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23 July, 2024
Being an overseas education aspirant, especially for the U.S., your journey begins with selecting the University you want to study in and the academic program you wish to pursue. Master's degree from a U.S. university takes 1 year,1.5 years, maximum, 2 years to complete. A bachelor's degree requires 4 and 5 years of study in the USA; however, it varies depending on the University you choose and the program you are applying for.
International students choose universities that match their academic interests, personal preferences, and professional plans that go best with their profile. Take a look at college rankings. In the United States, there are no public standardized college rankings. Instead, several private companies measure and rank colleges in the USA. Besides, the most recognizable one is the, U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges, ranks universities and colleges in many categories. Other popular college ranking lists include:
· Forbes
· The Princeton Review
· Times Higher Education
International students in the U.S. can use rankings to see which colleges provide a quality education.
But remember: Rankings should not be the only criteria you use to choose a university; one should also consider the following criteria: Location, curriculum, Budget, and return on investment.
For many international students in the USA, your primary (or the focus of your academic studies) might be the most crucial factor when choosing colleges to apply in the United States. If you have multiple academic interests, you can complete a double major at a particular college or University. Or, you may add a minor to your major.
Academics are important, but when considering where to study in the USA for your bachelor's degree, consider the kind of university experience you want in the United States. Here are a few questions to get you started:
University brings in new students in the fall, which is in the month of August, andthen spring in the month of January; these two are considered as the main intake; few universities offer summer intakes as well in the month ofMay, where very few programs are open.
Additionally, you can also look at each college's location in the U.S., climate (weather), tests required (academic standardized and English proficiency tests), costs, scholarships, international student services, campus facilities, and internships and job placement rates to target colleges and universities that meet your needs.
Once you have selected the program you want to pursue and shortlisted the universities, it's time to begin applying.
To begin applying for a program at a U.S. university, your application can be completed online either through the University's official website or through a third party like the Common App for Undergrad, Apply Taxes for the universities in the state of Texas, or Cal tech for the universities of California. Depending on the universities, how they are accepting the applications.
No matter which method you choose, you must submit specific documents listed by the University.
For Undergrad Applications:
All the intakes are open for each year in the month of August, so if you are targeting spring intake, then your application needs to be submitted by the 1st week of September so that the decision will arrive by the last week of October. If you are targeting summer intake, then you should submit your application by the 1st week of October so that the decision will arrive by the last week of November. If you are targeting fall intake, then you should submit your application till the 1st week of November so that the decision will arrive till the last week of December.
The minimum Turn Time (TAT) is 4 to 6 weeks rest, depending upon University to University. Also, some universities take applications on a rolling basis, so their decision is also on a rolling basis.
Once the application is submitted, it's time for you to start preparing your financial documents while your application is in review. We suggest students apply along with their financial documents to get an i20 at the time of the offer letter only. It will save them time processing visa formalities.
In the United States, the cost of college is charged semester-wise, quarterly, or annually, and this covers college tuition fees, living expenses, books, health insurance, and miscellaneous etc.
But international students can also apply for financial aid in the form of scholarships at the time of application process in tuition fee deduction or even at the time of their studies in the form of Fellowship, Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Graduate Research Assistantship, Internships, Grants, Funding Assistantships which can contribute in the tuition fee along with living expenses.
If you are targeting spring intake, then you should accept your offer till the month of October; if you are targeting summer intake, then you should accept your offer till the month of December; if you are targeting fall intake, then you should accept your offer till the month of May.
Once you have made your choice, you need to check how to proceed or what the next step is. Universities mention this in their offer letters or by directly mailing the students. Some universities are only to accept the offer on their official application portal, and some ask for an initial deposit to secure your spot. The initial deposit is a part of the tuition fee only; it will automatically be deducted from your tuition fee and the remaining amount you need to pay as your tuition fee.
Once you accept the offer, the very next step is to request your i20. For that, you need to show your financial documents; you can show the amount in a savings account in the form of the latest bank balance, certificates, fixed deposit, and post office savings in the form of their original certificates and original loan sanction letter with terms and conditions, some universities also ask for solvency letter along original loan sanction letter.
