A deep dive into the college admission process

Family Matters spoke with an EducationUSA Advisor for Luxembourg at the U.S. Embassy. Having lived in Luxembourg before attending university in the US, he has firsthand experience of both studying in the US and returning to Luxembourg as an alumnus.

EducationUSA aims to build a network of individuals who have studied in the US and now work in Luxembourg. This network provides valuable insights for students considering studying abroad. They organise events, including speed-networking sessions, where future students can ask questions and seek advice from alumni who have navigated the same process.

On 24 September 2024, EducationUSA will host 'College Night' at the International School of Luxembourg, offering prospective students a chance to explore the American college system with over 20 institutions in attendance. Additionally, they will have a presence at the annual Foire de l’Etudiant in November.

Do all universities in the United States have similar application deadlines, ie. one for sciences, one for humanities?

"No, as the US favours a very university-centric system, application deadlines are determined by the different schools and thus not determined based on subject or major. The admission to US universities typically takes place in two intakes – fall and spring intake. Not all universities will have a spring intake. It is important to check directly on the school’s website."

"For the fall intake, Early Decision applications (binding agreement) will typically be in November (of the previous year). Regular fall application deadlines are due typically between October of the year before and early January. Spring semester for US universities starts in January with application deadlines typically around mid-July and early November of the prior year."

Are there financial aid options and scholarships offered by US universities?

"Yes, there are. There are a range of scholarships (academic, needs-based, sports, etc.). Reach out to educationusaluxembourg@state.gov to discuss more. We also recommend contacting the universities directly as there are often scholarships and work-study options available directly with them."

For instance, the advisor mentioned, you can work as a resident-assistant in your dorm ensuring that everything is up to standards and that the other students are following the rules instated for a positive and safe communal atmosphere. In exchange, you will be freed of tuition fees for the time of your residency.

Another option would be attending community college: it enables you to save money for the first two years while still studying subjects at an academic level. After these two years you can then move on to a university, with the advantage that you have already been introduced to the college world.

A useful app to look at is called 'Common'. It centralises all information, so it is a good addition to checking the universities' websites. The EducationUSA website also lists a five-step plan that helps structure the application process.

How important are personal statements for admission? Do you have any tips for someone who has never written one before?

"The personal statements are very important. We recommend you set aside the proper time to write the essays and speak with the EducationUSA advisor before drafting them. EducationUSA Luxembourg has books on this topic, which it can lend. For non-native English speakers (i.e. those not attending their high school in English) it is required to take an English-language test (for example the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo). I also recommend taking a standardised test like the SAT or ACT."

In addition he emphasised that it is important to look at and understand the topics the school prioritises, in order to tailor your application essay to them, i.e. if social justice is favoured at Berkeley, or if you are applying to technical schools such as MIT, you should focus on showing off your skills in that field in a concise manner.

Make sure to ‘show not tell’, back up your statements with grades or certificates. Valuable details should be mentioned early on in the admission essay and not buried on page two.

Is student housing easy to find?

"Usually yes, but it depends on the location. I recommend contacting the university admissions' office to understand what types of on-campus housing is available for students and applying as early as possible. Staying in a dormitory for your first year is a unique experience and an easy way to make new friends."

It is always reassuring to keep in mind that every student is in the same boat with being away from home for the first time, so meeting people happens naturally in dormitories.

Do you recommend getting a living abroad/travel insurance while in the US?

"Health insurance is an important topic to investigate. I would recommend getting in touch with the university's international students department (or health services department) to ask about some local health plans. I would also recommend for students to check with their parent's coverage in Luxembourg to understand if they are still covered when abroad. This article explains it in further detail."

Nevertheless, it is advisable to keep up with your medical appointments in Luxembourg each time you go back home, because it is a much easier and cheaper way of staying healthy.

Do you have any tips for good integration into American society? 

"Put yourself out there and embrace the experience. For example, take part in US holidays/events you may be unfamiliar with, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Sports Tailgating, etc. You can also join university community activities to stay active and integrate faster. Be prepared for some culture shock and recognise that it will take time to adapt (typically one year) and that ultimately this experience will make you grow as a person. You could not be born in the States, go there at age 18 or 19 and actually become an American and be seen as one by everyone else.

"In most universities there will be a range of great clubs and associations one can join, including for example international student associations or Model United Nations. There are also typically many activities available for students on campus. Furthermore, it is important to remember that everyone (including Americans) is in a similar situation and starting anew, hence it is easy to make friends."

There are several opportunities offered by the US Embassy in Luxembourg for local high school students who wish to get a first experience living in the United States, including the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic fellowship, Women2Women International Leadership Program or the BridgeUSA programmes, including programmes allowing secondary school pupils to study at a US high school.

More information

Lastly, here are few informational sites to look up while in the process of applying to US universities and potentially moving there, as recommended by EducationUSA and the US Embassy:

• The website mengstudien.lu is updated on a regular basis (link in the article).
  
  
• At the Maison de l’Orientation, experts are happy to help you with guidance on what to do after you finish high school, or on which universities will best suit your needs.
  
  
• The local EducationUSA Advisor is available to help students: educationusaluxembourg@state.gov. Teachers and councillors at high schools can also reach out to organise an info session/presentation for students at their school.
  
  
• To stay informed of opportunities EducationUSA suggests to follow us on our social media channels including Instagram  and Facebook.