History and founding of Cornell

From its inception by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, the university was envisioned as a place where “anyone can find instruction in any study.” This progressive vision of accessibility and academic diversity remains at the heart of Cornell’s philosophy.

Academic program at Cornell University

Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is recognized worldwide for its academic excellence and ranking among the world’s top universities. Cornell’s programs are diverse, covering multiple academic disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to engineering and applied sciences.

A wide range of disciplines

Cornell offers a multitude of programs across its seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate schools, each a leader in its specific field. Students can choose from around 4,000 courses, offering unparalleled flexibility and academic richness. Among the most prestigious fields are engineering sciences, computer sciences, biomedical research and law.

Science and engineering

Cornell’s College of Engineering is particularly renowned for its commitment to the advancement of scientific and technological research. With programs in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science, this college promotes a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex real-world problems.

Law and administration

Cornell Law School is renowned for its excellent legal education and high placement rate in top jobs. Law students benefit from a rigorous education prepared by renowned professors, with an emphasis on international legal practice.

Humanities and arts

Students interested in the humanities will find a wealth of courses ranging from English literature and media studies to history and philosophy. The College of Arts and Sciences stimulates intellectual curiosity and enables students to develop refined critical thinking skills.

Innovation in research

Research is a cornerstone of Cornell education, with significant contributions in areas such as sustainable development, quantum technology, and global health. The Ithaca campus, combined with Cornell’s research facilities in New York and globally, provides a robust backdrop for academic exploration and discovery.

International study programs

Cornell also promotes international study opportunities, enabling students to gain a global perspective in their field of study. Exchange programs and internships abroad are encouraged, enriching students’ educational experience and preparing them for careers in a globalized environment.

Progressive, personalized education

Cornell’s educational approach is designed to adapt to students’ individual interests and ambitions, enabling them to personalize their academic path. From the undergraduate to the doctoral level, Cornell offers an education that focuses not only on the acquisition of knowledge, but also on the development of practical and leadership skills.

Good to know:

Cornell is ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in several disciplines, affirming its status as a leading institution in higher education.

Admission process for graduate students

1. Academic prerequisites

To enter a graduate program at Cornell, applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a field relevant to their intended specialization. An exemplary academic record, with a GPA (adjusted grade point average) of 3.5 or higher, is often required, particularly for fields such as science, engineering or computer science.

2. Standardized test scores

Programs at Cornell may require standardized test scores such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Despite the temporary suspension of this requirement for some programs due to the pandemic, it is crucial to check current requirements with the relevant department. For management programs, the GMAT may also be required.

3. Personal statements and letters of recommendation

Applicants should submit personal statements that clearly articulate their motivation for pursuing graduate studies at Cornell, highlighting their research experience and professional goals. Letters of recommendation from professors or mentors familiar with the applicant’s research skills are also essential.

4. Research experience and publications

For PhD candidates, it is advantageous to demonstrate solid research experience and relevant publications. These elements underline the candidate’s ability to conduct independent research and make a significant contribution to the scientific community.

Tuition fees and financing options

Costs

Annual tuition for graduate students at Cornell ranges from USD 29,500 to USD 38,000, depending on the program and college.

Financing options

Cornell offers a variety of funding opportunities for graduate students, such as research assistantships (RA) and teaching assistantships (TA), which often cover most or all of tuition and include a living allowance.

Tips for candidates

Alignment with research interests

It is crucial to demonstrate an alignment between your research interests and the faculty specialties of your chosen program. Getting in touch with potential faculty members before applying can be very beneficial.

Preparing your application

We recommend that you prepare your application documents carefully and submit them well in advance of the deadline to allow for thorough revision.

Famous alumni

Cornell has produced an impressive number of graduates who have significantly influenced their fields, including Nobel laureates, leading business leaders, and influential politicians. This tradition of excellence continues to motivate today’s students.

1. Toni Morrison (1931-2019)

Toni Morrison, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature, received her M.A. in English from Cornell in 1955. Her works, deeply rooted in African-American culture, have explored the complexities of race and identity in America. Morrison is best known for novels such as “Beloved”, “Song of Solomon” and “The Bluest Eye”.

2. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)

Graduating from Cornell in 1954, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. She is renowned for her work defending the rights of women and minorities, and has left an indelible mark on the legal field.

