elz
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Posts posted by elz
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Never fear Nik...we are currently getting a program together so that we can help students that are not in Belgrade with editing services. I am sure that we will have something in place when it is time for you.
Elz
Well also we will organize a way to edit your personal statement after you complete it. More details on that to come.Elz
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Okay, this is a tough question. First of all, you have to realize that the US education system is quite different than most. The first two years of study focus on the study and examination of a wide range of subjects to help students develop and refine critical thinking skills. It is mostly about learning "how to" learn and interactive engagement with professors as opposed to just pouring over books. These first two years are generally referred to as the "core" requirements. Most students from Serbia do very well in this system because they have just a broad study program in high school. Then, when they reach the American university, they have an opportunity to concentrate on fewer subjects, but work more in depth. The idea behind this is to prepare students to become scholars.
At the same time, you will be able to take a certain number of courses that you choose - these are called electives. Thus, it is possible, at most schools - note that I said MOST - to remain undecided on a major until the end of second or beginning of third year. Then, when you enter the third year, it is like total immersion in your field of study.
Now you must remember that schools in the US are diverse and I am speaking in generalties. For example, an engineering student will enter into the engineering program almost immediately. However, the majority of students will spend two years learning the art of being a scholar. It probably sounds strange to you, but it is one of the richest and most life transforming aspect of the US education system.
Yes, many schools offer the opportunity for a double major. This is also becoming rather trendy. Probably the best thing to do is to attend an advising session if you have not been yet and to visit our center and spend some time in our library looking at the various schools. It is really important to actually study schools and try to find a place that suits your needs.
Elz
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I am thinking about college choice and what i find difficult so far is distinguishing majors. i have heard about possibility of choosing more, so i practically finish two types of majors and than determine with which one will i proceed. Is this common situation on each college or just on L.A.? I am e.g. interested in accounting (major is finance) and i found on Stanford site that it is available only in 3rd year of study. which majors i am attending till 3rd year? -
Well also we will organize a way to edit your personal statement after you complete it. More details on that to come.
Elz
Thank you so much Elz.I know I am the lucky one.
Advantage is to be here,to have green card and working experience in the US.
It helps a lot in communication with admissions offices.
Now I will seek for advice from the good old educational consigliere Mr. Asher.
Salute
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Well Marko, If I were you, I would try to get a letter from a professor and a letter from a supervisor. That sounds like a good combination in your case.
Elz
Dear Elizabeth,First of all I would like to thank you for the quick response!
I will also provide you with all necessary information!
In 2007 I have graduated from Information science and technology at University of Belgrade. After a month I started working as a software developer in a very good company that exports business software. I plan to work and to progress there (in IS&T field) for a few years and then to apply for PhD in the same field! It means that I am going to be out of school during that period.
Also thought that lattes of recommendation, after years of work experience, would be more valuable!
If I should provide you with more information, please let me know!
Regards
Marko
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Dear Rodic,
Well I am not going to answer this because we got to talk in person since your post and these questions were answered, so you do not have to worry about this anymore, but I did not want leave a question out - especially three questions - out there as if I did not respond.
However, I will say that when schools do not have score reports and you have notification from the testing organization that they have been sent, all you have to do is forward that mail to the school. Generally the schools will then contact the testing organization and you do not have to worry about that.
Elz
Dear Elizabeth,1. Today I got notified that admission office has all of my application materials except the proof of English proficiency. On February 27th I successfully ordered additional score report on ETS website and addressed it to SCAD (For any department not listed). Here is a proof:
I think there was a problem with the payment since I wasn't charged. Or maybe "department not listed" thing is the issue.
Should I contact ETS to see what's going on? Or perhaps, send them my personal copy of the report?
And what about Internet delivery of reports, how that thing works?
2. Also, they say that the official English translation of the transcript does not make the type of degree/diploma I have earned clear and that I should indicate which type of diploma I earned and how many years the course of study was. My course was six semesters (180 ESTS) and it is (or it should be) equivalent to bachelor of engineering. Is that what they are asking me?
