University Core Curriculum

University Core Curriculum

Curriculum Module I: Engaging Academic Inquiry Academic Writing Seminar Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning Creative Expression and Interpretation Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences Module II: Exploring the Self and Others Theological Explorations Philosophy of the Human Person Ethical Reasoning Module III: Engaging the World Religion in a Global Context Humanities and Global Challenges Social Sciences and Global Challenges Natural Sciences and Global Challenges Module IV: Reflection Learning Objectives Students About the Core Navigating the Core Student Resources Faculty & Staff Faculty

Applying as a freshman
Deciding where to go to college is one of the most important choices you will make in your lifetime. We are excited that you are considering joining us. At Seattle University, the success of our students comes first. They receive a Jesuit education that challenges them intellectually, encourages spiritual growth and emphasizes professional development. With a campus located in the heart of a dynamic urban environment, Seattle U combines a diverse and lively community with the resources and activities that make our city great. Seattle University has distinguished itself as an institution committed to providing our students with a global yet personal and engaging educational experience. When you apply to Seattle University, you will be considered as a whole person. We will evaluate your academic record, your life experience and the strengths you might bring to our educational community. We offer generous financial aid to help make our distinctive kind of education possible for all eligible students.

Admissions notification
The admissions notification timeline varies for Early Action applicants and Regular Decision applicants as follows:

Early Action
This is a non-binding option, and those accepted will still be free to apply to other universities and compare financial aid offers. Those accepted through Early Action will not be required to commit prior to the National Candidates' Reply Date of May 1. Applicants for Seattle University's Sullivan Leadership Award must apply via Early Action to be eligible for Sullivan consideration. Early Action candidates must check the early action option on the Common Application and submit all required credentials (Seattle University Supplemental Application, transcript, essay, letters of recommendation, ACT or SAT scores) by November 15. Those applying for Early Action will be mailed admissions notification on December 21. Students applying via Early Action and not offered admission will be placed in consideration for regular admission.

Regular Decision
Freshmen seeking regular admission consideration for the fall quarter that have met our January 15 deadline will be mailed an admissions decision on March 1. Often, applicants receive requests for additional information, such as seventh semester high school grades, most- recent ACT or SAT scores or results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. These requests should be regarded as an opportunity for continued consideration for admission. Once the requested documents are received, applicants are sent a decision by the end of March.

Scholarships
Seattle University Institutional Merit Scholarship determinations will be made and mailed to accepted applicants at the time of admissions notification. Students applying via Early Action that submit updated test scores or high school transcripts by our regular decision deadline of January 15 will be considered for the best qualifying scholarship at that time.

Financial aid
Full financial aid packages, reflecting both need-based and merit-based Seattle University institutional aid, are mailed to all accepted applicants by the end of March. This provides students, and their families time to consider whether to confirm their attendance by the National Candidates Reply Date of May 1.

Choosing and applying to US universities

Here are some suggestions for selecting universities to apply to, and when and how to apply.

Researching universities Making a shortlist Criteria for choosing a university Writing a personal statement Application timetable

Researching universities
From the thousands of institutions in the US that offer programmes of study, you will need to create a list of the universities you would like to apply to. We recommend you select 10-15 universities to get more indepth information about. There are numerous websites providing advice and engines for searching universities online:

www.collegeboard.com www.petersons.com www.usaeducationguides.com www.usnews.com

Petersons publish a number of guide books to selecting universities or courses, including Applying to Colleges and Universities in the United States , which is available from Fulbright New Zealand. Back to top

Making a shortlist
From your research, we recommend you choose 4-6 universities to apply to. US universities charge a nonrefundable application fee and applying to more than 6 can get expensive.

Your shortlist of universities should include:

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1-2 schools at the top of your range universities that you would very much like to attend, but youre not sure that your academic record and test scores meet their expectations; 2-3 competitive, but not extremely selective schools universities where youre confident that your application will be given serious consideration; and 1 safety school a university that you are certain will accept you, because you more than meet their criteria.

Criteria for choosing a university

Things to consider when comparing universities:

Undergraduate

Majors offered; Strength of programme; Selectivity (entrance difficulty); Cost and availability of financial aid; Accreditation; Academic facilities; Type of institution public or private, co-ed or single sex, etc.; Enrolment size; Campus setting and geographical location; Sports and campus life; Housing; Services for international students.

Postgraduate

Be clear about what you want to study and know exactly what speciality within your field you are intested in; Look for a graduate programme that is recognised as being strong in your prospective field; Dont just research the famous institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley and Princeton, as there are many other excellent schools in the US. The top universities are the most expensive and difficult to enter. Schools with good programmes in your field may not necessarily be the ones that are well known to you; Note who is publishing research in your area of interest, and then find out where they are teaching; Seek advice from New Zealand academics in your field; Seek advice from US graduate students in your field who are studying in New Zealand; and Use the internet for up-to-date information on US universities.

