Application Timetable

If you are considering applying to American universities, you are probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by the many dates and deadlines on your mental calendar.  How can you keep everything straight?  We’ve developed this timeline to help keep you on track.  Please note that this timeline applies only to JC2 students hoping to enroll in September.  If you are an ‘O’ level student, or if you hope to enroll in January, please talk to an advisor about your particular timeline:

July/August	- Do research about American universities:  talk to your old school mates who are back in Singapore for their summer holidays, visit websites, drop by the USEIC library, schedule an appointment with an advisor, write to universities asking to be put on their mailing list.
August	- If you aren’t scoring over a 1400 on the SAT, enroll in a prep course. - Download applications from universities you are considering. - Narrow your choices to five to seven universities.
August/September	- Attend talks in your junior college by visiting university representatives.
September	- Register for the SAT.  Determine if you will need to take the SAT: Subject Tests, and register if necessary.
October	- Ask your teachers if they would be willing to write letters of recommendation for you.  Give them the forms with envelopes addressed to you or directly to the university admissions office. If sent to you, do not open the envelopes!
Early November	- Early Decision deadlines for many universities.
November	- Application window for all University of California schools (UC-Berkeley, UCLA, UC-San Diego, etc.).
December	- Finish your application essays.  Make copies of everything, and post your applications.
January	- Regular Decision deadlines.
February	- Apply for financial aid, if necessary.
March	- ‘A’ level results released.  Fax them immediately to the universities and send certified copy via post.
Late March	- Admission notification from the universities.
April	- Universities may hold receptions for admitted students and their parents in Singapore.
May	- Reply date.  You may commit to only one university.  Write to the others to decline their offer of admission.
May/June	- Your university will send you an I-20 form, a legal document with which you can apply for your student visa.

College or University?

Many students in Singapore are baffled by the use of the terms “college” and “university” in America.  They assume that a college is similar to a junior college in Singapore, and when pursuing a bachelor’s degree, they think only a university will provide them with the academic path they want. In fact, the words “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably in the U.S. Both colleges and universities in America offer bachelor’s degrees, which usually take four years to complete.  The term “college” is often applied to a smaller institution which focuses on undergraduates, with few or no graduate (postgraduate) programs.  A “university” is usually larger, with more graduate degrees available.  But there are exceptions to every rule.  For example, Dartmouth College retains its “college” designation, even though it has world-famous graduate schools of business and medicine.  A college may also be the undergraduate school housed within a large university:  Harvard College is the academic home of all undergraduates at Harvard University.

It is important to note the difference between a college and a community college.  A community college, also called a two-year college, provides only the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.  Students graduate with an associate’s degree and then spend two more years in a four-year college or university to gain a bachelor’s degree.

Should you consider attending a smaller college?  Definitely.  A small college can provide many advantages.  If you are one of only 1,000 or 2,000 students, you will receive much more individualized attention than if you are one of 40,000.  You will enjoy smaller class sizes – perhaps seminars of less than fifteen students, rather than large lecture halls of 200.  You will get to know your professors on a personal basis.  At small colleges, many professors are actively involved with the college community and may invite your class over for dinner.  Although there may be fewer extracurricular offerings at a small college, your chances for participation and leadership roles will be much greater.  For example, at a large university, you will have to try out and compete for a place in a drama production, a music ensemble, or a club sports team.  But at a small college, if you turn up, you’re in!  Many students worry that only universities can provide research opportunities.  But in fact, at a college where there are no graduate students, all the research positions go to undergraduates.

In summary, when choosing a university, don’t overlook a wonderful option:  a college!