Study in USA

The American education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public (or government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling (or their equivalent) may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the American education system and obtain a quality American education. Perhaps one of the most impressive facts is the large number of presidents, prime ministers and leaders from other countries who have experienced the American education system and graduated from a university or school in the USA. In many fields and industries, the American education system offers the most cutting-edge, sought-after programs at the world's best schools. That is why graduating from an accredited American school and being exposed to the rigors of the American education system is an investment in your future.

The United States is a favored destination for thousands of students from the nation for their further studies. There are several reasons for that.. Firstly, it has one of the most advanced systems of education in the world. The other reasons are the affordable fees, easy and transparent visa processing and the abundance of superb research and employment opportunities.

The United States is the home for Universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford and Cornell, to name just a few. These universities and others set very high standards for themselves and their students. The United States is also the venue of most of the cutting edge research and development in the world. Combined with the strong economy and the huge industrial base, it is almost an irresistible choice for most students contemplating further studies abroad. Most schools in the United States operate rotational semesters. There are 3 entry dates. Spring (January/February): This is perhaps the most important entry date with the largest intake and the most scholarships on offer.

Visa Procedure

The procedure of obtaining a student visa for the United States is relatively easy and stress-free.

The steps are outlined below:

 Research colleges and decide which one(s) you would like to attend.

 Send completed admission forms and all required documents to the college of your choice before the deadline

 Receive your I-20 (INS forms) from the college

 Compile your documentation for the Embassy interview

 Submit the visa application form and SEVIS fee to the consular section and obtain your interview confirmation ticket.

 Take your interview.

Admission Process - USA

Studying in the US can involve the following:
 

Test: Appearing for your tests like GMAT / GRE / SAT / TOEFL / IELTS. You must know which test is applicable for you and should appear for it timely
 

University Selection: Selection of right course at the right Universities is the key since US has over 4000 Institutions and every application costs money (like

1. application fees which can be between $ 50 to $ 150 in most cases,
2. courier charges (of sending your application documents to each University which could be Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 per School),
3. Sending your GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT II subject test scores to each University, where applicable).

This can be as much as spending Rs 6000 to Rs 7000 per University while only making applications. 

Editing Essays and Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose): US Schools often will have typical essays as a requirement especially for undergraduate studies and MBA. Many MS (Masters) courses in the USA also have this as a requirement. If not, at least a Personal Statement (popularly known as SOP) is compulsory. To add, remember scholarship essays are very important too and can get you better value for your studies.
 

 Financial Documents: You need to gather the correct financial documents (may include bank statement, bank balance certificate, solvency certificate) while applying to US Schools. They need to check if you have adequate finances to join them and live in the US. Generally, the liquid and other assets you must show through appropriate documentation should be equivalent to your total cost of studying in the US (tuition + living) for the total course duration.
 

 Scholarship Application: USA has been generous in providing scholarships to deserving students. Rather, should we say that most students who apply to the right US Colleges and Universities will secure some kind of scholarship, or bursaries, or even financial aid. Ensure that you are aware of any scholarship and funding announcements in Advance.

Sending Applications: Making out online or paper applications and sending the correct documents is the key if the University should have any intention of giving you admissions. Remember, US Universities have deadlines and documentation must reach the admissions office in time.

Liaising with Universities and Securing Admission Decision: You must track the progress of your applications. Many Universities email you about some requirements and the chances are you would not check your emails, there is a chance of losing your Admission.

 Final Decision: Once you have collected your I-20s from the Universities you have applied to, it’s time to make the final decision. Sometimes these decisions have to be taken even when you are awaiting a reply from some Institution. You must make this timely decision.

GENERAL INFORMATION UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Why USA:

The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with over 700,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience in the United States. Nearly 4% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing.

Study in USA:

USA offers the world’s most flexible education system. Each University can determine the content of the program and admission standards. Transfer of credits is possible ensuring smooth lateral movement i.e one can change from one Institution to another. Students can decide their area of specialization and US has it on offer

There are many reasons that students like to come to the USA to study at the undergraduate and graduate level

1.      Academic Excellence: At the undergraduate level, excellent programs exist in traditional disciplines, as well as in professional fields. At the graduate level, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest minds in their field of study, with the chance to become involved with exclusive research and educational opportunities. U.S. degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence.

2.      Variety of Educational Opportunities: The United States is home to several thousand colleges and universities. Some universities stress broad educational principles; others emphasize practical, employment-related skills; and specialize in the arts, social sciences or technical fields. There is vast options and educational opportunities As a result, the higher education system in the U.S. very special to everyone.

3.      Progressive Technology: Universities in the U.S. give importance to themselves on being at front of technology, research and techniques, and in making the best possible equipment and resources available to their students. Even if your field does not directly involve science or engineering, there will be opportunities to become skilled in using the latest technology to conduct research, as well as obtain and process information.

4.      Ample Opportunities: There is ample opportunities to gain Valuable experience through teaching and/or research while you help to Finance your Education.  Particularly graduate students. Many graduate programs offer training and teaching opportunities that enable students to become teaching assistants to undergraduates and/or research assistants on special projects exploring different aspects of their field of study.                                                                                                             International students are some of the most valued teachers and researchers in U.S. universities because they bring new skills and ideas to the classroom and library or laboratory. This practical component of your education will prove useful in your future career, and may give you insights into your field that would not be possible through course study alone.

When do semesters start in the US?

