1) You have to be rich to go to university.
Nothing is further from the truth. Had that been so then there would be no such thing as 'financial aid'. Low-income students have the opportunity to gain a sound university education. There are numerous scholarships available to international students including those from the Caribbean. For those of you interested in pursuing your undergraduate degree in the United States, a good SAT score might open many doors to scholarships. In fact, even if you are in extreme financial need, colleges might still want you to enroll because of your good SAT score so find a financial aid counselor who is willing to assist you. Also, many banks throughout the Caribbean offer student loan programs where you can borrow up to the full cost of your university education. The availability of funds is definitely an important factor when considering university education but I advise you not to make it a HUGE issue. Remember, you are worth your education. Remember there are countless scholarship opportunities available. Click the link above and sign up today! You will be able to find quite a number of scholarships. No matter where in the world you are located.
2)You have to go to the university of your parents' choice..
Wait a minute! Who is going to university? Is it you or your parents? You have to choose the university that is best for YOU. You are the one who will be living there for 3 or 4 years. You are the one who will going to classes. Your parents' advice is most certainly valuable and should be considered but please ALWAYS remember ultimately it is your decision for it should be where you will feel most comfortable. I do not think parents should make the decision for you. You have a voice, feel free to use it.
3) Going to university in a Big City is distracting!
Certainly not the truth. Don't buy into this. First of all, as a university student, you are probably not very easily distracted. The mere fact that you decided to go to university shows that you are focused on your academic progress. Big Cities offer so much more than a distraction. You are open to worthwile jobs and internship and networking opportunities. Many great universities are located in big cities and bigger cities usually mean greater opportunities. Don't worry about distractions for you are mature enough to make the right decision. Choose a location based on who YOU are, what YOU like or enjoy. If you absolutely hate cold weather, don't go to a college / university in Alaska.
4) You have to be smart to go to college!
You don't have to be a rocket- scientist to go to university. College is an insitution for learning. You must however show that you are a go-getter as it is no place for slackers. Once you have made a decision to pursue a university education, you are committing to yourself to academic progress. Remember, if you do not think you can committ yourself to maintaining good grades then you must re-think making this step. Not only will you waste money but your time. You must be ready and willing to apply yourself and endure all that comes along with being a university student.
5)You have to go abroad to attend university
This is certainly false. There are universities in the Caribbean, some of which Caribbean students can attend at a discounted price. If you feel as if you would like to experience university life in the Caribbean, there are many options available to you such as: University of the West Indies, University of Virgin Islands, University of Puerto Rico and so much more. I will compile a list of some of the Caribbean universities.
Also, you have the option of pursuing your university education online through online schools such as the University of Phoneix and Kaplan University. I know many non- traditional prospective students (prospective students over 25)who would like to be able to maintain a steady income or raise a child while pursuing a university education . Online degree programs are always an option.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Getting Credit for C.A.P.E & A- Levels
Did you know that your Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination grades and those from the Cambridge Advanced Level Examination can decrease the amount of time you spend at a college / university in the United States? All passing grades can be transfered to your university of choice. I received 18 credits and so I will be graduating one semester before my expected graduation date. Super cool! Some of my friends received enough credits to get an entire year off.
You must carefully select the courses that you would like to pursue at C.A.P.E or A- Levels. It is recommended that these courses be associated with your projected major at your future college / university or should be general so that they can count as core classes or general electives. Try not to choose courses that are completely different to your projected major as you may not be granted credit for them.
Now, when you have been accepted and you are certain that you will be going to a particular university, you should then send your C.A.P.E or A- Level results to the World Education Services (WES) to be evaluated. Your credentials (whether it is a transcript, certificate, diploma or degree)will be reviewed and compared to those of the United States. I recommend applying online to WES after which you should promptly mail certified copies of your academic credentials. I assure you that WES does a quick and accurate evaluation.
Click the logo below to check out the World Education Services website.
You must carefully select the courses that you would like to pursue at C.A.P.E or A- Levels. It is recommended that these courses be associated with your projected major at your future college / university or should be general so that they can count as core classes or general electives. Try not to choose courses that are completely different to your projected major as you may not be granted credit for them.
