Study in USA

Education System

Many international students, scholars, and visitors might be surprised to learn that the United States does not have a centralized national education system. The Federal government influences education primarily through funding, which is limited. Unlike India's CBSE board exams, there is no national high school graduation exam in the U.S. Instead, each state administers its own graduation exams that students must pass.

College Fit

At the higher education level, students in the U.S. have a vast array of options when choosing a college or university. Rankings exist, but the concept of "fit" is crucial. Factors such as GPA*, available majors, location, enrollment size, and campus culture all influence a student's decision. Colleges and universities can be publicly funded or privately supported.

*GPA refers to grade point average, the average of all grades received.

Popular Student Destinations

Top universities in the U.S. include Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Stanford. The New England region on the east coast is home to many renowned academic institutions. Cities like Boston, New York, Cambridge, and New Haven are hubs for some of the best colleges. In the academic year 2012-13, around 96,750 Indian students were studying in the U.S., with popular courses in Business Management, Computer Science, Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Communications/Media.

Safety in the U.S.

The United States is a diverse and generally safe country for international students, including those from India. Racism is not a widespread issue, making the U.S. a secure destination for Indian students.

Weather

Southwest - This region has a hot desert climate, covering cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. Summer temperatures range from 40°C to 25°C, and winter temperatures range from 18°C to 4°C.

Southeast - Known for its warm to hot, humid climate, this area includes Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Charleston. Summer temperatures range from 35°C to 25°C, and winter temperatures range from 10°C to 0°C.

Midwest - With a humid climate, this region includes cities like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio. Summer temperatures range from 28°C to 15°C, and winter temperatures range from 0°C to -9°C.

Atlantic Coast - This region has a temperate humid climate and includes cities like St. Louis, Cincinnati, and NYC. Summer temperatures range from 30°C to 18°C, and winter temperatures range from 4°C to -3°C.

Pacific Northwest - Featuring an oceanic climate, this region includes cities like Seattle and Portland. Summer temperatures range from 30°C to 18°C, and winter temperatures range from 4°C to -3°C.

Lifestyle Tips

The United States is a vast and dynamic country with multiple cultural currents. To integrate with locals, it's essential to understand the different lifestyle elements. Americans often engage in various activities to meet new people and experience new things.

Professional Sports - Discussing sports like the NFL or NBA can be a great way to break the ice with locals.

Outdoor Activities - Americans enjoy outdoor sports and activities, which provide opportunities to meet new people and adopt an active lifestyle.

Music Concerts and Night Life - Social events, music concerts, and nightlife are integral to American weekends. Being open to these experiences can help you socialize and make new friends.

Indians Living in the U.S.

In 2011, nearly 1.9 million Indian immigrants resided in the United States, making them the third-largest immigrant group after those from Mexico and China. Indian immigrants tend to be well-educated, proficient in English, and arrive on employment-based visas. They are less likely to live below the poverty line compared to the overall immigrant population.

About one-third of Indian immigrants live in California and New Jersey, with significant populations in metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, and San Jose.

Accommodation

First, decide whether you want to live in university-managed housing or with a private landlord. University accommodations may offer catered or self-catered options. Catered housing means your meals are prepared for you, providing convenience and predictable meal costs.

If you have a preference, start by contacting your university's accommodation office. They can inform you about available university housing. If you prefer a private landlord or if the university cannot accommodate you, the accommodation office can provide a list of private properties and landlords in the area.

Regardless of where you choose to live, ensure you understand your contractual rights and responsibilities. Most housing agreements involve a tenancy contract, which you should read carefully before signing.

Orientation

Orientation week is crucial for international students, so plan to arrive before it starts. This period introduces you to the university and its services and allows you to enroll in classes. Be sure to read the guidebook provided by your college, which explains every part of the admission process.

Activities

Colleges offer a variety of extracurricular activities alongside sports, providing students with a broad range of experiences. Music, drama, science, and literary societies offer opportunities for outdoor education and leisure activities. College life often includes visits to theatres, concerts, art galleries, museums, religious centers, historical sites, and scientific projects, enriching your educational experience.

Requirements

Admission requirements vary by study program and academic level. Indian students must meet a minimum English language requirement and have a strong academic record. Typically, a minimum of 65% in class XII for humanities and 70-80% for science/commerce is needed. Foundation and diploma programs are available for students with scores below 60%. Students should be at least 18 years old before starting a degree program.

Note that these numbers are for reference; actual requirements may vary by university.

The following documents are generally required:

• Attested copies of mark sheets from class X, XII, and Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• At least two academic reference letters from recent professors
• Two letters of recommendation from an employer/manager if you have work experience
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Photocopied score reports of GMAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL
• Portfolio (for art, design, and architecture programs)
• Certificates/achievements at state and national levels, and extracurricular activities
• Proof of funds

Timeline

Most US colleges accept online applications. Visit each college's website to apply. Typically, you will need to create an account on the college website to provide your basic information, submit scanned documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and its stages through this account. Check each college's website for specific application procedures.

