Tips to dispel the myths in choosing a college<\/p>\n
\"There is no easy answer as to where to study, due to the wide
\nrange of American institutions,\" states Barbara Mellon,
\nEducational Advising Coordinator of the Educational Advising
\nService (EAS), a division of the American Indonesia Exchange
\nFoundation (AMINEF).<\/p>\n
That is for sure. Fortunately, during our interview Mellon
\nprovided the following words of wisdom in choosing a U.S. college
\nor university.<\/p>\n
Which -- if there is one -- is the wiser choice for an
\nIndonesian student, a two-year school, or a four-year school?<\/p>\n
Each type of school has its own individual merits.<\/p>\n
At a community college, a student can finish their education
\nwith an Associates degree, or go on to a four-year school to get
\na baccalaureate degree. In the case of the latter, some states
\nnow have partnership programs between the two types of schools,
\nwhich makes it easier for students to transfer.<\/p>\n
What are the most common misconceptions held by Indonesian
\nstudents about American schools?<\/p>\n
A public college is not necessarily better than a private
\nschool. The only difference between the two is that a public
\nschool is funded by the government, and a private school is not.<\/p>\n
Another myth is that the only way to succeed, career-wise, is
\nto attend a well-known college. Choosing a college should be more
\ncomplex than simply scanning the top 10 list. Not every school is
\nfor every student. Thorough research is the best method for
\nfinding a college that meets one's educational and financial
\nneeds.<\/p>\n
Going to a university is preferable to going to a college.
\n\"College\" refers to an institution that offers an undergraduate
\nliberal arts or general education. Universities provide a greater
\nnumber of majors as well as graduate degrees.<\/p>\n
Graduate degrees also do not have to be directly related to
\nyour undergraduate major. Many people find additional education
\nin a completely different field can broaden their career options.<\/p>\n
(Mellon uses one current trend as an example: Students who
\nmajored in Engineering pursuing an MBA (graduate degree in
\nBusiness).<\/p>\n
What is the most important tip you would give in choosing a
\nschool?<\/p>\n
Do your homework! In other words, research, research,
\nresearch, and remember to be realistic about which schools match
\nyour academic and financial abilities.<\/p>\n
Is there any other advice you think Indonesian students would
\nbenefit from?<\/p>\n
Applying to schools abroad takes much longer than applying to
\nschools within one's own country. Draw up a schedule that
\nconsiders time needed for the following: Filling out
\napplications, writing (and revising) essays, providing
\ntranscripts, requesting letters of recommendation, and testing.
\nAlso, don't forget to make copies of each application package in
\ncase the school has questions.<\/p>\n
American students are usually encouraged to begin their
\ncollege search in their junior year (11th grade) of high school.<\/p>\n
-- Tania Budihardjo<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tips-to-dispel-the-myths-in-choosing-a-college-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }