Education in the USA
Four basic questions on education in the USA:
How does the system work?
The American Education System has major differences compared to the education systems found in continental Europe and in Switzerland specifically.
This map outlines the structure graphically ...
... and there is a Glossary of U.S. educational terms.
These are the major public and private education sites in the USA:
There are three State Department affiliated U.S. Education Advising Centers in Switzerland. They offer comprehensive information on all U.S. education-related questions by phone or personal contact. We highly recommend you to contact this valuable information source.
Which program to choose?
Business schools
Three types of graduate business education can be distinguished:
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Usually 2-year full-time programs
Usually 2-year part-time programs
Usually short-time courses on specific topics |
BusinessWeek Online offers comprehensive information on U.S. business schools.
Business school rankings and top-programs can be found under:
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Technical studies and Ph.D.s
How to select a good Engineering Program
Top Engineering Schools
Other advanced studies
Graduate programs by disciplines
Undergraduate courses
Undergraduate programs by disciplines
Non-exhaustive list of high school student exchange programs
English language programs in the USA
Rankings
Although not without controversy, rankings are an important aspect of the U.S. education system. Rankings can help you to get a first indication which program to choose. However, be careful and check at least
several ranking
sources.
US News provides comprehensive
rankings across all graduate disciplines.
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How to get admitted?
Application procedures will depend on education type and school. Introductions can be found under following links:
For most U.S. graduate schools you will have to complete several standardized admission
tests. Those most commonly used are:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
To study in the USA you will need a student visa. More information can be found on:
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What does it cost?
Paying your education may need careful planning. U.S. Education costs may be as high as $50'000 annually for tuition and living.
There are many resources for loans, grants or scholarships you can apply to in order to finance your studies. The following is a non-exhaustive list for financing resources.
Additionally the three
U.S. Educational Advising Centers in Switzerland may provide you more detailed information on specific options.
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What are the benefits?
Why study in the USA?
Who's hiring MBAs
MBA ROI calculator
You may also consider contacting alumni of U.S. graduate programs to get a more personal feeling on the programs and its benefits. There are several Swiss Alumni Clubs of Top Business Schools, which could help you to establish a contact.
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Contributed by
The Boston Consulting Group,
Zurich/Switzerland
October 2003
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