Hi guys!
I'm an international applicant and I'm not that familiar with the American higher education system. In my pursuit of trying to understand the system, I stumbled upon some problems to which I could not find an answer, and so I came here

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The first issue which concerns me, is that when you're applying to a college, do you apply to study a particular field (i.e. do you apply to study engineering, economics etc.) or do you just apply to college in general, and once you're there you choose a major and minors?
The second question is that can you apply AFTER you've graduated from high school? You see, I'm doing the IB diploma in Finland, and I'll graduate in July 2013, i.e. after I get admitted (IF I get admitted...) into an American university. This concerns me because if I can apply AGAIN after I've graduated from high school if I couldn't get in this year, it would give me a second chance, which would be very nice.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It is very much appreciated!