3. I need to write a 50 words essay for my scholarship application asap.
Thank you
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Dear Marko,
That really depends on the program and if the department specifies who they want to hear from. If you have been out of school for a while and if you are working within the field that you are applying to, those references can be fine UNLESS THE SCHOOL SPECIFIES OTHERWISE!
It can be good if you can get one professor to write for you and combine that with a work reference. Everything really depends on your personal circumstances. I am afraid that it would be best if you could provide us with a little more background information because this is really a judgement call at this point and we don't have enough info to make a good call.
Sorry we could provide more solid info. The main thing is that we do not want the department wondering why you could not get a professor to write a letter for you. On the other hand, if you have been out of school for several years, it really makes sense to have letters from your supervisors.
Elz
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Dear Nikola,
Well, well, you appear to have gotten settled in to life in the USA. For the personal statement, the absolute best book that I know of is the Donald Asher book on Graduate School Admissions Essays. Most of the seminar that we do is based on the principles in that book and it is pretty easy for you to get your hands on a copy.
I think that you were absolutely right to take your time and look around at the programs. It is much easier to choose when you are in the USA and have to advantage of shopping around. So now get the Asher book and write a great personal statement.
Good to hear from you,
Elz
Dear Elz,I am writing you after a long time. Finally I think I am ready to apply to graduate studies in the USA
Program i have picked is the Graduate Program in Public Administration.
I successfully solved TOEFL and GRE issues with the Office of Graduate Admission.
My recommendation letters are also on their way.
Recently I applied for FAFSA (i am not eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant because my expected family contribution is 11363) and hope that I will be eligible for some other federal student aid.
NOW I JUST HAVE TO WRITE A GOOD PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT in order to complete my application.
Since I didnt attend any of your preparation courses (last 18 months I live in the USA) I am not sure how.
Can you please help me?
Thank you.
Best,
Nikola
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Dear Aleksandar,
First let me congratulate on your research - Monterey is a good school. Now in terms of financial aid, about 46.6% of all graduate students receive funding from the school. In fact, last year IAC was able to assist more than 54 students in obtaining financial assistance that exceeded 1.6 million USD.
As far as getting on a good timeline, most likely the GRE will be your greatest obtacle. Most students find the verbal section the most troublesome because without a rich vocabulary there will always be a limit as to how many points you can score and what percentile you can reach. The best way to address that problem now is to begin to read a great deal of academic material. I would sugget "Foreign Affairs" and "the New York Times". I have also found the writings of George F. Kennan to be especially rich in GRE vocabulary - in fact, I sometimes wonder is that is where the words come from
The next time you here in Belgrade, sign up for the advising - it will give you a complete picture. If you are going to be here over the summer, you might want to consider one of our GRE courses. Also I would encourage you to try to find the time to use our reference library, we have books to help with strategy. This can help you map out a plan for your personal statement.
Unless you had this post professionally translated, I doubt it TOEFL will be an obstacle. Most likely you might want to do a couple of simulations just for practice and to get a feel for the exam so that you can do your best.
Advance planning is always good and 18 months is actually considered ideal.
Best regards,
Elz
Dear Elizabeth,My name is Aleksandar Radosavljevic and I'm studying Japanese language at Ca' Foscari university in Venice, Italy.
I was thinking of doing a MA degree in Translation&Interpretation at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. I have already done some research about all things that international students have to do in order to apply for faculty of translation&interpretation. Apart from TOEFL and GRE I have to do an early diagnostic test in language which I will study at university.
I have been in IAC in Belgrade today, but unfortunately this Thursday there won't be a session for people who want to study in USA. I'm going back to Venice on Saturday and I will be back in Belgrade after my exams in July.
I was wondering if you could be kind to give some information about financial aid for international students. I have a year and a half before getting a BA degree, so there is plenty of time, but I would like to start preparing for my postgraduate studies as soon as possible.
