Study in USA

If you desire to study abroad, then the United States should be on the top of your list. The United States has the largest and most diverse international student population. Over one million students visit the country in quest of the greatest academic preparation.

The country not only provides high-quality education, but also an experience that students will remember for the rest of their lives.

Key Highlights:

Why study in US?

1. It has Programs that fits your needs: America got the most excellent range of programs in all disciplines. They have a great set of options for both UG as well as PG. The subjects are on offer are the most unconventional subject among all the other countries.For Master’s and doctorate students, they get the chance to work alongside important researchers in their respective fields.This is one of the major reasons why students want to study abroad in the USA.
2. Flexibility: Though the courses are usually planned, you should be able to select one you like. They have several choices when studying abroad in the US, which is unique in higher education elsewhere.You can focus on the major half or choose courses with alternative goals and interests. Students can choose subjects that are meaningful to them, their country, and their major.
3. You Can Extend Your Reach and Network: One of the most important aspects of studying abroad is that you make connections and networks which will help you in finding your place on the bigger stage.With bilingual skills and international living experience, students can rise in their careers and leave a lasting mark on the job market.In the US, you’ll likely meet industry leaders. Such encounter shapes a student’s career.
4. Diversity and Variety: You’ll meet people from countries and cities you’ve never heard of. The campus life there is pretty amazing.Since the US is the #1 choice for international students, you will encounter many talented individuals which will help you grow and live your campus lifestyle.You will also have the opportunity to communicate with others and form connections. College friendships and groups have a significant impact on academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities.

The education system in the USA:

Students who visit or plan to visit the United States for the first time are astonished by the absence of any educational system. Government can only impact education by supporting educational programmes.

There are only few structural differences between the Indian and American education systems; both emphasise the importance of extracurricular activities for students’ complete development. They prioritise investigating the topic’s practical aspects.

The rating of a college or university is determined by the GPA of the students, the majors provided, the number of students enrolled, the campus’s culture, and its location.

Types of Higher Education Institutes in the USA :

1. State School/college/University: Each one of the 50 US states has one college or even university that provides top-quality education at a very low price.
   The universities are funded by their state governments.
2. Private university/college: These universities are far more expensive than state-run schools.
3. Community Colleges: Community colleges offer 2-year degrees and certifications. Four-year colleges accept these degrees. The credits students earn may transfer.
   These colleges train students for university-level ESL courses.
4. Technology Institutes: They provide full-time, four-year STEM programmes.

Difference between Indian and American Education System

Focus is on educational curriculum Participation in fun and extracurricular events is valued just as highly as academic work.
Use of traditional teaching method Use of the latest technological methods in teaching

Top Universities in USA:

The United States is host to the largest number of world-class universities. Universities in the United States are known for focusing on innovation and research and providing technical information. International students who come to the United States to pursue higher education overwhelmingly enroll in STEM programmes.

Top American universities provide students with flexible part-time employment opportunities and a promising career in their field of study upon graduation.

List of top 10 Universities in USA:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. Harvard University
4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
5. University of Chicago
6. Princeton University
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. Yale University
9. Cornell University
10. Columbia University

Top Courses In USA

Popular courses in the U.S. include business and management, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and social sciences.

US universities are recognized for offering STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Popular courses in the U.S. include:

1. Computer Science
2. Mechanical Engineering
3. Electrical Engineering
4. Computer Engineering
5. Finance
6. Biotechnology
7. Data science and Analytics

Application process in USA

You must be aware of the beginning and ending dates of the application process, as well as the intakes.
There are many more significant issues that kids should be aware of. They have two intakes, spring and fall, unlike us in India.

The following documents need to be submitted:

1. 10th, 12th, UG mark sheet.
2. Two academic reference letters from recent teachers or professors (the more, the better).
3. LOR from the employer if you have worked.
4. SOP
5. Resume
6. Essays (depends on the university)
7. Score of GMAT / GRE / IELTS / TOEFL
8. Portfolio
9. Relevant certificates (if any)
10. Proof of funds

NOTE: Every college has a nominal application fee. The amount is not set, and it varies from university to university. Students must check it as well.

Process to apply to study in the USA

1. Find a university that you like
2. Find a college and courses according to your choice.
3. Find Contact them and also gather the information from the website.
4. Find Attempt SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS
5. Find Write your essays, Letter of recommendation, State of purpose.
6. Find Apply for the college you like
7. Find Take the online video conference or interview upon getting shortlisted
8. Find If you get accepted, apply for that student visa

1. Essay: Different essays are required by the university. It’s part of admission.
   The themes assess students’ strengths, weaknesses, experience, skills, career goals, and most importantly, their school choice.
2. SOP: The SOP introduces you to the university admissions office. Make sure it’s written in the first person and includes all the correct arguments for applying to that college.Your SOP should also explain why they should accept you. Keep the SOP casual, but don’t appear arrogant or indifferent.The appropriate balance should objectively reflect your personality.
3. LOR: Third parties write LORs about students’ strengths and talents. Your boss, instructor, or professor may write it.The Letter informs the college of students’ qualities from a reliable source.

Intake seasons

Two intake seasons begin in January and September. Some colleges admit in October, July, and May.

September is the most crucial admissions period. January has only fewer classes.

Students should note that the admission process begins six months prior. Universities have three deadlines from October through January.
Students might choose a deadline. Your language and aptitude test cannot be older than three months.

