Can you afford it?
My country of birth has a diverse and well-respected university system and is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. It also has a reputation for being expensive. The good news is that there are many ways to finance an American university degree — if that is the best choice for you. In fact, there are nearly as many ways to pay for higher education in America as there are good universities. The bad news is it takes time and effort. It also takes a bit of know-how.
American universities actively seek to establish a diverse student body, and eagerly work to attract capable students from around the world.
New Zealand students are particularly well-placed to secure places and scholarships at US universities.
New Zealand’s increasingly high profile in America over the past few years — yes, most Americans know where NZ is on the map now — coupled with our reputation as a highly educated nation is advantageous for Kiwi graduates. So is the fact that we share a common language. Because of these factors New Zealander students punch above their weight when it comes to catching the attention of admissions officers at American Unis.
Top scholars and athletes have the best chance of securing placements and scholarship money in the US, but it is not just limited to these groups. Students who have a track record of excellence in art, music, and business, for example, also find American tertiary opportunities before them.
Every student is required to sit one of the two university entrance exams (either the SAT or ACT). Most students take this challenging academic test between 2-3 times because the stronger they score on it, the greater their chances of getting accepted into their university of choice and having financing options. All US students must sit the entrance exam too.
For international students, however, these test scores are weighted more heavily because for American university admissions officers they carry greater credibility than say NCEA marks, for example.
Familiarity doesn’t breed contempt in this instance, it just gives American admission’s officers more certainty that you have the critical thinking, English and maths skills to succeed at post-secondary education.
High school marks are important too, and so is what you’ve done outside the classroom. American universities tend to gravitate towards students with combinations of both academic and extracurricular strings to their bows.
They also care a lot about character.
Which is why Harvard University has been known to rescind entry places to students with a history of dodgy facebook posts.
If you are interested in studying in America after high school, there are many factors to take into consideration. I’d love to help you start or continue your journey wherever you are in the process.
