United States

United States Overview

For CIS students, the US is the most popular option with anywhere from 50-60% of our students matriculating at US schools. Our students are familiar and comfortable with a US-based education and, of course, many of the world's most competitive and prestigious institutions are based there. Additionally, because there are so many schools offering a wide and flexible range of options including some of the most recognized liberal arts schools in the world, the US offers prospective applicants a wealth of programs and approaches. There's something here for anyone willing to explore the many possibilities.

Applying to the public universities

While applying to state (public) universities is generally a much simpler and more straightforward process than applying to private colleges, rigid requirements and strict deadlines complicate the matter. A student who fails to meet deadlines, take the required courses, or neglects to take the correct pattern of tests is quickly turned away from oversubscribed state universities, no matter how talented or qualified he/she is.

Standards for admission to state universities vary although requirements are generally more stringent for out-of-state students than in-state applicants. Most public universities require only a simple application form and a transcript, and increasingly, they will also request an essay.

Applying to private colleges and universities

Although some private colleges and universities ask for little more than an application and transcript, most require considerably more. Admission to a private college, particularly the more selective ones, is a complex, unpredictable and subjective process. Decisions are generally based on the committee's evaluation, through readings and discussion of a candidate's file.