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Writing a personal statement

American universities want to get an idea of what sort of person you are, which is why they often ask you to include a personal statement in your admission application. For many students, writing the personal statement is the hardest part of the application process, but with the keen competition for admission to US universities, your personal statement often becomes a crucial element of your application package. It is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the many other applicants with the same academic qualifications. Make sure you tailor your written statement to the institution to which you are applying the more specific you are, the more convincing you will be. Make sure your referees do the same for their references. References and personal statements need to demonstrate evidence of why you would be suitable for a particular graduate department. Back to top

Application timetable
The process of applying to university in the US takes far longer to organise than the application process for study in New Zealand. We suggest that you start 12 to 18 months before you plan to begin studying in the US. The following timetable is based on starting your studies in late August/early September. Mid-year admission (starting in late January/early February) may be possible, but youll need to check directly with the universities concerned.

April-June
Research 10 to 15 universities Assess whether or not these universities meet the criteria you have identified as important to you. This research phase of the application process is perhaps the most important and shouldnt be left to the last minute. Seek financial assistance Begin to investigate possible sources of financial assistance. This should include possible funding from the university as well as funding from other private sources.

July-August
Contact 4 to 6 universities Choose from the universities you researched and contact the admissions office to request application forms, financial aid forms and any other forms for international students. Each university has a non-refundable application fee, so applying to more than six may be expensive. Register for tests Determine which standardised admissions tests youll be required to take and register to sit them. Seek non-university sources of funding Contact non-university sources of funding and request application forms.

August-October
Fill out application forms Begin the process of filling out application forms and collecting all required material like transcripts and references. Start writing your application essay/personal statement. Make sure you identify the application deadlines. These can occur anytime from November to February for those planning to start studying in August/September.

October-February
Submit applications Complete your applications and submit all required items before the deadline. Apply early if you possibly can.

March-May
Notification of acceptance Universities will notify you whether or not you have been accepted. They should give you an indication of how much, if any, financial aid they are prepared to offer you. Write to the university you decide to attend to let them know you accept. Also write to the other universities that accept you to let them know you will not take-up their offer of admission. Travel arrangements Once your acceptance has been confirmed, you should start thinking about organising your travel top the US. Late August and early September are peak times for travel to and within the US so the earlier you organise your tickets the better.

June-August
Obtain a student visa There are two main types of visas that are issued to students wishing to study at US universities a Student (F) Visa and an Exchange Visitor (J) Visa. The first step for acquiring a Student Visa is being accepted for enrolment an accredited university. The university will provide you with a form called the I-20, and once you receive this form you may apply for a student visa. The process for acquiring an Exchange Visitor Visa is similar once you are accepted into an accredited exchange programme they will provide you with a DS2019 form which allows you to apply for an exchange visitor visa. In New Zealand, visas for the US are issued by the US Consulate General in Auckland, and require an inperson interview. The process for applying for a visa is outlined on the US Embassy website. Back to top

About US universities

Key terminology Universities in the United States Accreditation The US academic year The US credit system Classes

Key terminology
In the US the words college and university mean the same thing. The main thing to remember is that college does not mean high school. When we refer to undergraduate study in the US we are usually talking about a bachelors degree programme.

When we refer to graduate study in the US we generally mean any study you do after finishing your bachelors degree programme (eg. a masters degree). In other words graduate study is the same as what New Zealanders call postgraduate study. Other differences in university terminology between the US and New Zealand: A paper in New Zealand is called a course in the US. When Americans refer to a paper they are usually referring to what Kiwis call an essay or an assignment. A university calendar in New Zealand is called a catalogue in the US. Often American universities will refer to Fall or Spring semesters. Be sure to remember that the seasons are the other way around in the Northern Hemisphere! Back to top

Universities in the United States

Public versus Private Institutions
Publicly supported schools are usually state colleges or universities. These institutions receive most of their funding from the states they are located in. Private schools, on the other hand, do not receive the same primary funding from the state and federal government but often receive financial support from benefactors in the private sector.

Liberal Arts versus Specialised Education

Liberal arts refers to academic work in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Most American universities require students to take a wide variety of subjects in the liberal arts before settling on a specific field of study. An academic field of specialisation is often referred to as a major, usually completed in the final two years of study. Back to top

Accreditation
Unlike New Zealand, the US government does not have a central ministry of education that provides national control over US educational institutions. Each state regulates education to some extent, but universities have considerable independence. Accreditation, a system in which institutions voluntarily agree to be evaluated by their peers, ensures that these institutions achieve basic levels of quality in their programmes, facilities, and services. There are two types of accreditation: institutional and professional. Institutional accreditation applies to the university as a whole. Professional accreditation exists only in fields where professional competence is of broad concern, such as engineering, nursing, and business. A complete list of accredited institutions and professional programmes can be found in Fulbright New Zealands library.

