Tips to dispel the myths in choosing a college
Tips to dispel the myths in choosing a college
"There is no easy answer as to where to study, due to the wide
range of American institutions," states Barbara Mellon,
Educational Advising Coordinator of the Educational Advising
Service (EAS), a division of the American Indonesia Exchange
Foundation (AMINEF).
That is for sure. Fortunately, during our interview Mellon
provided the following words of wisdom in choosing a U.S. college
or university.
Which -- if there is one -- is the wiser choice for an
Indonesian student, a two-year school, or a four-year school?
Each type of school has its own individual merits.
At a community college, a student can finish their education
with an Associates degree, or go on to a four-year school to get
a baccalaureate degree. In the case of the latter, some states
now have partnership programs between the two types of schools,
which makes it easier for students to transfer.
What are the most common misconceptions held by Indonesian
students about American schools?
A public college is not necessarily better than a private
school. The only difference between the two is that a public
school is funded by the government, and a private school is not.
Another myth is that the only way to succeed, career-wise, is
to attend a well-known college. Choosing a college should be more
complex than simply scanning the top 10 list. Not every school is
for every student. Thorough research is the best method for
finding a college that meets one's educational and financial
needs.
Going to a university is preferable to going to a college.
"College" refers to an institution that offers an undergraduate
liberal arts or general education. Universities provide a greater
number of majors as well as graduate degrees.
Graduate degrees also do not have to be directly related to
your undergraduate major. Many people find additional education
in a completely different field can broaden their career options.
(Mellon uses one current trend as an example: Students who
majored in Engineering pursuing an MBA (graduate degree in
Business).
What is the most important tip you would give in choosing a
school?
Do your homework! In other words, research, research,
research, and remember to be realistic about which schools match
your academic and financial abilities.
Is there any other advice you think Indonesian students would
benefit from?
Applying to schools abroad takes much longer than applying to
schools within one's own country. Draw up a schedule that
considers time needed for the following: Filling out
applications, writing (and revising) essays, providing
transcripts, requesting letters of recommendation, and testing.
Also, don't forget to make copies of each application package in
case the school has questions.
American students are usually encouraged to begin their
college search in their junior year (11th grade) of high school.
-- Tania Budihardjo