Application Fee

All colleges require an application fee. The fee amount varies by college and course, so check individual colleges for their specific fees.

Steps to Apply for Admission

The common steps for applying to US colleges are:

• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take entrance exams like SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS
• Write SOPs and request LORs
• Apply to colleges that fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews for shortlisted colleges
• If accepted, apply for a student visa

Essay

Essays are an integral part of the university admissions process. Students may need to write one or two essays, along with optional essays. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for choosing a particular school.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

An SOP is your introduction to the college admission officers. Written in the first person, it explains why you are applying to a particular college and why you are a good fit. It should reflect your personality and can range from formal to casual in style.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

A LOR is a reference letter written by a third party, such as a professor or manager, describing your qualities, characteristics, and abilities. It supports your application by highlighting your potential for success in the college.

Intake Seasons

US universities have two main intake seasons: September and January. Some institutions also have intakes in May, July, and October. The major intake season is September, especially for top courses, while January is a minor intake season with fewer course options.

Start your admission process around six months before the application deadline. Most universities have three deadlines from October to January. Complete your language and aptitude tests at least three months before the deadline. Use the last three months to properly fill out the application forms. Ensure that the entire application process, including interviews and visa procedures, is completed by June or July for the September intake.

Language Exams

International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are standardized language tests required for college admissions. Each has different formats, structures, and result bands, but many colleges accept any one of these test results. Students can choose which exam to take based on their preference and the requirements of their chosen institutions.

Repetition of Exams

IELTS can be taken an unlimited number of times. TOEFL can also be retaken as many times as desired, but not more than once in a 12-day period. Similarly, PTE can be taken multiple times, but you must wait for your scores before booking the next test.

Time to Apply

If aiming for the September intake, you should ideally take these exams by November to meet the first application deadlines. Universities will specify which exam results they accept. The time needed to prepare for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE varies depending on your current English proficiency, typically requiring 2 to 4 months of preparation.

General Exams

GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test measures the abilities of potential MBA students in mathematics, English, and reasoning.

GRE: The Graduate Record Examination is for students applying to graduate schools for MA or MS programs, and increasingly for MBA programs.

LSAT: The Law School Admission Test is a standardized test for law school applicants, assessing reading and verbal reasoning skills.

SAT: The Scholastic Assessment Test measures literacy and writing skills needed for college success, typically taken by high school students for undergraduate admissions.

Universities will specify which exam results are applicable for your chosen course. If given a choice, select the test that best suits your strengths.

Repetition of General Exams

You can take the GMAT an unlimited number of times, with a maximum of five attempts per year and a 30-day gap between tests. The same 30-day gap applies to other tests.

Ideal Timing for Exams

If aiming for the September intake, take these exams by November to meet early deadlines. Preparation generally takes 4 to 6 months.

Average Scores

The average accepted scores are:

• GMAT: 540
• GRE: 155 for Verbal, 167 for Quantitative, 5.0 for Writing
• LSAT: 162

These numbers are for reference; actual required scores may vary by university.

Cost of Living for International Students in the US

The cost of living in the US varies greatly depending on the region and lifestyle choices. Some key expenses for international students include:

• Accommodation rent (on-campus or off-campus)
• Groceries and food
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet)
• Phone bills
• Textbooks and reference books
• Airfare for traveling back to India

Other expenses that can vary include dining out, travel, car rental and insurance, and cable TV connection.

School Expenses

Tuition fees in the US differ by university, course, and location. For undergraduates, costs range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year, while postgraduate courses range from $15,000 to $55,000 per year. These costs can vary significantly from as low as $5,000 per year at state universities to as high as $50,000 per year at private institutions.

Living Expenses

On average, students spend approximately $10,000–$12,000 per year on living expenses. However, costs can rise to $15,000 in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco, while in suburban areas, expenses might be around $8,000-$10,000 per year.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students, typically costing around $500-$1,000 per year. Ensure that the insurance covers medical expenses, personal accidents, dental treatments, study interruptions, and passport loss. Insurance is usually cashless, meaning no upfront payment is needed during hospitalization.

Scholarships

International students can receive fee waivers based on merit and need. Strong academic records, high scores in standardized exams, and extracurricular achievements can make students eligible for scholarships and financial aid. Ensure to submit all required documents by the deadlines and present a well-organized application.

Required documents typically include:

• Academic records and photocopies
• A recent CV
• A letter of intent
• Certificate of Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores)
• Letters of Reference (LOR)

Loans

To be eligible for a student loan, you must:

• Be an Indian national
• Have a strong academic record
• Be admitted to a job-oriented professional or technical course
• Be above 18 years of age (or your parents can apply on your behalf)

Eligible courses include professional or technical graduation and post-graduation programs from reputed universities.

