Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

US Applications for 2023

90 replies

FriendlyLaundryMonster · 25/09/2022 10:32

My ds is looking at uni applications at the moment for the US. It isn't a process we have any experience of. Are any other mumsnet families in the same situation? I was hoping we could share tips and advice on applications and funding. Ds is optimistically applying to Princeton, Harvard, MIT and Caltech. It's a long shot, but he things it's worth a try!

OP posts:
ChimneyPot · 30/07/2023 12:40

We are heading to New York around the same time

She is starting regular orientation on 27th( not doing the international one) but we are going a few days early to do some shopping for her dorm and for new clothes.

She has already registered for some classes and has had her request for a singles room approved.

It is all very exciting and slightly terrifying.

HoneyMobster · 30/07/2023 21:37

Single room @ChimneyPot ? DS has a quad - 2 rooms with bunk beds in each and a shared study / living area.

He's doing 'Outdoor action' as part of his orientation. I think that involves camping, hiking and avoiding bears.

ChimneyPot · 30/07/2023 22:28

A quad. I know Barnard has those too, DD would really struggle with that.
How does your DD feel about that?

The outdoor action sounds fun.

DD has a PE requirement and has signed up for exercise outside so will be running and working out in parks but no hiking or camping!

HoneyMobster · 30/07/2023 22:37

He's pretty relaxed about it. I can't imagine he'll be spending much time in his room. More likely spending time at the boathouse.

mathanxiety · 31/07/2023 05:37

Is there any pressing reason to have a single room as opposed to the standard double?

Having a roomie is a good way to make a friend.

pinkhousesarebest · 31/07/2023 06:17

M’y ds has just finished at Berkeley. Despite his reservations, the dorm system was so helpful for him ( he’s quite self contained) and it shoe- horned him straight into a set of friends at the beginning.

ChimneyPot · 01/08/2023 23:37

mathanxiety · 31/07/2023 05:37

Is there any pressing reason to have a single room as opposed to the standard double?

Having a roomie is a good way to make a friend.

Yes, single is essential for her due to a disability.

I know Americans and US colleges seem to think roommates are great but I have never been convinced. My student halls in Northern Ireland had a lot of twin rooms and very few of the roommates ended up friends. When they were demolished the new halls are all single rooms in apartment style groupings.

My eldest DD and her freshman roommate were civil and considerate but definitely not friends. I don’t think they ever socialised together.

Barnard have one freshman dorm that is almost entirely singles and the disability services rooms are there. Other freshman can get given rooms there too if they tick that they are willing to accept a single room. Most people in that dorm won’t have a roommate so hopefully they will have more incentive to social with each other.

mathanxiety · 02/08/2023 03:06

Ah, that makes sense, and sorry if I came across as prying.

My recollection of Barnard is that there's a little socialising/ kitchen area on each floor.

I hope your DD will have a wonderful experience there. Does she have any interest in pledging a sorority? I was surprised there were sororities in a women's college, but there's a lot about American universities thst surprised me.

eggsbenedict23 · 02/08/2023 05:23

What is Ur DS hoping to major in @FriendlyLaundryMonster ?

HoneyMobster · 02/08/2023 08:26

It's very exciting @ChimneyPot - we're about to head off to see DS compete in the World Championships in Paris (he is a rower). Then we're on holiday in the Alps - and then one day at home and he flies off!

He does still need to get a second Hep B jab on the day we get back from France. The Princeton immunisation requirements are quite draconian compared to the UK.

ChimneyPot · 02/08/2023 09:55

How amazing for your DS. A very exciting time for him. Are you going to the US with him to help him move in?

We went through all of the vaccination stuff when DD1 went to Brown. She ended up getting her second dose of one of the vaccines over there.

HoneyMobster · 02/08/2023 10:27

We're not going out with DS in August but will go out for the family weekend at the end of September. It felt a bit excessive to go twice in one month!

I have to say that the Princeton Health Service have been really helpful. DS will have an immunisation we can't get in the UK on arrival.

ChimneyPot · 02/08/2023 11:07

I won’t go back for family weekend.
DD1 went out with some friends families on family weekend in freshman year and then last year in her sophomore year DS, my parents and I went over for family weekend and took some of her friends out for meals. It is a lovely weekend.
O think girls need more help moving in than boys. A lot of dorm aesthetics and clothes storage solutions to be dealt with!

DD1 might go down to DD2 for family weekend this year if she is feeling lonely.

HoneyMobster · 22/08/2023 10:14

@ChimneyPot - DS is on his way. Fingers crossed US immigration let him in! Can't believe he's gone...

HamBone · 22/08/2023 13:35

I was planning to post on this thread today-DD and I are waiting in the airport right now!

Congratulations and best wishes to all the students, it’ll be a fantastic experience! 🎉🎊

HoneyMobster · 22/08/2023 15:16

Best of luck @HamBone - my main concern is that US immigration let him in!

eggsbenedict23 · 22/08/2023 16:04

US immigration won't automatically let in a foreign student?

HoneyMobster · 22/08/2023 17:35

The visa paperwork is quite complicated. They stress the need to take copies of everything - I-20, SERVIS proof of payment etc. we put together a big folder with copies of all the supporting paperwork.

ChimneyPot · 23/08/2023 00:43

@HamBone good luck. where is your DD going?

@HoneyMobster hope it went well.

We are going tomorrow. Dual nationals Irish/us so no visa issues.

HoneyMobster · 23/08/2023 07:34

Good luck today @ChimneyPot

Poor DS arrived in good time but got caught up in other stuff and didn't get to pick up his bedding before the office closed. I suspect he'll have slept on a towel!

Got a video tour of his dorm. Bigger than I thought and beautiful views of campus.

eggsbenedict23 · 23/08/2023 08:14

How are you guys affording American tuition fees?

HoneyMobster · 23/08/2023 11:10

DS2 has significant financial aid. I'm his first year will be cheaper than if he was at a UK university.

eggsbenedict23 · 23/08/2023 11:36

HoneyMobster · 23/08/2023 11:10

DS2 has significant financial aid. I'm his first year will be cheaper than if he was at a UK university.

Lovely. All the best for Ur DS.

I thought financial aid was very limited to internationals.

HoneyMobster · 23/08/2023 11:51

No - the Ivy League don't differentiate.

More people should be aware of that fact. It's a wonderful opportunity.

eggsbenedict23 · 23/08/2023 11:56

HoneyMobster · 23/08/2023 11:51

No - the Ivy League don't differentiate.

More people should be aware of that fact. It's a wonderful opportunity.

Congrats to him! Does he have any idea what degree he will chose?