BA/BSc
General background questions about American undergraduate degrees
How is a US undergraduate degree different from an Israeli first degree?
Israeli first degrees usually take three years to complete. In most cases students specialize from the beginning of their academy studies in one particular discipline. Students are admitted directly into their major department. The academic year begins in October and ends in June.
Almost all US Bachelor’s degrees are granted after the completion of a four-year program of studies (the first degree in architecture and engineering may require five years). American undergraduate degrees are based on a Liberal Arts philosophy which allows, and to some extent requires, students to take a wide variety of courses in the arts and sciences, usually during the first two years. During the first two, “freshman” and “sophomore”, years, students must meet general education/distribution requirements by taking courses in certain designated fields, such as mathematics, sciences, humanities, social sciences and languages.
Only after meeting the distribution requirements does the student in the third (“junior”) year of studies choose a particular field of concentration (“major”) and begin to focus almost all of his/her program in this field. Students may also choose a secondary ("minor") field of concentration, related or totally unrelated to their “major” field.
In schools on the semester system, students study an average of 15 hours a week in class, and devote 3-4 hours per each hour spent in class on required readings, special projects, and the writing of papers.
A degree is awarded after a student has completed a required amount of course work, as measured in credits/units or semester hours. Under the semester system students will need to accumulate approximately 120 - 132 credits in order to graduate, with each course earning on average 3-4 credits. Under the quarter system students will need to accumulate approximately 180 credits for graduation.
The American academic year usually begins in September and ends in May.
How do American and Israeli universities differ in their approach to study?
In the US, relatively less time is spent in the classroom and relatively more time is dedicated to substantial reading assignments and the preparation of papers. A strong command of English is essential to keep up with these demands. Class participation and attendance are important, and can count towards up to 20% of your final grade. There is no "Moed Bet/Gimmel" for examinations. Typically there are Mid-term and final examinations given each semester. If a subject is failed, it must be repeated the following semester.
What is the difference between a college and a university?
A "college" is any institution of higher learning which grants B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts), B.M. (Bachelor of Music), BARCH (Bachelor of Architecture), B.ENG (Bachelor of Engineering) or B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) degrees. Please note that there is a number of colleges which also offer graduate level degrees.
A university is an institution which offers programs on the bachelors, masters, doctoral and post-doctoral level in a wide range of disciplines, and which emphasizes the conduct of original research. However, it should be noted that there is no central authority which regulates the use of the term “university”. Thus, there are “universities” in the US which are small institutions with very limited programs of post-graduate studies and research.
We will use the terms "colleges", "universities" and "schools" interchangeably in this article.
Is there a difference in quality between public (government-budgeted) and private universities?
No. There are top-flight institutions, some of which are public and some of which are private institutions. High or low cost is not a reliable indicator of the quality of a particular school.
Rankings: which are the “top” American institutions of higher education?
There is no official ranking of American institutions. However, there are several well-known unofficial rankings. When you consider such surveys, you need to take into account the data from which they are compiled and the system of analysis used to determine the ranks.
What qualifications do I need to apply for an American Bachelor’s degree?
Israeli students need to have a complete Bagrut. You should also have a strong command of spoken and written English, as well as good typing and computer skills in English.
Anyone who is not a graduate of high school in which English is the language of instruction must also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Many U.S. schools also require applicants to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), and some also require SAT Subject tests.
Will American universities accept my Israeli psychometric exam instead of the SAT?
No. You must take the SAT if it is part of the admissions requirements of a specific university.
What is “accreditation”, and will my degree be recognized when I return to Israel?
The United States does not have a national institution, paralleling the Israeli Council of Higher Education, which is legally empowered to authorize institutions to operate programs of study leading to the award of academic degrees. The process of accreditation in the U.S. is a voluntary one, based on intensive self-review by the institution and an inspection by external examiners. Six regional accrediting organizations throughout the U.S. conduct these evaluations. The U.S. government plays no role in this process. We recommend that you apply only to U.S. schools that are regionally accredited in order to increase the chances that your degree will be recognized upon your return to Israel.
If you are enrolling in a professional school (architecture, engineering, social work, physical therapy, pharmacy, business, etc.) you should also check whether the program in your field has been approved by a specialized professional association.
We strongly encourage students to consult with the Council for Higher Education, as well as with organizations responsible for professional licensing, such as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Engineers and Architects' Registration Board, for further guidance regarding the recognition of US academic degrees. In addition, we advise you to consult with EducationUSA’s professional counseling team before making a choice of universities.
The application process - general aspects
When do I begin applying for study in the US?
Ideally you should begin the process 12 - 18 months in advance. Application forms for the Fall term (beginning August or September) are available from August of the previous year.
