Do you want to study abroad in the USA? Learn more about the US higher education system and apply as an international student to a US university

Key Points

1. What universities are in the United States?

2. How do you apply to study in the US?

3. Is it possible to transfer credits from a university in my home country to a university in the US?

4. English Language Requirements for US Universities

5. How much does it cost to study in the USA?

6. What scholarships are available for international students in the US?

7. How do I apply for a student visa to the United States?

8. Can I work while studying in the US as an international student?

9. What can I do after graduation in the US?

10. Are there any special health insurance rules for international students?

11. What does the term "major" mean in American universities?

12. What is GPA?.

If this sounds like you, this guide will help you unravel the mystery of the American college application. However, with thousands of universities, there is a huge variation in institutional style and prices, and a rigorous university application. Many prospective international students find the idea of ​​applying to study in the United States overwhelming.

Another type of institution is a liberal arts university. college For example, Pomona College in California and Amherst College in Massachusetts. These schools offer a comprehensive arts and sciences education designed to give students academic breadth and depth.

Every state has at least one state-funded public college, which usually has lower tuition for in-state students. Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, technical colleges, or community colleges, are similar to state colleges but primarily offer shorter courses that lead to qualifications such as degrees and associate degrees.

In addition, each US state has one or two public university systems governed by a system-wide board but with multiple campuses. Each of these different locations are considered separate universities. One such example is the University of California system, which includes the University of California at Berkeley and the University of California in Los Angeles.

Most US universities require international applicants to take a test to demonstrate English as a second language (such as TOEFL or IELTS Academic).

Many US institutions now accept English language tests adapted for home use, including the TOEFL Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator. Many US colleges also accept the Duolingo test, which can be taken from home.

You can use this guide as a good benchmark to find average English test scores for Ivy League schools, but most universities have specific requirements and a list of accepted tests on their websites. If not, contact your college's international office to check.

You can apply directly to all other universities. The application period is often in January - seven months before starting university - although the latest application periods are in March.

You aim to take these exams the year before you start university, usually in August. Admission requirements vary by university. However, your application almost always requires an application fee ($43 on average), a completed application form, a personal essay, references, copies of transcripts and academic achievements, standardized test scores, and financial statements.

Depending on the type of university and course you are applying to, you may need to declare your major when you apply, which means you need to have an idea of ​​the subject you want to focus on in the last two years. your thesis Of course In most cases you can change majors if you find a new passion for a subject after you're at university, but in the application process it's useful to have some idea of ​​the path you're most likely to follow.

If you have been placed on a college's waiting list, it means that the college liked your application but decided to make offers to other applicants first. The likelihood of being shortlisted for a specific offer at the college of your choice depends on several factors. Among them are how many students with offers confirm their spot, how the school wants to balance the top picks in the freshman class, and how strong your application is compared to other applicants. In some cases, you are more likely to get off the waiting list for a university if you listed it as your first choice.

Can I transfer credits from my home university to a US university?

It is possible to transfer credits from a previous school in your home country to a school in the US. This process is called credit transfer, and it allows you to get credit for courses you've already taken so you don't have to start over at a new university.

However, whether you can transfer credits depends on a few things. Each US institution has its own credit transfer rules regarding things like how similar your previous courses are to the courses they offer and how well you performed in those courses. Some of your repayments may be significant, while others may not.

You must submit an official transcript to a US university to begin the transfer process. This way they can see a record of all the courses you took and the grades you earned.

US university will review your transcript and decide which of your credits can transfer. If the old courses are similar to the ones at your new university, they can accept them and you won't have to take them again.

Remember that not all of your credits will transfer and some may only count as eligible. This means that they may not meet certain degree requirements, but they can still count toward the total number of credits required for graduation.

It is important to speak with the admissions team or academic advisors of your chosen US university. They can explain their policies and help you figure out which of your credits are transferable so you can leverage your previous hard work and get started on the right track.

Do I need to take a language test to study in the US?

Due to its size and global reputation, the United States is number one among study abroad destinations. world for international students, the most emigrating to study are from China, India, Saudi Arabia and Canada. The most popular subjects for international students in the US are business and management, engineering, mathematics, computer science and social sciences.

Which universities are in the United States?

The United States has a wide variety of colleges and there is something for every student. Before we begin, it's worth noting one thing about the United States: the words "college" and "university" are usually used interchangeably.

