Scholarships to US Uni

[gunnsgirl]

Has anyone experience of their youngsters going to a US uni to study on a scholarship?

I know two years will fly by and he'll be home in hols, but it just seems an awful prospect. I should be proud and I am really, but does anyone have any experience or tips for studying in USA. I can't go with him. I shall have to say my goodbyes at the airport and after that it's down to him.

So has anyone any tips for a students transition from UK education to USA high ed.

Very interested to hear comments.

[madwomanbackintheattic]

Academic or sports? (Just nosy really lol!)
A friend's dd is off with a volleyball scholarship once she has chosen which one to accept. They do seem to offer very early! In her case she was primarily accepted for the vb, but have asked her to also sit the SATs so that if she qualifies they can drop the sports scholarship and bump the academic so they can maximize the vb funding. She took them last year and passed, two years early, but is going to re-take again this year as there is a possibility that they might be able to offer more if she can reach the next band.
Dd is visiting MIT in September. I am crossing my fingers that she isn't going to come home and announce she has a new plan lol.

I have a couple of friends that did it. The North American uni scene is quite different. He will have a fabulous time though, but it is absolutely likely to change his life completely. What is he planning on doing?

[gunnsgirl]

It's a sports scholarship but to study Masters in Business, although I know that sounds odd.

My son's in Year 2 of a BA in Masters in London and has been offered scholarships for athletics by 11 US Universities. He has chosen one to visit next month for a weeks visit at their expense.

I realise it's probably a life changing event. I suppose that's what I'm scared of. Find a US girl and not come back. I don't know, it's a real big thing for a council estate family who have never ventured out of the UK.

[JeanSeberg]

The North American uni scene is quite different. He will have a fabulous time though, but it is absolutely likely to change his life completely

Can you expand on that please mad? My son is going next year for a year as part of his UK uni degree.

[NWgirls]

Congratulations! It is great fun to study in the US. Heartwarming to see a scholarship-winner from a council estate.

The top courses require interesting/serious full time work experience (2-5 years), so most students are in mid to late 20s. The case method is often used, which is fun! Great to have 11 to choose from. Because the ranking of the school matters hugely for how valuable an MBA is and how many (business) career doors it opens, one way to think could be to choose between the 3 top ranked of these 11. Well done!

[gunnsgirl]

Thanks for reply NWgirls


The young man in question will just be 21 when considering US for a Masters. That will be a fall back system in case his dream to be an athlete fails. He has represented GB six times at junior and Under 20 level, but this country fails to give him opportunities at a high level or even nurture that talent.

Educationally, I think he can handle it. It's more the way of life, settling into new surroundings, what to expect etc.

He's going out for a week in October, courtesy of the university, watch the American football and stay with a GB athlete currently there, so I guess he's more clued up than I am.

[basildonbond]

Ds has a friend on a sports scholarships in the southern U.S. - he loves it, has thrown himself into the lifestyle, trains very very hard but parties hard too ... He's now got an American girlfriend and his mum doesn't think he'll ever come back to the UK

[NWgirls]

Having twice settled in at US unis myself (some time ago...) with only happy memories, I see no reason to worry about the settling in or thevway of life. To generalise massively, Americans are very friendly and talk, drive and eat out a lot, and your son will get some attention for his accent. Practical and expense considerations (housing, whether a car is needed/wanted, whether the university requires private US health insurance) will probably become his focus before school starts. It is a good idea to arrive a week or two early.

When school starts there will be lots of socialising organised by the uni. Tailgate parties - a mass picnic in the parking lot - make many sporting events (especially american football) big happenings (not sure if this extends to athletics but I hope so) creating a great atmosphere around the events.

I understand athletics comes first for you/him, but it is not a lifelong career, so worth looking also at eg the average starting salaries of graduates from the 11 unis as an indicator. (Or you can hope he will need that business knowledge to manage his fortune after his athletics success ).

Location matters: The local environment can vary enormously - big city or cozy little town - and the climate can vary dramatically across this huge country. (AC can be a must!).

And you should of course visit him after a few months! No excuses. It is not that far. (Blow-up mattress on the floor if necessary)

Most likely he will love his October taster trip and his two years, and develop a lot as a person.