Embarking on Your U.S. University Search: Key Considerations for International Applicants

Starting your U.S. university search can feel like standing in the cereal aisle of an American supermarket: with countless options, how do you know what you’re truly seeking? The vast range of possibilities can make choosing an American college seem overwhelming. According to U.S. News and World Report, there are nearly 1,500 institutions in their annual “Best Colleges” list, showcasing a diverse array of regional, cultural, and academic opportunities.

Fortunately, there are straightforward criteria to help narrow down your university options. Here are five essential questions that prospective applicants—both domestic and international—should consider as they begin their journey to find their ideal school.

1.     Big city or small town?

When considering an American university, many envision a picturesque campus in a charming small town. This setting offers numerous advantages: a close-knit community, a cohesive campus atmosphere, and easy access to outdoor activities. However, international students may encounter challenges in small-town environments. Such schools can feel isolating for those who don’t fit the campus mold, and factors like distance to the nearest international airport and the necessity of a car can contribute to a sense of solitude—especially since America is predominantly a car culture outside major metropolitan areas.

On the other hand, applicants whose college aspirations center around a vibrant urban campus should evaluate their comfort level in a big city. It’s a misconception that attending a city school means sacrificing a “real campus” experience; for example, my doctoral alma mater, The University of Pennsylvania, features beautiful, tree-lined grounds right in the heart of Philadelphia. However, urban life entails engaging with your college's metropolitan environment. To thrive on an urban campus, you'll need to adapt to public transportation, navigate constant ambient noise, and embrace the diversity of city living. The benefits of a metropolitan university experience are significant, including rich artistic and cultural offerings just outside your door, along with ample social opportunities. If you find yourself not enjoying campus life on a particular weekend, a vibrant city gives you many options for exploration. 

Bottom line: Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each option, and you’ll refine your university search, resulting in a more targeted list of potential schools. 

2.     Big university or liberal arts college?

Broadly speaking, American institutions of higher learning are divided into two types: large research universities and smaller liberal arts colleges. These two options tend to offer radically different cultural and classroom experiences, so it’s important to consider which might serve you best as you’re narrowing down your search.

Liberal arts colleges emphasize the traditional “liberal arts,” encompassing a wide range of subjects that form the foundation of Western education. While they’re rooted in the liberal arts, these colleges also offer diverse majors in the social sciences, natural sciences, STEM fields, and communication. Your education will be grounded in a broad, interdisciplinary approach, regardless of your chosen major. With smaller student bodies, liberal arts colleges often provide a more intimate learning experience, characterized by smaller class sizes and greater individual faculty attention.

In contrast, large research universities tend to be more diversified and specialized. A typical large university is organized into individual schools or colleges that cater to different academic disciplines, such as engineering, communications, and business. It’s important to note that fields like law and medicine are pursued exclusively at the graduate level in the U.S. Because these universities are larger, class sizes, especially in introductory courses, tend to be bigger, and your daily campus experience may involve interacting with more unfamiliar faces.

3. Is a single-gender environment right for me?

This question primarily pertains to female applicants, though some men's-only options are available. Historically, many American universities were exclusively male institutions, which led to the establishment of schools dedicated to the education of women. Today, several of these women’s colleges remain among the most prestigious in the U.S.

While the idea of a "girls-only" college experience may seem limiting, students and alumnae often highlight several advantages of a single-gender environment. Many women who attend these institutions report increased feelings of safety and empowerment, as well as enhanced opportunities for bonding and collaboration.

It’s important to note that the majority of these schools are classified as liberal arts colleges (as mentioned earlier). Additionally, as our understanding of gender and sexuality has evolved, many of these institutions have updated their admissions policies to explicitly include transgender and non-binary students, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

4.     What’s my “vibe,” and how do I want it reflected in my college experience?

A defining aspect of American college life is that it encompasses a fully immersive experience. Campus is where you live, eat, socialize, and, of course, study. Consequently, college in America is viewed as an experience as much as it is an education, and the type of experience you have will vary significantly based on your chosen school’s “vibe.”

“Vibe” may not appear in a school’s official admissions catalog, but it’s something you can often sense the moment you step onto campus. There are “intense” schools, “relaxed” schools, “artsy” schools, and “straight-laced” schools—each with a vibe that caters to different types of students. Some institutions are known for their strong social justice focus, featuring on-campus demonstrations, teach-ins, and passionate discussions about social issues in the dining hall. Others may have a more “festive” atmosphere (read: “party schools”).

If you’re interested in finding the right fit and want to gauge a school’s vibe, visiting the campus is ideal. However, if you’re planning from overseas and an in-person visit isn’t feasible, a practical initial strategy is to explore student-generated content on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Ask yourself questions like, “Would I want to hang out with these students? Are they into the same activities and interests as I am?” This reflection will help you better understand what you seek in your college experience.

5.     Do I want to participate in Greek life?

Social activities on American campuses often revolve around sports—especially American football, basketball, and hockey—or a collection of social clubs known as “Greek life.” This includes fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women). Contrary to what the name suggests, these organizations are not just for students from Greece; they are named after the Greek letters that make up their names (like Sigma Chi or Delta Delta Delta). Depending on the university, Greek organizations can significantly impact campus culture, organizing events and parties that are often open to the entire student body. 

At some institutions, Greek life can be nearly inescapable, featuring on-campus “houses” that serve as fraternity or sorority headquarters, frequent Greek-sponsored events, and weekly parties. In fact, at certain schools, fraternity and sorority members may constitute nearly 50% of the overall student population, which can leave non-Greek students feeling somewhat excluded. Conversely, other universities have minimal Greek culture, with some—like Harvard and Princeton—not recognizing fraternities or sororities at all.

As with all aspects of college life, Greek life comes with its advantages and disadvantages. If you're unfamiliar with the concept and want to explore whether it might be right for you, social media is a valuable resource. A quick search for “Bama RushTok” will give you a vivid glimpse into the world of Greek life. 

Like all aspects of college, Greek life has its pluses and minuses. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept and want to see if it’s your thing, then oh boy social media has got you. (A quick search for “Bama RushTok will show you exactly what I mean.)  

Need help working through these questions- or maybe have some of your own? Contact Elizabeth to book a one-on-one session.