Study In USA

The USA has consistently been the most popular international student destination for studying abroad. Students from India, China, and South Korea constitute a large part of the international student population in USA. High education standards, excellent post-study work opportunities, high standards of living, and diversity are some reasons that attract students to this country.

• The USA hosts more than 4500 accredited institutes and universities.
• Every year, the country welcomes more than a million international students.
• English is the medium of instruction across universities and schools in the USA.
• The visa acceptance rate across many leading USA universities is 80% and above.
• The USA has the maximum number of tech start-ups and entrepreneurs in the world.
• International students can work On Campus for 20 hours every week during the academic term.
• The country assures academic flexibility allowing students to combine various minors or majors and graduate with a double major.
• The course programs are developed to train students to acquire skill sets needed to excel and thrive in the competitive environment.
• The USA universities assure high employability. More than 50 USA universities appear in the Global University Employability Rankings. These universities conduct annual fairs, networking events, and have career development centers that help students to develop their employability prospects.
• There are several opportunities for Teaching, Research, and Graduate Assistantships in the USA.

1. Home to QS Ranked Universities

The number one reason USA is home to foreign study-abroad aspirants is the access to multiple highly ranked universities. Due to their value, attaining a degree from these universities can boost a student’s professional opportunities and create a good impression amongst top recruiters during job interviews. 

As per the QS World University rankings 2023, there are 202 USA universities mentioned. The top five include:

•  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Ranked 1)
•  Stanford University (Ranked 3)
• Harvard University (Ranked 5)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Ranked 6 ) 
•   University of Chicago (Ranked 10)

2. Good Salary Packages

Graduating from any USA university will give international students a valuable degree, leading to a good salary package. Based on their academics, achievements and experience level, students can avail the best salaries as per the current market. International students can also access good salary packages through placement opportunities since most US universities partner with reputed corporate brands. To name a few are Apple, Amazon, Tesla and more. 

3. Surrounded by Diverse Cultures

As per QS World University Rankings 2023, the top USA universities’ international-student ratio ranges from 55-90. USA has welcomed multiple students around the globe to pursue academic and professional opportunities at their elite educational institutions. Living amongst these diverse cultures helps you make friends from different cultures and establish better bonds. 

4. Budgetary University Choices

While you may have heard that USA is expensive on the pocket, you’ll be surprised to know that there are still affordable options to pursue your academics from here. The country has two types of universities, private and public. Private universities are defined by top names such as MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University and more. The fees here can be expensive, as they can go up to $100,000/year based on your degree and course choice. 

However, public universities have become a popular choice for pursuing academics. Since these universities are state-based, multiple public universities offer valuable education at an affordable price. Public universities such as the University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin, University of California, Berkeley are all popular examples. Pursuing academics in a public university can range from $32,000/year and can go up to $72,000/year based on the degree and course undertaken.

5. Action-Based Learning Experience

Have you wondered what makes USA a continuous choice to pursue higher education here? While quality of education makes it on the top list, their approach towards learning steals the spotlight. Most of the USA universities encourage practical learning rather than studying theoretical knowledge alone. 

Students can understand complex topics better when they work on practising them physically. Since USA universities have updated infrastructure and the latest technologies, students enjoy a more practical and insightful learning experience. 

In the USA, students attend universities and colleges to pursue higher studies after high school. They can enroll for the following programs:

• Undergraduate: Most bachelor degree programs span over four years and students are trained to enter a particular field. Many institutes such as Columbia University offer 2-3 programs, which are a combination of a career focused discipline and liberal arts course. These 2-3 programs are usually five year programs, where the student learns liberal arts for the first three years and undertake professional study in the last two years.
• Associate Degree: This degree course is equivalent to a diploma and is taken at an undergraduate level. The program duration is usually two years.
• Graduate: The master’s or MBA program duration generally lasts one to two years in the USA. If Indian students wish to seek admission to Graduate programs, they must submit their best GRE / GMAT score, letter of recommendation, work experience letter, statement of purpose, proof of financial stability, and immigration details.
• Doctorate and Research Programs: They last for a minimum 3-4 years and sometimes up to 8 years. Many universities offer direct admissions to PhD courses after Graduate degree.

As you prepare for your studies in the USA, it is important to understand the grading system followed in the country. The students are awarded grades based on letter and number scale. Most USA universities use four-point scale or the grade point average.

In the USA, the students get certain number of credit hours or semester hours. These semester hours are decided by the faculty and is often mentioned in the course schedule. The students can earn credits by attending the classes. The credit is decided based on the amount of information shared in the class and time spent on weekly assignments and classes by a student. These credit hours and credits are used to calculate their overall grade, which is also known as Grade Point Average or GPA. The GPA shows a student’s grades across semesters.

