Universities

Applying for studies in the USA takes more time than in Europe, so it is advisable to start the procedure a year to a year and a half before the actual beginning of the studies.
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the Consulate in Krakow, together with the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission, offer a mentoring programme for Polish school and university students willing to study at American universities.

More information is available here: http://www.educationusa.pl/

PLAN AHEAD

Most American universities require Common Application: https://www.commonapp.org/Login which can be sent from August. In this application, you provide your data and grades and choose universities you want to apply to.
You will also need letters of recommendation from your teachers. You have to write an essay on a chosen topic, maximum of 650 words long. Apart from the Common Application, around 2/3 of universities require additional applications, usually essays – details are available on each university’s websites.

ADDITIONAL EXAMS

In most cases, you also need to pass tests like SAT or ACT (ideally one year before the beginning of studies at the latest).

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

The application period is from mid-October to early September for Early Decision and to January for most of the other applications. Early Decision means applying to one university earlier, and, in case you are admitted, you are legally obliged to take up the studies (i.e. you must reject the offers from other universities). Universities send their Early Decisions in mid-October and other decisions are sent until the beginning of April. Once you receive the positive decision, you should start applying for a student visa.

FUNDING

In financial terms, studying in the USA is much more expensive than in Europe. Each university establishes its own tuition fee, with the average ranging between $15,000 and $30,000 per year. Food and accommodation cost an additional $15,000 per year. Add also health insurance. In practice, many universities offer scholarships and social support to cover the expenses; you can find the information on each university’s website. Besides, many Polish and international foundations offer grants for studying in the USA; examples of such grants can be found here:http://pso-usa.org/studia-w-usa/informator/stypendia/. You can also take a loan for studying in the USA – here you can compare offers of student loans: http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/.

ENTRY TESTS FOR STUDIES IN THE USA

You can try yourself in the trial SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-test
On that basis, you can decide which test to take when applying for studies in the US (if your university allows for such a choice).

STUDIES ABROAD AND WHAT NEXT?

Many people think there is no point in coming back to Poland after studying abroad. Nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to the experience gained in the best universities of the world, you can have a significant impact on the development of science in Poland. From continuing your scientific career at a Polish university, through working for private companies, to employment opportunities in national institutions – the job market is open to you! The experience gained at a foreign university and language proficiency will guarantee you a good job. The Polish economy needs young, talented and ambitious people – just like you!

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the Consulate in Krakow, together with the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission, offer a mentoring programme for Polish school and university students willing to study at American universities.
More information is available here: http://www.educationusa.pl/

Where to study

In the US

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Stanford University

Princeton University