Expert: Keith Berman - 5/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey.
I am from Norway,19 years old. I intend to move to California and live there after my education. And I am also thinking about taking my education in California.

I am Intrested in and a bachelor and Master in Business.

I see most of the colleges are very expensive, and I dont know much about the education system in USA.
So here is my questions;

- Is the public schools good? like http://www.csulb.edu/ ? Hard to get in?

- Is it possible to take a Bachelor at a Public school like the one above, and with good grades take my Master at a top Private university ( Like Stanford) ?

As said I dont know much about the Education system, but I would love some help here ;D


ANSWER: Dear Tore,

You ask good questions about the American education system.  First, the California state system is generally considered one of the strongest, both as a research institution and educational trendsetter.  It also presents you with the most options.  Of all states to move to, you chose well in terms of looking for lower cost educational options.

As to the difficulty of getting into CSULB, or any of the Cal schools, it really depends on who you are as a student.  If you were a strong high school student, and did above the 50th percentile on the SAT or ACT, you will, in all likelihood, be accepted.  Some Cal Schools are not competitive (e.g., Cal State - Chico), whereas some are more competitive -- you should certainly use the existing SAT data (PrincetonReview.com, USNews.com, many others) to see where you stand.

It is absolutely possible to get a bachelor degree in the Cal system, and then a Masters degree at a top private university.  There are no real surprises in fact -- if you are a straight-A student in college, and very active and thoughtful on campus, graduate schools will clamor over you, for certain.

If you want to share more particulars about your situation, you can ask more specifically what your chances are, or feel free to contact me directly by e-mail if you'd like to have a conversation.

Sincerely,
Keith Berman, CEP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the Answer.

Since I am a Norwegian student, we dont have any SAT here in Norway. So I dont even know what a SAT is,is it possible for me to take it now? Do I have to?
Or can i apply with my normal Norwegian grades?

The grade scale in Norway start at 1, which is the worst grade, and ends at 6 which is the best grade

My grades are like this;

Average over 3 years of high school = 4.2 without ekstra points.
Average the last year of high school = 4.2
Average over 3 years of high school including extra points for courses= 4.9
Average over 3 years of high school including extra points for courses and and extra
age points = 5.3

The extra points is awarded for having math and physics in 2. and 3. year in High school.
Age points is awarded for each year that has gone by since i graduated High school

I don`t know which of these grade averages that will count?

I also got some 6 on my math / religion exams.

What do you think about my chances?


The reason why I am considering going to a state college is because of the coasts, It looks like the fees for tuition is about 10k$ at the state colleges, and 30k$+ at many private colleges, am I right?

Its good to hear that I can transfer over to a top school to take my Master :)
When you say they will clamor over me, will they make it harder for me to get into a other university and take my master there?

You also mention that i should look in other states for lower costs, do you think about the living expenses? How big is the difference?

I really appreciate your help!

Best regards
Tore

Answer
Dear Tore,

There are a number of questions here, and I will do my best to sort them out.

First, the SAT is indeed given in Norway.  You should go to collegeboard.org, and learn what the exam is -- in general, it is an aptitude exam in mathematics, writing, and reading that is a benchmark by which colleges compare the ability of all students.  You can take it in the fall if you'd like.  It is not required everywhere, so you should inquire directly to the colleges to which you are applying.

Second, your grades sound strong enough to qualify for the universities to which you are applying.  My suggestion is simple, and I think you will like it.  Simply call, or e-mail, the colleges you are interested in, and ask for the international admissions officer.  They can, and will, answer your questions directly.  Be careful to edit your e-mail carefully so it does not contain structural or spelling errors.

Third, California is one of the more expensive states to live in, for certain (with New York, one of the most expensive two).  However, be aware that what you pay may include grants, scholarships, or loans, and I would apply to the schools you are interested in, and see what they offer.

The most important thing for a Norwegian applicant is to be clear with the admissions officers.  Make contact, explain who you are, ask the questions you want.  Be careful, also, to explain why you want to go to an American university, and what you seek to achieve.

Good luck!

Keith Berman, CEP