US Universities offer two main semester intakes: There are usually 3 Semesters in a year but most universities in the U.S. accept applications only two times in a calendar year for the Fall and the Spring semesters of the academic year. Also, some universities only entertain applications for the Fall semester. The application process for the Fall semester usually starts one year before your joining during October and ends on December or January.

Fall Semester (August-October):

This is the main intake and almost all programs are offered at this times. More financial aid is also available for this semester and as funding is allocated for the entire year during this time

Spring Semester (January/February):

This is the mid-year intake. There is limited financial assistance available for this semester as most universities allocate funds to projects in the Fall semester

Summer semester (May/June)

The period from mid May to mid August is called as the Summer semester. The Summer quarter consists of 10 to 12 weeks. Some Universities do NOT give admission for the Summer semester.

University Deadlines:

·        Fall: To apply to top universities (A, A+) apply by Nov/Dec of the previous year. A-, B, B+ or C+ Grade Universities deadlines will be around in Feb/March of the same year.
Some C- , D Grade universities will have deadlines of June / July for Fall admissions.

• Spring: To apply to top universities (A, A+) apply by March/April of the Same year. A-, B, B+ or C+ Grade Universities deadlines will be around in July/August of the same year.
  Some C- , D Grade universities will have deadlines of Oct / Nov for Spring admissions.
• Summer: Usually deadlines are by March of the year.

Grading System

The GPA system is followed throughout the United States to judge student's performance. It is graded on the scale of 0 to 4. Following is the evaluation of GPA (for reference)

>4 >A = High Achievement

>3 >B = Satisfactory

>2 >C = Minimum Passing

>1 >D = Fail

Types of degree

Masters Degree:

The duration of Masters level courses may range from a year to two depending on the university and the area of specialization. In general, most Masters level courses in the USA are two years, which students can also finish in a little over 18 months, should they utilize their vacations studying additional credits early.

Usually, USA requires 16 years of education for Masters (especially MS). However, many MBA programs have started accepting students with 15 years education (like BA, BSc, BCom). Exams required to apply for Masters are GMAT for management related subjects; GRE for arts, science or any other subjects; TOEFL or IELTS test for admission

Doctorate:

Very commonly known as PhD or Research. Duration of this course may range from 3 years to 5 years. Students can take admission for a PhD only after completion of their Masters degree and in exceptional circumstances; some Universities may wish to take on students without Masters. Students wishing to pursue PhD need to submit a research proposal as well have to appear for GRE or GMAT and TOEFL or IELTS exams for admissions

Education Cost

Isn't this the first aspect that comes to your mind when you think about studying in the USA? Indeed you must add up a list of costs when you decide to study in the USA. Before you go into details, remember that education is an investment and students have done brilliantly in the USA, not only recovering costs but have even made Better fortunes.

 Cost of studying in the US can be divided in to three categories 

1.      Cost of Application (including academic entrance tests)

2.      Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

3.      Other Costs (like insurance, visa fee, air ticket, etc.)

Cost of Application:

a. Application Fees: $50 to $150 per University

b. Courier Charges: Rs 1200 to Rs 1500 per University (US Universities need hard copies of your authenticated documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.)

c. Academic Test: Academic entrance examinations will cost you around $100 to $200 per examination, and most students take at least 2 tests. Assume that you will be spending at least $500 on tests

d. Score Reporting: Test scores like GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS have to be reported by the testing agencies (like ETS), which may cost up to $ 20 per University (an average cost for reporting scores of all tests you may have taken)

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses:

 Tuition Fees

In the USA, tuition fee largely depends on whether you plan to study at a Public or Private Institution (refer to the difference between public and private Institutions here).

Estimated tuition fee (per year):

Private Institution: $15000 to $30000 per year. At some Universities, it could go beyond $ 40000 per year

Public Institution: $10000 to $20000 per year

Community College: $8000 to $12000 per year

Note: The tuition fee is different for different universities and varies widely with courses and popularity of the Institution. It can vary from as low as $ 5000 per year for some private universities.

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Living Expenses

Estimated Living Cost: $10000 to $12000 (per year). An average of $700 to $1000 per month should be considered as safe

This includes your accommodation (room and board), travel, food, some books, some clothing and may be some entertainment expense too.

Please find below a range of costs that have been considered while estimating the above listed living expenses:

a. Books and study materials will cost $500 to $1000 approximately per academic year

b. Travel costs within the US will be between $300 and $700 approximately

c. Room and Board will cost between $3000 and $7500 approximately per year. Allow an additional $1000 to $2000 for vacation periods when the dormitory might be closed

d. If you will be living off campus, the cost of renting an apartment will be between $300 and $600 a month, but could be much higher contingent on the location of the school. Meals should cost about $2500 a year, assuming that you do not fancy too many outings

e. Clothing will cost $500 or more annually (if you go to cold place, you better buy some clothes that suit their weather; otherwise you may shiver)

f. Personal expenses will cost around $2000 approximately per year

The College Board publishes college costs, required admissions tests, and other useful information in The International Student Handbook of US Colleges

OTHER COSTS:

Air tickets: $500 to $2000 (depending when you finish your admission process and / or book tickets)

Health / Medical Insurance: $300 to $500 per year per person

Car: If you wish to buy a car, assume that it will cost you around $4000 a year

Family Member: If you take along other family members with you, assume that your annual expenses will increase about 15% or $5000 approximately for each additional family member

Remember: US Universities offer scholarships, bursaries, financial assistance. If you apply timely and have other factors working your way, you can be in for some luck.