More on Accreditation
For more on accreditation see the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website. Back to top

The US academic year

Depending on the university, the academic year starts sometime from late August to mid-September. There are two ways in which the academic year can be organised in US universities:

Semesters
Most universities use the semester system where there are two major periods of study in each academic year Fall and Spring. There are 16 or 17 weeks of study in each semester. There may also be a shorter optional period of study in the summer.

Quarters
Some universities use the quarter system where there are four 10 week study periods (or quarters) during the year. You are usually expected to attend three quarters, but may attend all four to graduate sooner. These are sometimes also called trimesters. Back to top

The US credit system

Course work is measured in units or credit hours. Generally, a class that meets for three hours of lectures or discussion a week carries three units of credit one hour of undergraduate credit means one hour of lecture and two hours of homework, whereas one hour of graduate credit means one hour of lecture and five hours of homework. An average class-load at the bachelors degree level is about 15 units per semester, which means about 45 hours of attendance and study are expected each week. At the graduate level the average class-load is about nine units per semester, so about 54 hours of attendance and study are expected each week. When referring to units or credit hours people are generally talking about units in a semester system. Each unit in a quarter system equals 2/3 of a semester-unit. So a student who completes 30 semester-units each year in a semester system is doing the same amount of work as a student who completes 45 quarterunits. Back to top

Classes
At many small colleges, class size averages around 15-20 students, so your classes often consist of a discussion between the professor and the students. You are expected to play an active rather than a passive role. Professors often determine a portion of the course grade based on the quality of your class participation. In large colleges or universities, it is more common to have large classes (60 or more people) conducted in a traditional lecture style. Undergraduate classes at large colleges and universities are often taught by graduate students (known as teaching assistants) rather than by full professors.

Undergraduate study
When we refer to undergraduate study we are usually talking about a bachelors degree programme.

Degrees Studying medicine and law Admission requirements

Financial aid Further information

Degrees
There are two types of undergraduate degrees in the US an Associates degree and a Bachelors degree:

Associates degree
An Associates degree is a two-year degree awarded by technical, community or junior colleges. The two types are Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Sciences (AS) Associates degrees are usually very practical and offer advanced training in technical areas, such as business occupations, data processing, nursing, engineering technology, interior design and medical assistance.

Bachelors degree
A Bachelors degree is a four or five-year degree awarded by colleges or universities, e.g. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) To receive a bachelors degree, you must generally:

complete a sequence of courses within a major field of study, called major requirements (known as upper division); complete a sequence of courses outside your major field of study, called general education requirements (known as lower division); complete in total 120 units/credit hours in order to graduate. With an average course load of 15 units each semester, this means that a student can complete a bachelors degree in four years of full-time study.

Some universities have additional requirements, such as a thesis written during the final year of study or a final research project. Back to top

Studying medicine and law

In the US, medicine and law are not offered as undergraduate majors. You must complete a bachelors degree in another field first before you can apply to law or medical school. There are no required majors for students planning to attend law or medical school, although some colleges offer pre-law or premedicine programmes. Back to top

Admission requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the university. Some institutions are very selective while others accept most applicants. In general, the following four factors will be key in the assessment of your application:

high school academic record; personal statement/application essay;


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scores on standardised tests (ACT/SAT tests and the TOEFL test if English is your second language); recommendations/references.

Financial aid
Looking for funding
Unfortunately there is no single definitive source on financial aid for undergraduate study in the US. A good starting point for your financial aid search is at Fulbright New Zealands library where we have a number of books listing sources of financial aid for undergraduate study in the US. The Institute of International Educations Funding for US Study website is an extensive database of scholarships, fellowships and grants.

Funding from universities

Undergraduate study in the US is expensive and financial aid for international undergraduate students is limited. Very few schools give total financial aid packages and they are more inclined to give partial financial aid (generally 25-30% of the total cost) to students who will be able to contribute something toward the cost of their own education. The primary source of financial support for over 65% of international undergraduate students is personal and family funding.

Applying for funding

Dont leave your search for financial aid until too late! Applications for many scholarships and financial aid programmes close as much as a year before the money will actually be available. Many universities dont actively publicise what limited financial aid they may offer to avoid being swamped with applications. Assistance from universities varies from year to year and from institution to institution.

Athletic scholarships for undergraduate study in the US

Athletically talented students may wish to pursue athletic scholarships for their undergraduate study in the US. This is a good way for top high school athletes to help pay for their undergraduate education as well as to compete at a higher level in their chosen sport. Back to top

Graduate study
When we refer to graduate study we generally mean any study you do after finishing your bachelors degree programme. In other words graduate study is the same as what Kiwis call postgraduate study.

