Sierra's Best Fit List - Beyond The States

Hey, Sierra!

Your Best Fit List is ready 👍

I’ve selected programs that uniquely represent your personality and needs. Below every listing you’ll find an explanation as to why I selected that specific program for you. I also recommend you keep digging into each selected college, city, and country for relevant information.

I really enjoyed building this list for you! You and your mom both gave me a lot to take into consideration here, and I did my best to find programs that meet many/most of your criteria, but there may be some trade-offs. Regardless, I think the options here make for a well-rounded list, allowing you to compare and contrast, and home in on your priorities. Certainly, Liberal Arts as a category is ideal for you and your profile, and I stuck exclusively with Liberal Arts programs only. Occasionally, I’ll diverge on a list and narrow in on a program that reflects a specific field, but you have such a variety of interests noted, and you reflected on an array of possible outcomes, that I stuck strictly with Liberal arts options. I really do think you’ll benefit from the Liberal Arts philosophy and curriculum, which allows for broad exploration and degree flexibility, leading you to (with guidance) eventually narrow in on a field of interest.

Okay, Liberal Arts programs in Europe tend to concentrate (and are most esteemed) in the Netherlands, and in Ireland (both of which are reflected on your list), but otherwise you tend to see these programs at American schools in Europe, and price tags at most American schools in the EU are above your budget. But I did find one in Greece, a preferred country, that is a relatively good fit and within budget (look below). You asked about the American University of Paris, and I didn’t include this school on your list since a) it was already on your radar b) their Liberal Arts options narrow into specific categories (many of which do reflect your secondary interests, but they felt to me a little too narrow), and c) their tuition is well-above your budget, and financial aid isn’t a given. But, per your inquiry, here is the link to their scholarships and grants page to learn more; they also work with FAFSA and 529 plans. I did look for programs in Belgium and Denmark, also preferred countries, but there were voids there. Please keep in mind though, there is normally an option to study abroad during your degree in Europe, and you may very well get to study in one of these countries for a semester, or more; no matter, you’ll also be able to travel to these countries quite readily.

I’d like to take a moment to discuss the Netherlands here. Yes, Dutch “university colleges” have some of the best Liberal Arts programs in the whole of the EU, and besides Ireland, this is where I go first to see if a student is a good fit. I honestly think that these programs are the best fit for who you are, but there are some challenges with admissions. ALL of these programs across this country are Numerus Fixus (aka Selective), and therefore competitive, and all require 3-4 AP scores of 3-4+, and sometimes ask for certain math scores. Dual-credit college courses won’t typically sub in for these APs, but your Honors courses may (and I stress only “may”) sub in. In a couple of these Dutch programs an SAT score may (and I stress only “may”) sub in for the missing APs, but you don’t currently have that score. They are all famously rigorous honors programs, and I’m not sure if this is what you’re looking for. Despite all that I have just written, I still wanted to include one on your list since it is such a good fit in so many ways, and it also offered a possible alternative avenue for access.

Finally, I wanted to take into account that you live with ADHD, and so I made sure that all the schools on your list have ways of accommodating this, even for international students. I included a link to each of the school’s resource pages that speak to this.

Okay, here we go!

Details

#1 – Dublin City College

Liberal Arts: Law

Dublin, Ireland

3 | €15,500 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

Okay, I believe this program (and this university, in general) ticks many of your boxes. It is one of 3 programs in Ireland on your list. This 3-year Liberal Arts: Law degree gives you a foundation in Law, but is also uniquely multidisciplinary, allowing you to also focus on another discipline – either History, Media Studies, or International Languages – all areas you’re also interested in. This kind of exploration and flexibility with curriculum is a benefit of many Irish programs, and I think it’s an ideal approach for you. Here is a link to this past year’s course curriculum for the Liberal Arts: Law degree. You also have the option to do a full internship/work placement during your third year, and the option to extend your degree to a 4-year one to take a study abroad year.

But this program is only one of two Liberal Arts programs at DCU that align with your interests. Compare and contrast with DCU’s Liberal Arts: Media Studies program as well – another good fit for you. Both of these programs listed offer you a wide variety of career options, and a foundation for graduate study, if you so choose.

