- S.C.O. 47, 2nd Floor Sector 42-C, Chandigarh
Study In U.S.A
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Why study in United States?
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Admission Process-USA
Studying in the US can involve the following stepsTest Appearing for your tests like GMAT / GRE / SAT / TOEFL / IELTS. You must know which test is applicable for you and should appear for it timely
How we help- We conduct IELTS coaching for you.
- We assist in registering you for the test dates
- We provide mock tests (if required)
- To know which test to appear for, please refer to the tests required section
Selection of right course at the right Universities is the key since US has over 4000 Institutions and every application costs money (likeapplication fees which can be between $ 50 to $ 150 in most cases, b. courier charges (of sending your application documents to each University which could be Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 + per School), c. sending your GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT II subject test scores to each University, where applicable). This can be as much as spending Rs 5000 to Rs 6000 per University while only making applications.
How we helpWe identify the correct mix (course + universities) and thus your scores go to the correct US Institutions (you save money)
Editing Essays and Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose)
We match your profile with the entry requirements of the Universities in the USA, getting you closer to securing admissions invariably. We check scholarship opportunities for you in the US Schools and you know that's helpful. Other factors that you list are also considered like location (like you may wish to go only to the East Coast or only in California or New York or you have a relative living in New Jersey), your budget, scholarship availability, academic scores in India, perceived test score (like GMAT, TOEFL, etc.), your work experience (if any), rankings and much more. We counsel you for programs at all study levels (Associate Degrees, Bachelors, MBA, MS, PhD, Internship Courses)
We provide discounted couriers to you, thanks to our tie-ups with leading courier companies.
All in all, for the same process that you are going to perhaps do, we save as much money as possible for you while simultaneously ensuring that you apply to right Institutions
Our selection of Universities for you also include some of the dream study options in the US generally in the Top 10 or Top 20 Ranked Universities or Institute of TechnologyUS Schools often will have topical essays as a requirement especially for undergraduate studies and MBA. Many MS (Masters) courses in the USA also have this as a requirement. If not, at least a Personal Statement (popularly known as SOP) is compulsory. To add, remember scholarship essays are very important too and can get you better value for your studies
How we help- We help you with editing each essay and / or personal statement.
- Our services also extend to assisting you with scholarship essays
- We provide samples of recommendation letters that your referees may wish to review before giving you a reference letter. We provide correct samples of essays, personal statement so that your work becomes easier
You need to gather the correct financial documents (may include bank statement, bank balance certificate, solvency certificate) while applying to US Schools. They need to check if you have adequate finances to join them and live in the US. Generally, the liquid and other assets you must show through appropriate documentation should be equivalent to your total cost of studying in the US (tuition + living) for the total course duration
How we help- We understand your financial position and recommend to get the required documents only (again reducing time, money and efforts for you)
- We guide you on how you could present your financial standing and how much should you show to make your application, a safe bet
- We provide relevant samples of financial documents so that you could get yours easily
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Quick Tips from Worldwide Studies
Select your Universities before your take the tests (like GMAT / GRE / SAT / TOEFL / IELTS / SAT II). You will save some money (if not much) by sending the scores to the correct University list (set). You are allowed to send free scores to some specific number of Universities when you are appearing for these tests (on the day of the examination)
Do not wait to apply to US Schools till you have given your tests (like GMAT, TOEFL, etc.) and believe that you will then (after you achieve some score) decide to study in the US or decide on the list of Universities. You will simply be wasting time because US Schools may have a deadline. Instead, be realistic about the scores that you can achieve, decide on the Universities you wish to apply (generally, restrict it to 8 Universities) and make out your online or paper applications with the remaining documents
Did you know?Students can study Associate Degree (ie the first 2 years of your undergraduate course) at a Community College in USA at a very affordable cost of $ 12000 approximately per year, which is of course of high quality and then transfer to some of the topmost Institutions for the remaining 2 years. This effectively ensures that you not only save large sums of money but you also get one of the best degrees in the world
Did you know?15 years education is acceptable in many cases in the US and you need not do your 16 year (like an MCom, or only a one year MSc) in your home Country to be eligible to apply. We have 100s of options for you. Save time, thus money and enter in to your career rather quickly. In any case, if you yet wish to finish your 16th year, you can also do the same in the US and we have several options for the same
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Education System-USA
USA offers the world's most flexible education system. Each University can determine the content of the program and admission standards. Transfer of credits is possible ensuring smooth lateral movement ie one can change from one Institution to another. Students can decide their area of specialization and US has it on offer
Types of Institution in USA
Public UniversitiesMost Public Universities are State universities operated by state government entities. These are generally large in size. All levels of degrees with different fields of study are offered. Public colleges and universities are relatively reasonably priced for residents of their respective state, who pay in-state tuition fees. Foreign students pay 'out-of-state' tuition, which is higher.
