China Daily "Big Talk" interviewed two representatives from EducationUSA, who gave some useful advice for prospective students. In particular, they addressed misconceptions that many Chinese students have about studying in the US. The video is on their website, but here are some highlights:
Misconception: Chinese students can only apply to certain types of universities
One misunderstanding is that there are only a limited number of schools to which Chinese students can go now. We in the US don’t have a quota system at all. So it’s not exactly true that more schools are opening their doors because they’ve always been open, and they’ll continue to be open.
- Lauryne Massinga - director of EducationUSA Asia – Northeast
Misconception: You need great SAT scores to go to a good college
In the US there are so many very good undergraduate programs. If you want to go to that university, study in that program, you really don’t need SAT.
- Yang Jiawei – program manager of EducationUSA China
Misconception: A degree from a community college is worthless or low status
While you can get an associate’s degree from a community college, often students will use their community college experience as a springboard to go to a 4-year institution, and then even on to graduate school. And some universities and colleges have a relationship with community colleges so that that transition to a 4-year institution is seamless.
- Lauryne Massinga
[We addressed the status implications of attending community college when we defined "associate's degree" for our glossary]
They also touched on the issue of accreditation, which has been in the forefront given the controversy surrounding Tri-Valley University. Yang Jiawei recommended seeking help from EducationUSA if you are unsure whether or not a university is properly accredited.