USAP Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  1. Does USAP offer scholarships?
  2. How did USAP start?
  3. How and where did USAP expand?
  4. How does an Educational Advisor begin a USAP program?
  5. What does the USAP in-country program entail?
  6. How does a college or university become a USAP institution?
  7. What is the USAP Trust and how did it start?

APPLYING TO USAP

  1. What are the requirements for applying to USAP?
  2. What are the criteria and process for USAP student selection?
  3. Where can I get/find the application forms?
  4. When is the application submission deadline?
  5. Are there any fees involved in the application process?
  6. Is there a quota on number of students admitted from each high school?
  7. May I submit more than one application form?
  8. How can I check the status of my application?
  9. Where else can I get more information about USAP?

WORKING WITH USAP

  1. What is expected of all the students taking part in USAP?
  2. What does USAP have to offer for the students?
  3. What are my chances of getting admitted into college?
  4. Am I guaranteed a scholarship?
  5. How important are standardized tests such as SATs and the Advanced Levels?
  6. How are USAP students funded?
  7. How do I finance my travels to USAP seminars if I get admitted?
  8. What happens when a USAP student fails to get admitted into a college?

USAP STUDENTS IN THE US/ABROAD

  1. How do USAP students support each other in the United States?
  2. What do students do during breaks from school?
  3. What sort of careers do USAP students pursue after graduation? What options are available after pursuing a liberal arts education in the US?
  4. What local initiatives are USAP students involved in as part of their mandate of giving back to the community?
  5. What is USAP Forum?
  6. Where will the 2012 USAP Forum take place?

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Does USAP offer scholarships?

USAP DOES NOT offer scholarships to students. USAP helps students with accessing information about colleges, academic advising, standardized test preparation, visa and immigration procedures. USAP also prepares students to adjust to life in the US through seminars, book clubs and other events. However admission and financing is solely the responsibility of colleges and USAP does not guarantee either admission and or funding. USAP cannot in any way influence these decisions.
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2. How did USAP start?

The United States Student Achievers Program (USAP) was started in 1999 in Harare, Zimbabwe by Educational Advisor Rebecca Zeigler Mano on the premise that there were many highly-talented Zimbabwean youth who had never dreamed of pursuing higher education at the top colleges and universities in the United States simply because of their financial circumstances. The program was founded on the notions of reaching out to empower youth to look beyond financial barriers and to dream, assisting them to negotiate the confusing and intricate admission and financial aid process at highly-selective institutions in the United States and creating the strength of a family cohort unit for mutual support throughout and beyond the admission process.
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3. How and where did USAP expand?

In 2005, several EducationUSA advisors from Nigeria , the UK and Brazil first contacted Zeigler Mano after hearing of the success of the Zimbabwean USAP students in securing admission and full funding to attend a variety of colleges and universities in the US and in excelling at those schools. To date, there are USAP programs in the following 17 counties on 4 continents: Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Latvia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mongolia, Nigeria, Serbia, South Africa, Uganda, UK, Zambia and Zimbabwe. (Those programs in bold are currently operational.) Mozambique and Ethiopia have launched USAP programs in 2011. Several other countries are considering launching USAP programs in 2012.
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4. How does an Educational Advisor begin a USAP program?

USAP programs are all run by educational advisors who are part of the EducationUSA network out of a variety of educational advising settings that include embassies, Fulbright program offices, binational centers and non-governmental organizations. If an EducationUSA advisor has the passion and commitment to reach out into the community and work intensely with this specialized population, s/he can contact the USAP Coordinator, Rebecca Zeigler Mano to learn about how to initiate and run a USAP program. We strongly suggest that advisors interested in initiating a USAP program at their advising center both visit or train with a USAP advisor in their region and/or attend a USAP Forum in the US.
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5. What does the USAP in-country program entail?

USAP students work as a cohort with an Educational Advisor for at least one year throughout their application and orientation process. With flexibility for country and region specific variation, USAP programs operate on a seminar system – students gather periodically for intensive seminars on all aspects of the college selection, application, test preparation and orientation process. Seminars also build the family cohort and the communication skills of the students, while opening their minds to understand how to make the most of a US style liberal arts and sciences education. For more information on the specifics of each country's USAP program, please see the Programs Page.
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6. How does a college or university become a USAP institution?

There is no official process for a college and university to become a host for a USAP student. Any college or university willing and able to fund the full costs of tuition and fees, room and board, for an international student can have the privilege of enrolling one or more incredible USAP students. If you as an institution is interested in enrolling USAP applicants, please contact us and we will work with you. For a list of all colleges and universities that have admitted and fully funded a USAP student, go to our USAP Institutions Page.
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7. What is the USAP Trust and how did it start?