3. E. B. White (1899-1985)

Elwyn Brooks White, who graduated from Cornell in 1921, is a famous American writer, known for his contributions as an editor to “The New Yorker” as well as for his children’s books, such as “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little”.

4. Dr. John O. Agwunobi

John O. Agwunobi received his MBA from Cornell and has a distinguished career in public health and administration. He served as Assistant Secretary for Health in the George W. Bush administration and is currently CEO of Herbalife.

5. Sandra Steingraber

A renowned biologist and environmentalist, Sandra Steingraber received her PhD in biology from Cornell. She is renowned for her activism and writing on environmental issues and public health, including her influential book “Living Downstream”.

6. Myron Rolle

A former NFL American soccer player and Rhodes Scholar, Myron Rolle earned his master’s degree in medical sciences at Cornell. After his career in professional sports, he continued his studies in neurosurgery.

Why choose Cornell?

Choosing Cornell means choosing an education that goes beyond academic knowledge. It means choosing a community that promotes diversity, innovation and excellence. Every program, every course is designed to prepare students to be not only competent thinkers and leaders, but also responsible, enlightened citizens of the world.

Good to know:

Cornell offers unique opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research from the undergraduate level, enabling students to contribute to innovative projects that have a real impact.

In conclusion, Cornell University continues to distinguish itself by its commitment to academic excellence and its significant contribution to society. For those seeking an education that challenges norms and encourages personal and professional growth, Cornell represents an unparalleled choice.

Based in one of the most globalized cities in the world, New York University (NYU) was founded in 1831 and now has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai in addition to a host of other centers across the globe. NYU was founded by Albert Gallatin, the Secretary of the Treasury in the cabinets of the 2nd and 3rd presidents of the US, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, also the first president of NYU. Needless to say, its history is quite literally linked to the “Founding Fathers” of the United States.

Arguably reflecting the city’s reputation for diversity and acceptance, NYU has the particularity of having been non-denominational from the start – contrary to all other top American colleges at the time of their creation

New York University (NYU) in a few words

NYU now boasts over 26,000 undergraduate students and nearly as many graduates and in 2014, attracted more international students than any other American university, according to figures published in the “Open Doors” study by the Institute of International Education (IIE). In light of its growth and increasing popularity, the university has become more and more selective in part due to a nearly 100% increase in applications between 2007 and 2017. That year, NYU accepted 27% of its applicants. In 2017, that figure dropped to 19%.

The University has extremely strong ties with the city of New York, seen both in its use of its torch logo – like the Statue of Liberty – and also its location in central New York within the neighborhood Greenwich Village and more specifically, Washington Square. This area has for many years been known as a hub of cultural activity in New York was at one time home to historical figures as diverse as NYU chemistry Professor, creator of the telegraph and namesake of Morse code, Samuel Morse and abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock and cradle of the modern LGBT movement.

Academics

With more than 230 areas of study, NYU offers something for everyone. Its top ranked programs are social sciences (8th by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, 15th by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings,and 16th by the QS World University Rankings); psychology (11th by the QS World University Ranking).

Globally, NYU is ranked 18th in the Center for World University Rankings, 17th in International Colleges and Universities, 29th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, 27th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and 46th in the QS World University Rankings.

How do I apply?

To apply to NYU, you will need to use the Common Application, a centralized platform through which you can apply to most American colleges and universities. You will need to fill in information about your family – including the occupation of your parents -, provide your transcript or high school grades, submit 1 teacher reference letter, submit one “school report”, draft a résumé or CV, send official test scores (SAT, SAT Subject Test scores, ACT and English language test scores), declare a major or intended area of study, describe your extracurricular activities and as with most highly selective colleges complete the essay questions on the Common App as well as answer additional essay questions specific to NYU. The NYU current question is “Why NYU?”. According to NYU, this is one of the most important parts of your application.

You must submit all your materials before the appropriate deadline. If you are sure that NYU is your first choice, then you may want to apply for Early Decision, which may increase your chances for admission. Early Decision 1 materials must be submitted by November 1st. NYU also offers Early Decision 2, which is due on the same day as Regular Decision, January 1st.

When do you have to start preparing for NYU?

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking exams; consistently participating in extra-curricular activities including clubs, music, sports, and side projects; and the numerous essays to write, we recommend that students begin start to think about their path to Stanford as soon as they begin high school. The application itself is typically completed during the fall semester of students’ last year in high school.