Apart from these documents, every University has its support of an affidavit form, which is also an essential document in requesting i20 to support your finances and your original passport.
The day you receive your I-20, you can start filing your visa, which is F-1. This student visa permits you to study at U.S. universities or colleges with funding from your family or yourself. You are also allowed to work part-time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week when your academic term is in session and 40 hours during your summer and winter break. With an F-1 visa, students may be eligible to work off-campus during their first year on a case-by-case basis, depending on particular circumstances such as financial hardship. After their first year, F-1 visa students may engage in certain types of off-campus work pre-completion or post-completion, which include:
· Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
· Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Once you receive your i20, you need to fill out your DS160 application form with the help of your passport and i20; once it is complete, review the application carefully and then submit; after submitting your DS160 application form, you need to fill your SEVIS application and make payment of 350 USD (amount as per 6th July 2024). After that, create an account to file your visa application and pay 185 USD (amount as of 6th July 2024). once you make your payment, the account will be activated on the same day; once it is activated, you can book your visa slots.
There are 2 slots you need to book for your U.S. visa. One is OFC, which is your biometric, where the visa officer clicks your photograph and takes your fingerprints along with checking your visa documents: your DS160 application confirmation page, all the original passports, signed i20, SEVIS payment confirmation page, visa payment receipt, the appointment confirmation page. The other one is VAC, which is your interview; you need to go for your interview with your visa documents, academic documents, and financial documents.
If your visa has been approved, then they will take your passport. After that, for stamping, expect the delivery of your passport within a week. In case your visa has been refused, they will return your passport then and there only.
It's time to think about the actual arrival on campus! Your U.S. college or University will tell you when you must arrive for the beginning of the academic term or an optional orientation.
Consider arriving early: It is a good idea to give yourself as much preparation time as possible before your first day of classes; you can make good connections with your professors, classmates, roommates, etc. It's a time to hunt for part-time jobs, search for affordable housing options, etc.
Booking your flight tickets is now your high priority. In addition to your academic term and orientation dates, two other dates are even more important for your travel plans. One is that immigration regulations require you to arrive in the United States no more than 30 days in advance of your program start date, which is written in your I-20, and you must arrive by that I-20 program start date.
Before you get on the plane, double-check that you have all the required documents you will need to present at the border (I-20, financial documents, offer letter, SEVIS payment receipt, customs paperwork, passport with an F-1 student visa stamp on it). Keep them in cabin baggage, where you can easily access them. It's a good idea to have official copies of your transcripts, immunization records, medications, and other essential items in your check-in baggage.
Depending on your university, you will likely know about your housing options and student housing assignments before your departure. Many universities offer on-campus housing in dormitories or have both on- and off-campus options. It includes: apartments,complexes, shared houses, and more. Carefully research each option before leaving and choose the option that best suits your lifestyle needs.
In colleges and universities, you will participate in an orientation on arrival and ongoing advising sessions throughout your first year to ease the campus transition process. To welcome and make you comfortable, there are dedicated sessions on:
· International Student Housing,
· Health Insurance Plans,
· On-campus Work Options,
· Student Activities and Organizations, etc
International students in the U.S. may find that campus life is very different compared to life at home. Before you arrive, it can be helpful to make a list of necessities to take with you to the U.S. Consider bringing and/or setting up:
· A cell phone SIM: Check with your service provider if your sim will work in the U.S. and will let you make calls. If it does not, you may have to buy a new sim and calling plan.
· A bank account: Research potential banks near campus to open an account in the U.S. Some banks may be affiliated with your University and give you benefits, like campus discounts or special offers at local retailers.
· An adapter for electronics: The chargers or power cables for some of your electronics may not work with U.S. power sockets. Consider changing your cables or bringing adapters.
· Documentation: Make sure you have all essential documents needed for your life as an international student, such as health insurance information, copies of your student visa and I-20 form, passport, recommendation letters, and test scores.
· Personal medication: Check with your advisor if any medication you rely on is available in pharmacies near your campus. Bring extra medication with you in case of emergencies.Now you are ready to take off! Make iKounselor your co-piolet, and let us help you through.
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