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INTRODUCTION
The United States of America, the USA, the US, or just simply America a land of a million dreams and opportunities, awaits you to fulfill your dreams. For over two generations of Indians and other South Asians , the USA has been a dream destination; be it to study, to land a job, or to eventually immigrate and settle, the USA has been their first choice. As global dynamics change, the lure of living in the USA may have dimmed down a little, but the USA continues to remain a top-ranking 'study-abroad destination'. We at Uniguru, constantly innovate to offer you an excellent variety of services that help you find the perfect institution and course. Be it assisted applications, detailed course-listings, prospectus links, institution information, scholarships or the student community-centric Q&A forum, Uniguru guides you at every step.
This ebook has been designed with input from experts (Ms Biruda Virkud of iGradGlobal, Mr Richard Lasrado of the Education Abroad Counselling Centre and Mr Gigeo Sakkaryas of IMTP Consultancy Services) and various other credible sources. This ebook provides answers to various important questions asked by students aspiring to study in the USA.
We hope this ebook is useful in your endeavours to study in the USA and if you like it, dont forget to share it with your friends! All the best!!!
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CONTENT
Why should a student consider America as a study destination? What would be the average cost of education in the USA?
-6 -9
When does the academic semester start? Which is the best semester to apply? - 11 What are the main eligibility tests required to study in the USA? How to apply to universities in America? What is the process? Document list What you need to submit with your application? Financial support for studying in the USA - 13 - 15 - 17 - 19
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CHAPTER 1
There is not one, but a whole lot of reasons that make studying in the USA a great option: World-Class Institutions American institutions are renowned for their diverse teaching skills, which attract international students for higher education. As of 2012, there was a 31% increase in international students in American colleges and universities compared to the last decade. 64% of international students in the US are from Asia. Most of these students are from China and India. Credibility of Institutions Education and experience from an American institution has a good reputation in the international job market. American education noticeably develops a student's long-term career aspirations and the experience builds significant logic, confidence and cross-cultural skills. These qualities are highly appreciated by employers worldwide. Flexibility The American higher education system offers many choices within a programme and the opportunity to modify majors or select multiple specialisations. At an advanced stage of an undergraduate program, a student can alter the programme to meet detailed career objectives. At the graduate level students can create their own timetable and complete courses at ease within the stipulated time-frame.
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Work Opportunities The F1 Visa limits students allowing them to work a total of 20 hours a week on and off-campus, maintaining full-time status while attending school. Students graduating with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degrees are qualified to stay in the US for an additional 17 months upon completion of 12 months of OPT on an Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extension. Diverse Cultures America is a melting pot of different cultures. In fact, this sort of diversity is celebrated as an integral part of American heritage. This means that Indian students will find plenty of other Indian students on most campuses, and they'll also be introduced to a wide array of cultures during their studies.
Further Reading: Why is USA a Popular Study Destination? [Video] Top 10 Universities in the USA
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CHAPTER 2
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Average Tuition fee Undergraduate Studies Universities: US $28,500 per year Colleges: US $22,092 per year
Postgraduate Studies
Universities: US $38,665 per year Colleges: US $28,375 per year
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CHAPTER 3
When does the academic semester start every year? Which is the best semester to apply?
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Admission intakes Fall Semester September/October Spring Semester January/February Summer June/July
Application deadlines:
Usually, applications will need to be submitted three months before the start of programmes. However, each USA college or university will have its own rules. Since almost every college or university in the United States now has an official website, its very easy to check application guidelines, such as start and end dates. Fall is probably the best intake option for international students, for financial reasons (availability of scholarships) and because this time of year is the traditional time for students to go to college or University. When you choose the Fall intake, youll be able to enjoy lots of fun activities that are designed for freshman, such as orientations, social events and so on. Check out this expert video on admission intakes in the USA.
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CHAPTER 4
What are the main eligibility tests required to study in the USA?
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There are two types of eligibility tests A) Language B) Aptitude Language: Prospective students will have to prove their proficiency in English through standardised tests such as IELTS/TOEFL. Aptitude: Students aspiring to study an undergraduate course in the USA should write the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). For postgraduate applications, the aptitude test varies depending upon the course of interest. Some popular ones include GRE and GMAT. The full list of Aptitude tests can be found here. Students who take the TOEFL test are expected to get a minimum score of 80120, but a score of 100-120 would increase their chance of admission; meanwhile students who take the IELTS tests are expected to score 7-9. Similarly, a good score for the GRE would be 320-340, and for GMAT would be 700-800. Check this detailed expert video on different types of tests and minimum expected scores to study in the USA. Minimum scores will vary based on which schools you are applying to. At some schools, academic transcripts will also play an important role in whether or not a student from India is able to study in America, at his or her preferred school.
