Study Guide to USA for International Students
Being a diverse country, the United States is the safest place for students, particularly from India. The US offers a very diverse range of higher education options compared to any other country in the world. With such wide options for learning opportunities, no matter what your ability or ambitions are, there will be some perfect course for you. Many of the universities in USA customize a few of their courses for international students as well.
Study in the USA for Indian Students
Indians are usually the top recipient of high-skilled H-1B visas and are also the second-largest community of international students staying in the US. The US government records claim that immigrants from India are better educated, more likely to have strong English language skills, arrive on employment-based visas. Many Indians work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Most Indian immigrants stay in California, Texas, and New Jersey.
Types of Higher Education Institutes in the USA
State School/college/University
The US comprises of 50 states, each state-run at least one university or college for providing quality higher education to students at low rates. These universities are funded by the respective state governments and are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. E.g. The University of California or Texas A&M University. Different schools have different selection criteria and students need to have a certain minimum percentage for admission to colleges in USA.
Private university/college
These institutions are run privately and are considered costly as compared to state schools.
Community Colleges
Community colleges offer two-year certification or associate degree which is transferable. Generally, Community college graduates transfer to universities or four-year colleges in order to complete their degree. They are allowed to transfer the credits which they have earned in the community college. Community colleges offer ESL courses or other programs which prepare students for studying university-level courses.
Technology Institutes
These are the institutes that provide four-year courses related to science and technology.
Liberal Arts College
Students pursuing a liberal arts degree focus on a subject of their choice, a 'major' but they are also required to take General Education courses in almost all of the other subjects offered. Liberal arts schools usually offer one expansive area of study whereas universities offer the same major in two or more degree areas. A student can major in Mathematics but can still choose an engineering career.
How to apply to US universities from India?
Those looking to pursue higher studies from abroad, generally prefer going to the USA. However, students are not aware of the appropriate application process for applying to universities in the USA. The application process will be the same for most of the universities, however, there must be a separate element for the application process for each of the universities. It varies between different study programs and levels.
Before applying students should know when to start the application process for US Universities? When are the deadlines? What are the intakes for US universities? When a student can go for studying there? These are some of the important things which students should know before applying to US universities. There are two main intake seasons of US universities fall and spring. Unlike India, universities in the USA follow a bi-semester system where an academic year is divided into two semesters. Students should decide which intake season they want to choose – fall or spring? Whether public or private universities have a set of rules for the application process, candidates should know the minimum percentage required for getting admission to masters in USA, as MS is the most popular course in USA.
These vary between study programs and levels. For each course, Indian students will need to meet a minimum English language requirement. Along with that a minimum academic record of 65% and above for humanities stream in class XII, and 70 - 80% and above for Science/Commerce stream in class XII will also be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured below 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program. (It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purpose, the actual numbers may differ from university to university.)
The following documents also need to be submitted:
Attested copies of mark sheets of class X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
At least, two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently. (Number of reference letters depends from university to university)
If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume
Essays (If demanded by the university)
Photocopied score reports of GMAT / GRE / IELTS / TOEFL
Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses and architecture programs)
Others (certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
Proof of funds
Timeline
Most of US colleges accept online applications. You will have to visit each college's website to apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and its stages through this account. Please refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.
Application fee: All colleges require that you pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ depending upon the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their application fee.
The common steps to apply for admission are as follows:
Search for colleges and courses
Contact schools and visit websites for information
Narrow down your list of schools
Take the entrance exams like SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS
Write SOPs and ask for LORs
Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
Appear for video interviews of the colleges that shortlisted you
If accepted, apply for a student visa
Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.
SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in the first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It needs to highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should reflect your personality as well.
LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the prospective student to recommend him to the college in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party could be a professor, direct manager, etc.
Intake seasons
There are two main intake seasons of US universities, the session starts mainly in September and January but some institutions have intakes in May, July, and October as well. The major intake season for the top courses in the US in September, while the minor intake season is January, which is meant for a fairly small number of courses.
You should start your admission process at least six months before the application deadline. Typically most universities have two deadlines, from October to January. It is up to the convenience of the students, which deadline to aim for. You should be done with your language and aptitude tests by three months before the deadline. The last 3 months should be dedicated to filling out the application form properly.
It is essential to ensure that the ‘complete application process’ along with appearing for interviews and visa application procedure should be complete by June or July for the September intake.
The main intake season for top colleges and courses is the fall season i.e. September. It depends on what course you are looking to pursue because many courses don’t have the January intakes.
If you are looking to get admission into vocational courses, then some courses may have admissions open in January and perhaps even May or July.