Each institution has its own deadline, which may be as early as November, and deadlines are strictly enforced.
Usually about three to four months pass from the submission of applications to the receipt of the university’s response. Some schools will accept students for January admission (spring semester).
Do I have to write to the institutions myself in order to receive information and application materials?
Yes. There is no central clearinghouse for undergraduate applications.
What do I do to apply, besides taking the standardized tests?
You must complete the university's application forms. Each university has its own forms, detailed documents which you must fill in and return by the specified date. Most universities also require that you write and submit essays on specific subjects which are determined by the institution you are applying to.
You will need to provide official transcripts of your high school grades and an official copy of your Bagrut certificate. A transcript is a document listing the classes a student has taken and the grade or mark achieved in each class. The transcript and the Bagrut certificate will have to be translated to English. If you are a transfer student, who has undertaken academic studies at an Israeli institution, you will have to provide a transcript detailing these studies.
You will also be required to request references from teachers. Finally, you will probably need to complete a financial information questionnaire to prove your ability to pay for your studies.
How do I translate my documents?
Most American universities provide in their application package exact instructions on how to translate documents into English. Some schools may allow you to translate the documents yourself; others will accept only an official translation provided by your school or university. Please note that EducationUSA center is authorized to translate and certify Bagrut documents. Wait for instructions from the admissions office before spending time, effort and money on translations which may or may not be acceptable.
Required standardized tests
What is the TOEFL exam, and how do I register?
If English is not your native language, or if you have not studied in an English-language school in recent years, the universities to which you are applying are likely to demand that you submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL. The TOEFL is given many times every month. All testing in Israel is computer-based. The results of the TOEFL are valid for two years from the date taken.
Registration forms can be obtained from the EducationUSA Center in Tel Aviv, the American Cultural Center in Jerusalem, and the U.S. Consular Agent's Office in Haifa (see "Services to the general public" here). For further information see the TOEFL section in this website and visit the TOEFL website.
I’m an American citizen; do I have to take the TOEFL?
If you are an American citizen who grew up in Israel and you have an Israeli Bagrut, you will have to take the TOEFL, unless you have recently studied at an English-language school or university.
What is the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), and how do I register?
The SAT I is a 3-hour multiple-choice aptitude test, measuring verbal and mathematical skills, similar in its format and its objectives to the Israeli psychometric examination. Many, but not all, institutions require the SAT in addition to your school qualifications. US citizens and students applying for sports scholarships will have to take the SAT.
The test is given in Israel six times every year. It is a regular paper-and-pencil exam. The results are valid for five years from the date taken. Some institutions may also require 1-3 SAT II Tests, which measure the candidate's knowledge on specific subjects.
Registration bulletins for the SAT I and II can be obtained from the EducationUSA Center in Tel Aviv, the American Center in Jerusalem, and the U.S. Consular Agent's Office in Haifa(see "Services to the general public" here). For further information see the SAT section in this website and visit the SAT website.
How can I prepare for the TOEFL, SAT I and SAT II exams?
The EducationUSA Center sells study guides for all examinations, including the TOEFL and SAT.
The stages of the application process
Our EducationUSA Center Membership Plan offers personalized, professional advising and a variety of services which can help you to identify the colleges best suited to your goals and then guide you step by step through the application process.
Step 1 – Choose your colleges/universities
American students can visit campuses for guided tours, meet admissions officers or even spend a weekend on campus at the student dormitories. The international student must use directories, college search computer software, university catalogues and videotapes, attend international college fairs and correspond directly with professors and admissions personnel to get his/her questions answered.
Once you start the process of researching possible undergraduate programs, you may be overwhelmed with the array of over 3,600 U.S. universities at your disposal.
The following information is meant to provide you with criteria you might wish to use in order to narrow the field. Not all factors are equally important to all students, so work out your own priorities. You should come up with a list of 10-20 schools and begin contacting them to get more information.
Academic Considerations: Check out the schools that offer programs of study in the field of specialization which interests you. Review the catalogs and web sites to see what courses are offered and to understand the institution’s approach to teaching and learning, in general and in your field of interest, in particular. Verify policies regarding recognition of course credit earned at other institutions, if you are a transfer student with previous academic background in Israel.
Costs: Carefully consider tuition and fees and other expenses (housing, food, travel, etc.) for the full four years.
Check to see if financial aid is available: Some schools may offer partial assistance to international students, based on talent or excellence. Our advising staff offers more guidance on this subject to those enrolled in our Membership Plan.
Admission difficulty: How high are each school's entrance requirements? How competitive are admissions for international students?
Size and location: Consider the climate, the campus setting (urban or rural), and the total number of students enrolled.