What is the profile of the students at NYU?

A few more facts and figures: The freshman (1st year) class entering in 2015-216 was made of  5,917 students, representing 49 states and 91 countries, with 19% as non-US citizens. Typically, most freshmen applicants have a typical unweighted, high school GPA of 3.5/A (90–95%) and are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. For the freshman class of 2018-2019, the average SAT score for accepted students was 1460/1600 and between 32/36 on the ACT. The student-to-faculty ratio at the New York campus is 10:1

For graduate programs, as of 2016, the average MCAT score of students at the School of Medicine is 36/45, average GMAT score of graduate students at the School of Business is 710/800, average GRE quant score of graduate students at the School of Engineering is 169.3/170, and average LSAT score of students at the School of Law is 171/180.

Affording NYU

In order to be eligible for financial aid as an international student, you must apply every year using your personalized CSS Profile.

The deadlines to submit your financial aid application are as follows: Early Decision 1, November 15th; Early Decision 2, January 15th; Regular Decision, February 15th.

The University claims that the average student financial aid award is ,000 for the first year. Tuition (without Room & Board) is about ,000 per year in 2018.

One of only three American institutions of higher learning to pre-date the American Revolution, Yale University owes its name to a 17th century Welsh merchant who donated his earnings from the sale of 9 bales of goods, 417 books and a portrait of King George I. Today, Yale University is home to about 5,200 undergraduates students of which about 10% are international.

It is not only part of the elite Ivy League of 8 American colleges and universities and a highly ranked university, but is also an innovative, forward-looking, international beacon of learning shining on the Eastern seaboard of the US in New Haven, Connecticut.

Yale: Training Leaders in all Domains

Since its inception, Yale has trained leaders in all domains of undergraduate and graduate studies. A few of the University’s notable alumni include Presidents George H. and George W. Bush, President and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, US Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Clarence Thomas, American journalist Anderson Cooper, actors Jodie Foster, James Franco, Claire Danes, and author Nigerian-born Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie along with 61 Nobel laureates, 5 Fields Medalists and 3 Turing award winners.

Campus Life

Proud of its campus life with over 450 student organizations and a competitive member of the Ivy League athletic conference, Yale University was the first in the USA to adopt a mascot. Seventeen generations later, “Handsome Dan XVII”, a bulldog, attends athletic events, befriends students and professors alike, and according to the University, is the best-known mascot among American colleges and universities.

Some of the more well known student organizations include The Yale Political Union, advised by former Democratic Secretary of State John Kerry and the world’s oldest humor magazine, The Yale Record.

The architectural integrity of the original campus has largely remained intact despite the addition and demolition of various buildings since the campus opened in 1701. The oldest standing structure on campus is Connecticut Hall, built in Georgian style for the English kings of the same name and dating back to 1752. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Students and visitors will also notice Gothic, French Renaissance and mid-century modernist architecture.

A few additional traditions in Residential Colleges include “Master’s Teas” or a sort of meet-and-greet with special guests as well as weekly formal dinners.

For further information, see the campus >map.

Academics

Organization

All undergraduate students are part of Yale College. In order to graduate, all students must complete the common requirements as well as earn their major credits from their chosen major from among 80 options (shown here). Graduate programs are within the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. There are also professional schools at Yale (including Law, Medecine, Nursing, Public Health, etc.). The University’s most popular degree programs are Economics, Political Science, History and biological science-related majors. All study programs culminate with a thesis, exam or senior project.

Liberal Arts

As a liberal arts college, the Yale curriculum is vast. Students study a range of topics and have until the end of their second year to declare a major. One of the advantages of this system is that it helps students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills that will be crucial to students’ future careers. Yale promotes both diversity of choice and concentration in a particular area; moreover, students must take at least 2 course credits in the humanities and arts, sciences, and social sciences. Finally, they must fulfill 3 skills requirements: quantitative skills, writing and world language. 

How do I apply?

Former Dean of Admission at Yale, Jeffrey Brenzel, states: “An applicant’s academic strength is our first consideration. We review grades, standardized test scores, and evaluations by a counselor and two teachers to determine academic strength”. Aside from this, Yale also wants students who have something to bring to campus – students who have, as they say, “the potential to add to the Yale community and take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities available on our campus.” These two elements together make up the ‘holistic review’ that admissions teams use to assess applicants. Therefore, applying to Yale demands that potential applicants prepare significantly in advance and ask themselves honest questions about why they are interested in Yale. Finally, Yale says that it looks for students who wish to “stretch their limits”.

