The United States of America is considered the pinnacle of higher education, making it an ideal destination for students wanting to study in the USA. It is not only economic power but also holds academic power and has always attracted students from all over the world. Due to its diversity and accommodating culture, the USA welcomes international students and offers them a welcoming learning environment. Universities in the USA make sure students have a positive academic experience and eventually develop into desirable candidates for companies.
The American education system is known for providing quality education to students as the universities here offer first-class education programs and a student-friendly environment to study. They are recognized universities and have a high reputation. There are several reasons why the USA is considered a top study destination for students. Some of the reasons include high quality of education, a stellar faculty, a flexible curriculum, networking opportunities, travel experience, and a lot of travel opportunities.
For students, studying abroad can be a compelling and life-changing experience. But choosing the right city and school in the USA is just as important. If you are an international student looking for advice on choosing a college to study in the USA, we will cover all the essential information on how to study in the USA and submit an application to USA colleges and universities in this guide.
Student Visa Requirements
All Indian students are allowed by the US government to study there, but you must first apply for a student visa. Your age and the kind of education you want to undertake in the USA will determine the sort of visa you require. Here is a summary of the three types of study visas and the prerequisites for each are listed below:
F-1 visa: This is the most popular type of visa for international students who want to pursue academic studies.
M-1 visa: This type of visa is available to students who want to pursue vocational education.
J-1 visa: This visa is required for participation in exchange programs by international students.
International students who want to study in the USA must first submit an application to a USA institution or university that is approved by the Student Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP). After acceptance, a Form I-20 will be delivered from the international student office of the relevant institute after paying the SEVIS fee. The form provided by the university offering admission must be shown at the USA embassy during the visa interview to receive a student visa for the USA. Students must also produce the same documentation when they arrive in the United States at the point of entry.
Documents required for a US student visa
You will typically require the following when requesting your student visa for the United States:
A valid passport will still be valid for at least six months after you visit the USA.
Acceptance at a school that holds SEVP approval and your Form I-20
Application fee payment for the SEVIS
Application for a non-immigrant visa and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
Your photograph in the requested format, and number
A Form I-20 and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application to USCIS if you choose Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Academic documents such as transcripts, degrees, certificates, or diplomas
Evidence that you have adequate funds to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in the USA. This might consist of Bank statements, A Sponsor’s financial commitment to pay for your lodging and living expenses.
Applying online for a student visa for the USA
You must submit your online student visa application through the website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India. You may submit your application up to 120 days before the program’s expected start date.
Cost of studying and living in the USA
The estimated average cost of studying in the USA will vary from student to student. The state that the student decides to study significantly impacts the overall cost of living. The cost of studying in the USA varies depending on the state the student decides to go to.
Tuition- The average annual tuition fee for studying in the USA varies depending on the university and the course. The expected annual tuition for courses in the arts, engineering, and law wie residence of the student. The expenditure is around $9,800 – $11,100 per year. ll range from $15,000 to $55,000, while the estimated annual tuition for courses in medicine and law will range from $25,000 to $68000. A bachelor’s degree in the USA costs around 8,000 – 35,000 USD /year and a Master’s degree in the USA costs around 10,000 – 35,000 USD /year.
Accommodation- Accommodation costs depend on the location of th
Food & Groceries- This will cost you around- On campus: $250 per month & Off-campus: $400 – $600 per month.
Health Insurance- Health Insurance will cost around $700 – $1,100 per year.
Transportation- It is advised that the students should budget at least $1000 for travel and transport.
However, the above costs merely provide an indicative cost of the expenses. Actual expenses may vary depending on a variety of criteria that apply on a case-by-case basis. The cost of studying in the USA can also be managed if the student applies for different scholarships available for the students. The cost of studying in the USA also depends on the student’s part time jobs. If a student is working part time while studying he might be able to reduce his financial burden.
Scholarships for International Students in the US
In the United States of America, pursuing higher education can be expensive. However, the country is also prepared to offer overseas students scholarships, making it affordable to study in the USA. These scholarships are designed to significantly lower the course fee and assist you in paying for your education in the United States. Some of the scholarships offered to students are:
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program- The scholarship is a part of the Fulbright programme, which seeks to recruit young and mid-career professionals from developing nations to the USA. It covers the living expenses, professional expenditures, and tuition fees in the form of a monthly stipend.
International Education Financial Aid- This is a summer scholarship programme for high school students known as IEFA, or International Education Financial Aid, is funded by Abbey Road Inc.
AAUW International Fellowships- This is a scholarship program made for women who wish to research and study in the USA.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship- Dhirubhai industries started this scholarship for students who wish to pursue MBA. This scholarship covers 80% of the tuition and course fees.