The most exemplary university group, the Ivy League, includes Harvard University, Brown University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Columbia University, Yale University, Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. In total, the eight schools accepted more than 300,000 applicants for the class of 2021, with an average acceptance rate of 6.1 percent.

Higher education institutions in the United States can be either privately or publicly funded. Most well-known American institutions, such as Harvard University, Stanford University and Yale University, are private, non-profit institutions with higher tuition but usually more financial aid with additional costs.

Then there are historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, such as Howard University and Spelman College, which are majority black and ethnic minority. These institutions were originally created to provide higher education to the African-American community where it had previously been denied.

Community colleges often have very strong ties to four-year institutions and can be a good starting point for reputable four-year degree programs.

In addition to the best and most well-known schools, there are a huge number of high-quality high-quality colleges in the United States with different values, goals, teaching styles and costs. You can use the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2022 to compare colleges on everything from engagement, interaction with faculty, and overall student satisfaction.

Most undergraduate programs in the United States are four years long and often involve studying multiple subjects before specializing in the second half of the degree. The subjects you study along with your major are called minors, and your major is your major or special concentration.

Extracurricular activities, including social societies such as sororities and fraternities, sororities, and some of the best college sports teams in the world, are a central part of college social life on American campuses. They are a good way for students to make friends with common interests.

How do you apply to study in the US?

The United States is perhaps the strictest country in the world in terms of university application criteria. American universities consider your academic performance over the past four academic years, your participation in extracurricular activities and leadership roles, and your personal qualities when you apply.

There are three types of applications to US universities: Early Decision, Common Application and Regular Application. Some early decision applications may also go through a common application.

Application dates for advance decisions are usually around 10 months before the start of the course. Applying through early decision can increase your chances of acceptance at some universities. However, it is important to know that some colleges have agreements that state that if you win a spot through an early decision application, you must attend that college and withdraw or suspend all of your other college applications. In some cases, US colleges will want you to withdraw all applications to non-US universities if they accept you through early decision, so be sure to check with your chosen college before taking this route.

The Common Application is a centralized process for over 900 US universities, meaning you can apply to multiple colleges with one online account. Common applications open on August 1st.

Many US universities expect you to take a standardized test, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduates or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for graduate students.

There are more than 4,000 colleges in the United States, including eight of the top ten universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

How much does it cost to study in the USA?

Due to the great diversity of universities in the United States, costs also vary greatly, and tuition for international students is usually higher than that of domestic students. US tuition fees range from $5,000 to $50,000 (£4,074 to £40,746) per year. On average, students graduate with $132,860 (£101,505) in debt.

But before you swoon over these numbers and completely rule out studying in the US, it's important to know that there is a difference between the so-called "sticker price" (costs advertised on university websites) and the amount. students actually pay after all funding sources have been considered.

It is worth remembering that about 85 percent of full-time students at four-year public universities and 89 percent of students at private, not-for-profit universities receive some form of financial aid. While the most prestigious universities in the United States tend to have the highest tuition fees, these colleges also have the most extensive financial options.

Route housing options are available for students at US universities. You can probably choose between on-campus housing, fraternity and sorority houses, or private rentals. Many financial aid options and scholarships consider housing in addition to tuition, but it is important to have a clear financial plan to cover four or more years of study.

And don't forget lifestyle costs. It depends on where you study and your personal preferences, but it is another factor that you must realistically consider to avoid financial problems later on.

Many universities provide paid on-campus employment for students while they study, and international students with M-1 and F-1 visas can work in such positions. Many stores, movie theaters, and museums in the United States also offer student discounts.

Financial aid comes in many forms: grants, scholarships, assistantships and work-study plans, and many of these options are also open to international students. For example, the University of Pennsylvania allocates 6 million dollars annually to finance graduates from outside the United States and from neighboring countries such as Canada and Mexico.

Funding information is available on each university's website. Applications for funding and aid are often submitted as part of the general university application, so it's important to do your research early to avoid missing out.

There are also some well-known US government-sponsored scholarship programs for international students, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Hubert Humphrey Scholarship Program.

How to apply for a student visa to the United States?

The United States has three types of visas for international students: F-1 for academic studies; J-1 for practical training not available in your home country; and M-1 for professional studies.

