STUDY IN USA

General Information:

The United States of America is the third-largest country in both size and population.
It is a constitution-based Federal Republic located in North America.
The USA shares borders with Canada, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
It consists of 50 states, a federal district (Washington, D.C.), and five major self-governing territories.
The currency is the US Dollar, the capital is Washington, D.C., and the largest city by population is New York City.

Iconic Landmarks:

Some iconic landmarks in the USA include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Space Centre, Hoover Dam, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Geography:

The USA stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Mount McKinley in Alaska is the highest point, and Death Valley in California is the lowest point.
The country features diverse landscapes including forests, swamps, farmlands, beaches, deserts, mountains, and abundant vegetation and wildlife.
The Appalachian Mountains are in the East, and the Rocky Mountains are in the West.
The USA has over 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams, including the Mississippi River.

Climate:

The USA has a varied climate and is divided into seven main regions with distinct weather patterns.
Regions include New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southern, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, and Pacific Coastal.
The overall climate is moderate, but the southern part tends to be warmer than the north.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally cooler months.
Summers (June to August) are hot, while winter is from December to February.
The Pacific Coastal region (California, Oregon, and Washington) has an oceanic climate with mild winters.
The Rocky Mountains region has a semi-arid climate with dry conditions.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING IN USA

Studying in the USA indeed offers numerous benefits, and you’ve highlighted some of the key advantages. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the benefits of studying in the USA:

World-Class Education: The USA is home to many prestigious universities and colleges known for their academic excellence. Degrees earned from these institutions are highly respected and recognized worldwide, which can open doors to global career opportunities.
Flexibility in Education: The American higher education system is known for its flexibility. Students often have the freedom to choose a variety of courses and design their own educational path, allowing for interdisciplinary studies and personalized learning experiences.
Vibrant Campus Life: US universities offer a rich campus life experience. They provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and cultural events, fostering personal growth, networking, and a diverse community.
Research and Training Opportunities: The USA is at the forefront of innovation and research. International students have access to cutting-edge technology, labs, and research facilities, allowing them to engage in groundbreaking research and gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest.
Top-Quality Faculty: Many renowned professors and experts in various fields teach at US universities. Learning from these top educators can enhance students’ knowledge and skills, making them highly competitive in the job market.
Employability: Graduates from US institutions are often viewed as well-rounded and highly employable. The combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and soft skills acquired during studies makes them attractive to employers worldwide.
Cultural Diversity: The USA is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. Studying in such a diverse environment promotes cross-cultural understanding and tolerance, which is valuable in today’s globalized world.
English Language Proficiency: Studying in an English-speaking country like the USA can significantly improve your English language skills, which is a valuable asset in international business and communication.
Networking Opportunities: The connections and networks you build during your studies in the USA can be beneficial throughout your career. You can interact with peers, professors, and industry professionals, which can lead to valuable collaborations and opportunities.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many US universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students, making it more affordable to pursue higher education in the USA.
Cultural Experiences: Living in the USA allows students to experience a diverse range of cultures and lifestyles. Exploring different regions and meeting people from various backgrounds can be an enriching life experience.
Post-Study Options: The USA provides various post-study options, including Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in their field of study for a specified period after graduation, contributing to their professional development.

Overall, studying in the USA can offer not only a world-class education but also personal growth, career opportunities, and a broadened perspective on the world. It’s important to research specific universities and programs to find the best fit for your academic and career goals.

Universities & Colleges in USA

Adelphi University

American University

Arizona State University

Arkansas State University

Auburn Montgomery

Auburn University

Baylor University

Bradley University

California Lutheran University

California State University-Monterey Bay

California State University-San Bernardino

Capitol University

Christian Brothers University

Cleveland State University

Colorado State University

Florida International University

Florida Polytechnic University

George Mason University

Harrisburg University

Hawaii Pacific University

Hofstra University

Illinois State University

International American University

Jacksonville University

James Madison University

Lewis University

Lipscomb University

Long Island University, Brooklyn

Long Island University, Post

Louisiana State University

Oglethorpe University

Oregon State University

Ottawa University

Pace University

Pittsburgh State University

Queens College of the City University of New York

Radford University

Simmons University

Sonoma state University

State University of New York - Geneseo

State University of New York- Oswego

State University of New York-New Paltz

The University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Utah

University of California Berkeley Extension

University of Central Florida

University of Cincinnati

University of Kansas

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

University of Maryland , Baltimore County

University of South Carolina

University of South Florida

Upper Iowa University

Valparaiso University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Entry criteria for Masters Program

Requirements

US universities accept 16 years of education (12+4).

Academic Percentage : 58% and above with minimum backlogs.

Acceptable scores of Standardized Tests : GRE : 300+, GMAT : 500+, TOEFL : 79,

IELTS : 6.5 overall band.

Other factors that are looked into are the extra curricular activities that the student has been involved in, the research that the student has done in his particular subject. His documents such as Resume, Letters of Recommendations & Statement of Purpose are also very crucial and have to be drafted very effectively.