Now, when you have been accepted and you are certain that you will be going to a particular university, you should then send your C.A.P.E or A- Level results to the World Education Services (WES) to be evaluated. Your credentials (whether it is a transcript, certificate, diploma or degree)will be reviewed and compared to those of the United States. I recommend applying online to WES after which you should promptly mail certified copies of your academic credentials. I assure you that WES does a quick and accurate evaluation.
Click the logo below to check out the World Education Services website.
AUAP's Best US Universities for International Students
For those of you who wish to go to the United States to pursue an undergraduate education, I did some research and according to the American Universities Admissions Program, the following are the best universities in the United States for International Students:
1)Columbia University (New York)
2)Stanford University (California)
3)New York University (New York)
4)Cornell University (New York)
5)University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
6) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Massachusetts)
7)Princeton University (New Jersey)
8)Harvard University (Massachusetts)
9)California Institute of Technology (California)
10)Penn State University (Pennsylvania
11)Yale University (Connecticut)
12)Dartmouth College (New Hampshire)
13)Duke University (North Carolina)
14)University of Miami (Florida)
15)Georgetown University (District of Columbia)
16)University of Chicago (Illinois)
17)Wake Forest University (North Carolina)
18)Pepperdine University (California)
19)Boston University (Massachusetts
20)Vanderbilt University (Tennessee)
1)Columbia University (New York)
2)Stanford University (California)
3)New York University (New York)
4)Cornell University (New York)
5)University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
6) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Massachusetts)
7)Princeton University (New Jersey)
8)Harvard University (Massachusetts)
9)California Institute of Technology (California)
10)Penn State University (Pennsylvania
11)Yale University (Connecticut)
12)Dartmouth College (New Hampshire)
13)Duke University (North Carolina)
14)University of Miami (Florida)
15)Georgetown University (District of Columbia)
16)University of Chicago (Illinois)
17)Wake Forest University (North Carolina)
18)Pepperdine University (California)
19)Boston University (Massachusetts
20)Vanderbilt University (Tennessee)
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Road To University
The road to university is not always a straight, obstacle-free avenue. Yet, it is not a completely bumpy road. When preparing to pursue a higher education, you must thoroughly plan your journey - Where are you going and how are you going to get there? What? Where? Why?
The What: What am I going to going to pursue as a major?
The Where: Where am I going to pursue this major?
The Why: Why am I pursuing this major?
As Caribbean students, location is a crucial factor when deciding where to go to university. Also, prospective students must bear in mind that there are reputable universities available to them right in the Caribbean such as: University of the West Indies, University of the Virgin Islands, University of Puerto Rico and North Caribbean University. The universities in the Caribbean are very similiar to those in the United States, Canada and Europe so never underestimate the Caribbean universities.
Some students want to get away from home and experience new surroundings and therefore go to the United States, Canada or Europe. At the same time, students must be ready and willing to embrace all that comes along with going to school in these countries. Students must be willing to embrace diversity on a much larger scale, different climatic conditions, food, clothing and overall a different way of life.
Now I leave you to think about your WHAT, WHERE and WHY.....
The What: What am I going to going to pursue as a major?
The Where: Where am I going to pursue this major?
The Why: Why am I pursuing this major?
As Caribbean students, location is a crucial factor when deciding where to go to university. Also, prospective students must bear in mind that there are reputable universities available to them right in the Caribbean such as: University of the West Indies, University of the Virgin Islands, University of Puerto Rico and North Caribbean University. The universities in the Caribbean are very similiar to those in the United States, Canada and Europe so never underestimate the Caribbean universities.
Some students want to get away from home and experience new surroundings and therefore go to the United States, Canada or Europe. At the same time, students must be ready and willing to embrace all that comes along with going to school in these countries. Students must be willing to embrace diversity on a much larger scale, different climatic conditions, food, clothing and overall a different way of life.
Now I leave you to think about your WHAT, WHERE and WHY.....
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