College Search
Advanced Search Options

Search your needs below, and view information about the schools that meet those needs by clicking "Search."

Step 1: Select Subject Area(s)
Step 2: Select Program(s) that Interest You
Complete step 1 before selecting a program.
Step 3: Select Location
Complete steps 1 and 2 before selecting a location.
Step 4: Select Degree Level
0
Graduate Schools match your criteria
Search
Advanced Search Options

Use the criteria listed below to find colleges that are right for you. Click "Search" to view your results.

Step 1: Select Subject Area(s)
Step 2: Select Majors(s) that Interest You
Complete step 1 before selecting a major.
Step 3: Select Degree Level
0
Schools match your criteria
Search
feedback

Going to Colleges in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

The opportunity to choose from a wide range of American universities and U.S. college programs is one of the greatest advantages of the U.S. educational system. American schools range from large research universities with more than 30,000 students to small colleges with fewer than 1,000 students; from universities with graduate and professional studies in medicine, law, and many other fields to schools offering only the two-year associate degree. Similarly, schools can be found everywhere from urban schools in large cities to rural institutions located far from metropolitan areas.

At U.S. colleges, admission policies vary from school to school

The admission requirements for students educated outside the U.S. educational system will vary from institution to institution. The educational preparation that is required to apply to a university in your own country will usually enable you to apply to a U.S. college or university. Since U.S. colleges and universities have the authority to determine their own admission and advanced-standing policies, you should always ask each institution what specific educational qualifications they require from students educated in your country. TOEFL scores are commonly required of students whose first language is not English.

American universities use three academic calendars

U.S. colleges operate on three main types of academic calendars to divide the year into academic terms called semesters, trimesters, and quarters. The academic year at colleges in the U.S. is approximately nine months long, no matter how it is divided. The semester system divides the school year in half, resulting in fall and spring semesters. It is used by about 70 percent of U.S. colleges. Schools that use the trimester and quarter systems divide the same nine months into three 3-month terms.

During the summer term at American colleges, the fourth quarter in the quarter system, enrollment in classes is usually optional. For most institutions the academic year runs from late August or September to May or June. Increasingly, many schools operate all year long. Students in a U.S.A. university can often pay their tuition to take courses over the summer term.

There are usually two examination periods in each term, one in the middle and one again at the end. Holiday schedules at American colleges vary with each school, but there are usually a number of short holidays in each term, a longer break in December and January, and a week-long vacation period in the early spring. International students who want or need to stay on campus during holiday periods at American universities should find out from the housing office if this is possible and if there is any additional charge.

 

All Guide to American Universities Info

What International Students Should Look for at American Universities

What do American universities and colleges look for when they screen the applications of students from all over the world? It's pretty simple, really. They're looking...


Find the American Universities That Are Right for You

With so many U.S. colleges and universities to choose from, the application process can be confusing. However, there are steps that you can take to create a list...

Guide to American Universities

There are many colleges in the U.S., so how do you know which U.S.A. university is the best fit for you? You'll need to consider a variety of factors and think about...

Tips for Completing Your Application to American Universities and Colleges

There are a lot of details to remember when you're applying to colleges in the U.S., and it can be easy to overlook something. Here are a few things to remember...

On-Campus Support for International Students at American Universities

Making the decision to attend a U.S. college is a big step, but rest assured that you won’t have to go it alone. An attractive feature of U.S. higher education is...

Fees, Timing, and Interviews for American Universities

An application fee is usually required to cover the cost of processing your application to American universities and colleges. Fees vary from about $15 to $40 and...

How American Universities Evaluate Your Academic Credentials

If you're planning on applying to American universities or colleges, make sure you understand how a U.S. college evaluates your academic credentials. The process...

Attending American Universities: Entering and Leaving the U.S. on a Student Visa

So, you obtained your visa and have permission to enter the United States to study at a U.S. college. Are you wondering what happens next? When heading to American...

Getting Started on an Education at American Universities

For years, America has enjoyed a healthy population of foreign students coming to the United States for top-notch educations. Some of the world's

American Universities: Elements of a U.S. College Application

Enrollment applications for American universities and colleges usually start off asking you for the personal information they need. You also will be asked questions...

If American Universities Interest You, This Is What to Expect When You Apply for Your Visa

A diploma from a U.S.A. university shows that you have worked hard and learned a lot. In addition to getting accepted into programs at U.S. colleges, international...

Ask the Experts: Guide to American Universities

Read actual questions from students about American universities and see answers and advice from college planning and admissions experts

To Attend American Universities, Student Visas and Passports Are Necessary

To attend American universities and colleges, students must first get permission to enter the country. To do so, they must meet certain requirements. They must be...

Applying to American Universities and Colleges

The way you complete your U.S. college application and present yourself is very important and will play a big part in determining the outcome of your efforts to...

Survey
Help us improve Petersons.com
Take our brief survey!
Share this Page
Featured Colleges
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California, or USC, is located in a neighborhood ...
University of California, Los Angeles
Located in western Los Angles, California, Westwood is a district marked by ...
Loyola Marymount University
Perched on the top of a bluff overlooking Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, ...
California Institute of the Arts School of Music
The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts has as its mission not only excellent...
Pitzer College
Located at the base of the beautiful and scenic San Gabriel Mountains, ...