The U.S. Government's EducationUSA program held a series of meetings with Senior High Schools in the Volta Region to encourage and inform students about higher education opportunities in the United States.
Students from six schools were provided with valuable information and resources about over 4,000 accredited U.S. universities, paving the way for future academic pursuits.
EducationUSA is a global advisory network operating in 170 countries, with 400 advising centers worldwide.
Their mission is to guide students in their pursuit of education in the United States, supporting both undergraduate and graduate programs, including Master's and Ph.D. studies.
During the interactions, students were given insights into application requirements and the process of applying to U.S. universities.
Advisors from EducationUSA explained the five-step application process, which involved self-assessment of interests, consideration of finances, standardized testing (if required), transcript submission, and, in some cases, interviews.
Prospective applicants were encouraged to carefully plan their finances and to think about living expenses, sponsors, and the affordability of their chosen institutions.
Undergraduates were advised to provide transcripts and WASSCE results, while graduates were reminded to produce university transcripts, and certified certificates, and complete standardized tests as required.
The education advisers also highlighted the importance of research and resource persons for graduate students and suggested looking for opportunities for internships in proximity to the selected institutions.
Applications for U.S. colleges and universities are typically submitted online and may involve fees, but a platform allowing students to apply to multiple schools was introduced, often with waived application fees.
Rafiatu Lawal, an adviser, emphasized that the program provides comprehensive support, not only during the application process but also in helping students identify financial aid sources.
“Although the Department does not offer scholarships, we are able to help students find financial aid, including funding from families, sponsors, and institutions,” she said.
The advisers stressed the importance of academic excellence to attract funding, as well as unique skills and the ability to stand out.
They encouraged students to perform well in their studies and develop industrial skills, talents, and teamwork.
For needy students seeking full support, EducationUSA suggested that excelling academically and presenting a strong application was vital.
The U.S. Department of Education USA toured the University of Health and Allied Sciences as part of its outreach program, which provided students with the opportunity to clarify the programs available.
In addition to campus visits, radio education sessions were conducted, adding to the recent college fair that brought over 40 U.S. colleges to Ghana.
EducationUSA stated that this outreach initiative combines virtual and in-person services, offering live sessions via social media platforms such as Facebook to support applicants. U.S. colleges also engage students on these platforms to discuss available programs and opportunities.
The mission of EducationUSA is to promote U.S. higher education by guiding interested individuals through the college or university application process.
It maintains two centers in Accra and Kumasi, and all services are accessible through www.educationusa.state.gov.