The GPA is indicated in alphabetical grading scale from A to F. The A is the highest grade and the F is the failing grade. The grades are averaged by the semester or year-end in numerical equivalent or grade point ranging from 0 to 4.

In USA, there are three types of educational institutes, characterized based on their infrastructure, curriculum, funding, & teaching. They are:
1. Public institutes – public colleges or universities
2. Private institutes – private colleges or universities
3. Community colleges

USA is home to some of the most world-renowned universities. Below is the list of the top universities as per QS Top University Rankings.

Although popular, the USA is one of the most expensive countries to study. The good news is that students can still dream of studying in the country at affordable prices! How? The answer is by seeking admission to public universities for higher studies like MS. These universities are state-funded and follow two tuition fee rates – one for state residents and one for international students. These universities may charge anything between $10,000 and $22,000 annually to international students for two semesters. Some private universities may have average annual tuition fees as high as $50,000, whereas some also charge average yearly tuition fees between $20,000 and $25,000. It is always best to check the university website to know the exact tuition fees before applying to them. The following list comprises some public and private universities that assure cost-effective education in the USA.

The process of admission involves several steps. The students must complete steps below meticulously to secure admission.

1. Choose your course wisely and make a list of 8-10 colleges offering the course.

2. Check the course and curriculum.

3. If you meet the criteria, you can apply online with all requisite documents.

4. Some universities may require you to undertake a 3rd party evaluation such as WES, Spantran, ECE. This evaluation may take 2 months.

5. Once the University has reviewed all your documents, they will start giving decisions. Some may have interviews as a part of evaluation process as well. They will inform you if you are admitted, rejected or waitlisted for further rounds.

6. You accept the admit and pay the security deposit to reserve your seat. Once you send the financial document, you get the i20 and then apply for visa.

Indian students wishing to pursue their higher education in the USA must satisfy eligibility requirements to be admitted to courses of their choice.

• For Undergraduate Courses: The student must have completed class 12 from any recognized university or college in their home country. They must submit the results of the English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS and SAT scores. 
• For Graduate Courses: The student must have completed 16 years of education from any recognized university in the home country. Some universities may accept 15 years of education. Many courses require students to submit their experience certificates. If applying for liberal arts, mathematics, and science-related subjects, the students need to submit their GRE scores. However, if applying to business schools, they may be asked to submit their GMAT scores.

In addition to the above, the students need to submit additional documents such as:

• Letter of Recommendation: This should be from a faculty member or your manager from a previous institute.
• Resume / CV: Most colleges and universities would require a professional resume.
• Statement of Purpose: The students must provide their statement of purpose describing their learning or achievement.

Spring Semester: This semester starts in January and lasts till May. If you are eyeing this semester, let’s look at this timeline.

• February – March: Shortlist the colleges and courses.
• April – June: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT. Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.
• July – August: Submit your scores and documents to the university.
• September – October: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
• November – December: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
• January: Get ready to start your new semester in the US!

 

Fall Semester: This semester starts in August and lasts till December. If you are eyeing this semester, let’s look at this timeline. 

• April – July: Shortlist the colleges and courses.
• May – September: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT. Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.
• October – Feb: Start applying at the shortlisted universities.
• January – July: Await your admission offer or letter of acceptance.
• April – July: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
• August: Get ready to start your new semester in the US!

 

Summer Intake: This semester lasts for two months, starting in June and ending in July. Many summer programs are conducted during this semester. If you are eyeing this semester, let’s look at this timeline.

• April- August: Shortlist the colleges and courses
• September – November: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT. Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.
• November- January: Submit your scores and documents to the university
• February – March: You will receive acceptance letters from the university
• April-May: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
• May: Get ready to start your new semester in the US!

Here we have included the average annual cost of education in USD ($). Actual values may differ across cities and universities in the USA.

There are three types of student visas to study in USA. They are:

• F Student Visa: This visa is essential for students seeking admission to accredited USA colleges or universities.
  • F-1 Visa: This is required for full-time students.
  • F-2 Visa: This is required for dependents of F-1 visa, including their spouses and unmarried children below 21 years.
  • F-3 Visa: This is required for students living in Canada and Mexico who may be staying in their home countries, while pursuing their full-time or part-time program in the USA.
• J Exchange Visa: This visa is for students participating in educational exchange programs. During this program, the student may remain enrolled in their university, college, or school, while attending a study program in any accredited USA study institution.
  • J-1 Visa: This visa is for exchange students attending a particular exchange program.
  • J-2 Visa: This visa is offered to dependents of J-1 visa holders.
• M Student Visa: This visa is for students applying for non-academic, vocational training in the country.
  • M1 Visa: This visa is for students wishing to pursue non-academic or vocational studies in the USA.
  • M2 Visa: This visa is for the dependents of M-1 visa holders.
  • M3 Visa: It is awarded to students living in Mexico and Canada who may be pursuing non-academic or vocational studies in USA universities.

