There is no doubt the USA is still a popular destination for international students due to the high number of top-ranking universities and colleges. They are known for their academic excellence and the research opportunities offered to the students with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology. The curriculum emphasizes developing the individual's critical thinking and innovative approach through practical learning. They have a vast array of universities and institutions from IVY league to arts colleges where you will find numerous programs that aligns with your academic interests.
Like any other country, universities in the USA offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs for international students. The curricula offered by these universities are indeed dynamic and equip the students to face the challenges of the global market and hence the qualification they get is highly valued in the global job market. The students are industry-ready with technological proficiency as the curricula involve applying all the latest tools and technologies and encourage students to keep updated with the latest trends.
How to get admission to top universities in the USA
Apart from brilliant academic performances, universities may require students to have achieved a good score on the other entrance exams to get admission. For undergraduate students' SAT or ACT scores matter along with English language proficiency level, and for masters, either GRE or GMAT scores with language level scores are assessed before considering their application. The scores of these exams will surely help in enhancing your student profile. However, universities take a holistic approach to the admission process. Apart from the academics and the high scores in your entrance exam, they also consider other factors like personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other non-academic activities that the students are engaged in or other hobbies students have that can help the profile stand out.
What program to choose at universities in the US
When choosing the right program that aligns with your academic interest and goals, it is imperative to have a thorough understanding of the university you are going to, like its location, reputation of the university, the accreditation of the program and the faculty's contribution to the field. We can give you a few tips on choosing a program and the university. Many of these universities have an application fee to apply for a program. Choose only those programs for which you are eligible to apply. It is ideal to apply to three or four programs of your interest as getting admission to a university is highly competitive.
Bachelors
If you are going for a bachelor's program, there are many options to choose from, and you can apply to any program that interests you. Research the career opportunities in the particular field and the demand for professionals in that area. You can also choose multiple disciplines that can give you a broader skillset. The bachelor's program in the US is four years.
Masters
If you are preparing for the master's, we can help you with a few tips in choosing the right program. Masters in the US is generally of two years. Always look for a stem-designated program as they are in demand. If you have completed your four-year graduation, we encourage you to go for MS and choose an MBA only if you have work experience as universities abroad do expect the student to gain two to three years of work experience before applying for the MBA. Ensure that the program and the university you want to study are accredited. Research whether the university has enough research opportunities and industry connections to help you in connecting with people.
Offer Letter
Students admitted to the program will get a conditional or unconditional offer letter from the university stating clearly the conditions under which they can issue the 1-20. One of the conditions will be satisfying the financial requirement. The student will have to show financial evidence for meeting tuition fees and living expenses. This has to be in the form of an education loan sanction letter or liquid funds in the form of savings or FD in any of the parent's bank accounts. Please contact your consultant who will explain to you in detail regarding the funds required for your student visa. You must receive an i20 from the university to apply for your student visa.
Studying in the US is an opportunity to broaden your skills and enhance your employability in the job market. However, you are encouraged to research and understand the challenges that come your way, like the high tuition fees, high cost of living and other expenses incurred in your study abroad journey.
The above information gives only a basic idea for the students as the right choice depends on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact an education consultant or connect with the alumni to get in-depth information about the specific program and the university.
There are different types of student visa for US.
The most common one is the F1 visa for international students who want to apply for a regular full time program at a university in the US.
M1 is for students who want to pursue vocational or non academic studies like technical training or vocational studies.
J1 visa for students who go on an educational or cultural exchange program.
F2 and M2 visas are for the dependent of F1 and M1 respectively.
Part Time Job Opportunities for international students
Universities provide both OPT and CPT to their students to gain practical experience in their field of study. They also provide on campus employment for international students.
Optional Practical Training ( OPT)
OPT is provided for international students. They can work up to 12 months in their field of study after completing their program. Students must receive approval from the US citizenship and immigration services. Students on a stem-designated program may be eligible to extend their OPT period for another 24 months.
Curricular Practical Training ( CPT)
CPT is a practical training program that is integral to the curriculum. The student can work twenty hours or more during the duration of the program. There is no specific time limit. However, it has to be completed before the course duration. The approval for CPT usually is reflected in the i-20 form. The CPT is considered as a part-time employment. If the student is engaged in full-time employment during the study hours and work for 12 months, they may not be eligible for the OPT program.
Intakes
In the US, there are three intakes in a year. The academic year is divided into two semesters. Fall and spring.
Fall Intake: This is the major intake in the US. Almost all the programs are opened for this intake and international students can apply for all the programs. The intake starts in either August or September
Spring Intake: The intake starts in January. Students who don't receive the academic documents for the particular fall intake can apply for the following January intake.
Summer Intake: This is a small intake starting in the month of May or June. Only limited programs are available for this intake.
Studying in the US is an opportunity to broaden your skills and enhance your employability in the job market. However you are encouraged to research and understand the challenges that come your way, like the high tuition fees, high cost of living and other expenses incurred in your study abroad journey.
The above information gives only a basic idea for the students as the right choice depends on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact an education consultant or connect with the alumnii to get in-depth information about the specific program and the university.
You can find additional information in these websites.
Education USA: https://educationusa.state.gov/
Study in the USA: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov