The United States of America is arguably the most favourite study destination of international students is a well-established fact. So much is the popularity of the country, and so much the rush to go there that for Indian students, “going abroad” has become synonymous with going to study in America. Living there is a dream for millions of students across the world. Working after graduation is a dream come true for them.
Education in USA
If you are planning to Study in USA, you must know about how the education system stands. There is no unanimous Education Structure across United states of America. USA does not follow any national education system. Federal Government only interferes in the matters of the funds it offers. There is no Education Board for the country unlike many other countries. However, Every state has their own education system, and state graduation examinations.
One important grading factor across the country is GPA (Grade Point Average), and along with number of other factors, it is important when a college or University admission is considered.
For Graduation and Post-Graduation in USA, there are three type of institutions, Universities in USA, Community Colleges in USA, Liberal Arts College in USA. All 3 types of institution are discussed in detail below:
1. Universities in USA:
There are two types of Universities in USA: Public and Private. Public Universities are funded by US State Governments, and are very affordable universities in USA when compared to Private Universities. While Private Universities are not owned by any government body, and they run on tuition fees.
Most of the Universities offer graduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programs. Universities are larger than colleges and they offer more opportunities than colleges.
Community Colleges in USA:
These are vocational or certificate programs for students. Community Colleges are smaller than what universities are. Most of the programs on offer by this community college are two-years long. Community colleges can work as a bridge for students to reach to a higher level of academics in future.
Liberal Arts College in USA:
These are mostly undergraduate degree programs in USA, and is for the students of liberal arts and sciences. These are mostly four-year long courses. Liberal Arts college can be both Public or Private by the nature of funding.
Top Reasons to Study in USA
- Joy of living in USA
A big reason for students across the world to want to pursue higher education America is the joy of living that the country provides. Students who Study in USA get the opportunity to explore the vast country, full of natural diversities; and they also enjoy life by vising places like the famous Disney Land and Las Vegas.
- A Refined Research Venture
The United States of America simply has the best research and development facilities, period. This is the reason that the country leads the world in literally almost all aspects of scientific existences. From research related to nuclear energy to space expeditions, America is always at the number one spot.
- Academic Stature
It is a system which encourages students with different educational needs to study according to their needs and excel. Because of its high academic standard, a degree from any American University is not only recognized but revered all over the world. There is perhaps no other country where students with an academic bent of minds are encouraged in such strong manners.
- Versatility:
There is versatility in the education. They will not only give you training in your own field as well as in different fields well. As for an example business undergrad should do some essential science lectures, engineering undergrad will do some essential business lectures. In this way student will have knowledge in different areas including theirs.
- Financial support:
Most of the universities provide scholarships, stipends ,loans for higher education to students so that they can finish their degrees. they provide the financial support on the basis of the merit rather than the financial need. On campus job facilities are also available for the students to work and earn money for their survival.
- Career opportunities:
A degree from reputed universities widens the scope of careers. Due to the varied insight into different fields of study offered by universities in USA, it broadens the scope of career paths that the student chooses and it is known that international companies look for candidates that offer them with a different take or perspective on their products.
Study in USA Requirements
There will be some basic requirements of Colleges in Universities that you should fulfil in order to secure your place in Top USA Universities.
- A valid Passport
You will be in need of a valid passport to pursue your study in the USA. Universities in the USA ask the international students to submit their passport number on their application. Without a passport, the institution will not be able to issue the essential forms for a USA student visa.
- Academic qualifications
Verified copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor’s degree (if applying for post-graduation course).You should have good grades in previous academic study or high school diploma or an undergraduate degree which is equivalent to the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) for entry in your selected college.
- English Language Proficiency
Universities in USA are English speaking Universities. Therefore, it is important for international students who are coming from a non-English speaking country to prove their proficiency in reading, writing listening and speaking in English. Most of the Universities across USA will ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores before admissions.
- Entrance Exam
Entrance exams like GRE, GMAT, SAT , etc. are required for special coursed. The test to be taken depend upon individual’s choice of course and Universities. GRE is taken for general admissions, while GMAT is a specialisation test for management students who want to apply for MBA of management programs. SAT is asked for undergraduate scores.
Specialisation Tests:
| Specialisation | Required Tests |
| Undergraduate Studies | SAT |
| Graduate Studies | GRE (General or Subject) |
| Graduate Studies (Management) | GMAT |
| Fine Arts | TOEFL with portfolio |
| Medicine | MCAT |
| Pharmacy | PCAT |
| Dental | DAT |
| Veterinary | VCAT |
| Law | LSAT |
| Public Accountant | CPA (Certified Public Account Accountant Examination) |
| Medical Licensing | USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) |
| Foreign Nursing School | CGFNS (Council for Graduate of Foreign Nursing Schools) |
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
The people who have been in contact with you professionally write Letters of Recommendation for you. It is written by the professors of your last academic institution, or your immediate supervisors from where you had worked. Teachers will write an LOR for bachelor’s degree aspirants. If you are pursuing Master’s or MS, it will be written by the professors of your college / university.