Best regards,
Aleksandar
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Dear Marija,
First I would like to apologize for taking some long to respond - I have had a laptop crash and it has taken me awhile to get back in the loop. I remember meeting you. Okay Juilliard - it is indeed a wonderful school for the arts and I believe that most students of the performing arts would seriously consider having Julliard on their list of schools. It is important that students in need of financial aid apply to several schools and to be absolutely certain that each of these schools offer financial aid to international students. Also while Juilliard is really well know - there are other schools that are extraordinary, but not quite so name brand to the general public as Juilliard. One example is the music conservatory at Oberlin. This conservatory has one of the largest collections of Steinway pianos in the world. Lynn University also has a great music program. All of these schools offer financial assistance to international students. There are most likely so many more conservatories out there for consideration. Also 15 is certainly not too early to start the process - in fact, this is exactly the time that many people in the USA begin bringing their children into the process. For students that need a generous financial aid package, the earlier the better - it provides enough time for test preparation and also for strategic planning.
What I would recommend is that the young lady attend an undergraduate advising session at our center. There is no huge rush to do this and it can even be done in the summer. This gives a detailed overview of the process and introduces students to a wide range of resources that can be of great help. The session is free and students only need to call our office at 334 5227, learn the date of the next session, and sign up to attend.
Also we have an IAC friend who attended undergraduate studies in piano at Oberlin and graduate studies at Juilliard. We may have the opportunity to host a talk on music education in the USA and this sounds like something that this young lady would benefit from. In the meantime, you can explore information on Oberlin and Lynn and start to get a feel for the various music programs and what they have to offer.
Best regards,
Elz
Good Afternoon, I am writing on behalf of a friend whose daughter is currently studying music (Piano) in Kragujevac. She is 15 years old but is already in her second year (Srednja skola) and is an extremely talented pianist. I appreciate that she has a couple of years until applying to university but I thought that I would sound out some opportunities in the US for her.I found details of Julliard on the internet and it seems a wonderful place to study music and was therefore wondering whether you have any dealings with this university. My friend is not in a financial position to pay for tuition so I need some advice on how a scholarship could be obtained.
I learnt of your site from a very nice lady called Elizabeth who was very helpful in providing information on the sort of information and support that you offer to perspective students.
Many thanks in advance
MarijaL
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Congratulations! This is great news and please send the acceptance and info to us so we can add it to success stories. Sharing a success story us provides us with an opportunity to show that Serbian students can succeed. Believe it or not, each record that we have for students that go to the USA serves to encourage US institutions to provide more and more opportunities for students from Serbia. We need quantative figures to make a case for Serbian students. Also we are working hard on developing an alum association so that students studying in the USA know one another and hopefully can form professional links for life.
Now for the visa. Although there are no guarantees just as the consular information states, there are some general guidelines that tend to make a reasonable case for a visa. One of the more common problems with student visas concerns the ability to cover the costs of the education. Now it sounds as if in your case your education is funded by the university - this is the most common combination here and there are usually no problems in this case. For example, of the students that we have worked with at IAC, we have never had a visa refusal - this is because the students have everything that they need - either their education is fully covered by the college or university that they are attending or in the event that there is an amount that the student needs to cover, then the student has that amount available. For example, (since I have permission to use this example from the student) we have an undergraduate that has just been accepted into Kenyon College (wonderful private liberal arts college for undergraduate programs). The yearly cost of his education is $50,270.00. His financial aid package is $47,270.00. He has documentation to show that he has the remaining $3,000.00 to cover the outstanding amount. Also he has never violated a visa agreement. When he goes to the embassy for a visa interview, it will be obvious that his TOEFL scores reflect his English language ability, and so on. This is most likely the case with you.
Also since I do not know always recognize forum members by their nicks. I assume that you are on our mailing and notification list because every year we have a free pre-departure orientation for students that have been accepted to US colleges and universities. This is provided by our staff and consular officers. It will give you a chance to learn about the visa process before the interview.
Hope this helps and try not to worry yourself to death. It sounds like you are a committed and solid student!
Elz
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Dear Natalija,
First of all, in the past there have been quite a few programs that allow students to go from a Bachelors program directly into PhD. studies. These decisions are generally made by the departments and are rather common in many social science areas.
