The US is one of the most popular study destinations for international students.
Renowned for the high quality of its education, the US has one of the largest higher education systems in the world. With more than 200 US universities featuring in the most recent QS World University Rankings, it’s easy to see why.
If you’re considering studying in the US, you may be wondering where to start. Here’s everything you’ll need to know before applying.
Research your options
With hundreds of universities to choose from, each offering a unique and exciting student experience, choosing a university in the US can seem overwhelming.
Luckily, there are several tools you can use to help make your decision:
Global university rankings
University rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings, offer an unbiased view of the best universities in the world. They’re based on a series of indicators, such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio and more.
Global rankings can be helpful to gain an overall view of an institution’s reputation, or if you’re wondering which universities are available in the area you’re looking to study. If you’ve decided which subject to study, but want to see which universities are best, you can also look at rankings by subject, like the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
However, there are many other factors that will affect your decision, so make sure you check university websites for further detail
In-person and virtual open days
University open days – whether they are online or in-person – are a great opportunity to talk to academics, staff and students from the university and ask any questions you might have.
If you live outside of the US and can’t travel to look around the university itself, virtual open days offer the perfect solution. Some even feature 360-degree photographs and videos of the campus so you can still get a feel for studying there.
University fairs, like the worldwide QS events, not only give you the chance to speak to universities across the US, but they also offer networking sessions, talks and opportunities to review your CV.
Consider an education counsellor
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options available across the US, working with an education counsellor can help you to identify your goals and find a shortlist of universities and programmes that feel right for you.
QS Counsellors can provide guidance on programmes, universities, visa applications and answer any questions you have about studying in the US. They’ll also advise you on what documents you’ll need to apply.
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