Since ages the USA tops the list in study abroad destinations. When students plan to study overseas, the apparent decision of most of the Indian students would be to study in the USA. Whether you are planning to pursue your MS or under graduation, the USA is the first and foremost choice of Indian students. This is because the education system in America is flexible, versatile and offers innumerable courses to Indian students.
Dreaming of studying in the US is one thing, but fulfilling that dream requires proper planning and strategy. If you are also planning to study in the US, below is the complete guide that can help you win a seat in your desired US college.
The first step in your pursuit of studying abroad is shortlisting the colleges or universities and courses that you are planning to study. You need to research the program that you want to study and also research which colleges in the USA have your preferred courses. You should select a few colleges that you want to apply. Also, research about the course requirements, admission deadline, admission criteria, and other similar things.
Note: As shortlisting the college and program is a time-consuming and daunting process, it is better to start the interaction or the counselling one year ahead of the time.
To study in the US universities, you need to clear standardized tests. The tests include IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT/SAT – you can take the test based on the program requirement; like if you are planning to go for MS in the US universities, you must embrace GRE. These tests evaluate your performance based on skills and score you achieve. All the colleges and universities in the USA value these scores while shortlisting any student for the admission. Thus, it is better to prepare and score well on these tests.
Note: The GMAT/GRE scores are valid for 5 years, whereas the TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for 3 years.
Once you have shortlisted your program and college and have your test scores in hand, next step is the application process. Here you need to begin preparing your application documents – SOPs, LORs, Essays & Expositions. As these documents help the admission committee to evaluate your profile and character, it is important to spend quality time on these documents to ensure that these help you stand apart from the rest.
Note: Your application documents must highlight your personality and how keen you are to take the program of choice.
Between November and April is the time when you will begin hearing back from your preferred colleges. One should be quick in giving responses to the colleges or universities. Several colleges in the US undertake online interviews through video conferencing. The interviews are conducted to know more about your personality and how perfect a fit you are for the college.
Note: If you get an admit from more than one college, consider the cut-off time when imparting to the college about your choice.
As you have now received your acknowledgment letter, it is the time to sort your finances. Check for the suitable scholarships to study in the USA and then apply. One can also finance their education in the USA with the help of an education loan. There are several national & international banks that offer education loans to study abroad. Along with the finances, another important thing is to apply for a student visa. Check the student visa requirements & update your documents.
Note: Give mock visa interviews to increase your chances of getting a student visa.
If you think that with all the documents in place & a student visa in hand, you are all set to fly to the USA for studying, then you are so wrong – there is much more left! Whether you are an Indian student or not, you would need to sort your accommodation, bank accounts, insurance, and similar to avoid trouble in the foreign country.
Note: It is better to sort all your important things like accommodation, insurance, etc., before you depart to study in the USA.
We hope this Study in the USA Guide for Indian Students has been helpful to you. However, if this guide was not able to answer any of your queries related to studying in the USA, reach out to our consultant and we will help in the best possible way.