On the other hand, the Bologna Process has put events into transition. US colleges and universities are watching the process develop and constantly assessing and re-assessing the situation.
It is my understanding that there have been some far-reaching changes in architecture studies here in Serbia, so we are really looking at a new and fluid situation. My personal opinion is that a completed masters degree is probably going to provide a more solid foundation to a grad studies application. However, you do not have to have it "in hand" to apply. However, the school will admit you with the understanding that you will have completed the masters program prior to entry to your studies in the United States.
Hopefully as more and more US Schools see the new Serbian education credentials through Bologna, the process will become clearer. At this time, we are looking at case by case situations with each archictecture department evaluating the course of study for a bachelors degree, which is why I stated that the masters program is most certainly going to cover the required areas for graduate studies at this time.
Elz
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I am sorry Elz but I dont understand-if I aplly for spring term 2009 can I get financial assistance? it is very important for me...
First of all, before we go one step further, I need you to answer the very first question that I asked you. Are you applying as a graduate student or as a transfer student? Next, I need to see the link where you are looking. If you are applying as a graduate student I will need both the link to the general information and the link where I can find the departmental information as well.
Elz
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Dear Elizabeth, hi!
Bojan from Novi Sad here.
I belive You remember our meeting that took place few day ago,the one I benefited so much from.
Well,at one point of our conservation,You showed me a web site designed as a search engine that one could use gather information about the financial aid that was out there,offered by the business schools.It was phd.org.
However,even after an extensive search,I could not find the page You reffered to.I don't belive that phd.org is the one.
Could You please post the exact link that leads to the (oh so much!) desired web site?
Or e-mail it to me at djurasinovic.bojan@gmail.com.
Much obliged!
The website that you are looking for is www.phds.org. However, I would not really call it a financial aid website. Instead it is possible to see what percentage of graduate students in a certain department at the university were supported with assistantships. This is a bit different than classic financial aid. An assistantship is work within the department that graduate students are paid for. This is important because it means that you will have some working experience when you complete your education.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when using any website for general information - it is important to try to confirm that information through the current info provided by the department itself. Using these sites can provide a good overall picture and direct students in where to begin their search, but policies can change. For the most current information, go directly to the department pages and see what the current information is.
Elz
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I have anther question
i tryed to aplly on-line on www.unlv.edu but i don t have ssn-social security number/ what is that exactly?I sow that dead line to aplly is 01.02. for fall term and 01.10 for spring term. I m not sure what that means exactly?
This is all excellent news - it shows you are getting engaged in the process. First of all, you do not have a social security number - generally this is something that only US citizens and eligible residents hold, although once you arrive in the US and begin to receive money for assistantships you will be assigned a special type of social security number for taxation purposes. However, it is nothing to worry about now. On the other hand, be sure that the application form that you are filling out is for international students.
The fall term generally starts in August and the spring term starts in January. I believe that it is most likely in your best interests to apply for the spring term since the fall term deadline is so close. However, if you are counting on financial assistance or an assistantship, be sure that you will be considered for that if you apply during the spring term. As I said, reading everything very carefully is very important. I know that it is also time consuming and tough at first, but the fact that you are well informed will really come through in your application package and work in your favor.
Best regards,
Elz
thanks...
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Thanks Elz. I will try to find information by my self... I lookig forvard to see you in Podgorica soon!
Now remember, you are not completely on your own, but we want you to browse the requirements so that you will get an overview of the process and then be sure and post all questions that you have. It is just SO IMPORTANT that you become a part of the process and start to understand the process -we are always here to fill in those pesky details.
Elz
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Are you considering graduate school there or as a transfer student? I can advise you right off that scholarships for transfer students are more difficult to get than funding for graduate studies.
We are hoping to make a trip to Montenegro in February and at that time we will do a presentation on study in the USA to explain the way things work in detail. However one of the first things that you need to know is that each university sets its own requirements, although requirements from university to university are rarely wildly different. Thus, it is important that in your research you read the instructions very carefully. If you are planning to apply to more than one school, you should probably open an excel sheet so that you can organize a chart with deadlines and other requirements.