Private UniversitiesThe source of funding determines whether a University is public or private. Private Universities are the ones that do not receive Government funding and which are run without any Government's control.
Technical Institutes
Instead, endowments, annual gifts, alumni donations and tuition fees are significant sources of funding for these schools. Thus, the tuition fees at private colleges and universities are fairly higher as compared to state (public) schools. However, private Universities also tend to offer generous financial aid packages; many a times, the actual out-of-pocket cost to earn a degree from a private college in the US turns out to be less than the cost of state (public) schools. Over 80% of full-time undergraduates at private colleges receive some kind of financial aid.
Private colleges and universities include virtually every type of school: four- and two-year colleges; rural and urban; liberal arts colleges; major research universities; Christian, Catholic and Jewish institutions; art Institutes; schools of law, medicine, engineering, business, management and other professions. A private College can be as small as having 100 students to the larger universities with over 30,000 students. With both undergraduate and graduate programs, students can take anything from a 1-year professional certificate to a doctorate at a private college or university.
Both, local and foreign students pay the same fee at a private College.Also known as Institutes of technology or polytechnic institutes offer specialized programs in sciences and engineering, in addition to basic sciences, humanities and the social sciences, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
The Ivy League
They emphasize on engineering and science and are known for their research and graduate programs. Most International students who attend these schools are of graduate level (ie those who have finished their Bachelors). Admissions to the Technical Institute is especially challenging at the undergraduate level as the entry requirements could be very high in terms of grades and standardized test scores (like SAT)The alarm bells ring when you hear about names like: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. These are the IVY LEAGUES and admissions here could be a daunting task besides extremely heavy on pockets. They are in the Northeastern part of the USA. Ivy League colleges stress undergraduate liberal arts education, but they also have noted graduate and professional schools.
Some useful facts on Ivy League admissions:- Acceptance Rate: Their acceptance rate is about 9 % to 11 % in general. Only Cornell and University of Pennsylvania register an acceptance rate of over 15% (this information may change)
- Scores: Generally students who have been accepted, the top 10% of their high School class would have scored between 88% to 99%
- SAT Score: Students with over 2100 + generally fall in to the higher acceptance rate category. In general, at least two SAT II subjects are recommended to be taken by students
- Admissions however depend on all factors like academic scores, additional work undertaken by students during their course of study, SAT (I and II) Scores, participation in other activities (like sports, extra-curricular activities, etc.), personal interview and more
Generally have the focus on undergraduate study of the traditional arts and science disciplines: humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Strictly liberal arts colleges are often quite old and mostly private schools. They are highly-rated institutions as they stress on small classes, individual attention to the students, and closer relationships between the faculties and students. Many of them also generally have rigid admission standards.
Community CollegesThese are institutions normally run by a certain community for their own people. Many high school graduates who cannot afford to go to a university, or who simply are not ready for a four-year institution, will choose to go to community college.