What is a holistic review?

When universities use a holistic review, this means that they are looking for students who have both a proven academic talent and also a high level of personal development and extracurricular accomplishment. Additionally, universities consider not only grades and test scores, but also on summer activities (camps, courses, online courses, internships, jobs), extracurricular activities, personal essays, teacher recommendations, and the list goes on.

What are the deadlines to apply?

Following submission of the application documentation, students may also be contacted by Yale directly to set up an interview with a Yale alumni.

Is it possible to transfer to Yale?

Yes, currently enrolled students at accredited 2- or 4-year colleges and universities may apply to transfer to Yale before March 1st. The admit rate is just under 3%, which is an even lower admit rate than for first year students. Out of 1,000 students who apply to transfer, around 20 to 30 applicants are accepted. More information is available here.

When do you have to start preparing for the University of Yale?

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking specific exams, the importance of extra-curricular activities and the numerous essays to write, we recommend you start to think about your application for the United States from the start of your penultimate year at the latest.

TIMELINE FOR AN APPLICATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Throughout Year 11 and Year 12:

• Year 11 to February of Year 12: Start researching US colleges and preparing for standardized exams.
• Spring (March to May) of Year 12: We recommend you take the standardized tests for the first time (SAT and SAT Subject Tests) plus English exam (TOEFL) if necessary and register for futures sessions of the tests.
• Summer (June to Aug): Start writing your essays for your application.

Autumn at the start of your Final year:

• Ask your teachers and counselors to complete the required documents
• Take the SAT or ACT for the second time if you think you can improve on your score significantly before the deadline.
• Early Action Candidates: October is last month in which you can take the ACT Plus Writing Test so that Yale can examine your results.
• November 1st: deadline for Early Action applicants(!) – this will be the last month you can take the SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject tests and TOEFL so that Yale can examine your results.

Winter and Spring of your Final Year:

• End of March/Early April: Admission decisions for ‘Regular Decision’ are available online.
• Mid-December: The decisions for Early Action are available online
• January 2nd: Deadline for Regular Decisions candidates(!) – this will be the last month you can take the SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject tests and TOEFL so that Yale can examine your results.
• February: Regular Decision Candidates: It is your last month to take the ACT Plus Writing so that Yale can examine your results.

What is the profile of Yale students

In its mission statement, Yale states that the University wants to “educate students (…) and develop their intellectual, moral, civic, and creative capacities to the fullest”. To this end, Yalies, as students call themselves, are extremely motivated, aware, and engaged “in every sphere of human activity”. Hundreds of student organizations exist, including dance, debate, singing, theater and ahletic clubs of all levels.

For the incoming class of 2022 (admitted spring 2019) 35,308 students applied, 95% of them in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. Of this number, nearly 1,600 enrolled in early 2019 (slightly less than the very selective 6.3% acceptance rate).

The top 15 intended majors declared at the time of application included biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, economic, English, environmental studies and ethics, politics & economics.

What are the school fees at the University of Yale?

The total estimated cost of attendance at Yale is near $70K per year. Tuition alone costs $50K for the year. About 50% of Yale students receive scholarships and/or other grant aid from Yale sources.

Admission to Yale is need-blind, which means that a student’s admission is not based on his or her family’s ability to pay tuition. Yale provides financial aid that is entirely need-based.

International students will be glad to know that they are eligible to receive the same financial-aid policies as American students: their admission is need-blind. They have access to financial aid to meet 100% of their demonstrated need and may avoid bank loans to finance their education.

The image of the ‘Golden State’, Stanford or Leland Stanford Junior University, was founded by its namesake in 1891. Leland Stanford decided to go west of New York in the search of gold and opportunities.

There he founded, with his wife Jane, the university which is home to a flagship of innovation in the ‘Bay Area’ of California and is in effect one of the most highly reputed universities in the world (No.2 according to the QS University Rankings 2018). Its slogan is ‘The wind of Freedom blows’ (Die Luft der Freiheit weht).

