The number of international students coming to the US after the pandemic increased, while many schools changed their admissions policies, such as allowing applicants to submit videos instead of essays and increasing the number of admissions periods.
At an online seminar on the roadmap to prepare for studying abroad at top US schools more than a week ago, Ms. Dao Thu Huyen, Deputy Director of IvyPrep Study Abroad Consulting Center, raised four new points. in college admissions, after attending the ICEFEducation Fair in December 2023 in the US. This is an annual activity organized by ICEF , an international education research company, organizes.
First, the number of international students, including Vietnamese, coming to the US has increased significantly. According to a November 2023 report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), in the 2022-2023 school year, more than one million international students came to the country, an increase of 11.5% compared to the previous school year.
Of these, 21,900 are Vietnamese students, an increase of nearly 1,200 (5.7%). Although it has not yet returned to pre-Covid-19 levels, this is the second consecutive year that Vietnam has been in the world's top 5 in terms of the number of international students in the US.
Ms. Huyen attended the ICEF Education Fair in December 2023 in the US. Photo: Character provided
Second, this year, some schools have opened an additional ED2 admission round, with a deadline of early January. Previously, these schools only had ED1, with applications accepted in early November and the regular admission round with a deadline of early January. If students apply early (ED - Early Decision), they will know the results sooner and more definitely, because the regular results will be announced in March-April.
"The purpose of having two early admission rounds is because the school wants to filter out a certain number of students who are especially interested and determined to enroll," Ms. Huyen explained.
Differences between admissions in the US
In addition, the trend of candidates not submitting SAT scores (a standardized test used for college admission in the US for more than 50 years) is also becoming more common. According to the US Center for Fairness and Integrity in Testing, by the fall semester of 2023, about 1,750 universities will not require or allow candidates to choose to submit SAT and ACT scores.
Ms. Huyen acknowledged that many students spend time studying some AP (college core) courses instead.
Finally, instead of essays, this year some American universities are offering students a new option: submitting a 2-3 minute video. Through the video, admissions officers can also learn more about the applicant's personality.
"If you find that giving a 2-3 minute presentation is much better than writing an essay, you can choose this option," Ms. Huyen suggested.
According to her, if students intend to study abroad, they and their families should have a strategy early. Normally, students need at least 2-3 years to prepare the most complete and satisfactory application.
"We should start in the middle of 10th grade. Ideally, it could be from the end of middle school, around 9th grade," she said.
The basic roadmap consists of three stages: grades 9-10, 11 and 12. In the first stage, students focus on learning 4 English skills; extracurricular activities; and researching the major they desire or are suitable for.
In grade 11, students take standardized tests like the IELTS, SAT, ACT, add extracurricular activities, and focus on a specific area to make their application stand out. This is also the time when students research schools, understand the requirements for application, and then focus on writing essays.
Grade 12 is an important time and the final step. Students prepare all documents to complete and submit the application. After submitting, candidates must follow up to supplement the application if necessary or grasp the interview schedule.
American universities usually have 4 admission periods, commonly from October of this year to the end of January of the following year. Some schools may have a later date, accepting applications until February or April.
"However, we still advise students to submit their application as soon as possible, preferably in the first semester of grade 12," said Ms. Huyen.
Dawn
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