These institutions accept international students, but they have a fewer number of attendees, as most students are commuters from the near-by area. Although community colleges focus on undergraduate programs, some offer good graduate programs as well. These institutions will be mostly located in suburbs, and the basic advantage in these institutions is minimum academic fees. Community colleges provide higher education and lower level tertiary education, granting certificates, diplomas and Associates Degree. -
US Student VISA
US Consul General Josh Glazer off answers queries on US student visa process
Can you elaborate on the US student visa process? What are the key points you look for in a student visa application?
It is a very simple and straightforward process. We strive to make it as quick as possible. It is a two-way process where you give your biometrics, fingerprints and picture at an offsite location. In my section, it will take you close to half and hour to wrap up the entire process. A visa officer may speak with you for around 4 minutes; it is a very quick process. The officer may ask a couple of very basic questions like where are you interested in studying and how did you find out about it, are your parents going to fund you or are you on a scholarship. Then we make a decision and we tell people right away. I am pleased to say that we are up 50% on student visa issuance as compared to last year.
How early should a student apply for a visa?
We encourage students to apply early; we don't want people to be in a rush at the end. But you cannot apply more than 120 days in advance. What we tell people is get yourself organized and take an appointment with us online.
What is the average time required to get the visa processed?
We generate over 90% of the visas the following day.
Can you list the key documents required for a student visa?
The most important document is the I-20 (which comes directly from the University in the United States) and your passport. It is a very simple process.
Does multiple admission offers influence the visa in any way?
We all want to be welcome in every place we can, and it is nice to get accepted in a bunch of places. But, you must make a careful choice about the course you plan to take. To help you come to a decision USIEF can advise you on making college choices in the US. So, we only make a decision on their reasons for studying a certain course in the US.
Do standardized test scores make a difference?
The visa decision is a very small part of the whole process. These tests are taken much in advance while you are contemplating what your various options are. As a student, I will not be thinking of the visa at that time.
What makes an officer reject an application?
We do turn some people down during the process. But we issue the visa in a vast majority of the cases. If someone is not able to explain why s/he chose a particular college or a course; we only look at whether s/he is a genuine student. However, once you have done all your research and spoken to USIEF counselors you would be able to demonstrate your reasons for studying in the US.
Can my parents come to drop me off this fall? Can they apply right now or should we wait to get my I-20 first?
They can come anytime. We issue visas for 10 years, so anybody who wants to travel on tourism or business can come in whenever they are ready to apply. Application process is very simple.
What are the restrictions on jobs and internships on an F1 visa?
There are opportunities for international students, but there are some limitations. Generally, you have to be doing something that is related to your field of study. Your own institutions and the international student office will be able to guide you best on the opportunities available to you in the US.
How much money do you need to show for a visa?
The requirements from our side are to show that you can pay for the first year of school. We don't tend to spend a lot of time on funding; we are more interested to know how you selected a college and a programmed. -
Common F-1 Student Visa Myths
Millions of people around the world dream of living and studying in the United States. It's no wonder that myths and misconceptions can arise from the F-1 student visa process as friends, family, and classmates talk about the best ways to secure a student visa and the student visa application guidelines.
Visa Experts, we know the truth behind the rumors, myths, and misconceptions. Below, we'll debunk six myths we often hear when aspiring students call our offices.
Myth #1: You have to be at the top of your class to get an F-1 visa.
Many people have the misconception that you have to be an academic genius or a stand-out student with special skills in order to qualify for an F-1 student visa. In reality, getting an F-1 visa has nothing to do with your achievements or test scores. When it comes to studying abroad in the United States, only the schools and universities where you apply will judge you by your academic achievement, not the federal government.
Myth #2: A limited number of student visas are available.
Although there is a limit on many types of U.S. visas, there is none associated with F-1 student visas and no individual country limits. The number of student visas issued each year is only limited by the number of students who are accepted to a qualifying American institution of learning.
Myth #3: You absolutely must be proficient in English to get an F-1 visa.
