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2021 – The Year in Review

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By Shorelight Team
Published on December 8, 2021

It’s been quite a year at Shorelight – and for international students at US universities. Take a look back on major stories from 2021.

Four blocks sit with the numbers 2 0 2 showing with a hand changing the fourth block from a 1 to a 2

2021 was quite the year, filled with equal parts optimism and caution. It was a year of amazing stories: Races to the finish to get visa paperwork in on time. Vaccines widely distributed on college campuses. The return of in-person classes! The learnings from this year will be with us for a long time to come.

Here at Shorelight, in 2021, our motto of putting students first meant ensuring student health and safety on our campuses, being flexible in a rapidly changing landscape, and striving for creativity to find solutions for every challenge. 

And speaking of challenges, we’ve been so impressed by our students and universities this year. Whether you study computer science or liberal arts, attend school in person or virtually, your resilience, ambition, ingenuity, and hope continue to inspire us. 

Let’s take a look at the highlights of 2021, and how together, we accomplished so much.

Shorelight Highlights from 2021

Johns Hopkins Joins Shorelight

International graduate students seeking to earn a prestigious engineering master’s degree can now apply via Shorelight to Johns Hopkins, among the top 10 universities in the US and globally.*  

Learn more

Gonzaga Global Expands International Student Degree Offerings 

With the launch of graduate degree programs in 2021, Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, entered a new stage of collaboration with Shorelight. 

Learn more

Cleveland State Global Introduces UStart

Designed especially for international students who may not meet traditional entry requirements, UStart at Cleveland State University broadens access to US university degrees. 

Read more

American Collegiate Programs Celebrate Record Transfers

In 2021, students who completed American Collegiate’s first-year program were accepted at top-100 destinations including Emory University, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, and many more.  

Learn more

University of the Pacific International Sees Incredible OPT/CPT Success Rate

Thanks to UOPI staff, international students saw high approval rates for OPT/CPT requests – and followed up with unforgettable work experiences at global employers in the Bay Area. 

Read more 

Readers’ Favorite Stories on Shorelight.com in 2021

Beyond our top stories, we always want to know what’s resonating with you, our readers. (Hint: It’s visas and how-to posts.) Here are our top five most-read stories in 2021:

1. F-1 Visa Interview: Question and Answer Guide for Students

Practice in advance so you can head to your visa interview with confidence. 

Read more

2. 21 Best Study Tips for Final Exams

Worried about big tests coming up? These study tips set you up for success, no matter the subject.

Read more

3. The US Higher Education System Explained

Whether you plan to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree, it’s important to understand how US universities and colleges work. Our definitive guide takes you through the whole system, from application to graduation. 

Read more

4. How to Stay in the US After Graduation (If You Want to)

If you’re planning to work in the US after you’ve earned your degree, our guide to F-1 and OPT visa extensions helps you understand your options. 

Read more

5. What Is an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?

Combining two or more traditional courses of study into a more personalized major, interdisciplinary studies appeal to independent international students who want to chart their own paths.

Read more

Looking Ahead

As 2022 gets ever closer, we wish continued success for international students and our universities – and we look forward to working with you in the new year. Thank you for our continued collaborations! 

谢谢你 धन्यवाद Gracias Merci cảm ơn

Want to study at an internationally friendly university in the United States? Shorelight can help find the right school for you

*U.S. News & World Report, 2022