UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
Understanding and Looking beyond University Rankings
University ranking is one way to help select a school, but it isn’t the only resource, nor is it the most reliable. University rankings provide an overall measure of a university’s quality and performance based on factors such as average entering grades, acceptance rates, number of students continuing to postgraduate study, size of library, number of faculty with PhDs, and faculty research and publications. Not all criteria are given equal weight, and not all ranking publications use the same criteria.
There are other factors beyond rankings and lists to consider when searching for possible matches. Selecting a university can be a daunting challenge. Some criteria which may help in creating a “short list” include:
- Credentials offered: bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, diploma or certificate; consider duration and specializations.
- Programs offered: how program offerings correlate with one’s interests; consider course availability, class size, instructor qualifications and credentials, specialized facilities, etc.
- Academic and language requirements: what courses are required; what tests and test scores are required; what are the criteria for previously accepted students?
- Location: consider the climate, and the benefits and challenges of small towns, medium-sized and large cities.
- Size and culture: seek to match learning environment to personality, such as intimate and personal versus large-scale and bustling; consider other aspects of a university’s “culture”, such as any religious affiliation, or program focus (i.e., liberal arts, technology, etc.).
- Cost: consider basic living expenses, tuition fees and the cost of books and other supplies.
- Scholarships and awards/ financial aid: are there specific scholarships, awards or loans for international students; what are the qualifying criteria?
- Housing options: consider on-campus accommodation, off-campus apartment rentals, or homestay.
- Quality/Accreditation: look for accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Extracurricular activities: consider student clubs, sports, competitions, campus and community activities, etc.
- Support for international students: look for an international student center, specialized tutorial services, language support programs, buddy system, etc. · Rankings: consider national and international rankings, as well as “unofficial” student reviews.
- Other international student experiences: university or other online resources can help connect applicants with other international students who can share their experiences and advice.
- Work in partnership: remember that students and their parents must work closely together with the assigned ISF counselor in this exciting chapter of the Senior School experience; full disclosure of circumstances is necessary for the counselor to provide accurate and appropriate advice.
Clarifying terms: Colleges and Universities
The word ‘college’ does not have the same meaning in every country. This often creates confusion for international students.
In the United States, some post-secondary institutions have the word ‘college’ in their names. A college is an institution of higher or tertiary education that typically provides undergraduate degree courses only (i.e., bachelor degrees). However, in some cases, a ‘college’ may also grant a limited number of graduate degrees or associate degrees (e.g., community colleges in the United States). ‘College’ can also refer to an institution granting two-year associate degrees or an academic division within a university such as the ‘college of business’. The term ‘college’ is often used interchangeably with ‘university’ and ‘school’.
University is a post-secondary institution that typically offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and programs. Many universities have colleges within their structure. For instance, Harvard College, which offers undergraduate degrees, is housed within Harvard University. The term ‘university’ is often used interchangeably with ‘college’ and ‘school’.
Caveat
Consider carefully any limitations, or warnings offered by institutions with respect to the permissible level or acceptability of external support for any application. Many colleges and universities now restrict or prohibit any form of external support for applications (including agents or consultants or AI-generated assistance).