Degrees Admission requirements Financial aid Further information

Degrees

There are two levels of graduate degree programmes in the US a masters degree and a doctoral (PhD) degree.

Masters degree
The masters degree usually takes one to three years of full-time study. There are two main types of masters degree programmes professional masters degrees and research masters degrees. Professional masters degrees are certificates of competence in specialised fields and often have some type of internship or fieldwork component. They provide a specific set of skills needed to practice a particular profession and generally lead directly to employment. The MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MEd (Master of Education) degrees are two examples of this type of masters degree. Research masters degrees are generally part of the progression to a PhD programme. They provide experience in research and scholarship and may involve writing a thesis or taking a comprehensive examination. Academic performance in a research masters programme can determine whether a student is likely to be allowed to continue on to a PhD programme. Examples of research masters degree programmes are the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS) degrees.

Doctoral (PhD) degree

The main purpose of a PhD programme is to train research scholars in a particular field. The doctoral degree typically involves both coursework and a major research project. It usually takes four to six years of full-time study to get a PhD. Some doctoral programmes include a masters degree programme, with students beginning directly after they complete their bachelors degree. Some doctoral programmes require the completion of a masters degree before the beginning of doctoral studies. The first two years of a PhD programme involve classes and seminars to give the student a comprehensive knowledge of an academic field. Following this period of study, students take written and/or oral examinations to test their knowledge. Successful completion of the exams and approval of a research project leads to candidacy. The research project involves original research and, depending on the field, should take one to three years to complete. Faculty members guide the process of formulating the research project and evaluate the resultant thesis, but the student carries out the research independently. Back to top

Admission requirements
Admission requirements vary significantly depending on the university and department. Some institutions are very selective, while others accept most applicants. Graduate student applications are generally reviewed with an emphasis placed on the last two years of their undergraduate study programme. In general, the following four factors will be key in assessing your application:

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academic record (you generally need to have an honours degree and a minimum of a B average in your undergraduate studies); personal statement/application essay; recommendations/references; scores on standardised tests such as the GRE, GMAT, and if applicable the TOEFL.

Financial aid for graduate study in the US

A graduate degree from a US university can cost as much as US$40,000 per year. You need to explore as many possible avenues for funding assistance as you can. It is also important to note that you will almost certainly be required to meet a portion of the cost of graduate study in the US. Very few scholarships pay a students entire costs, and many granting agencies are more inclined to give partial financial aid to students who will be able to contribute something toward the cost of their own education. A good starting point for your financial aid search is Fulbright New Zealands library where we have a number of books listing sources of financial aid for graduate study in the US. We have also compiled a spreadsheet of complementary scholarships available in New Zealand which may be held concurrently to a Fulbright award, and encourage you to investigate these sources of additional funding. The not-for-profit Funding Information Service provides the searchable BreakOut database, which is New Zealands primary source of funding information about scholarships, awards and grants for students and researchers. The Institute of International Educations Funding for US Study website is an extensive American database of scholarships, fellowships and grants.

Applying for financial aid start now!

The average turnaround time from initial application to offer of funding takes from six to nine months. Deadlines for funding applications often occur up to 12 months before the actual date of enrolment. This means you should start identifying sources of aid and requesting applications starting in July and August of the year before you wish to commence your studies. You need to identify important deadlines early on in the process and work towards meeting them. All forms of financial aid (including university-based aid) have deadlines that are independent from entrance application deadlines. It is not uncommon for financial aid application deadlines to occur before admission application deadlines. Try to avoid the all-too-common dilemma of being offered admission to the programme of your choice without having secured adequate funding.

Funding sources
There are three main sources of funding for international students: university-based sources, private sources, and government sources. The general rule is that there is more money available in the hard sciences and social sciences than in the arts, humanities, and education, and there is more money in the humanities, arts, and education than in business and law. University-based funding The most common funding source for international students is from the university. There is generally more money available to PhD students than to masters students. Common types of university-based funding are teaching assistantships, research assistantships, lab assistantships, tuition and fee waivers, and stipends. University-based aid often comes from the academic department. It pays to do some in-depth investigation into the research interests of the departments to which you plan to apply. How well you match your research goals with those of the department is directly related to whether they offer you funding. It is important to show a clear understanding of the departments research and to demonstrate that you have some new and innovative approach to contribute to their work. Private funding Private sources of funding consist of grants, fellowships, and scholarships. There are many private sources of funding that offer aid to international students (even if they dont specifically state it in their information materials). These sources may be from New Zealand, the US, or elsewhere. Universities usually have resource materials listing private donors to help you research funding. Private sources of funding can be useful for students at two stages in their graduate careers: the very beginning and the very end. Funding opportunities for first-time masters degree and PhD students often

come in the form of fellowships (money for tuition and/or living expenses). For those nearing the end of their graduate study, funding often comes in the form of grants (money to cover research or project-specific expenses). There are many smaller awards that you may not consider. This is a mistake. Although an award in the $250-$1,000 range may not put much of a dent in your total costs, it will help defray the costs of books and supplies for a semester, and it is an invaluable investment for the future. Potential sponsors look favourably on past grant winners these awards, even small ones, may help you secure other larger awards later on in your educational and professional career. Government funding US government-supported financial aid is normally reserved for citizens or legal permanent residents of the US. The one notable exception is the Fulbright programme, which receives both US government and New Zealand government support. Check out the range of awards for New Zealand graduate students offered by Fulbright New Zealand.