Exceptions

15 (12+3) years are also acceptable for some of the Universities if the Institution in India is NAAC “A” Accredited (National Assessment & Accreditation Council).

3years of bachelor’s degrees are acceptable for admission into Master’s in Computer Science, MBA & Public Health & and with few universities.

Admissions without GRE or GMAT scores are possible with few universities.

Students with less TOEFL/IELTS can get admission through pathway or English as second language program.

Entry Criteria for Undergraduate Programs

Requirements:

US generally requires 12 years of educationfor Associate Degree and Bachelors Degree

Academic Percentage : 58% and above.

Acceptable Scores : TOEFL 71 to 80, IELTS 6.0

SAT 1 : A good score would be 1150+ (out of 1600) .

Only top 25 Universities may require SAT Subject tests min of 2 subjects.

For Engineering courses : Math Level II, Physics or Chemistry.

For Business Courses : Math Level II.

Note : It is advised to students who have done their diploma (3 years) to get their

credentials evaluated (can be through WES www.wes.org), since there are high

chances that the student might get some transfer credits, thus saving him the cost,

time & effort of repeatedly studying the subjects that he has already done. For Bachelors program SAT is not required for transfer cases.

The student who are in bachelors in India can go to USA as transfer cases. They do not get 100% credit transferred. Depending on University to University & how many Indian courses will match with USA syllabus student can apply as a transfer case.

Admissions without SAT scores are possible. However, SAT is required for Scholarships.

US VISA PROCESS

1.Apply and Be Accepted: Apply to U.S. universities or educational institutions that are SEVP-approved (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Once you are accepted by a SEVP-certified institution, you will receive an acceptance letter and an I-20 or DS-160 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). This is a crucial document for your visa application.

SEVIS Fee Payment: Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. This fee is typically paid online, and you’ll need to have your I-20 form and SEVIS ID to complete this step. You can find information about the SEVIS fee and payment process on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP official website.
Visa Application Form (DS-160): Complete the DS-160 form online. This form collects information about your background and the purpose of your trip. You will receive a DS-160 confirmation barcode after completing the form, which you will need for the visa interview.
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee. The payment process for this fee may vary, so it’s essential to check the U.S. embassy or consulate website in your country for specific instructions.
Visa Interview Appointment: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. The appointment scheduling process can typically be done online. Be sure to pay attention to available dates and times, as these can fill up quickly.
Gather Required Documents: Prior to your visa interview, gather all required documents. These typically include:
- Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- DS-160 confirmation barcode
- Visa application fee receipt (MRV fee)
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility)
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Financial documentation to prove your ability to cover tuition and living expenses
- Any other documents requested by the embassy or consulate
Visa Interview: Attend the scheduled visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your intended course of study, financial status, and ties to your home country. You may also need to provide biometric information (such as fingerprints).
Visa Approval: If your visa application is approved, the consular officer will place a visa sticker in your passport, allowing you to enter the United States as a student. Be sure to review your visa for accuracy before leaving the embassy or consulate.
Travel and Arrival: After receiving your visa, you can make travel arrangements to the United States. Remember to carry all your important documents, including your I-20 form, with you when you travel. Upon arrival, you will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection.

Please note that visa processes can change, and requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances. Always check the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information and guidance on the visa application process. It’s also a good idea to start the process well in advance to ensure you have enough time to complete all the necessary steps.

WORK RIGHTS

Types of Employment available to‐1 Students while studying or after Studying

Off Campus employment
Off CampusEmploymentthrough

Curricular practical training(CPT)
Optional practical training(OPT)

On–campus employment:

Can work on campus 20 hrs./week during study time.

Can work full time (i.e. 40 hrs./week) during holidays.

Positions include:

Teaching Assistantship

Research Assistantship

Fellowship

Hourly Employment-Food Services, Library, Event Coordinator, Laboratory Assistant, etc.

CurriculumPracticalTraining(CPT):

Provides opportunitytogainactualemploymentexperience.

“An integral part of an established curriculum”.

Defined as “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or aracticum which is offered by

sponsoring employees through cooperative agreements with the school.”

TobeeligibleforCPT, the student must have completed months of unlawful status and current status.

CPT canbefulltime(>20hoursweek)orpart time(20hoursor lessperweek).

OptionalPracticalTraining(OPT):

Available to students whoarelawfullyenrolledonafull–full-time basis &have completed at least 1 full academic year.

Eligible studentmayrequestOPTinordertobeemployedinapositionrelated to the major area of study.

12/36 monthsofOPTavailableaftereachdegreelevelcompletion.

From 2008, OPT program allows F-1 students to work in US in occupationsrelated to their field of study.
- F-1 visa holders are eligible for 36-month extension if they hold a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
Summarization of OPT:
Students who have pursued technical studies in US get an opportunity to spend
additional 36 months in US after their study. During this 36 months they can
work full time on student visa and if the employer sponsor’s H1B they can
convert their student visa into work visa. This period of 36 months is reduced to
12 months in case of students who have done management studies in US. This
benefit is available under the scheme called Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Study In USA