

Factors to consider- Competitiveness, courses, location (climate) & your field of study. You can get the list of unis at MACEE. US News & World Report has the ranking of the unis.

2. Look up the requirements:

Different unis have different requirements. Prepare all the documents, essays, recommendation letters and make sure you finish everything before the deadline.

3. Exams:

SAT1, SAT2, TOEFL. You can finish all the exams within this year, before application (for Regular Decision) closes. A senior (JPA scholar) told me. Also for JPA scholars there will be a mock exam in August. Dates for all the tests can be found at www.collegeboard.com

The Princeton Review helps to prepare students for the tests. You should have 3-4 months preparation before taking the test.

SAT scores: 1500-Average, 1800-Decent, 2100-Great.

4. Applying:

- Online- some unis use CommonApp, so you can use the same essays.

- You can request admissions packet through mail.

- Send documents by courier.

- Test results will be sent directly from test centre to the universities.

5. Acceptance letters usually arrive in March.

6. Once you get a place, you can apply for your Visa. 

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Usually you will need 3 recommendation letters.

No need to submit things that they did not state in their requirements. No need for long resumes.

Early Decision is binding (bound by law)- You can only choose ONE uni for Early Decision.

Early Admission is non-binding. I'm not sure how many unis you can choose.

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Interviews are conducted by most "high-ranking" unis to select their students.

Their aim is to find out more about you as an individual. It has the same purpose as the essay.

They also want to find out whether you can "fit into" their unis.

I must do my homework if i want to score well in the interview. Prepare some questions on their uni. Show interest, passion.

Always be on time. Interviews are usually one-to-one.

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Visa

I-20 or DS-2019 = Student forms

I-20 is for self-sponsored students. DS-2019 is for exchange students/ JPA & MARA-sponsored students. You should get that up to 4 months before departure.

Once you have the student form, you can book an interview online.

I forgot what it's for but I think this is the SEVIS website: www.fmjfee.com

JPA students get the J1 visa. For parents it's the B1, B2 visa.

More contact details:

malaysia.usembassy.gov

klconsular@state.gov

03-2168-5000

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VFS 03-2166-6550

infomalaysia@vfs.usa.my.com (?) i can't recognise my own handwriting..

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There's also "optional practical training" for those who want to stay on after graduation.

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How to make full use of your time in USA:

-List down the things you want to do, you've always wanted to do but never had the chance to.

-Adapt

-Can take as many credit hours as you want

-Get a coursebook, guidelines, join a club and participate in the activities.

I wonder how important the exams are in the US.

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Phew, that's all from my notes. My memory is worse that i thought. If i hadn't written those down i would have probably forgotten everything.

Thanks to bros and mami who brought me there. Thanks to all who made the event possible. I would like to praise Mr.Kevin Sim for leaving a deep impression with the cows and chickens. Unfortunately i'm not that poor and can't use it to my advantage, however it's not an excuse to try my best ^^. Gambateh! I will definitely fly next year!