If you want to study at a US university, you must apply for an F-1 visa. If you are accepted to a US college approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), you will be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay a $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. After that, you will receive a Form I-20 and register for the SEVIS service.

Once you have completed these steps, you can apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate - find the nearest one here. The visa fee is $160, often plus a small administrative fee depending on where you apply.

You must also complete an additional form (DS-160), submit a photograph and schedule an interview at the US consulate in your home country. Bring your passport and copies of all documents to the interview. At the interview, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in the United States and that you have strong ties to your home country through family ties, property, bank accounts, or other means.

As a prospective student, you can apply for a visa up to 120 days before the start of the course, but you can enter the US on a student visa up to 30 days before the start date.

Can I work while studying in the US as an international student?

As an international student with an F1 visa, you can work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks. You need permission from the International Student Office to work on campus and they have a list of jobs available throughout the year.

There are two types of extracurricular training: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT allows you to work on campus for up to 12 months during and after your studies. CPT allows you to work on campus while you study and is authorized by your university.

Unless you are on OPT or CPT, most F1 visa students cannot work off-campus, but you can volunteer up to 20 hours a week at certain educational institutions during the semester.

Remember to follow the rules and check for on-campus and off-campus authorized work opportunities through your student services office.

What can I do after I graduate from a US university?

If you want to stay in the US after your studies, there are options. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students with F-1 visas to stay in the country while working in their field. F-1 visa students are eligible for OPT after the first year of study. OPT can be done both before and after graduation, but it's important to remember that you can only work for a total of 12 months.

Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics graduates can extend their OPT by 24 months and stay in those fields for just over two years. You must apply for OPT before completing your studies.

The main American institutions succeed in front of the prestigious American employers like Wall Street, technology and media. Universities are also fertile ground for networking; getting internships and work experience in the US market can help you get a job.

If you are interested in an academic career, the United States may be a great place to start. You can browse US academic openings at the Unijobs.

Are there any special health insurance rules for international students?

Health insurance is essential for international students studying in the United States, as the country does not have a universal health care system. Medical expenses can be really expensive, so insurance helps cover the costs and cover you. Some universities offer health insurance plans specifically for students, but if not, you can find other ways to get the coverage you need.

The price of medical insurance contracts can vary depending on where you study and what kind of protection you want. It's important to compare different plans to find one that fits your budget and covers the medical services you may need. Some plans pay your medical bills directly, while others may require a prepayment and reimbursement later.

To find the right insurance plan, consider how much you can afford for coverage and what type of medical care you may need. Some plans may cover sports injuries or include additional coverage that you may need to consider if you are involved in sports or active activities. Once you've figured out what you need, you can compare different plans and choose the one that's right for you.

Health insurance can give you peace of mind while in the United States. This ensures that you have access to medical care if you get sick or injured, and it can save you from unexpectedly high medical bills. So make sure you have the right health insurance to stay protected while studying abroad.

What does the term "major" mean in American universities?

In American universities, a major is the academic focus or subject in which you specialize during your studies. This is the field of study in which you choose to specialize. For example, if you like computers, you can study computer science, or if you are interested in animals, you can study biology.

Choosing a major is an important decision because it shapes your studies and the knowledge you gain during your university experience. The courses you choose within your major will teach you everything you need to know about the subject and help prepare you for a future career or degree.

What is GPA?

GPA, which stands for Grade Point Average, is a way of measuring how well you did in high school and college. This is a score that shows how good your grades are overall. In the United States, GPA is usually calculated on a scale of 0-4. Getting an A usually means four points, while an F means zero points.

GPA matters when you go to college, especially in the US. Colleges often look at your GPA when deciding whether to offer you a place. A good GPA can increase your chances of getting into your dream university. But don't worry, there is no one "good" GPA for all colleges. Each school may have different expectations, but aiming for a GPA of 3 or higher is usually a good idea.

Remember that there are two types of GPA: weighted and weighted. An unweighted GPA is based on regular grades, while a weighted GPA takes into account any more difficult classes you've taken. This means that if you challenge yourself in advanced courses, you can increase your GPA even more.

GPA upgrades are possible if you think your grades could be better. You can ask your teachers for help, change your study habits or take more difficult classes. Remember, GPA is not the only thing that matters. Universities also consider your extracurricular activities and personal achievements.