The USAP Trust began by students in the second USAP Zimbabwean cohort to raise funds to assist their younger USAP siblings with pre-enrollment costs not covered by colleges and universities. These costs include visa and SEVIS fees, immunizations and occasionally airfare. Since its inception, the USAP trust has been managed voluntarily by a committee of USAP students, and has assisted dozens of USAP students with these hidden but unavoidable US dollar enrollment costs. Traditionally, USAP students engage in a variety of fundraising activities at the USAP Forum to raise funds for the trust. The trust fund is based at Yale University in Connecticut.
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APPLYING TO USAP

1. What are the requirements for applying to USAP?

USAP seeks applicants who have a strong academic records, demonstrated economic hardship and inability to sponsor college application process on their own. Applicants are also required to show leadership potential and a strong commitment to giving back to the community. The application process itself entails completing a comprehensive application form which comprises of an assortment of questions and an essay.
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2. What are the criteria and process for USAP student selection?

USAP selects high school students that meet all of the following four criteria:

  • Academic excellence
  • Demonstrated leadership
  • Ethos of giving back
  • Economic disadvantage

Typically USAP students are the first in their family to attend university as well as the first to venture out of their country's borders. Each USAP country has its own application timeline and selection process, but all select students matching these criteria. In Zimbabwe, for example, application forms are available in March, due in May and selection is completed in June. The application process is rigorous and includes two essays, a letter of recommendation and an involved application form with short answer questions, as well as academic records and results. The previous USAP cohort, students about to begin their studies in the US, form a selection committee to review applications together with the educational advising staff. Selection in Zimbabwe is very competitive – in 2011, they received over 725 applications for the 32 places in the 2012 USAP cohort.

USAP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, religion, age or disability nor does it use these criteria in its selection. While we make a genuine effort to recruit USAP students from all provinces and areas in the countries our program is present, we do not set quotas for geographic or ethnic distribution but seek the students who meet all four of our criteria.
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3. Where can I get/find the application forms?

Applications are available for download on the USAP website. Alternatively you can pick them at the USAP office in your country. USAP applications are also mailed to high schools so you may want to check with your high school if they receive application forms. You can also write or place a call to the USAP program office and they will mail/e-mail you a copy.
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4. When is the application submission deadline?

Application deadlines vary from country to country. Deadlines are and will always be listed on the Application Forms' page on this website for the particular application period.
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5. Are there any fees involved in the application process?

There are no application fees or any other costs associated with applying to the USAP program. The only costs incurred on the part of the applicant will be the cost of mailing in the application.
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6. Is there a quota on number of students admitted from each high school?

There is no quota on the number of students admitted from any particular high school. Each application is judged on its own merit without regard to which high school it is from. Having other students from your high school apply should not deter you from applying as it will not affect your chances.
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7. May I submit more than one application form?

Each applicant should submit only one application form. If the applicant feels the space is insufficient, they are more than welcome to attach additional pages to their application.
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8. How can I check the status of my application?

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, at present we do not provide the option to allow applicants to check the statuses of their applications. At the end of the selection process only successful applicants will be contacted. In the future, the names of the selected students will be posted online.
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9. Where else can I get more information about USAP?

One can get more information about USAP by contacting the USAP Advisors in their respective countries. The Advisors contact information is listed on the Global Programs page. USAP also has a presence on the social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter and one can subscribe to these to stay up to date with the latest USAP news and information. Should one still feel the need to get in touch with us, email is the best way to contact us.
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WORKING WITH USAP

1. What is expected of all the students taking part in USAP?

USAP students are expected to attend regular USAP meetings and seminars. These meetings will introduce students to the US college application process; students will also get coaching in test taking, essay writing and other components of the application process. Full participation in these meetings will ensure students are fully prepared for the college application process. Students are also expected to work on a personal level with their USAP advisors in identifying their career and personal goals and colleges that suit their needs. In addition to the college application process, students are encouraged to be proactive in community service projects.
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2. What does USAP have to offer for the students?

USAP offers students material and information resources to enable them to apply to colleges where they otherwise would not have the opportunity or means to do so. When a student gets accepted into USAP they join a community of scholars and visionaries who have a common desire to make positive impacts on their communities through their diverse career paths. The USAP community thus pushes students to do more and to accomplish their goals. It also links each student with a vast pool of knowledge and experience from USAP students from previous years, many who are leaders in a variety of industries and sectors. Students can always tap into this knowledge pool and get advice and mentoring.
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3. What are my chances of getting admitted into college?

Admission officers in the US generally look for students with a strong academic record and a wide range of extracurricular activities among other attributes. USAP students generally exhibit these qualities and consequently are very strong candidates for admission. However admission decisions are ultimately made by colleges and USAP does not guarantee admission into any college.
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4. Am I guaranteed a scholarship?