Now this is that part that you are probably not going to like
I am not going to go and study the website for you and then give you the instructions. This is something that you need to learn how to do for yourself. However, I will guide you though the links and teach you about the process. I realize that this is time consuming and perhaps you are thinking - why not you just go and do this research and tell me everything - well because our students that are most successful in getting scholarships are students that we assist in becoming engaged in the process. This will come across to the admissions committee in your application and you will be a winner! Also if you read something that you do not understand, please provide the link and cut and paste what you do not understand and let us explain it to you. Americans are big on reading instructions. We tend to provide step by step guidelines and use those guidelines - we encourage students to get used to this and become skilled at it, because it is what will be expected of you in the USA. First of all, visit the link at: http://graduatecollege.unlv.edu/admissions/
Now the first and most important thing on this page is in bold type:
Please note that to be considered for admission, prospective students must complete two simultaneous application processes: one in the Graduate College and the other in the department that offers your program of study.
This means that you have two different places to send information. You need to note that on your excel chart.
Then you need to select a program and they are very detailed. I will guess that you want a diploma, so you are a degree seeking student. You will select the program for International Students. So click there and let's see what is next.
The next page is very clear. First they once again bold the information that you need to be sure to fulfill both department obligations and general admissions obligations. Then they provide step by step information for you. In the event that you do not have a good internet connection for this process, you can visit the American Corner and use their public computers.
As you go through these steps, if there is anything that you do not understand, be sure, as I said, to provide me with the link and the phrase that is confusing and I will explain it to you.
Now for the funding question. Ideally a graduate student will receive a tuition waiver, which means you are not charged for your classes, and an assistantship, which is a paid position at the university. Generally students that receive these benefits fit the following profile:
1. Good grades - the higher your grades, the better
2. Good TOEFL iBT scores - this reflects your ability to communicate in English, especially in terms of a teaching assistantship.
3. Grad School Exams GRE/GMAT results - Although most schools will give a minimum TOEFL score, few schools will express the GRE requirements in such quantitative terms. They tend to look at percentiles, in other words how well your scores compare with other test takers. A guideline for this is that if you are going into the social sciences, more is expected from you on the verbal section, but if you are into science, math, or engineering, the math section is what will be examined most closely. However, anything below the 50th percentile in either area is usually not a good sign. GMAT is the exam for most MBA/Business Programs. Once again, you need a good overall score on the GMAT - the average score is 550, and of course "average" students do not usually qualify for large amounts of funding.
4. A well thought-out statement of purpose. The most successful ones reflect that you have done a great deal of research about the particular department that you are applying to. This consists of reading departmental news, research papers, course descriptions, professors' work.etc. This indicates that you are ready to make a strong commitment to the department and their work.
5. Strong Letters of Recommendation. It is important that these letters speak about your abilities and give examples of those abilities as observed by those writing the letters.
Although there are other requirements, these are primary in terms of funding. Any research or teaching experience is also a plus.
I hope this answers your questions.
Elz
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Dear Milena,
I know I covered this with you, but just so everyone can see one of the ways to solve this problem - if you do not have a close friend who is in the USA that can do this for you, try to find some other good friend of yours that knows someone. It is not the best way, but whenever you are in a time crunch it is often the best way to get it done. Personally I am constantly having to do this. I give someone here the cash and their friend in the USA goes and buys the money order and it sends it for me. It may not be ideal, but of course ideally we would be able to conduct normal financial transactions here just like other places.
Elz
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Okay, the rank can be marked N/A for not applicable. Also there are places on the common application where you can add additional information such as that your high school is for math and science talents and the courses are quite advanced. Bear in mind that your SAT II scores also back up the fact that you are good at math. Also remember that you are taking 13 to 16 subjects each semester, so that also says something about the rigor of the program. Most of this is pretty obvious to any international admission officer, so don't get too worried.
Also we are going to spend the next few Wednesdays - starting with this one - at 3.00 p.m. assisting with applications. So that is a good time to come in with questions.
Elz
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Well you just have to weigh these factors out and then make your own decision - like I said - a wing and a prayer.