Standardised tests
If you are planning to study in the US, you will probably be required to take one or more of the common standardised tests for college admission. We recommend you check admissions criteria of the college(s) you intend applying to, in order to determine which of the following test(s) you might need to take.
Our Testing Adviser, Tracy Blower, is available to help with advice about these tests: tracy@fulbright.org.nz / (04) 494 1501

For undergraduate study

ACT/SAT
The ACT and SAT tests are two standardised testing programs widely recognised for undergraduate college admissions in the US. They measure students knowledge and ability to complete college-level work. Most colleges and universities in the United States require ACT or SAT test scores as part of their undergraduate application process.

For (post)graduate study

GRE
The GRE test is a standardised testing programme which is widely recognised for (post)graduate college admissions in the US. A General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills, and further Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in specific fields of study. Most colleges and universities in the United States require GRE test scores as part of their graduate application process.

GMAT
The GMAT test is specifically designed to help graduate management programmes assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management, and is often required in place of GRE test scores for relevant programmes.

For non-native English speakers

TOEFL
The TOEFL test measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. Many colleges and universities in the United States require or recommend TOEFL test scores as part of their application process for international students whose native language is not English.

ACT

The ACT is a national college admissions examination designed to assess high school students general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. Read more about ACT

SAT

SAT tests assess your academic readiness for college. There are two kinds of SAT tests the SAT (general test) and SAT Subject Tests. Read more about SAT

GRE

GRE Tests measure students knowledge and skills and can help forecast a candidates potential for success in graduate school. Read more about GRE

GMAT

The GMAT is a standardized assessment that measures students general verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. The GMAT helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. Read more about GMAT

TOEFL

The TOEFL Test measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. Read more about TOEFL

SAT
SAT tests assess your academic readiness for college. There are two kinds of SAT tests the SAT (general test) and SAT Subject Tests.

Who needs to sit the tests? Where can I sit the tests? When can I sit the tests? What do I have to do to sit the tests? How can I prepare for the tests? Further information

The SAT tests are administered by American not-for-profit organisation The College Board. The SAT tests (along with the ACT) are one of two standardised testing programs widely recognised for undergraduate college admissions in the US. Most colleges and universities in the United States require SAT or ACT test scores as part of their application process.

SAT
The SAT measures the critical reading, writing and mathematical abilities youll need for academic success in the US.

SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests measure your knowledge and skills in specific subjects. There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Students can take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date, but cannot take the general SAT and SAT Subject Tests during the same test administration. For more information about the tests visit the College Board website. Back to Top

Who needs to sit the tests?

If you are applying to an undergraduate programme in the US then you will most likely have to sit SAT (or ACT) tests as part of the application process. Many universities may require or recommend one or more of the SAT Subject Tests as well as the general SAT. Please check admissions criteria of the college(s) you intend applying to, in order to determine which test(s) you should take. Back to Top

Where can I sit the tests?

There are SAT test centres in Auckland, Wanganui, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Testing Closer to Home

If you live more than 75 miles (121 km) from the nearest test centre you may be able to sit the test closer to your home. You will need to register by mail by the early registration deadline (generally 3-4 weeks prior to the registration deadline). See the SAT website or The Paper Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests for more information about testing closer to home. Note: This is not available for October or June test dates. You must pick an existing centre for those dates. Back to Top

When can I sit the tests?

SAT Tests are given on set dates throughout the year. The schedule for the 2012-2013 testing cycle is as follows: Test date Locations Registration deadline*

6 October 2012

Auckland, Wanganui, Lower Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin

7 September 2012

3 November 2012

Auckland, Wanganui, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin

4 October 2012

1 December 2012

Auckland, Wanganui, Lower Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin

1 November 2012

26 January 2013

Auckland, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin

28 December 2012

4 May 2013

Auckland, Wanganui, Lower Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin

5 April 2013

1 June 2013

Auckland, Wanganui, Lower Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin

2 May 2013

* Waitlist status is available if you miss the registration deadline. An additional fee applies, and admission to a test center cannot be guaranteed. You can find more information about waitlist testing on the College Board website or in the The Paper Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests .

