Choosing a US School via your 5 steps move

You need to find a school in the US that is perfect for you- that means you have a lot of factors to consider. Don't forget to check out the difference in attending a private school vs. a public school and see which is best for you. Planning to study at a university in the UK, USA, Australia or Canada? A Cambridge English qualification can help you gain admission to your college or university, qualify for a visa, or get the language skills you need to live, study and really enjoy your time in an English-speaking environment. Our exams are accepted by over 20,000 universities, employers and governments in 130 countries and can even help you secure a job once you’ve finished university.

Choosing a US School via your 5 steps move

First, it’s important to know the difference in where funding comes from for public and private schools. Public schools receive funds from the state government which helps offset the cost of tuition, making it lower for students. Private schools on the other hand do not receive state funding, instead they rely on tuition and donations from alumni or friends to cover costs. While this means that tuition is often going to be higher at a private school, you will also find that private schools are pretty good at granting scholarships to help out with these fees. So before you write off a private school you have your mind set on check out what grant or scholarship packages they can offer.

The second big difference is class size and degree offerings. Public colleges and universities typically have a larger population- which is good for the fact that they are able to offer more degree program options. On the negative side, the classes will be larger at a public school which means less one on one time with the professor if needed.

Third you’ll want to take into consideration the social aspect of your studies abroad- after all, it’s a once in a lifetime experience and you’ll want to not only get your degree, but enjoy your time. Public schools are typically able to provide more extracurricular activities which is great since it will give you a good chance to find a club or sport that you fit into. However, private schools are often smaller which means if you want to go to school somewhere that feels more like a tight-knit community then it’s a good option for you.

Our last item- if you want a school that has a religious affiliation- a private school is the way to go. Just keep in mind that just because a school may identify with a specific religious group, it does not mean that the school will culturally recognize the religion. With that being said- there are some private schools that still require students to take a few religious courses.

Hopefully these four items will help you when narrowing down if a private or public school is best for you. Of course it’s going to depend on your situation and what you prefer, then require you to do a bit more digging for information on the schools you’re interested in. 

1. Research Your Options

Learn about the variety of options available and how to identify an institution that best fits your needs.

2. Finance Your Studies

Need funding? Explore options or check out our university financial aid opportunity list.

3. Complete Your Application

Plan ahead and know the documents and requirements to apply for your program.

4. Apply For Your Student Visa

Become familiar with U.S. student visa requirements and allow plenty of time to prepare your application.

5. Prepare For Your Departure

Pre-departure information including gathering documents for arrival and immigration compliance.