Language Exams

Any US college requires SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS. These tests have different forms and result bands. Most colleges just need one exam result. Students can choose their assessments.

1. Repetition of exams: TOEFL has a limit on retakes, however IELTS can be taken as many times as the student wants. There is no limit on taking the PTE, like the IELTS.Note – One rule that applies to each of the tests is that you will have to wait for the test to apply for the retest.
2. Fee: The standard fee for all these exams is between 13000-14000 INR.
3. Time to apply: The college and university have criteria for which examinations they will accept. Occasionally, you are also given a choice; in such cases, the test result you submit is up to you.

Preparation for these examinations takes between two and four months.

General exams:

The university you’re applying to will specify which exam results will apply to the course you want to enlist in.

The decision is ultimately up to you if they give you the option of choosing one of these.

Cost of Living for a Student in USA

For a student residing in the USA, the average cost of living is between $12,000 and $15,000. However, where the students choose to stay will affect this. It goes without saying that different cities have varied costs of living.

Metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago would have costs that are about $19,000 higher. Costs in the suburbs are lower, ranging from $10,000 to $12,000.

These basic elements make up for the cost of living in the US, check them out:

1. Accommodation rent ( on campus or off campus )
2. Rent
3. Food and grocery
4. Basic utilities like internet, gas, water, and electricity
5. Phone bills
6. Reference books
7. Air tickets

Other elements which could change the cost of living would be:

1. Dining out
2. Eat out
3. Travelling
4. Renting a car
5. Cable TV

Cost of Studying in the USA:

The price of education varies depending on the city and university you choose as well as the course you enrol in.

For an undergraduate course, tuition will typically range from $10,000 to $30,000. Costs for postgraduate study start at $15,000 and can reach $55,000, which is on the higher side (these are yearly estimates).

Students should be aware that the quality of education in the US is not directly correlated with the cost of tuition.

Health insurance

International students are required to get insurance. The price ranges from $500 to $1,000. Check to see if the insurance covers lost passports, accidents, dental work, and other significant medical costs.

Study abroad scholarships for US

International students receive fee waivers based on merit and other criteria. Good academic scores and strong extracurricular records are preferred for the waiver. This requires sending all documents with a letter.

Do you want to Study Abroad?

Top 10 Scholarships in The United States

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
3. YouAreWelcomeHere
4. Civil Society Leadership Awards
5. Fulbright Program
6. Preply Scholarship
7. Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
8. Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
9. East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships
10. Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program

Mandatory documents for the scholarship

1. Mark sheet, degree, or any other academic record.
2. Updated CV
3. Cover page, also known as the Letter of intent
4. A letter of intent, which acts as a cover page
5. LOR
6. IELTS or TOEFL score

Education Loan to Study in the US

1. Student eligibility criteria: You must first determine whether you can qualify for the loan. These are the requirements:-
   1. Must be an Indian born
   2. Impressive academic records.
   3. Check which bank allows which courses.
   4. Must have cleared all rounds to secure admission in the college
   5. Must be 18 years old or over
2. Loan amount: Assuming your fee is ten lakhs, the bank will only cover 80% of it; you will be responsible for the remaining 20%. This 20% of the total is known as the margin amount in banking terms.The standard loan amount is 20 lakhs, however you can borrow significantly more. It relies on the college’s reputation. The bank charges 1% in processing fees, which the students must pay.
3. Documentation required: You will need to show the bank the Letter of acceptance sent by the university. It should have the details of your courses as well as a fee breakdown.

Note: The formalities varies from bank to bank.

1. Repayment: Repayment begins after course completion. If the student was hired within a year after finishing the course, repayment should begin one month later.Repay after the course. The loan must be paid in five to seven years regardless of employment.

USA Student Visa

What are the Visa types in the US?

These are major types of student visas to go to the US:

1. F1 Student Visa:

1. Applying for this Visa requires over 18 hours of class time per week. This one goes for all UG and PG programs.
2. The family accompanying F-1 visa students will travel with them on an F-2 visa.

2. J1 Exchange Visitor Visa:

1. This is for the Exchange Visitor Visa. This is a short-term visa to study abroad.
2. This is generally utilized by work professionals who go to nine or 10-month training or some sort of research fellowship.
3. The family accompanying J-1 visa students will travel with them on a J-2 visa.

3. M-1 Vocational/ Non-Academic Student Visa:

This is reserved just for vocational training. Though the process to acquire this Visa remains the same as the M1 Visa.
Sadly, Students on this Visa cannot overstay their welcome.

Student Visa requirements for USA

The following documents are required to obtain a visa:

1. Passport.
2. Non-immigrant Visa Application
3. You will be required to show application fee payment receipt
4. Photo and finger scan
5. Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant(F-1) Student Status

Also read:

1. Cracking the Visa Interview
2. 6 Steps to Choose a University
3. Education Loan for Study abroad

Post Study work permit in USA

Studying in the United States requires an F1-Visa for international students. This visa allows them to remain in the United States for sixty days following graduation. After completion of their studies, F1 visa holders are eligible to register for OPT (Optional Practical Training).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a one-year work and stay-back permit issued to international students who have graduated from a degree program in the United States.

Working after completing studies in the United States is one of the primary reasons why students choose to pursue higher education in the United States. Prior to applying for the program, students must have complete knowledge of the post-study employment visa in the United States.