Different SAT Subject Tests are offered on each test date. Language with Listening Tests are offered in November only. For a calendar of SAT Subject Test dates see the College Board website. Test dates for the 2013-2014 cycle will not be announced until July 2013 at earliest. Please do not call us for information about these tests before then, as we will be unable to answer your enquiry. Back to Top

What do I have to do to sit a test?

Register
You can register online at the College Board website (requires a valid credit card) or by mail. To register by mail you need to obtain The Paper Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests and Registration Form, which you can obtain from Fulbright New Zealand (along with free guides to Getting Ready for the SAT and Getting Ready for the SAT Subject Tests) by sending a stamped, selfaddressed A4-sized envelope ($1.50 standard post, $2.00 fast post) to: Testing Adviser Fulbright New Zealand

PO Box 3465 Wellington 6140

Fees
The 20122013 fee for taking the SAT in New Zealand is US$81.00. Fees for SAT Subject Tests are US$77 for Language with Listening Tests and US$66 for all others. Standby testing costs an additional US$43.00. You can find a full list of fees on the College Board website or in the The Paper Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. Back to Top

How can I prepare for the tests?

The College Board website offers free practice materials including a question of the day, practice questions and practice tests. The College Board also offer an Online Course and publish numerous official study guides including The Official SAT Study Guide, The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests and subject-specific study guides, which can be purchased online from the College Board Store. Fulbright New Zealand usually has a small number of copies of The Official SAT Study Guide available for sale please check with our Testing Adviser if you are interested in purchasing a study guide from us. Popular study guides are generally also available to purchase from major book shops and online booksellers.

ACT
The ACT is a national college admissions examination designed to assess high school students general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.

Who needs to sit the tests? Where can I sit the tests? When can I sit the tests? What do I have to do to sit the tests? How can I prepare for the tests? Further information

The ACT is administered by American not-for-profit organisation ACT. The ACT (along with the SAT test) is one of two standardised testing programs widely recognised for undergraduate college admissions in the US. Most colleges and universities in the United States require ACT or SAT test scores as part of their application process. The standard ACT test includes multiple-choice tests in four subject areas English, mathematics, reading and science. The tests measure students current levels of educational development in these subjects. An optional additional Writing Test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. Back to Top

Who needs to sit the tests?

If you are applying to an undergraduate programme in the US then you will most likely have to sit the ACT (or SAT) test as part of the application process. Please check admissions criteria of the college(s) you intend applying to, in order to determine what test you should take. Back to Top

Where can I sit the tests?

There are ACT test centres in Auckland and Wellington. Back to Top

When can I sit the tests?

The ACT is given on set dates throughout the year. The schedule for the 2012-2013 testing cycle is as follows: Test date Location(s) Registration deadline

27 October 2012

Auckland

21 September 2012

8 December 2012

Wellington

2 November 2012

13 April 2013

Auckland, Wellington

8 March 2013

8 June 2013

Wellington

3 May 2013

Indicative test dates for future testing cycles are available on the ACT website, and full details will be posted here at the end of the current cycle. Note that not all test dates will necessarily be offered by New Zealand centres. Back to Top

What do I have to do to sit the tests?

Register
Students must register for the ACT test online at the ACT website.

Fees
The 20122013 fee for taking the ACT in New Zealand is US$65.00 (or US$80.50 if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). It must be paid by credit card when you register online. Back to Top

How can I prepare for the tests?

A free preparation booklet entitled Preparing For The ACT can be downloaded from the ACT website, which includes test information, complete practice tests with scoring keys, and a writing prompt with sample essays. The ACT website also offers an ACT Online Prep programme, practise test questions, test tips and descriptions. ACT publish an official ACT study guide The Real ACT Prep Guide which can be purchased online from the ACT Store. Popular study guides are generally also available to purchase from major book shops and online booksellers. Back to Top

Further information

Advising services and resources

Fulbright New Zealands educational advising service provides accurate, comprehensive and current information on educational opportunities in the United States. We run an EducationUSA advising centre at our office in Wellington, and provide advice and resources to students, parents and schools in the Wellington region.

EducationUSA Advising sessions Library Guides & information packs Advising services for schools and universities

EducationUSA

EducationUSA is a global network of more than 400 advising centres supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US Department of State. EducationUSA advising centres actively promote US higher education around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive and current information about educational institutions in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities.

Centres are staffed by professional advisers, many of whom have first-hand experience having studied in the United States themselves and/or have received State Department-approved training about US higher education and the advising process. There are two EducationUSA advising centres in New Zealand, at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Auckland and Fulbright New Zealand in Wellington. Please contact the centre designated to your area for advice about studying in the US: Consulate General of the United States of America (for nationwide enquiries) aucklandeducation@state.gov / (09) 303 2724 Fulbright New Zealand (for enquiries in the Wellington region) educate@fulbright.org.nz / (04) 494 1504 For more information and the latest updates visit the EducationUSA website, or connect with EducationUSA on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. Back to top

Advising sessions
If you are thinking of studying in the United States and are based in Wellington (or just visiting), come in and have a chat with one of our Educational Advisors. The Education Advising Service at Fulbright New Zealand offers advising sessions on studying at US universities for individuals or groups. These advising sessions are by appointment only. Sessions can include information on the entire college application process. This includes:

the timeline for the process; applying to US universities; standardised testing; financial aid; and Fulbright awards.