Social life and extracurricular activities: Learn what you can of social life and extracurricular activities at the institution. How many international students are there on campus?
Other considerations: A variety of additional factors may affect you career as student at a college/university, and should be taken into account: existence of an international students’ office, and the services offered; internships and job placement services; services for students with disabilities; daycare services for students’ children; etc.
Step 2 – Obtain application forms
You may visit the university’s website and download applications or you may write, e-mail, or fax the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at each of the colleges which interests you to request an application form and a catalog (prospectus). You should contact about 10-20 schools for preliminary information.
Step 3 – Register for the appropriate standardized exams
See the discussion above of the TOEFL and SAT exams.
Step 4 – Submit application materials
You must submit completed application forms, together with all other required documents, directly to each individual college. There is no limit to the number of colleges to which you can apply; however, most students apply to between 4 and 8 colleges to keep costs down.
Be sure to proof read all your application materials thoroughly. Incomplete information may cause delays and may hurt your chances of being accepted.
Colleges usually notify their applicants of acceptance or rejection between April and June. Note the deadlines by which you have to reply if you are accepted.
Scholarships for undergraduate studies
Non-US citizens
It is very difficult for international undergraduate students to obtain financial assistance for study in the US. Most of the aid available for non-U.S. citizens is based on academic merit. Non-US citizens may also compete, on the basis of their special talents, for athletic or performing and visual arts scholarships. Very few universities will provide funding based on need. Private universities are more likely to provide financial aid to international students than state universities, but keep in mind that the overall cost of study at state universities is usually lower.
Non-profit organizations, corporations, and private individuals also provide limited amounts of funding for international students.
The EducationUSA Center has prepared a list of approximately 110 universities which offer some kind of financial assistance to international undergraduate students. See our Order Materials section for cost and ordering information. We also have reference books which provide information on financial assistance for international undergraduate students. In addition, visit our Financial Aid section on this site. Please note, however, that most scholarships listed in the links are for US citizens only.
I’m a US citizen. What scholarship options are available for me?
U.S. citizens have many options to apply for both need- and merit-based scholarships from both universities and outside sources. The EducationUSA Center has reference materials with information on sources of aid. In particular, we can provide details regarding federal student aid programs. The Center can also provide you with the form needed to apply for federal assistance (Free Application for Federal Student Aid – FAFSA). The form may also be downloaded from the FAFSA website, www.fafsa.ed.gov. We are unfortunately unable to offer counseling on preparation of requests for US government student aid. Other useful information on financial aid may be found on the internet (see Financial Aid for American citizens).
What about sports scholarships?
Athletic scholarships are available for talented sportsmen and women. Check out the latest Peterson's "Sports Scholarships" available at our EducationUSA Center, as well as the Sports Scholarships on this website. Within the framework of our Membership Plan we provide important information on NCAA rules and regulations. In addition, we offer for sale a Sports Scholarship Handbook (see Order Materials).
Non-degree studies
I don’t want to study for a degree. Where can I study something non-academic for one or two years?
Many institutions - professional/trade schools, community colleges and universities - offer non-degree programs which may last from three months up to two years. Short-term courses may be technical, vocational or academic in nature. At the end of such a program, students receive either a certificate, diploma or the Associate degree
What is a community college?
Two year or community colleges offer students the option of undertaking either non-degree professional-technical programs leading to various types of professional certification or two-year programs of academic study leading to the award of the Associate degree. It is common for a community college to have arrangements with a university which make it possible for those who have received the Associate degree to transfer and receive credit towards the university’s Bachelor’s degree on the basis of course work completed at the community college.
Transfer credits for "handasa'ut" studies or
partial first degree study in Israel
If I’ve received a diploma certifying me as a “handasa’i” in some field, or have completed 2 years or more of study at an Israeli university, what Israeli coursework will be recognized and how long will it take me to complete a BA or BSc at an American university?
Your previous studies may or may not be recognized. You must negotiate directly regarding this issue with the department chairperson of each school to which you apply. A final decision on the number of credits you may be awarded will only be made after you arrive on campus. Don't forget that you will also have to complete all the general studies/liberal arts requirements in order to graduate and complete your degree in the U.S.
Law, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine
I want to study law, medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine; what are my chances for acceptance?
In Israel, you can enter these fields of study right after completing your Bagrut. In the U.S. you must first have a four-year undergraduate degree, preferably from a US institution, in order to be accepted to study medicine, law, dentistry or veterinary medicine. Each of these degrees requires another 3-4 years of study beyond the B.A. level. Priority is given to qualified U.S. citizens, and thus it is extremely difficult for foreign students to be admitted to these faculties.