For Latin Americans who dream of studying in the United States, choosing a university is a fundamental step. With hundreds of options available, from public to private institutions, the American education system offers a variety of academic and cultural experiences.
What are the best universities in the United States?
According to the most recent rankings, the Top 5 universities of the United States in 2024 are:
- Stanford University (California)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Massachusetts)
- Harvard University (Massachusetts)
- Princeton University, New Jersey
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (California)
These universities are renowned for their academic excellence, innovative research and a global alumni network that opens doors in almost any professional field.Stanford and MIT, for example, are leaders in technology and engineering, attracting students and teachers who are constantly pushing the limits of human knowledge.
Harvard and Princeton they excel in the social sciences, humanities and law, cultivating leaders who influence global politics, business and culture. Caltech, although it is a smaller university compared to the others, it is a giant in terms of scientific impact, especially in the areas of physics and astronomy.
These universities also have impressive campuses, with state-of-the-art facilities, and promote a competitive academic culture that attracts best talent from around the world. Their ability to produce high-impact research and their connection to key industries allows them to offer students exceptional opportunities for learning and professional development.
Public Universities in the United States
Some of the most prominent public universities in the United States are:
- University of California (Berkeley)
- University of California (UCLA) (Los Angeles)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Texas at Austin
These institutions are known not only for their high educational quality, but also for their economic accessibility. They are funded in part by state governments, allowing residents of the state to access higher education at a reduced cost compared to students who come from other states or countries.
In addition, public universities in the United States usually have a student population plus large and diverse, offering a wide range of academic programs, cutting-edge research and extracurricular opportunities.
Many of these institutions are also important research centers, attracting significant federal funding and collaborations with private industry, benefiting students with opportunities for practical learning and access to advanced technologies.
At what age do they enter college in the United States?
Most students enter college in the United States between 17 and 18 years old, just after graduating from high school. However, it is not uncommon for some younger students, who have accelerated their education, or adults, who have decided to return to study, also begin their university studies at different ages.
Start of classes at universities in the United States
The start of classes at most universities in the United States generally begins at End of August or Early September and is divided into semesters. The first semester (fall) usually ends in December, followed by a short winter break. The second semester (spring) runs from January to May.
Some universities also offer summer sessions for those who want to advance faster in their studies or need to recover credits.