Important for you: Irish universities come with a number of amenities that you often won’t find in many other European countries. Many schools own student housing, have beautiful centralized campuses, along with extensive sports facilities. More than any other country in Europe, more schools in Ireland offer scholarships for international students or have FAFSA numbers, and some even work with US loans. There may also be increased resources around the non-academic needs of the students. As well, there is access to many more clubs, associations, and activities – a result of Ireland being an anglophone country. This familiarity can provide a soft landing for American students who may really benefit from that.

Applicants presenting a high school diploma, including any honors subjects, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may be considered for direct entry on a case by case basis. International candidates should apply directly to DCU – start this process via their website (always following directions for international applicants). They have rolling admissions, but non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places may be limited. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. SAT/ACT and AP classes/scores aren’t mandatory, as far as I can tell, but it doesn’t hurt to include them in your application profile if you have them.

Here is the school’s Learning Support and Disabilities page, in consideration of students who have ADHD.

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#2 – Maynooth University

Arts (Liberal Arts)

Maynooth, Ireland

3 Years | €13,500 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

Okay, again in Ireland, this is a broader Liberal Arts option to consider, when compared to the last, more specialized option. Ireland has really excellent liberal arts programs at their universities (often called “Arts”). Again, their purpose is to give you curriculum flexibility and room to explore your interests, eventually narrowing in on a personal, interdisciplinary pathway. Usually, students choose a certain number of disciplines to take courses in during the first year and then narrow it down to one or two during the second year. You’ll have a program advisor guiding you regarding the best combination of subjects, and you’ll be given clarity on an array of career outcomes. Some of the courses you’ll have access to within this particular Arts program that align with your interests are Criminology, Communications and Media Studies, Language and Linguistics, Law, Psychology, and a range of History classes. Check out the variety of courses you can take here. Again, all towards the goal of you shaping your own degree.

Maynooth University is an internationally recognized institution in the market town of Maynooth, located about 15 miles west of Dublin, Ireland, which is easily accessible by train.The town is inviting, peaceful yet bubbling with life. It is the nation’s fastest growing university and is one of the four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland. MU was listed among the top 50 universities under 50 years old in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Admissions requirements beyond your US high school diploma are: GPA 3.0/4.0 plus a minimum 1000 composite SAT (reading, writing and math) score (1200 / 1600 for certain degrees) OR a minimum ACT composite: 22 / 36 (writing section not required). Yes, in this case, as in the case for most Irish universities, US applicants are required to have certain SAT or ACT scores – this is the only downside I see to this particular program for you, that you will have to provide this test/score. Test scores are not required when applying however, and they can be submitted at a later date. Admissions is rolling and opens in early October with a deadline of June, and you get a decision within just a few weeks. I would apply early, if possible. Note: although APs aren’t required here, they may still appreciate seeing your AP background, and so I would include it in your application.

Here is the page link to Maynooth’s Inclusion Department, in consideration of students who have ADHD.

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#3 – University of Limerick

Arts

Limerick, Ireland

4 Years | €12,270 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

Okay, one final broader Liberal Arts program here in Ireland. This particular option allows you to also explore and shape your own curriculum in the Humanities and Social Sciences. This program, at the internationally ranked University of Limerick, was actually designated a Program of the Month by Beyond the States founder, Jenn Viemont last year. After her visit to the school she wrote “I think what impresses me the most about this school is their interest in the whole student. They have options for students to explore a variety of academic interests in a number of different ways. They have ways to develop their students as future employees. They are known for their sports programs, and in addition to a regular orientation, they also have a unique Seven Week Orientation for first year students with weekly themes that help students find their way around campus, learn study skills and resources, connect with their academic advisor, and more.”

During this 4-year program you’ll have the opportunity to choose from and focus your studies on subjects like English, History, Psychology, Sociology, and on. You’ll choose and get started with these pathways your first year. Towards the end of first year, you will select two subjects to continue with and specialize in to degree level (years 2-4). In semesters 4 and 5 (year 2 Spring and year 3 Autumn) you will participate in an off-campus program. Semester 4 is dedicated to a period of cooperative education/work experience in a sector related to your field of study. Semester 5 is spent on study abroad in one of our many partner institutions across Europe, the Americas, or Australasia.

UL’s dedicated Co-op and Careers Office will help you find you the work placement that best suits your course of study and your aspirations, while the International Education Office will find you a place at one of their partner institutions most suited to your course of study in a part of the world that appeals to your intellectual and cultural curiosity. And in your final year, you will complete a Final Year Project in the subject(s) of your choosing.

Limerick is a major city in Ireland, set in Munster province in the south of the country. Its compact old town is known for the medieval-era St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. John’s square, which is lined with Georgian townhouses. Standing along the River Shannon, the 13th-century King John’s Castle is one of the city’s most recognisable sites. Limerick is one of the most affordable cities in Ireland for student living, and at the University of Limerick you can choose from various types of accommodation to suit your budget, either on campus or in neighborhoods within a few minutes’ walk of the University.

I usually double-confirm the admissions requirements we have listed in our database when building a BFL, but they aren’t currently listed on the university’s site right now. The requirements we have listed in our database are this: High School Graduation with GPA 3.3 and either SAT 1250 with 600 minimum in Maths or ACT 25 with 25 in Maths. And so, again, you will most-likely have to submit these scores for admissions. As an international student you’ll be applying directly to the school itself via its web page – follow directions for non-EU students, as is the case for an Irish school. They have rolling admissions that usually open in the autumn, with a deadline of July. I would apply early, if possible. Note: although APs aren’t required here, they may still appreciate seeing your AP background, and so I would include it in your application.

Here is the page link to UL’s Disability Services page, in consideration of students who have ADHD.

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#4 – University College Maastricht

Liberal Arts & Science

Maastricht, Netherlands

3 Years | €14,446 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

Okay, this is a complicated (but worthwhile) option on your list. Liberal arts programs, within university colleges in the Netherlands, are really the cream of the crop. When students come to us, asking about Liberal Arts, our go-to is the Netherlands, and also Ireland. Because you had the Netherlands on your preferred country list – which makes sense in this case – I wanted to include at least one. So, there are a few different types of universities in the Netherlands: research universities, universities of applied science, and university colleges, and they each have their own educational approach. In a nutshell: Dutch university colleges are self-contained honors programs within a larger research university – these are called Liberal Arts programs, offering a flexible curriculum, allowing students to explore where they want to take their degree.

However, just to recap from the intro, these particular Dutch programs all require 3-4 AP scores of 3-4+ (and some programs require specific AP classes, and tack on extra math requirements and scores). As well, ALL of these programs are Numerus Fixus, aka Selective, and therefore competitive – in other words, even if you met all of the requirements, it’s still not a given that you would get in. Again, dual-enrollment classes and Honors classes often don’t equate, for EU universities, to AP courses/scores. Sometimes there’s leniency, but it’s really hit or miss – it can be worth trying to sub in those classes for APs on your application if you’re feeling a really strong pull to the program, but again, there is no way to know if this will make you eligible. And suffice it to say also, these programs are notoriously rigorous and demanding.

The benefits of these Dutch university college Liberal Arts programs are many though, and we should speak to those here, especially in your case. They give you the broad, exploratory Liberal Arts experience you’re looking for, the problem-based learning approach you’re interested in, the community-feel in terms of classes/size, but also typically when it comes to housing as well. With this abundance of pluses, I wanted to include the most-fitting of these programs for you, and then you can choose to weigh it with the others on your list.

The 3-year Liberal Arts and Science program at University College Maastricht allows you to construct your own curriculum, choosing from more than 150 different courses within 3 concentrations: Social Sciences (including International Law and Sociology), Humanities (including Cultural Studies and History), and Sciences (including Cognitive Sciences). At UCM, problem-based learning is emphasized, and they say this: “The PBL format enables academic staff to really be there for students, both academically and socially. All PBL tutorials have a class size of approximately 12 students. These PBL discussions tend to spill over from the classroom into the common room, which is the social hub of UCM. The common room is also the scene of many extracurricular events and activities organized by Universalis, UCM’s student association.”

