Before starting your application, it’s important to consider why you’d like to study in the United States for your Bachelor’s degree. Studying at an American university can be beneficial for those who have many talents but aren’t sure what they would like to major in yet. The American liberal arts system allows you to take a wide variety of courses before deciding on a major, giving you the opportunity to develop many different academic interests. American universities offer courses and programs in many different fields and allow you to further develop your talents in the arts or athletics. In other words, your opportunities are endless. There are nearly 4,700 institutions for higher education in the United States, so finding one that is right for you can be a fun and exciting process; one that will require a lot of preparation. It is recommended to start preparing about eighteen months before you intended start date in the US, as it will take around a year to complete your application.
We know that it can be hard for a Dutch student to navigate this application process alone. That’s why the Fulbright Commission is here to help you. You can find information about all the steps you need to take before admission, including some examples of documents you will need, and useful film clips and tips on our website. If you still have questions about the available information, you can always contact our Educational Adviser.
There are many ways in which you can adapt your study in America to your own wishes. Even if you don’t want to spend your entire undergraduate period in the US, there may still be options for you. You could enroll in a program at a community college which will only take two years to complete, or you could consider a gap year in the US. If you’re not sure if you want to study in the US, or want more information about your possibilities, you can visit one of our information seminars. During these sessions we will explain the American education system in greater detail, and a panel of former students can answer any questions you might have.
If you are already a university student in the Netherlands and are considering continuing your studies in America, you need to follow a different admission procedure. You can find more information on the page about transfer students.