Stanford’s campus is situated in a region known for the free circulation of ideas and for its successful technological enterprises like Facebook (at Menlo Park) LinkedIn (at Mountain View), and lots of others at Palo Alto. The University is situated 34 miles to the south (around 55km) of San Francisco and 22 miles north of San Jose (around 35km)

Stanford University in a few words

Life on Stanford’s campus

The promotion of 2021 is home to more than 7 000 students from more than 75 countries. The campus is familiarly known by the name of ‘The Farm’, derived from the era when horses rather than students roamed once was once the farm of the founders of the university, Leland and Jane Stanford.

At 87 meters, the Hoover Tower dominates all the other structures on campus. Named after the former president of the United States, the tower is home to a collection of works linked to the history of the 20th century offered by President Hoover. The tower offers to students and to visitors an impressive view of Stanford and its surroundings. The Hannah Honeycomb house was constructed by Frank Lloyd Wright from 1937. This octagonal house was originally the house for the scholars of Stanford. It is henceforth considered to be a historical site. Among the most visited places on the campus, we must mention the White Plaza, which is in many ways the center of student life on campus.

How do I apply?

Apply for a Bachelor’s at Stanford

To apply to Stanford, you will need to use the Common App (or ‘common application’) centralized platform through which you can apply to the majority of American colleges and universities.

You must provide information on your family – including your parents’ professions-, provide your record of grades or high school grades, provide a mid-year report, submit 2 letters of recommendation, submit a ‘school report’, write a CV, send results of your official tests (ACT/SAT/SAT Subject tests- Note that the written parts of these examinations are obligatory), describe your extracurricular activities and, like for the majority of highly selective colleges, complete the development questions as a response to the supplementary dissertation questions specific to Stanford. You must submit all your documents before the appropriate deadline. If you are sure that Stanford is your first choice, you might want to make a request for ‘Restrictive Early Action.’ The anticipated documents must be submitted before November 1st. The university stipulates that you must complete the ACT/SAT by November.

The documents for a ‘regular decision’ application must be submitted before January 2nd. In this case, the students are allowed to choose to take the ACT/SAT at the end of February. Stanford does not require the SAT Subject Tests, but it is probably preferable to take the tests corresponding to your interests and your strong points.

The university does not require an English test, but they strongly recommend taking the TOEFL but does not recommend the IELTS.

Finally, the university will accept your highest scores of each section of the ACT/SAT separately, which they call ‘superscoring’.

When do you have to start preparing for the University of Stanford

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking exams; consistently participating in extra-curricular activities including clubs, music, sports, and side projects; and the numerous essays to write, we recommend that students begin start to think about their path to Stanford as soon as they begin high school. The application itself is typically completed during the fall semester of students’ last year in high school.

What is the profile of the students at the University of Stanford?

The admission process at Stanford is a ‘holistic’ process with takes into consideration numerous factors at considers each application on the whole and doesn’t just focus on academic results and tests.

What is the profile of the students at the University of Stanford?

Approximate school fees at undergraduate level (all USD):

Total school fees for Bachelor’s:

$228,832 for 4 years (57,208 per year)

Total budget estimated for a Bachelor’s:

$296,692 for 4 years

Total budget for one year: $74,173

• School fees and obligatory fees: $57,208
• Accommodation: $13,618
• Books and equipment: $1,246
• Other expenses: $2,101

School fees for a Master’s

Total costs of Master’s school fees: around $61,000 per year

Total cost estimated for a Master’s: $84,280 per year

Total budget for a year of a Master’s:

• School fees and obligatory fees: $61 006
• Accommodation: $17,298
• Book and equipment: $1,000
• Other expenses: $3,887

School fees for the LLM:

Total cost of school fees for the LLM: around $65,252

Total budget estimated for an LLM: $93,740

• School fees and obligatory fees: $ 70,660
• Accommodation: $21,505
• Books and equipment: $1,575
• Other expenses: $3,900

MBA School Fees:

Total cost of school fees for the MBA: $106,416

Total budget for the MBA: $168,307

Total predicted budget for a year of MBA: $110,914

Personal expenses: $6,066

School fees: $74,400

Obligatory fees: $3,693

Insurance and health costs: $4,480

Books and equipment: $900

Accommodation: $21,375

Established in 1746 and therefore one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US, Princeton University is now one of eight elite American universities in the Ivy League. Additionally, it was ranked between 1st and 2nd best university worldwide for 16 of the 18 years between 2001 and 2018 by US News & World Report. QS World University Rankings places it at number 13 in 2018.

