Choosing your Course at a College in the United States

The thought of studying in an American university after graduating from their high school in the UK is cherished by many British students. But the competition is huge and there are applicants not only from the United Kingdom or other countries in Europe but also from Australia, New Zealand, India and the Middle East. What’s more, the costs that cover college fee and living in a new land cannot be afforded by everyone.

The good news is that there are scholarships that help meritorious students to head to prestigious college of their choice. On the basis of their performance in academics and sports, young girls and boys from Great Britain can apply for courses in the US and get university grants that pay for their education partially or fully.

On the basis of your individual interest and abilities you can apply for soccer, swimming, tennis or golf scholarship in USA. There are institutes that help you prepare and appear for assessment tests. While you are getting ready for these evaluations, have you also decided upon the course you will pursue in America?

The system of college education in the US is slightly different from that followed in British universities. In United States you choose a ‘Major’ that will be your prime academic subject to study for the college degree. It will be your field of specialization through your undergraduate studies. As a Freshman (in the first year) you will also have to study a core curriculum which may include Math, English, Science, History, Philosophy and Logic. However, this will also let you choose electives in the subjects that you prefer. This is your chance to take up the basic courses that you hope will later become your major.

In your Sophomore year (the second year) you will complete the core curriculum and then advance in certain subjects for the next level. By this time if you have already decided on a major subject for your graduation, you can start taking classes specific to that subject. You are however not mandated to formally declare the major until your Junior (third) year.

In the third year where you are a Junior, you will begin on the advance coursework for the major. And one you reach the Senior year (fourth year), it will be time to complete the undergraduate study with your major and appear for your final exams.

In UK, the SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for admissions to colleges in the US. It is owned, published and developed by the College Board, a non-profit organization in the United States. It was first introduced in 1901 and the current format comprises three prime sections: Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing. Most of the colleges ask for only Mathematics and Critical Reading scores from this test. The Test of English as a second language may also be required for students who have lived/studied in the United Kingdom but do not consider English as their first language.

Once you reach an America college on the basis of your athletic performance and academic credentials, do maintain a good balance between games and sports to sharpen your abilities for a well-paying job after college.