A major in science or a degree in engineering from a college in the US followed by an MBA from a premier B-school is seen as a recipe for success and future prosperity. These US degrees have always been in demand worldwide, with students considering them vital for high-earning careers.
If recent figures are anything to go by, the demand for US degrees is currently at an all-time high. The number of international students at colleges and universities in the US has increased by six per cent to a record high of 764,495 in the 2011-12 academic year, according to the 2012 Open Doors Report, [published annually by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs on International Educational Exchange]. Last year, international students contributed $22.7 billion (Dh83.377 billion) to the US economy.
While China, Southeast Asia and South America have traditionally been the main source of students, numbers from the Middle East, including the UAE, are growing steadily.
Engineering programmes
Engineering, finance and business studies are the top choices for international students in the US. “Most universities, with the exception of smaller liberal arts colleges, feature a College of Engineering, which has separate admission criteria from other colleges within the university,” says Peter Davos, Founder and Managing Director, Carian College Advisors, which assists students interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in the US.
Aspiring engineers must demonstrate a strong high school academic record in mathematics and hard science courses, says Davos. Furthermore, it is critical that they score well on the math section of the SAT Reasoning Test, securing an absolute minimum score of 550. It is also important that students demonstrate English language proficiency by scoring well on either the Test of English as a Foreign Language or International English Language Testing System.
The biggest benefit of pursuing an engineering course in the US is the great deal of flexibility in courses and study options that most colleges offer. “Students at US universities have two years to declare their major after commencing their undergraduate studies and [they] need not declare an intended major on their applications. Once enrolled, they are encouraged to take a variety of courses during their first two academic years and are allowed to major in multiple fields,” says Davos.
“Furthermore, American universities have large financial endowments. Harvard University offers a $32 billion endowment, which translates into much better laboratory and research facilities for engineering students and financial aids.”
Getting an MBA
In order to apply for an MBA in the US, applicants must possess a minimum of two to three years of full-time work experience. They should have a strong professional and undergraduate academic record and supply references from an employer, as well as a former professor.
Davos says that the strength of a student’s professional experience, his ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team are all very important criteria for admission. “Almost all MBA programmes require that the applicant take the GMAT [Graduate Management Admission Test] standardised test. This exam forms an important part of the application and is composed of four sections: quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and a writing assessment,” he says.
Along with engineering and business, there is a strong demand for courses on health sciences among international students. “Though most students continue to go for undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes, many have now started exploring other avenues, such as community colleges,” says Sanjeev Verma, Director, Intelligent Partners, an education consultancy firm in the UAE.
Developing soft skills
Career counsellors point out that no matter which programme a student applies for, self motivation is very important. “The transition from a structured school environment with guidance to one where the student is expected to independently handle all aspects of university life can be challenging. Planning, organisation and time management are thus critical to success,” says Tara Pillay, Managing Partner, Varsity Connections, which conducts psychometric assessments to help students identify their inherent strengths.
Like most other education destinations, universities in the US also look for a balance between academics and co-curricular activities in applicants. “Voluntary and extracurricular activities, internships and sports also assume importance. So an early start is definitely recommended. Students should start building their profiles from high school to ensure that their applications reflect an all-round achievement in the arts and community services in addition to academics,” suggests Pillay.
Davos agrees. Teacher recom-mendations, personal statements, supplementary application questions, personal interviews and demonstrated interest all constitute important parts of the application process. “Applying to universities in the US is a complicated and laborious process, but the benefits of a US education are well worth the myriad steps involved,” he says.
EducationUSA offers free advice on education in the US at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai.