This private university has just under 5,400 undergraduate and about 2,700 postgraduate students. Its most well-recognized programs are consistently in the arts & humanities, natural sciences and social socials & management

Princeton University in a few words

The school is named for the famous alumni, the 28th president of the United States and former president of Princeton. Students enjoy its 600 acres set in suburban Princeton, New Jersey, which is about an hour by car from Philadelphia and about an hour and a half from New York City.

Concerning its academics, the highly reputed Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs delivers degrees from undergraduate to PhD. Among undergraduates the most popular majors include Public Policy Analysis, Computer Engineering, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, History, and Operations Research. Nearly 75% of classes have fewer than 20 students and many are taught in small, interactive groups around tables in seminar style; general and beginner courses are taught as in a lecture setting.

Princeton Tigers, as its students and their mascot are known, are particularly faithful to their alma mater and many attend an annual reunion on campus held each May. Graduating from Princeton is indeed, like many American universities, equal to gaining lifetime access to a club, in this case, a very selective one!

How do I apply?

To apply to Princeton University, you will need to use the Common Application, a centralized platform through which you can apply to most American colleges and universities. You will need to fill in information about your family – including the occupation of your parents -, provide your transcript or high school grades, submit two teacher reference letters and a guidance counselor letter of reference, draft a résumé or CV, send official test scores (SAT, SAT Subject Test scores, ACT and English language test scores), describe your extracurricular activities and as with most highly selective colleges complete the essay questions on the Common App as well as answer additional essay questions specific to Princeton known as the Princeton Supplement. The application will be due on January 1st unless you are applying for Single Choice Early Action in which case you must submit all materials by November 1st.

The selection process for Princeton is divided into several steps that we describe to you below:

When do you have to start preparing for Princeton?

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking exams; consistently participating in extra-curricular activities including clubs, music, sports, and side projects; and the numerous essays to write, we recommend that students begin start to think about their path to Stanford as soon as they begin high school. The application itself is typically completed during the fall semester of students’ last year in high school.

Candidacy for ’Regular Decision’

What is the profile of students at Princeton?

With a rate of acceptance of 6,5% for Bachelor’s level, admission to Princeton is on an extremely competitive level at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level. According to our research, to have a good chance of being accepted,you must be at the top of your class and have a SAT score close to 1600 or an ACT score of around 35.

Columbia University in a few words

In 2017, its student population was 32,429 (8,868 students in undergraduate programs and 23,561 in postgraduate programs), with 42% of the student population identifying themselves as a minority and 28% born outside of the United States.

Since its creation, Columbia University has educated American and world leaders, beginning with Alexander Hamilton – class of 1777-, later to become the primary economic advisor to George Washington, the first American President. The University is well-acquainted with success as just this year, In addition, Professor Joachim Frank shared the Nobel Prize in chemistry. The University itself awards the famed Pulitzer Prize each year in twenty-one categories for excellence in newspaper journalism, literary achievements and musical composition. This year, the University also graduated a diverse group of 16,000 students from more than 100 different countries.

Campus

Despite its location in busy Manhattan, the 32 acre (13 hectare) campus of Columbia University is gated, and therefore provides the best of both worlds within the Morningside Heights neighborhood on the border of Upper West Side and Harlem.

Among the most-loved places to spend time on campus, the “Low Steps”, the nickname for the staircase leading up to Low Memorial Library, probably take the prize. The building is also one of many buildings National Historic Landmark sites at Columbia. Built in 1895 by then University President Seth Low as Columbia’s central library, it would later be replaced by the Butler Library, the university’s largest single library with over 2 million volumes. Philosophy Hall also bears the historical honor as the site of the invention of FM radio with WKCR, the radio station run by Columbia students.

Almost two dozen undergraduate dormitories (purpose-built or converted) are located on campus or in Morningside Heights. As a consequence, undergraduate students are guaranteed on-campus housing during their studies.

How do I apply?

According to Columbia, about 10% of the Class of 2017 were educated abroad, representing over 30 countries. As the University says, “We also value the fact that international applicants, regardless of citizenship, have much to offer from their backgrounds and experiences as global citizens” (https://barnard.edu/admissions/internationalstudents). In addition to the requirements listed below for Columbia University, applicants may also chose to participate in an optional interview with an alumnus/a of the University.