This is simply not true. A large number of foreign students come to the United States expressly to learn or improve their English. While you must be proficient in English to enter into a full-time program of study that isn't language-based, you certainly do not have to have a background in English to take English classes.
Myth # 4: Low scores will negatively affect the chances of my application being accepted.
Not at all. If a university has accepted you, then that is generally enough. The consulate will not take your low scores into account.
Myth # 5: You must dress in a certain way for your interview.
As long you satisfy all the prerequisites, you can wear whatever you want. It is totally false that men must wear a suit or women have to dress in a Western outfit. There is no dress code for the interview.
Myth #6: You can't work and go to school at the same time with an F-1 visa.
There are a limited number of opportunities to work while attending school in the United States, but opportunities do exist. All students are allowed to work on-campus for a limited number of hours, while some students will qualify to work off campus in certain circumstances. -
Bachelors in the US
A well-thought-out timeline could be beneficial to applicants applying for Bachelor degree programs in Top US Universities.
Though the United States continues to be a favorite with students in India as an overseas academic destination, the number and variety of requirements (standardized tests, electronic applications, personal essays, letters of recommendation, application fees, etc) may seem daunting and discourage many potential students — and their parents.
Perhaps, the key to making an academic opportunity abroad a reality is as simple as not waiting until the last minute and, instead, creating a timeline that will keep you, the applicant, true to your goal. It takes time to find out what institution fits your interests best and to develop a strong essay that tells the school of your choice who you are and what you plan to do.
To fulfill requirements and build a compelling application, the average student needs to start preparing about 15-18 months before the intended enrolment date.
Based on an academic year beginning in August, the application requirements can be broken down into five steps that helps simplify and demystify the application process.Step 1
Research your options
(January-April)
Based on your goals and your academic preparedness, create a shortlist of institutions that may be a good fit for your skills and talent (what's your high school GPA? Do you need to take standardised tests? If you do, what scores are needed? What are your co-curricular accomplishments?)
You may also consider location and climate, campus size and diversity, as well as financial aid opportunities. Begin with a list of 20-30 universities. To get you started, visit the College Board website, www.collegeboard.comStep 2
Complete your application
(May-October)
Carefully review application deadlines and admissions requirements of the universities you selected. Sign up to take standardized tests (repeat them, if scores are low), begin drafting your personal essay, and get in touch with former teachers to ask for academic recommendations. US universities require students to take standardized tests that measure students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, such as the SAT or the ACT. Some universities also require SAT subject tests.
Foreign students are required to take tests that measure English language proficiency, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. Sit for tests early, so that you have time to retake them, if necessary, and improve your scores. Taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams may also give you a competitive edge.
Most universities will require two to three letters of recommendation. Select teachers who can vouch for your intellectual abilities and potential growth.Step 3
Finance your studies
(November-January)
This is the time for parents to work on a financial plan. US universities offer a variety of scholarships, but these are extremely competitive. Other funding sources are listed through the Institute of International Education (IIE) www.fundingusstudy.org, or advertised in public service sites, such as www.finaid.org or http://guaranteed-scholarships.com.Step 4
Student visa
(April-July)
If you are admitted to a university, you will receive an acceptance letter and Certificate of Eligibility Form (I-20). This is the time to schedule an interview at the US embassy to apply for an F-1 (student) visa. For detailed information on the visa process, visit the website of US embassy, New Delhi: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/applyingmain.htmlStep 5
Prepare for departure
(July-September)
After you get your student visa, it is a good idea to attend a pre-departure orientation offered by Worldwide Studies at one of our offices in Chandigarh, Rudrapur, Kashipur and Puranpur. Attending an orientation is a great opportunity to familiarise yourself with the demands of academic life in the US, as well as a unique chance to meet other students who, like you, will be studying in the US soon.
As you can see, gaining admission at a US university requires consistent efforts and careful planning. A well-thought-out timeline will be beneficial to applicants and foster their success.