If you are an Indian student wishing to study in USA, you may require a student visa. Applying for a student visa is a long and tedious process, which may last 4-6 months before your course starts. The following are the stages of applying for a student visa.

• Check if the school or university you wish to join is approved under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Next, apply to the SEVP-approved institution at least 6 to 12 months before the course starts.
• Once you receive an admit and finalize the university, you will receive a I20 form. This form is important to apply for a student visa.
• Pay the SEVIS fee online 4-5 days prior the USA visa application. You can check the information through the USA Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP official website.
• Fill the CGI Federal form and book an appointment at the embassy.
• Pay the MRV fee or visa application fee.
• Schedule and attend the visa interview. Check the consulate or embassy website to check all documents to be carried to the interview.

The USA boasts of one of the highest numbers of world-class universities. These universities are located in some student-friendly cities, enriched with natural and architectural wonders, and assure quality of life for students. The following are some of the best student cities to live in the USA.

Most undergraduate and graduate programs in the US require the results of English proficiency tests and standardized tests. This section offer insights on some of the popular language proficiency and standardized tests undertaken by international students every year.

1. American College Test (ACT): This standardized test is conducted by universities and colleges in the United States to admit students to undergraduate courses. This test measures a student’s readiness for college and is administered as a paper-and-pencil test.

2. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): This test is taken by school juniors and /or seniors applying to universities and colleges in the US. The test is conducted internationally six times in a year by the College Board. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil and paper test created to test the student’s readiness to attend a college.

3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): This English language proficiency test is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and offered as computer-initiated test. This test helps understand the language abilities of non-English speakers in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

4. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): The GMAT score is required to secure admission to MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) programs in the USA.

5. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): GRE is an official prerequisite for technical master’s degrees in the USA like MS, MCA, MTech, MSC, MBA, etc.

6. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): This is the primary admission test for medical schools in the USA.

7. Optometry Admission Testing Program (OAT): This is the standardized test conducted by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry to test the proficiency of students applying for optometry-related courses.

8. Law School Admission Testing Program (LSAT): This test is conducted by the Law School Admissions Council in the USA and is the primary admission test for law schools.

9. Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT): This is the primary admission test for dental schools in the USA.

10. Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT): Clearing this admission test is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to pharmacy courses in the USA.

11. IELTS: This is a popular standardized English proficiency test undertaken by students wishing to study in the USA. It tests their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

12. Duolingo: This test is usually undertaken by students as an alternative to ELP tests -IELTS and TOEFL and is an online adaptive test. Many universities in the US accept this test.

The USA is one of the most expensive countries to study. Indian students with good academic records can apply for the following scholarships to cover the tuition fees and living costs fully and partially.

• Students with F-1 visa who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s program can apply for 12-month stay extension for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Students pursuing STEM courses can extend the visa for additional 24 months via STEM OPT extension.
• Students on M-1 or J-1 Visa can apply for a work visa within a month of their course completion.

In the US, the students can work on-campus for 20 hours during a semester and 40 hours during session breaks. The following are a few popular on-campus jobs available for students.

On-campus Jobs:

• Teaching assistant
• Barista
• Peer mentor or tutor
• Academic department assistant
• Library assistant
• Administrative office assistant
• Campus tech support
• Receptionist
• Research study assistant
• Catering assistant

Any type of employment, which is not recognized by the university is known as an off-campus job. Students on an F-1 visa cannot take up off-campus jobs. Even if the student wishes to take up any such job, then the university’s permission must be sought. The university or study institutions will give some waiver if a student offers valid reasons to take up off-campus employment. Some popular job roles taken by students are:

• Tourist guide
• Language translator
• Interpreter
• Store associate

This section features the highest paying careers in the USA along with their annual average salaries.

1.  Computer Science: Software engineer, application developer, technology support specialist, software quality assurance (SQA) engineer, software developer (USD $ 71,866 – $131,497)

2. Engineering: Chemical engineer, civil engineer, electrical engineer, materials science and engineer, construction engineer (USD $68,562 – $95,000)

3. Mathematics and Statistics: Data analyst, data scientist, actuarial analyst, data engineer (USD $65,000 – $119,000)

4. Business and Marketing: Digital marketer, social media marketer, content marketer, channel development executive (USD $64,651 – $282,100)

5. Finance: Investment banker, finance analyst, insurance and financial advisor, actuary (USD $70,677- $114,832)

Your income would depend on your knowledge, skills, and the type of organization you work for.

If you have been planning your higher studies in USA, you may have several questions in mind on studying and living there. This section answers some common questions that students may have in mind.