To apply to Columbia, you will need to use the Common Application, a centralized platform through which you can apply to most American colleges and universities. You will need to fill in information about your family – including the occupation of your parents -, provide your transcript or high school grades, submit 2 teacher recommendation letters, submit one “school report”, draft a résumé or CV, send official test scores (SAT, SAT Subject Test scores, ACT and English language test scores – note that the essay portion of the ACT/SAT is not required), declare a major or intended area of study, describe your extracurricular activities and as with most highly selective colleges complete the essay questions on the Common App as well as answer additional essay questions specific to Columbia.

You must submit all your materials before the appropriate deadline. If you are sure that Columbia is your first choice, then you may want to apply for Early Decision, which may increase your chances for admission. Early Decision materials must be submitted by November 1st. The University stipulates that you must complete ACT/SAT/an English language test by November. Materials for Regular Decision must be submitted by January 1st. In this case, students may opt to take the ACT/SAT/an English language test (TOEFL, IELTS, DET) as late at February. SAT subject tests are not required by Columbia, however it is probably a good idea to take the tests that correspond to your interests and strengths. Finally, the University will accept your highest scores from each section of the ACT/SAT separately. This is known as “superscoring”.

When do you have to start preparing for Columbia University

What is the profile of students at Columbia University

“The admissions process at Columbia is a “holistic” one, taking many factors into careful consideration. Columbia does not rely on standardized testing and grades alone and instead looks at all parts of every application to help inform its judgment. Admissions reads personal statements to try to understand each candidate and what motivates him or her. Admissions reads teacher recommendations carefully to understand a candidate’s contributions in the classroom and what that candidate might offer his or her Columbia classmates.”

It is worth noting that applying to Barnard College, is also open to female students. Out of 7,716 applicants, 15% – 603 students – were admitted to the class of 2011. That’s 10% more than at Columbia University overall.

Located 10 miles (about 16 km) across the bay from San Francisco in the Bay Area of Northern California, The University of California, also known as Berkeley or Cal, is America’s #1 public university (U.S. News & World Report) and #27 in the world overall (QS World University Rankings). The sprawling, 500 hectare (1200 acre) campus of Berkeley is home to over 30,500 undergraduate and more than 11,300 graduate students.

The history of UC Berkeley dates back to 1868 when it became the first of what would be a network of 10 University of California universities. Led by its first president Henry Durant, a minister who had initially come to California with his wife to open a school, the University quickly found itself the lucky recipient of benefactors such as American feminist, philanthropist, and suffragist, Phoebe Hearst.

Perhaps a relationship can be established between the tone that was set by Berkeley’s first president, the values of its early benefactor and the University’s continued social engagement and political activism. Indeed, students and faculty of UC Berkeley were particularly noted for the Free Speech Movement as well as the Anti-Vietnam War Movement both led by its students in the 1960s. And their engagement goes well beyond the borders of the United States. The University also holds the honor of being the #1 All-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

Berkeley University in a few words

In recent years, students have continued to find new ways to engage with the community. Since 2003, the Haas School of Business has recruited and trained students from all majors to work on pro-bono consulting engagements with real-life nonprofit clients. Indeed Berkeley has significant entrepreneurial tradition. Among its alumni are founders and co-founders of such global companies as Apple, Coursera, Gap Inc., Intel, Mozilla, Myspace, Rotten Tomatoes, SanDisk and Tesla.

Berkeley has a remarkable track record of scientific discoveries and inventions including the development of the flu vaccine by chemist Wendell M. Stanley in the 1940s, the creation of the atomic bomb by physicist J.R. Oppenheimer in 1943, the polio virus in 1954, the launch of an affordable treatment for malaria in 2006 and improvement on this treatment in 2013, and many more (https://www.berkeley.edu/about/history-discoveries). As a public research university, Berkeley depends on money from the State of California. However, private donors have made significant contributions to the important research efforts performed on campus. This includes the 2016 donation by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan for 0 million to establish the BioHub, which in its own words is “committed to solving the world’s biggest problems – together.” (https://www.czbiohub.org/)

How do I apply?

To apply to Berkeley, you will first need to use UC Application portal. Once you have filled in some preliminary information, you will be able to log into the My Application Portion (MAP@Berkeley), a system unique to the University of California system, to complete your application.

