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As an American citizen who attended university in the US, trained in US holistic admissions, and has had three children pursue higher education in private US universities, I deeply appreciate the power of the US university system. Although studying in America is not for everyone, there are particular aspects of the US approach to education that set it apart from highly competitive universities in the UK and Europe. Perhaps its most distinctive advantage is the idea that stude

As early university decisions continue to trickle in and you await your Regular Decisions in March and April, here are some key considerations for college-bound Grade 12 and Year 13 students. Remember that Grades and Exam Results Matter. With nearly all applications submitted and graduation only a few months away, it can be tempting to relax and look forward to the future. However, your academic performance this semester is critical. Universities expect you to maintain the s

Do you hear London, Manchester, or Edinburgh calling? The UK’s world-renowned universities appeal to many international students. Here are some key features to keep in mind when considering if it's the best place for you to study. Narrow Academic Focus The UK offers courses to suit every passion and interest; however, you must know which subject you wish to study. ‘Undecided’ isn’t an option. British universities typically offer students the opportunity to pursue one favorit

A dual citizen of the US and Greece, and raised in Dubai, Vicky studied biology at the University of Bath. However, she wanted to step beyond the confines of pure science and into the commercialization and business side of the field. To do this, she is now pursuing a Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise at the renowned University of Cambridge. She provides a window into her new life in Cambridge and what led her there. IO: Hi Vicky. Congratulations on pursuing your Master’s at y

With the increase in international students worldwide, some of the most popular countries for study are trying to juggle the positive aspects of these enrollments with the strains on housing, immigration, and other social services. Recently, nations with the highest international student populations have implemented stricter study visa criteria and raised their financial proof requirements. Among them, Canada, the UK, and Australia have increased the monetary thresholds the m

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a large public research institution renowned for its top-ranked programs in engineering, technology, business, and agriculture. Established in 1869 as a land-grant university, Purdue now has a diverse student population of 58,000, including over 44,000 undergraduates. Nearly 20% of its students come from outside the United States. The university's College of Engineering is among the best in the U.S., with notable progr

One of the main standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States, the ACT is undergoing significant changes that will take effect starting April 2025 for the digital test and September 2025 for paper-based versions. These updates are designed to make the test more accessible, reduce stress for students, and offer greater flexibility. For students planning to take the ACT in the near future, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect the tes

Born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in the diverse city of Dubai, Hirad set his sights on the University of Toronto four years ago. He believed he would thrive in Canada’s largest metropolis and one of its top universities. However, he faced unexpected challenges, including the impact of COVID-19, the impersonal nature of a big city, and starting in the wrong academic major. It took him several years to find his footing and get back on track. IO: Hi Hirad. As a fourth-year stude