Loan Amount

Banks typically offer loans covering up to 80% of the total fees, with a maximum amount of Rs 20 lakh for studies abroad. If your fees are Rs 30 lakh, you'll need to arrange the remaining funds yourself. Some banks charge a processing fee, either as a fixed amount or a percentage of the total loan.

Documentation Required

To apply for a loan, you need to provide:

• Acceptance letter from the university
• Fee schedule
• Mark sheets of the last qualifying examination

Documentation requirements may vary, so check with the bank.

Repayment

Repayment typically begins after the course period. If employed within one year of course completion, repayment starts immediately after one month of employment. If not employed within a year, repayment begins regardless. Loans are usually repaid over 5-7 years, with up to 10 years allowed in some cases.

Conditions

If you want to attend a university or college in the US, you will need a student visa called the F1 visa. The requirements include:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US.
• Non-immigrant Visa Application: Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt: You are required to pay before your interview

Photo

The US consulate will upload your photo. You need to schedule an appointment with the consulate, visit the Consulate center, where a digital photograph and fingerprints will be taken. Carry the approval receipt provided by the consulate after the photograph and fingerprint scan.

Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status

Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students, along with their spouse and minor children if they intend to reside in the United States, must be registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).

Note

Additional documentation may be required during the personal interview, such as:

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
• Scores from tests required by your US school (e.g., TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT)
• Evidence of intent to depart from the US upon course completion
• Proof of financial capability to cover educational, living, and travel costs

Process

The steps to apply for a visa include:

1. Complete the online Visa Application Form DS-160.
2. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee before the interview.
3. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
4. Schedule a biometric appointment and interview appointment.
5. Attend the biometric appointment in person for photograph and fingerprinting.
6. During the personal interview, the interviewer will ask questions about your course, college, finances, and intent to return to your home country. If approved, they will keep your passport for visa stamping.

F-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days before the start date of your course, but entry into the US is allowed no earlier than 30 days before your start date.

Work Permit

During the first year of studies, students cannot accept off-campus employment. Under rare circumstances, USCIS may grant permission for off-campus employment after one year of study. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment without prior USCIS permission.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during holidays, breaks, and summer sessions. Working more than 20 hours per week can lead to serious consequences, including reinstatement issues or deportation.

Off-campus employment in places like hotels, motels, gas stations, and liquor stores is illegal and can result in deportation or futur

Pre-departure Checklist

• Book airline tickets
• Buy travel and health insurance
• Arrange accommodation in the US
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to your home in the US
• Arrange your banking – consider buying traveller’s cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution
• Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:
  • Passport
  • Airline tickets
  • Travel insurance certificate
  • Letter of Acceptance by the educational institution
  • Key addresses and phone numbers
  • A bank statement showing proof of funds
  • Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
  • Traveller’s cheques (if applicable)
  • Medical and immunisation records
  • Academic history and university transcripts

OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Students wanting to gain practical knowledge in their subject can stay in the US through OPT, a temporary employment permission allowing students to gain practical experience in their field of study for a 12-month period.

Pre-completion OPT

If students want to work related to their field of study, they can do so through pre-completion OPT. Students currently pursuing studies acquire work authorization through this permit, and the work may be part-time during classes and full-time during vacations.

Post-completion OPT

Students who have completed their education and want to work more than 20 hours per week require post-completion OPT. This OPT is granted for full-time employment. While on OPT, students cannot pursue a new course of study, unless they are PhD students.

Duration

Students are allowed 12 months of OPT for all Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Those pursuing STEM courses get an additional 17 months (making a total of 29 months) under the STEM OPT extension.

Applying for OPT

The student needs to initiate the request for OPT by having their DSO (Designated School Official) recommend OPT. For this, the DSO needs to:

• Endorse Form I-20
• Make appropriate notes in SEVIS

After that, the student fills out Form I-765, which is the application for EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Once approved, the student is issued an EAD. The student can start working once the EAD is issued.

Co-Op Education Program

In a Cooperative program, periods of study alternate with work. The Student Co-Op Program is a formally structured program where the intent is to recruit students, while still in school, to fill permanent positions upon graduation. Co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and universities. The salary is usually given on an hourly basis, and depending on your choice of course or major, you can make around $10-$16 per hour.

Placements

Indian students are used to the concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment for getting jobs. However, there is no concept of placements in America. Most US universities have a Career Services Centre, which helps you get jobs and prepare for interviews. On-campus recruitment is always driven by student interest. Companies that recruit through the university do not offer a job directly. They typically offer internships or co-op positions, allowing them to evaluate your work for a few months before hiring you full-time.