Time will be set aside for questions at the end of the session.

Preparation for an advising session

Before you come to an advising session please read all the material in the Study in the US section of this website. Knowing this basic information in advance will help make your advising session more productive.

How to make an appointment

Contact our Educational Adviser, Kara Wood, to make an appointment for an advising session: educate@fulbright.org.nz / (04) 494 1504 Please try to make your appointment at least a week in advance.

Outside the Wellington area

If you live outside the Wellington area you can still meet our Educational Advising Team in person during our annual Outreach Tour, which visits campuses around the country in May-June. Back to top

Library
Fulbright New Zealands library has the countrys largest collection of books concerning the US higher education system. Located in the Fulbright New Zealand office, the Education Services Library boasts a comprehensive collection of resources for students considering higher education in the US. The library has books for any level of study as well as internet and test preparation materials. Our library is free and open to the public during office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00pm). However, it is necessary to make an appointment with our Educational Adviser before using the library. Books and materials are free to read in the office, but photocopying charges may apply. Back to top

Guides & information packs

In addition to the comprehensive information on our website and the EducationUSA website, the following guides and information packs are available for you to download. If you are in need of further information about higher education in the US, please see the following: Study In The US EducationUSA Study in the US brochure:

Undergraduate study

Study in the US brochure (PDF, 210.18 Kb)

EducationUSA High School FAQs information sheet:

High School FAQs information sheet (PDF, 88.01 Kb)

EducationUSA Undergraduate Study booklet from the If You Want to Study in the United States series:

Undergraduate Study booklet (PDF, 1.88 MB)

How to choose and apply to US bachelors and associate degree programmes, plus information on technical and vocational educational opportunities in the United States.

Graduate study EducationUSA Graduate and Professional Study and Research booklet from the If You Want to Study in the United States series:

Graduate and Professional Study and Research booklet (PDF,

2.34 MB)

How to research and apply to US masters, doctoral degree and postdoctoral programmes, plus information on certification and licensing procedures for professionals who wish to further their education or practice in the United States.

Other study EducationUSA Short-Term Study, English Language Programs, Distance Education and Accreditation booklet from the If You Want to Study in the United States series:

Short-Term Study, English Language Programs, Distance Education and Accreditation booklet (PDF, 1.06 MB)

Information on opportunities to study in the United States for up to one year, plus an overview of studying toward a degree, diploma or certificate from outside the United States through distance education programs. The booklet also includes detailed information on accreditation of US higher education institutions. Fulbright New Zealand Athletic Scholarships for Undergraduate Study in the US booklet:

Athletic Scholarships for Undergraduate Study in the US booklet (PDF, 258.73 Kb)

Financial aid Fulbright New Zealand Complementary Scholarships spreadsheet:

Complementary Scholarships spreadsheet (VND.MS-EXCEL,

101.50 Kb)

Predeparture information EducationUSA Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living and Studying in the United States booklet from the If You Want to Study in the United States series:

Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living and Studying in the United States (PDF, 2.11 MB)

Help with planning your move to the United States after you have been accepted to a US university or college. This booklet provides advice on applying for a visa, moving to the United States, and what to expect when you arrive on campus. Back to top

Advising services for schools and universities

We offer educational advising services to high school careers counsellors, university careers advisers and scholarships officers. This is a free-to-use service. The Education Advising Service at Fulbright New Zealand offers advising sessions on studying at US universities for individuals or small groups. These advising sessions are by appointment only. Our Educational Adviser regularly attends school and university careers events to give advice about studying in the US and Fulbright awards. If you would like someone to attend your event, please contact our Educational Adviser to check availability. Each year in May-June our Educational Advising Team travel to university campuses around the country on an Outreach Tour to talk with students and faculty about studying and researching in the US. Outreach Tour dates will be announced on our website a couple of months in advance of the tour. Back to top

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About Us
EducationUSA is a network of hundreds of advising centers in 170 countries, where millions of international students each year find accurate, comprehensive, and current information about how to apply to accredited U.S. colleges and universities. The EducationUSA network is supported by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), which strives to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. EducationUSA advisers and staff work with U.S. higher education professionals to promote international student enrollment. EducationUSA also helps promote study abroad opportunities for U.S. citizens. U.S. and international students alike can prepare for leadership roles in today's world through an international education.