Further Reading: What is SAT/Scholastic Assessment Test? [Video] What is GRE/Graduate Record Examination? [Video] Is IELTS Mandatory to study abroad? [Video] What is TOEFL and how it differs from IELTS? [Video] What is GMAT/Graduate Management Admission Test? [Video]
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CHAPTER 5
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Applying to US colleges and universities is not as simple as applying to an Indian university. Most applications are online and students have a fairly wide window of time within which they have to complete their applications. Though admission procedures vary from one university to the next, most decide admission based on certain criteria: the student's course of study in high school, their high school Grade Point Average (GPA), contributions to and involvement in extracurricular activities, SAT or American College Testing (ACT) scores, any written essays and their personal interview. For postgraduate study, the applicants performance in recent undergraduate academics plays a key role. Each university will set their own application deadlines and fees, as well as admissions requirements. Fortunately, most application forms follow a similar format that allow you to reuse or adapt some of your application materials. Here is an expert video on step by step application process
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CHAPTER 6
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You will have to submit the following documents along with your application form: Academic certificates Competitive exam score sheets Statement of purpose Resume Letters of recommendation Passport size photographs Experience documents Achievement certificates[Awards] A copy of your passport
Once you have all the right documents, re-check it as many times as you want. Have attested copies of all the documents in a folder and arrange it according to the check list. This will help you organise your application better.
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CHAPTER 7
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In the United States international students are provided with scholarships from universities in various forms like tuition waivers, teaching assistance or stipend for research assistant
Tuition Waivers Tuition waivers are provided based on his/her past academics, entrance exam scores, technical portfolio, community service initiatives and extracurricular activities. This will offer a flat reduction on fees by 30% to 40%. Research Assistantship Students looking forward to do a PhD are provided with a research stipend and will also let the student work as a research assistant under a professor. Teaching Assistantship The students proficiency in English language could give him/her the opportunity to do teaching assistance. This gives you a chance to groom and mould the undergraduate students. Here is an expert video on funding options
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Apart from the scholarships offered by universities, students can look forward to scholarships offered by the government and non-governmental organisations in their home country. Scholarships for higher education in US are offered as a minimal or interestfree loan; study-grants are also offered to students. Financial assistance from India: The K.C. Mahindra Scholarship Fulbright Nehru Scholarship National Overseas Scholarship\Passage Grant Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Programme R.D. Sethna Scholarships Sahu Jain Trust Scholarships JN Tata Endowment Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships BD Bangur Endowment Scholarships Bharat Petroleum Scholarship
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Indian banks give a loan amount of up to 25 lakhs with a low interest. Repayment can be made after 6 months following your return. For the educational loan you will also need guarantors. If you know a person who is a permanent resident US or citizen, then getting an educational loan will be simpler.
After reaching the US - Part time jobs Students can work part-time for 20hrs/week during their classes and work full time during holidays and on weekends. As per the US rule, the minimum wage is on average $7.25 dollars per hour. Here is a video on part time jobs in the US. - Accommodation Once you get settled down with your course, consider living off campus, as this could cut a lot from your expenses which you have to pay (at least 25% of your university accommodation fees). With all these options available to you, you can manage your finances to study in the US with ease.
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CHAPTER 8
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In order to study in America, you must obtain a student visa. Here is the process:
Complete form DS-160 before the interview for your student visa
Print out the confirmation page with the barcode and pay the visa application fee with an approved bank
Make an online payment for the I-20 form, which is issued by the American institution affirming your enrolment
Pay the I-901 fee online through the U.S. Immigration and customs enforcement website
Fix an appointment for a student visa interview through the VFS website
Usually, these interviews happen at American embassies in home countries. Click here to know the complete process with embassy details. Further Reading: How to apply for a US student visa? [Video] Tips that will guarantee you a US student visa [Video]
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Passport, the I-20 form, the semester confirmation and visa appointment letter
Bank statements (your parents, your siblings and yours) Other financial documents - bonds, fixed deposits, shares, debentures and mutual funds The acceptance letter from the university youve applied to
If you have work experience, then appointment letters, salary slips & your relieving letters have to be shown next as proof to support your work experience
Finally your property documents have to be shown Watch this expert video on documents required for the US student visa
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