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studies:american-track-faq

BA American track FAQ

What is the difference between the English and the American track?

For the difference between the tracks, read this.

When do I have to make the choice?

You have to make the choice at the end of the first semester: you are usually asked to submit your choice in December, because the track classes start in the spring of the first year of your BA studies. Officially, your choice will only be recorded at the end of the first year.

How many students are accepted?

Around 50 students, that is, three seminar groups. As all American studies classes are provided by the staff of the Department of American Studies, our capacities are limited to three parallel seminar groups.

What happens if more than 50 people apply?

If more than 50 people apply, there will be a set of short oral interviews in the second half of January – still during the exam period – to determine who gets accepted to the American track.

Who conducts the interviews?

Staff members of the Department of American Studies.

What does the interview contain?

The interview is a short conversation to determine the students’ level of English, their interest in American studies, but also to answer any questions they may have about the track.

What happens if I have an exam during the time of my scheduled interview?

We know that scheduling conflicts may arise, and we try to stay as flexible as possible. If you have an exam during the time of the interview, we can reschedule for any of the other dates, or you can ask to be called in early in order to make it to your exam. Whichever is more convenient.

Can I reschedule the interview?

Yes, if you have university-related, academic reasons (an exam), or an emergency situation (medical) which prevents you from making it to the interview.

Private travel does not count as an emergency situation, but we will try to be flexible as long as you can make it to one of the other dates.

What form will the interviews take?

In person or online via MS Teams.

How am I assessed at the interview?

The interview is usually conducted by two members of the Department of American Studies to ensure fair assessment. They will evaluate you based on criteria like your command of English, your interest in American studies, your interest in different subject areas connected to the field etc. You will be awarded a number of points based on these criteria, and the 50 students with the most points will be accepted to the track.

What happens if I do not show up for the interview?

If you do not come to the interview, your score will automatically be zero, and you will not be accepted to the American track. You will continue your studies on the English track.

What happens after the interviews?

The list of students accepted to the American track is announced shortly after the interviews are over. Those who are accepted will start their studies on the American track, those who are not will continue their studies on the English track.

Is there any way to repeat the interview?

No. The decisions are final.

Is there any way to reconsider the results?

No. The decisions are final.

What happens if I am not accepted?

You will continue your studies on the English track.

I was accepted, what next?

Please sign up for the seminar BBN/BBI-AME17-226 “American culture 1” for the spring semester. All accepted students are guaranteed a place in one of the groups, so should the number of students exceed the limits of the groups, the limits will be raised.

studies/american-track-faq.txt · last touched 2023-11-26 22:28 by Vera Benczik