How does studying abroad in the united states work?

Question

I live in South Africa, I’m in Gr. 11. I speak English at home, so I won’t have any trouble with language transition. I would like to study psychology at the University of Hawaii. My grades are good, but I don’t know how to work out your GPA. I was just wondering if someone could explain to me, in a nutshell, what I need to do, or what needs to happen for me to apply to a university in the U.S. Here are a couple of questions:

How long before the time should you apply?

How long before the university starts do you have to take the SAT’s?

What do I need in order to apply?

How do I apply?

Where do I apply?

Also are there any study programs that allow you to study in the U.S?

Thanks

Answer 1

Generally, students in the U.S. apply to universities between September and January of their final year in school, and they need to take the SAT before they apply.  I am including the webpage for international admissions for the University of Hawaii at Manoa (the main campus), which will tell you how to apply.  Usually, these days, one does this on line.

http://www.hawaii.edu/admrec/appfo.html

Generally study programs would only allow you to study abroad for a short period of time, not for an entire degree.  Since these are usually sponsored by the student's home country, not the host country, I can't tell you of any specific programs for which you might be eligible.

Answer 2

1) Generally you should start applying at least 10-12 months before you intend to start your studies, because the admission and visa process can take several months. For example, if you wish to apply for Spring (January) 09, you should start applying about no. Be aware however, that many universities have admission deadlines, so be sure to check what they are. You are probably too late to attend university this fall (August).

2) Take the SAT's ASAP, since most university will allow the SAT scores to be valid for 3-5 years.

3) In order to apply you will need these basic things:

- Proof that you have graduated high-school.

- Proof that you have the funds to pay for tuition and financially support yourself.

- SAT scores

- TOEFL scores (If English is not your countries primary language).

- School transcrips of any higher-eduation which you have completed.

4 & 5) Take a look at the websites for the university(ies) which you are interested in attending and there you will find all of the information which you require regarding how to apply and where to apply as an international student.

Once you have applied and been accepted you will be issued with what is known as an I-20 and with this I-20 you must pay the SEVIS fee and then schedule an interview for your F1 (student) visa at the U.S. Embassy in your country of residence.

The requirements for admission to the University of Hawaii are below. Click on the campus you are interested in on the left hand side to check for additional requirements for admission to that specific campus.

You last question makes little senes, you stated that you want to study psychology, all of the campuses at the University of Hawaii offer this program and Hawaii is a State in the United States - so therefore if you are studying in Hawaii, you are studying in the U.S.