Meet Semyon and Raghav, two international students who started their US university studies with American Collegiate, and then were accepted into top-ranked universities. Semyon, originally from Russia, is a sophomore in the American Collegiate, Los Angeles program, while Raghav from India started with American Collegiate, DC.
Discover how American Collegiate played a pivotal role in Semyon and Raghav’s successful acceptance into prestigious University of California campuses, among other top-ranked schools.
Why Did Semyon and Raghav Choose American Collegiate?
Semyon and Raghav both began their higher education journeys at American Collegiate, drawn by its reputation for supporting international students and its proven track record in facilitating transfers to top-tier universities.
American Collegiate is known for its robust curriculum tailored to the unique needs of international students. With campuses in both Washington, DC (American University), and Los Angeles (UCLA Extension), American Collegiate offers a range of resources, including one-on-one counseling with experienced advisors, personalized academic support, and a diverse, inclusive community, to help students excel academically while adjusting to life in the US.
Semyon was particularly impressed by the structure the program offered and the high transfer rates to prestigious universities. “I did my freshman year at [a different university], and I realized it is not what I wanted. I wanted to transfer to different universities. When I heard about [the] ACLA and UCLA Extension, I realized that it is probably the best chance to transfer to other prestigious universities, with the help of advisors,” he explained.
For Raghav, the decision was heavily influenced by wanting to feel at home in the US. “I realized that coming to the US, I would need this transition period, where I understand the culture and settle into it,” he said. “I do understand the reality of coming to the US as an Indian student, so, I thought that I need to look for an agency or a university, which helped me transition from that understanding of what I have in India to help me adapt to the university culture [here], and I found that with ACDC.”
International Student Support Services on Campus
At American Collegiate, Semyon and Raghav were able to benefit from a wide range of support services which played an important role in their success.
The advisors at American Collegiate, LA guided Semyon in shortlisting which universities would best fit his academic and professional goals and how to move forward with the application process.
“The best thing about ACLA [is] that there is help. Advisors who help you, preparing for applying [to universities] and supporting you in the whole process of application, with essays, with the application itself, extracurriculars, and the whole spectrum of it,” he said. “I didn’t regret it at all that I transferred.”
Raghav found the different courses and programs offered at American Collegiate, DC gave him a well-rounded understanding of the American education system, culture, lifestyle, employment, and professional opportunities.
“There were a lot of sessions, so that we are not only able to integrate ourselves within the university curricula, but also perform well in whatever we were studying. So, it really was a package deal, which helped us to really adjust to the US and the way that everything is here,” he shared.
American Collegiate’s comprehensive support services ensured that Semyon and Raghav were well prepared, both academically and socially, to continue their studies in the US.
Navigating the Transfer Process at American Collegiate
The personalized assistance from American Collegiate’s advisors ensured Semyon and Raghav felt well-equipped to move forward with their transfer application process. Advisors played an important role in guiding them through the complexities of their applications and clarifying any questions to make Semyon and Raghav feel comfortable and confident about their decisions.
In Semyon’s case, the transfer advisors at American Collegiate, LA, guided him through the specific requirements for each university he wanted to apply to and helped him create a strong application. Their detailed feedback on his personal statement and their efforts to highlight his strengths and achievements significantly improved his application.
Raghav initially felt that applying to multiple top-tier universities campuses would be hard, but his advisors’ assistance made it manageable. They reviewed his essays, provided constructive feedback, and conducted mock interviews, which greatly improved his chances of acceptance.
Deciding Their Future: Choosing the Right University
Semyon was accepted into the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Boston University, and the University of Miami, while Raghav received offers from UCSD, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
When we interviewed Semyon, he said, “I’m choosing right now between two completely different majors in two different universities. I have two choices, either I go to Boston University to study astronomy or astrophysics, or I go to UCSD, where I will study theater.” Ultimately, he chose to enroll at BU.
Raghav, on the other hand, is set on UC Berkeley, emphasizing its strong programs in political science and law. “I want to go to law school after undergrad, and political science usually is a very strong bedrock for law. But also, since I was very young, I had a deep interest in political science and the way that it shapes policy. That’s why I thought the best major to take on is political science,” he shared.
Their careful consideration of their long-term goals, alongside the support from the American Collegiate team, enabled Semyon and Raghav to make informed decisions about their future academic paths. Now, as they transition to their new campuses, both Semyon and Raghav are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Semyon and Raghav’s Advice to Future International Students
Semyon and Raghav encourage international students to consider American Collegiate, and once enrolled, to make the most of the opportunities available in order to have a smoother and more successful transition into their desired universities.
Semyon recommended developing strong relationships with advisors and professors, seeking assistance when needed, staying proactive in studies, and actively participating in campus extracurriculars as this will enhance your academic experience and help you build a strong network of connections.
Raghav offers three important pieces of advice to international students:
Sample different general education classes — While gen ed classes may seem difficult and different from what you are used to at first, they will help you earn credits you can transfer later on.
Always trust your advisors — Your advisors know what’s best for your academic success and can recommend which classes you need to take to earn the credits you need to transfer to your dream university.
Be open to interacting with people in the US — By being an active participant in campus events and extracurriculars, you can make friends and bond with like-minded students. This can help you gain a global perspective and develop your own values and goals.
Semyon and Raghav’s experiences show how international students can leverage American Collegiate’s dedicated support services, personalized transfer assistance, and vibrant campus communities, to achieve their academic goals. Enroll at American Collegiate to learn how you, too, can transfer to a top-ranked four-year university.
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