Colleges and universities offer scholarships and financial aid. USAP does not guarantee scholarships or financial aid. Some colleges however make a commitment that once they admit a student they will meet 100% of their financial need but college policies vary and the colleges themselves have the authoritative say on their scholarship and financial aid policies.
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5. How important are standardized tests such as SATs and the Advanced Levels?

Although SATs, Advanced Levels and other standardized tests are an integral component of college admissions, they are by no means the only thing that colleges consider. One of the ethos of USAP is to mould well rounded students who can contribute to positive change in their respective communities. Prospective USAP students are encouraged to get involved in community projects and other activities.
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6. How are USAP students funded?

USAP students, by definition, cannot afford to attend any college or university without full or nearly full financial assistance. The USAP programs in each country source funds to finance the students' application process including their SAT I and II and, where appropriate, TOEFL exam fees, fax, photocopying and postage costs, and email and Internet access. USAP students all request application fee waivers. Their full financial assistance usually comes from the colleges and universities that they attend as well as through work study on those campuses. Occasionally, USAP students find outside gap scholarships from private foundations specific to their countries or in selected countries' start-up funds from the Department of State's Opportunity Grant Program.
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7. How do I finance my travels to USAP seminars if I get admitted?

Students usually finance their travels to USAP seminars on their own. However, financial difficulties should not deter potential applicants as resources are available to help those who cannot absolutely meet the costs of travelling to program activities and seminars.
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8. What happens when a USAP student fails to get admitted into a college?

One of the flagship USAP slogans is "once a Usaper always a Usaper". The program works to foster a family spirit that means even when students do not get admitted, there are still many options. Typically, students work on reapplying to college and some opt to retake the SATs and update their application materials to strengthen their applications. While on this "off-year", students may work on community service projects with USAP, while others may start their own initiatives. Some students explore opportunities in other countries or may apply to local universities and other scholarship funds. Throughout this process, they are mentored by the USAP family.
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USAP STUDENTS IN THE US/ABROAD

1. How do USAP students support each other in the United States?

USAP students form strong bonds during the application process in their home country and thus have a support network in place by the time they reach the United States. In the United States, they stay closely in touch with one another through a variety of very active USAP listservs, a USAP Facebook group, and the USAP website - all started as USAP student initiatives. Every year a large number of USAP students gather at the annual USAP Forum to share ideas of how to give back to their communities, how to maximize their college and graduation opportunities and how to strengthen the program. One USAP family rule is that there is always at least one USAP student present at every USAP student's graduation. When USAP students first reach the US, their first contact is often a USAP big brother or sister who helps them to settle into college life. USAP students are there for each other in good and bad times, to share their dreams and challenges - a support network often stronger than any their college can offer.
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2. What do students do during breaks from school?

During breaks that occur during the academic year students may go and stay with host families if they go to colleges that offer such programs. This is especially true for traditional American holidays such as Thanksgiving and many USAP students have stayed with American families, sharing in American culture and traditions. Some colleges offer shadowing opportunities where students get to follow people who work in fields they are interested in and USAP students have taken part in these initiatives. Others choose to visit friends or take part in service projects. Over summer breaks students may do internships or research with professors. Some go back to their home countries to work while others have the opportunity to visit other countries.
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3. What sort of careers do USAP students pursue after graduation? What options are available after pursuing a liberal arts education in the US?

The US education system is distinctive in that it is primarily liberal arts and sciences based as opposed to career focused. USAP students however utilize the unique opportunities offered by a liberal art education to discover new passions and learn new skills that make them more rounded. After undergraduate education USAP students typically go to graduate or professional school, or find work at top firms in the US and around the world. Others become entrepreneurs and start up projects while others return home to work.
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4. What local initiatives are USAP students involved in as part of their mandate of giving back to the community?

USAP mentorship programs, USAP Cares and Seeds of Africa Foundation are a few recent examples of initiatives started by USAP students as part of their mandate to give back to the community. Similar initiatives are also at various stages in different USAP countries. Giving back is a continuous conversation witin USAP.
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5. What is USAP Forum?

USAP Forum is an annual gathering of USAP students, advisors, college officials and USAP friends where they discuss USAP achievements in the various USAP countries as well as strategies for the future. The Forum is held at a US college under a theme reflecting the main focus of that years' Forum.
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6. Where will the 2013 USAP Forum take place?

USAP has had seven annual successful conferences at Wesleyan, Mt Holyoke, Yale, Smith and Amherst, University of Pennsylvania, Brown and the University of Chicago. The location of the eighth annual forum is still to be determined.
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