Berkeley does not require you to submit letters of recommendation, but you may do so if you believe will have a positive effect on your application. One letter should be from a teacher. You must complete all tests: ACT/SAT/SAT Subject tests, on or before the December test date. Subject tests are not required for most areas but can be beneficial to your application. Subject tests are recommended for “the College of Engineering and College of Chemistry, including Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the your intended major. Include the scores in your application. UC uses the highest scores from a single test administration”. (https://admissions.berkeley.edu/freshmen-requirements)

The University requires you to answer 4 out of a list of 8 “Personal Insight Questions” (350 words each). See http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-questions/freshman/index.html for more information. You must submit all your materials between November 1st-30th.

When do you have to start preparing for Berkeley University ?

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking exams; consistently participating in extra-curricular activities including clubs, music, sports, and side projects; and the numerous essays to write, we recommend that students begin start to think about their path to Stanford as soon as they begin high school. The application itself is typically completed during the fall semester of students’ last year in high school

What is the profile of the students at Berkeley University ?

“Since Berkeley is a competitive campus, satisfying the minimum requirements is often not enough to be competitive for selection… We review students using a Holistic Review process. This means that we not only look at academic factors, but also non-academic factors. Using a broad concept of merit, readers employ the following criteria which carry no pre-assigned weights”. (https://admissions.berkeley.edu/freshmen-requirements)

Out of 1,362 International applicants for 2017-218, 15,448 were accepted for an admit rate of 8.8% (*The overall rate of admission for Berkeley is 18%.). In 2018, that rate dropped to 8.7%. As may be evident, the profile of international students is slightly more competitive in terms of GPA as well as ACT and SAT scores. (https://admissions.berkeley.edu/student-profile)

Harvard University in a few words

Campus life

As Harvard is immensely popular with visitors and the campus is open, Harvard Yard feels like a mixture between an open city campus and a closed campus. The undergraduate population of about 6,700 students and some of the more than 15,000 postgraduate students attend classes in buildings surrounding the Yard, while the rest of the student body is dispersed between the medical and business schools further a bit further away. To escape the busyness of this most famous part of campus, the main building of the Harvard Library, Widener Library – the oldest library system in the United States – provides a calm, scholarly space, which includes a significant amount of underground tunnels where some 9 million volumes are stored.

The architecture of the city of Cambridge itself resembles that of Harvard, where red brick is commonly seen, creating a typically American look and feel to the campus. Winters in Cambridge are very snowy, and students will likely be seen in snow boots during the coldest months as they move around campus.

After their freshman year, most students are assigned to houses located in the Radcliffe Quadrangle or “Quad”, which is distinct from the Harvard Yard. This area of campus is quieter than the Yard and in addition to student housing, has House masters, and resident tutors, as well as a dining hall and library. As can be expected on any campus, the housing assignment for students ultimately becomes an important part of their social experience at Harvard.

How do I apply?

To apply to Harvard College, you will need to use the Common Application, a centralized platform through which you can apply to most American colleges and universities. You will need to fill in information about your family – including the occupation of your parents -, provide your transcript or high school grades, submit two teacher reference letters and a guidance counselor letter of reference, draft a résumé or CV, send official test scores (SAT, SAT Subject Test scores, ACT and English language test scores), describe your extracurricular activities and as with most highly selective colleges complete the essay questions on the Common App as well as answer additional essay questions specific to Harvard. The application will be due on January 1st unless you are applying for Early Action in which case you must submit all materials by November 1st.

What is the profile of students at Harvard?

As a “highly selective” school according to official terminology, the current rate of acceptance for new freshman hovers around 5%. As do many selective schools, Harvard looks for students to have a niche: like “photography & music”. The area or areas that you choose to develop and invest in should be things that really grab your attention. Find your passion! You’ll want to concentrate on activities and academic pursuits that come naturally to you and that you’ll look forward to working hard for both before and during your time as a student. You’ll also want to stand out from the crowd via a “spike” such as an internship, scholarship, trip, project, etc. Ask yourself: What have I done with my time in high school? Finally, be careful of the idea of “well-roundedness”. Today this means that universities seek to recruit a diverse student body. It does not mean that you need to take part in an infinite number of unrelated activities.

Affording Harvard

Without financial aid, the tuition fees for Harvard College in 2018-2019 were $46,340 and $67,580 for tuition, room, board, and fees combined.