Some other scholarships in American Universities are:
ETS TOEFL Scholarship
Inlaks Research Travel Grants,
Tata Scholarships for Cornell University
Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Inlaks Scholarships to Study Abroad
Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship
Richmond Scholars Program
Mason Scholars
Sally Vick Hill Scholarship
Scholarships in the USA for Indian students can help them in minimising the financial load and can be a great source to freely explore the country without worrying about finances.
Intakes in the American universities
Universities in the US follow three intakes in a monthly frame:
Intakes to study in USA
ApplicationTimeline
Spring
January to May
Summer
Starts around May
Fall
September to December
List of the documents you should have when applying to US universities
10th and 12th marksheet
Provisional certificates and transcripts if you have completed a degree
IELTS, GRE, TOEFL or GMAT scoresheets
LORs
2-3 SOPs
Resume stating your curricular and co-curricular activities
ID proof
Visa
Passport
Other authentic documents and certifications
Additional Requirements for US Universities
Letter of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Resume/CV
Popular Courses for Students in America
Some of the popular courses in America are:
Computer Science and Information Technology- This is the most popular course in USA universities as it offers a broad range of specialisations such as Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Business Analytics, Health informatics Technology, Computer Engineering, Data Sciences, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering etc.
Business Management- The names Harvard, Wharton, and Columbia are enough to catch the attention of students who want to become successful business people.
Law- At law schools in the United States, students can choose to specialise in a variety of areas, including Environmental Law, Property Law, and Civil Law.
Humanities and Social Sciences- In universities all around the United States, psychology is a popular subject that has gained relevance over time.
Life and Biological Sciences- The largest biological hub in the world is thought to be in the United States. Students in this field have a variety of research options at American universities.
Top Universities in the USA
It’s usually a good idea to do some research first because the college or institution you decide to attend can have a significant impact on the rest of your life. To help you with this process here are some of the top ranked universities and IVY League Universities in the USA:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)– Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #1 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
Stanford University– Stanford University is one of the top private universities in Stanford, United States. It is ranked #3 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
Harvard University– Harvard University is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #5 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)– California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the top private universities in Pasadena, United States. It is ranked #=6 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
University of Chicago– University of Chicago is one of the top private universities in Chicago, United States. It is ranked #10 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
University of Pennsylvania– University of Pennsylvania is one of the top private universities in Philadelphia, United States. It is ranked #13 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
Princeton University– Princeton University is one of the top private universities in Princeton, United States. It is ranked #=16 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
Yale University– Yale University is one of the top private universities in New Haven, United States. It is ranked #18 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
Cornell University– Cornell University is one of the top private universities in Ithaca, United States. It is ranked #20 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
Columbia University– Columbia University is one of the top private universities in New York City, United States. It is ranked #22 in QS World University Rankings 2023.
General Exams Required to Apply for US University Admission
This section will outline the exams required to be eligible to study in the United States:
GMAT– The GMAT is an important part of the business school admissions process because it provides a standardised measure of a candidate’s academic abilities. Admissions committees use GMAT scores to compare applicants from different academic backgrounds and evaluate their potential for success in the program.
GRE- Students who wish to pursue an MA or MS in graduate studies must additionally take the Graduate Record Examination.
LSAT- The Law School Admission Test is a standardised test that applicants to law schools must take.
SAT– The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardised test that is commonly used for college admissions in the United States.
Most Popular Careers for Part-Time Jobs for Students
In the USA, there are several opportunities for students to work part-time. In order to lessen the financial cost of studying in the USA, the student must be willing to do part-time jobs. The following are a few of the most well-liked and lucrative part-time occupations in the USA:
Barista
Peer tutor
Server
Department Assistant
Teaching Assistant
On-Campus Tech Support
Delivery Person
Library Assistant
If you have exceptional soft skills and hard skills, the job prospects would certainly be brighter than that for an average individual.
To conclude, studying in the USA can be a life-changing experience and that is exactly why millions of students strive for this opportunity. With a world-class education system as well as a welcoming culture, The USA is a great destination for International students. This guide can be used by you as a starting point in order to help you navigate the application process and make your dream of studying in the USA become a reality.
To conclude, this blog covers the details and necessities of studying in the USA from student visa procedures to living costs and job options. Along with the academic exams needed for admission, we will also provide information on the best universities and courses to study at in the USA. So, let us get started!
We highly recommend that students seek out the aid of professional education agents and we at Silver Fern are always ready to cater to each and every need of our students in terms of making a successful admissions application, seeking out suitable accommodation and planning for future employment to make their overseas education memorable and fruitful.
I believe that wisdom and information amplify when shared with others. With more than 14 years of vast experience in tertiary education and having assisted a plethora of students in accomplishing their higher education dreams, I’d like to believe that my knowledge is substantial. To make this knowledge count, I love sharing it with students to apprise them of the intricacies of overseas education and to go with that, my keen interest in writing makes it an even more fulfilling thing to do!
almastokapoor3@gmail.com
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