- Statement of Purpose / Application Essay
The College / university you have applied to can ask one of these two. Both of them serve one purpose: An introduction about yourself and the reasons why you have applied to study in that particular institute. Statement of Purpose contains information about yourself, your long-term and short-term goals and passion.
Monetary Funds
Even after the university and college you have applied for have accepted you, there will be an intimidating process to prove to the university and the visa officials that you have enough monetary funds to sustain your studies and other expenses for one year without any other financial help.
How to Apply for Universities in USA
The most important thing to consider when applying for a Study permit in USA is the timing. Start with your preparations at least a year before you are planning to go. The application start with shortlisting and choosing a program and a university that suits you the best. Go to their website and go through their admission criteria thoroughly.
- The next thing is to prepare for the entrance or subject exam you are required to take for the university or the college you have chosen. It may be English Language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or the specialisation tests like GRE and GMAT.
- After you have shortlisted your scores, and you have the transcripts required for all the exams, start applying to the colleges of your choice. This is the time you might also want to start the documentation process. Start working on your Letters of Reference and Statement of purpose, start writing application essay if required.
- Once that is done, you should line up your funds required. You will be asked to prove the sufficient funds with the visa application. Complete your application process with the college.
- You should start working on a student visa for USA process 3 months before the departure. With visa process, research health insurance options for yourself. Start making travelling arrangements for your departure and make a pre-departure checklist for yourself.
Best Courses to Study in USA:
The most pursued after courses in USA have to be the business and management courses. The second most popular course is Engineering in USA, with students from all over the world looking forward to study in Universities like Stanford, Caltech and MIT. Other Courses to Study in USA include Computer Science and Information Technology. With places like Silicon Valley, USA is one of the most promising destinations for CS/IT. Natural Sciences and Social Sciences come after that, with the universities well equipped with best of the research facilities which are world-leading and pioneer in many ways.
Study in USA after 12th
Study in USA is not only about pursuing Masters and doctoral studies. Many of the students from all around the world also like to start early, right after they have finished their schooling. Just like Masters in USA, there is a large number of bachelor’s programs in USA for international students. Whether one has a background of Science (PCM or PCB), Commerce or Arts. If you are looking for study in USA once you finish your schooling.
Study in USA bachelor degree
International Students studying a Bachelor degree in USA will experience top-quality education in excellent and modern facilities.
- International students have a variety of options for major studies, such as engineering, philosophy, business, architecture, fine arts, computer science, biology, design, economics, sociology, and psychology, among several others.
- A Bachelors degree in USA generally requires 4 years of duration to complete, however, there are also options for part-time and online studies for students that require flexibility in scheduling.
Study in USA masters degree
Among international students, there are many students who wish to pursue their masters from the USA.
- To get admission into a masters degree in USA the basic requirement you will need is a good undergraduate or first degree in a relevant subject area.
- Usually, most masters courses in the USA take 2 years to complete when pursuing a full-time course.
- USA universities lead in many subject areas, especially those in technology and engineering. MBA in USA, Computer Science courses in USA are also well known.
- Although most master’s degrees fall into the category of Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts or Master of Science,, many speciality degrees exist as well. Many international students focus on business management and medical professions as these courses offer a wide range of skills.
Student life in USA
Student life in USA is simply amazing! Whether someone is enrolled in a graduate programme, or is pursuing a ms in us, or any other post graduate degree programmes, there is a life that is beyond academics and is of a very high quality. There is a lot of cultural diversity on American campuses, and a lot of places in America one can explore. Besides, the faculty members are very helpful and welcoming.
Students Safety in USA
Safety is always a concern for the students looking forward to study abroad. Fortunately, Colleges and Universities in USA are extra cautious about the student-safety on the campus.
- Even in the remote towns and suburban areas, the institution will have a security staff, and the campus will be the safest place for the students.
- Many larger universities have their own security unit on campus, too.
Students themselves must be aware of their belongings and surroundings while dealing in a new place. Be aware of the security measures and emergency contacts. In case of any troubling incident, students should reach out to nearest help available on campus. With few simple precautions, every unfavourable incident can be avoided. Remember, US colleges and Universities will have friendliest and the most helpful people out there
Study USA in English Language
Well, this certainly should not be a surprise to anyone reading this article. America is identified with the English Language, perhaps more than the United Kingdom is. Hollywood has placed a major role in making English synonymous with the country. English is the working language of the world, and the best universities in usa champion the process of getting educated in this language. All courses across all disciplines, in all colleges and universities are conducted in English, giving the students a beginners’ edge in all industries that have global presence.
Study in USA without IELTS
Though the Universities in USA teach the courses in English, in some cases it is not compulsory to prove your English Language Proficiency by taking IELTS test. This comes as good news to many, as there are some particular universities in USA, where you will get admission without IELTS. There are different ways to assess your English Language abilities other than IELTS.
Study in USA Cost:
Universities in the USA aren’t exactly known for their affordability. In fact, USA is known to be one of the most expensive places for international students. However, compared to the quality of education and opportunities that come with studying in USA, the investment is worth every dollar.
The private universities, as it is the case with everywhere else in the world, are more expensive than the state universities in USA. According to the US Department of Education, the undergraduate studies at public universities will cost students around 17000$, whereas private universities will cost around 43000$ per year.
Here’s How You Can Reduce Cost of Study in USA in 3 Easy Ways
1. Advanced Placement Exams & Credit Transfers:
For most of the subjects you will study in freshman and sophomore years, you can apply for AP exams while you are in your home country, most probably when you are in your +2. Not only that, the credits from that AP exams can be transferred to your course in USA. This will save you both time and money, as you will not have to appear for the same subjects and exams ahead. However, it is very important to ask the university you are applying to, if the credits are at all transferable. Students can save as much as 4000$ for a course, by taking the AP Exams.
2. Study in USA with Scholarship:
As we have mentioned before, there is a number of scholarships available for the international students looking to Study in USA. While some of them are from universities, some of them are from the government, and some are from the entities that provide the scholarships. They can be merit-based or need-based. Every year, thousands of students successfully apply for these scholarships which help them not only with the tuition fees, but also their day to day living expenses depending on the scholarship.
3. Other ways to Help Yourself with Cost of Study in USA:
a) Assisting at the Universities:
The best way to earn some money on campus, is being a teaching or research assistant. These parts can earn you up to 4000$ a course. You can be a teaching assistant for 2 to 3 courses and pick one topic of your interest in assisting for Research.
b) Work While Studying:
After a year of study in USA, students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week in the field of study. Working while studying is one of the best ways to support yourself. It helps you with your tuition fees, and can help you with day to day expenses.
c) See where you can cut down:
Rent books from the libraries, cook your own food rather than eating out, and live a slightly down-scaled lifestyle. As we mentioned, the cost of living largely depends on the place you decide to stay in. Be smart about your finances, and by setting small goals and little modifications, you can save big
How to Apply for usa visa
- When you are accepted by the university or college, they will send you the I-20 form to be filled and apply for the student visa.
- In the next step, apply for an online DS-160 form for USA visa.
- Fill that form carefully and take a printout of the confirmation page to carry it to the visa interview.
- Pay the Fees for Visa.
- Schedule biometrics (a photograph is taken, fingerprints are scanned) and interview appointment.
- Give the interview. It will consist of questions related to the choice of your college, course, and intent to come back to your home country. If you pass the interview, the passport will be taken to get the Visa Stamped.
Working While Studying in USA
Working while studying is a big reason behind international students’ flocking to America to study. Although USA offers a large number of scholarships, sometimes to live a better life one needs more money. Various “earn while you learn” schemes, and also the general law of the land allowing international students to work while studying helps a lot in this regard.
Working After Graduation in USA
For many international students, this is the happiest part of studying in America. The country offers its students the opportunity to work even after their courses are over, for a stipulated period of time, after getting necessary permissions from the relevant agencies. Many international students stay on in America for a long time after their courses are over.
Employment Prospectus in USA
After completion of the study program, students with F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training. Shortly known as OPT, it is the most appealing option for the students who want to extend their stay in USA for 12-24 months
Moreover, in some cases, a few companies sponsor students for Temporary Workers Visa, if the student is working in that particular company.
For more information on the requirements to study in USA, or for the answers to your why and how, feel free to get in touch with us!
Know More About USA
The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world, and is the third most populous. It is a federal republic which comprises of fifty states, a federal district and five major self-governing territories. The capital of the country is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York. The U.S. territories are scattered about the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and they stretch across nine time zones. This shows how vast the country is. The United States is the founding member of the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. It is a highly developed country, and has the fastest growing economy.
Study in USA for Indian Students:
USA has been, and continues to be the most favourite study abroad destination for Indian Students. For year, the largest percentage of students going abroad choose USA. In fact, after China, Indian Students make the largest demographic of international students in USA. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, in the year of 2018, more than 210000 Indian students were studying in India across the Masters, Bachelors and PhD programs in the USA. Recently, EducatoinUSA Advising Centre was opened in India along with a dedicated mobile app.
Best Cities to live in USA
With 50 states and a great more number of metropolis cities all around the country, USA has a plethora of geographical and academic treasures for students to choose from.