Elz
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In terms of teacher evaluations, they are evaluating you as a student, not the level of English
Remember, they want to hear about what kind of a student you, how hard you work, how well you get along with your peers, and so on. Also I keep encouraging students to let their teachers write up what they want to say about you in Serbian - and you can get a translation of that for them to sign. There are many ways around the language barrier. However, an assessment by the English teacher is just fine.
Elz
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Dear Mina,
This is a new rule from the game and this is a part of the game that the professor is not that familiar with. There is no need, just as Dule said, and I concurred, for you to have this attest to the 50,000 USD. The entire amount must be covered prior to issuing in the I-20. The I-20 is not issued until you are admitted to the school and when you are admitted to the school, the funding that you receive from the department will be included. It works just like Dule says.
Notice they want to receive the papers - read exactly what they said...you just need to complete the certification of finances with what funds you have...and not to account for where you are going to get 50,000.
This is what you need to do - exactly what we said, do not stress about that point anymore and move on to other things and get stress about those instead
Elz
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The lists reporting financial aid are not without flaws - there is always going to be a margin of error. There are no guarantees. In general, the better you are, the greater your chances of the school trying to find enough money to cover the costs of your education. The good news is that there is a great deal more funding at the grad school level
Of course this is not of great interest to you at this moment.Of course you want to be aware of the general track record of schools in terms of financial aid for international applicants, but there is a moment when you financial aid application rides on a wing and a prayer so to speak. It is not an exact science and it has no guarantees. You just have to work as strategically as possible and at the same time recognize there is an element of chance.
Elz
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Dimitrije - on another topic - will you be here for the holidays? We are planning a reception to honor Serbian students that are currently studying in the US - any student studying in the US is eligible and we hope to continue to create a network of Serbian students that share the common factor of their US educational experience. If you are going to be home for the holidays or you have any Serbian friends studying in the US who will be home, all we ask is for an e-mail to:
office@iacbg.org
Subject: Reception
Text: The dates the student will be in Serbia
We are trying to find a date that is best for the largest number of students. Also we will be holding the yearly round table discussion where students already studying in the USA share their experiences with this year's propective applicants. Naturally we are recruiting for that as well
However, if you are going to be here, we would be delighted to have you on our guest list for the reception and feel free to pass this on to other Serbian students of US colleges and universities.
Elz
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Unfortunately, I have another question.
BUT FORTUNATELY, you have human readers and they can figure out what you have done! The most important thing is to approach this problem with logic so that the reader can understand. I believe that I would very neatly and precisely draw a line through the headers that state semester/trimeseter etc. Then I would also very neatly make a new label that says:
Courses for Academic Year*
Then I would proceed to impress them by listing all 15 of my courses for the school year - however, I would only write on the first 7 lines. Then on the 8th line I would note:
*All courses in Serbia last throughout the school year.
You may have seen some references to AP courses - in fact I am sure that you have. This stands for advanced placement. These are harder courses that students can take. For American students, this is the challenge because an American History - AP course is much more demanding that the regular course. Also there is a special exam brought to you by College Board
that shows how well the student has mastered the material. An admission officer tends to conclude that a student enrolled in a large number of AP classes who is doing well (bear in mind performance need not be perfect) is really focused on learning. Of course, admission officers also know that when a student is taking 15 subjects, every subject becomes an advanced placement
Pitanje vezano za zvanje : jesmo li master-i ili bachelor-i?
in Admissions - Ask us a question!
Posted
As always Sasa, thanks for the response, especially on this little hot potato. There is an article that was reprinted in "Business Week" on these topics:
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/cont...htm?chan=search
I fear it does not paint a very flattering picture and I honestly feel that the education system here is quite good in many aspects, much like any education system it has its strengths and weaknesses. I think about these issues quite often as I am confronted with them each day. It seems to me that the Serbian and US education systems are highly complimentary. However, the Bologna issue as discussed in this article seems "spot on"- or at least the view from outside of the country. It is important for those inside the country to look at external perceptions of the Bologna process as it occurs within Serbia, especially since the entire point of the process is to create academic mobility.
Elz