EducationUSA Advising Centers may be located in U.S. embassies and consulates, or in a variety of partner institutions, including Fulbright commissions; bi-national cultural centers; U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as AMIDEAST and American Councils/ACCELS; and foreign NGOs, universities, and libraries. These centers share a common goal: assisting students in accessing U.S. higher education opportunities. Advising centers are staffed by EducationUSA advisers, many of whom have first-hand experience studying in the United States. Advisers adhere to EducationUSA ethical standards, abide by the EducationUSA policy to refrain from working with commissionbased recruitment agents, and have U.S. State Department-approved training about the U.S. higher education system and application processes. Regional educational advising coordinators (REACs) provide guidance, leadership and training to advisers. The U.S. Department of State partners with the Institute of International Education (IIE) to support EducationUSA activities.

In addition to providing print and online materials at EducationUSA Advising Centers, advisers reach prospective student audiences through fairs and outreach events at local schools, universities, and other public venues. Extending outreach beyond personal interaction, the network reaches millions of students through websites, webinars, and social media platforms. Explaining the incredibly diverse U.S. higher education landscape and decentralized admission process for thousands of U.S. institutions is a monumental task. EducationUSA has simplified the path a prospective international student takes to reach his/her goal of studying in the United States with "Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study": (1)

Research Your Options, (2) Complete Your Application, (3) Finance Your Studies, (4) Apply for Your Student Visa, and (5) Prepare for Your Departure.

The U.S. higher education community collaborates with EducationUSA to attract qualified international students to U.S. campuses. EducationUSA assists U.S. college and university recruiting and admissions staff by providing information on trends in higher education overseas, foreign education systems, the importance of recruiting international students, how to utilize the network to recruit effectively, and how to maintain an international-student friendly campus and website. The U.S. Department of State funds the annual IIE Open Doors Report, which provides statistics about rates of tertiary international student mobility to and from the United States. Advisers host college and university visits to their centers and at EducationUSA college fairs. More than 1,000 accredited U.S. institutions access a wide range of services and tools for recruitment advice through the EducationUSA website.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) also promotes study abroad for U.S. students and study abroad program development for U.S. higher education institutions. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships for U.S.-citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means and diverse backgrounds to pursue academic studies in non-traditional study abroad destinations. The EducationUSA website offers study and work-abroad resources. ECA has funded grants to enhance the capacity of U.S. higher education institutions to build sustainable study abroad programs with foreign institutions. The www.educationusa.info website is maintained by the Institute of International Education on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.

Why is Accreditation Important?

When planning to study in the United States, it is important to know whether an institution or program is accredited. The United States does not have a central government office that approves educational institutions. Instead, it relies on a system of voluntary accreditation carried out by nongovernmental accrediting bodies to ensure that schools meet quality standards. If the institution you attend is not properly accredited, you may find that your degree is not recognized by other universities, professional associations, employers, and/or the government ministry in your country that certifies educational degrees. Being licensed in a particular state-or even being certified by the U.S. government's Student and Exchange Visitor Program's SEVIS system to enroll international students-is not the same as being accredited. EducationUSA Advising Centers can only assist you in finding colleges, universities, or programs that are accredited. Make your degree count!

How can you know whether a U.S. institution or program is accredited? For accreditation information, refer to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Have questions? Contact an EducationUSA adviser for assistance.

https://www.educationusa.info/5_steps_to_study/short_term_programs_step_3_fin ance_your_studies.php#top https://www.educationusa.info/5_steps_to_study/short_term_programs_step_3_fin ance_your_studies.php#top

The cost of short-term study in the United States varies considerably. Costs are determined by the institutions tuition charges and other fees, as well as by the program type, program length and the materials you will be required to purchase. Remember to include the cost of traveling to and from the United States, living expenses such as room and board, and health insurance as you prepare your budget.

Make Your Budget

As you work to develop a budget for your short-term studies, keep in mind that your overall costs are comprised of tuition, fees, and living expenses. University Exchange Programs You may be able to apply for funding for an undergraduate exchange program from your home university or institute, even if study abroad is not a requirement for your program of study. Funding from U.S. institutions for short-term study of this kind is very limited. If you are not eligible to receive funding from your own school or from the U.S. institution, you might try to obtain funding from social, community, or non-governmental organizations; from multinational companies; or from local businesses. Non-degree Programs Non-degree, or special students, are usually, though not always, ineligible to receive university-sponsored financial assistance such as scholarships or assistantships. Funding may be available from independent foundations and organizations, such as Fulbright Commissions, that award scholarships for postgraduate study. Distance Education Programs Costs for distance education vary considerably. Distance education can save you the expenses of travel, room and board, but the actual academic fees usually correspond to those of traditional learning. If any period of residency on campus is required during the course of the program, you should include those costs in your budget as well. You should also inquire about the costs of the learning materials needed to complete each course, and allow for the shipping fees and import duties that you might face.