Study in USA

About USA

  • Location : North America bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean between Canada & Mexico
  • Area : 96,31,418 square kilometers
  • Population : 29,65,00,000 (est.) (3rd largest)
  • Industries : Dairy, Automobile, Education etc
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  Education Structure:

1. The education system in United States is quite different from the one offered in our country. There is no federal or central education system in USA . Degree-granting institutions in the United States can be called as universities, colleges, schools or institutes.

2. As a general rule, colleges tend to be smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while a university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.

3. The educational institutions in USA can be state funded of privately funded. State universities: are founded and subsidized by U.S. state governments (for example, California , Michigan , or Texas ) to provide low-cost education to residents of that state.

4. State universities tend to be very large, with enrollments of 20,000 or more students, and generally admit a wider range of students than private universities. Tuition fees tend to be higher at private universities than at state universities, but there is no distinction made between state and non-state residents and the number of enrollments tends to be lower than those in state universities.

5. The bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. The associate degree usually takes two years to complete. One of the most attractive features of the bachelor’s degree program in the United States is that it is highly flexible. You can usually choose from a wide variety of courses and create your own unique program of study.

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  Comparison with Indian Education System:

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  Why Study in USA?

1. American society is enormously diverse and complex. Important differences exist between geographical regions, between rural and urban areas, and between social classes. In addition, the presence of millions of immigrants who came to the United States from all corners of the world with their own culture and values adds even more variety and flavor to American life.
2. Nearly 600,000 students from all over the world came to the United States last year to study at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Without a doubt, America offers very high quality post secondary education. There are more than 4,000 public and private colleges, community colleges and universities in the USA, including over 600 public four-year colleges and universities and over 1,650 private four-year colleges and universities.


  Application Procedure:

1. Application Form: All students would have to fill up an application form mentioning all mandatory details that the University asks for. Application can be done online or forms can be downloaded from the university website.
2. Application Fee : Students are also required to pay application fees while submitting their application forms. The fee could vary from US$35-US$100 depending upon the University that one is applying to. This fee can either be paid online with a valid credit card or through a draft(in US dollars) of the same amount.
3. Admission can be secured in two ways:
On the SpotThe faculty from various departments of respected universities and institutions often conduct interviews at various locations in the student’s home country. The student can apply for admission during such on-the-spot interviews and save on application fees and time. The student is normally given a conditional letter of offer. The letter of offer assures admission to the stipulated programme at the university subject to successful compliance with the requirements stated in the letter
By correspondence The student can also apply for admission by sending the requisite documents (including the application fee) through post to respective department of the university he/she wishes to apply to. A student normally gets reply within a few weeks time.

The following documents are required for Admission
1. Resume: A resume enables the admissions committee to get an overall view of one’s educational background, work experience, hobbies and other extracurricular activities. This document is mandatory for all students applying to master degree programs and management studies.

2. Statement of Purpose (SOP): While applying to a university in USA, SOP is a critical part of the application packet. A well written SOP can play a pivotal role in securing admission.

3. Recommendation Letters: Normally each university requires three recommendation letters with each application. These recommendation letters should be written and signed by your former professors and teachers that have interacted with you during your academic time and have recommended you to the school in the USA

4. Test Scores: Depending upon the course that a student opts for, one needs to take GRE/GMAT/SAT. The SAT score is used to make the admission decisions for undergraduate applicants. All U.S. business schools require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for admissions into a Management program. Some universities may waive the GMAT score if the student has extensive work experience. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is for students who wish to pursue Master’s program (except a management programme) in the U.S. All international students whose native language is not English need to provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

5. Transcripts: Transcript is a summary of the candidate’s academic performance. Both transcripts and mark sheets are needed for admission and they must be certified by the school or the college one has studied in. If the student has obtained a degree, then a copy of the degree certificate must also be enclosed. Transcripts are generally given to the student from the institute/university he/she passed out from.

6. Financial Documents: The financial documents are an assurance to the university that in case, the school does not offer any financial aid the applicant would be in a position to support his/her education during the course of study. The financial documents required are the bank letter and the financial affidavit.


  Applying for VISA:

Most international students who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S.

F-1 or Student Visa.
This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States . It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.
M-1 or Student Visa.
This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training, such as associate or diploma courses, at any institution in the U.S. they are normally issued for short term program of study.
J-1 or Exchange Visitor.
This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The “J” visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs.

The High Commission must be given assurance on the following issues:

  • One is going for serious academics
  • Proficiency in English
  • Sufficient Finance
  • Intention of return


  Documents required for applying VISA:

1. 10th, 12th, Diploma, Bachelors, Masters & other academic Mark sheets
2. TOEFL and SAT/GRE/GMAT score sheets: You need to submit the entrance scores for the purpose of visa
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP).
4. I – 20[acceptance letter from the university]
5. Letters of other offers & rejections
6. Financial affidavit
7. Passport
8. Financial documents
9. Statement of Assets
10. SEVIS receipt. (SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the system used by the US government to track all F and J visa holders.)


  Funds:

Living Expenses The approximate monthly living expenses are about $500, which includes accommodation as well as other daily expenses. However, the expenses are different for different people depending on the lifestyles and the location and this is just a rough idea. About $500 per month is a good estimation. Most people can survive with $400-$450 a month. The key here is to share apartments/houses so that you save on the utilities, fixed charge portion of phone and to some extent on groceries.

University Type Average Tuition Fees (annual in U.S. Dollars)
Private Institutions (High Cost) $ 25,000
Private Institutions (Low Cost) $ 15,000
State Institutions (High Cost) $ 20,000
State Institutions (Low Cost) $ 10,000

 Job Opportunities:

PART TIME

An International student going to USA can work 20hrs a week on-campus during semester and full-time during holidays. Part time jobs on campus are easy to get with prior planning and you can earn around $650 a month. If you work full time during your holidays you can earn around $2000 a month.