Maastricht is located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, close to both Belgium and Germany. It’s just 1.5 hours by train to Brussels (huge airport) and 1 hour to Eindhoven (which has a smaller airport with a lot of low cost airlines for travel around Europe). It’s a smaller city however, but so easy to navigate.

Regarding admissions, I’ve already mentioned that this program is Selective, and conditional upon your AP scores, and the potential for subbing in Honors class(es) for required APs (recall, it’s 3-4 APs with 3-4+), this option may be considered a “reach” for you. There are no other math requirements here, beyond the above, however. UCM has rolling admissions, and applications open on October 1 of this year, and ends on January 5 for non-EU applicants. Now, there’s another reason I featured this particular Dutch Liberal Arts program, and that is because they do offer a Foundation Year. If you/they find you do not meet the admissions requirements, you may be eligible for their Foundation Year program, which after completion will qualify you for admission to the 3-year bachelor’s program. This is a great aspect, potentially easing the complicated admissions path to this degree. Applying early in the admissions timeline is always suggested.

Here is the page link to UCM’s Disability Support page, in consideration of students who have ADHD.

*Okay, one more Dutch university college (liberal arts) that I feel may also be a good fit, particularly with their Psychology and Sociology pathways that fit your profile, is Erasmus University College in Rotterdam. Check this program out, and compare, but keep in mind that this Selective program will also have a high barrier for entry, and they don’t offer a Foundation Year option. In the Netherlands, a student can only apply to 2 Selective programs per year, just fyi.

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#5 – American College of Greece

Liberal Arts & Sciences: Sociology Major

Athens, Greece

4 Years | €10,900 Yearly Tuition

Why I selected this for you

I wavered on adding this option to your list, but in the end I thought it would serve to round out all of your options. This 4-year Liberal Arts and Sciences: Sociology Major program does tick some of your boxes, and besides, this school is one of the few I would recommend in Greece, a country on your preferred list. I was really pleased to find you a program of merit in Greece that’s in your area of study – this country can be a tough one to find accredited programs. Located in Athens, The American College of Greece is the oldest American-accredited college in Europe, and the largest private college in the country of Greece.

It is an American school, and so this is worth discussing. An American school in the EU will mimic a lot of what you’re familiar with in the US, in terms of curriculum and structure (such as a first year of general ed requirements), and its student body may be heavily American, including many transient study abroad students. All things to consider, but you may actually appreciate having some of the familiar approaches and amenities.

This program is a sub-Liberal Arts degree with a focus on Sociology, an area of study that I think really encompasses the variety of interests you’ve laid out. Like all other Liberal Arts programs, you’ll have the ability to really shape your own degree. Here you’ll study Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Globalization and Migration, Family, Gender and Health, Social Movements, Media and Film, Deviance and Crime, Science and Technology, Urban Sociology and the Environment, and Modern Greek Society and Culture. When I dig into the course options for this degree I see many options that may appeal to you, such as: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Law and Society, Sociology of Modern Life, Social Inequality, Family and Gender Roles, Sociology of Deviance, Media and Society in the 21st Century, and on.

The Sociology program is creatively complemented by a cluster of Anthropology courses, and per their site, the program “…aims to develop for its students a firm foundation on sociology’s theory and evidence-based conceptual tools and methods. It also provides students with a diverse range of fields to which sociology contributes as a rigorous discipline. Simultaneously, it sensitizes them to ethical and epistemological issues and controversies, which define sociology’s status as a social science discipline and mark its diverse responses to social change. Upon completion of the programme, students can pursue graduate studies in sociology and related fields in social sciences and media studies, as well as professional work in a variety of organizations.”

Arguably, Athens is the historical capital of Europe. It is one of the world’s oldest cities, and is the birthplace of democracy, the arts, science, and philosophy in western civilization. Here you’ll find the homes of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus. Athens’ recorded history spans around 3,400 years. and it has been inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E. Today, under the shadow of the Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multicultural modern personality, as well as its infrastructure, and facilities.

Admissions here are rolling, and are pretty straightforward; the admissions deadline for fall start is June 15. No APs or SAT/ACT are required but there is an essay and recommendation letter needed, beyond your high school transcripts/diploma.

Here is the page link to ACG’s Educational Psychologist, their resource for students who have ADHD.

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