Know About the USA
The USA or US or America is situation in the central North America. With 50 states, 5 self-governing territories and several other island, the USA is the 4th largest country in the world by area. It is a highly developed nation accounting for a quarter of the global GDP. It is the land of Hollywood, of many wonders of the world like the Grand Canyon and is a melting pot of cultures, religions and ethnicities. Given its vastness of area, America has 5 different timezones and thereby varied climatic conditions as well. In all, the nation covers all type of weathers within its own.
Given the reputation of the Ivy Leagues universities and other college institutions, the USA is undoubtedly #1 and favourite destination for international students to gain knowledge and experience.
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Quick Facts:
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Official Name: United States of America
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Capital: Washington D.C.
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Major cities: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle
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Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
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No. of States and Union Territories (UTs): 50 States, 1 Federal District, 5 UTs, and several minor islands
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Official Languages: English
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Motto: In God We Trust
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National Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner
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National March: The Star and Stripes Forever
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Time Zones: UTC−4 to −12, +10, +11. Summer (DST): UTC−4 to −10
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Weather: Because of its large size and geographic variety, the USA includes most climate types in its geography. It ranges from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south. It is arid in the Great Basin region, while Alaskan region is subpolar or arctic. States bordering the Gulf of Mexico are periodically hit by hurricanes and most tornadoes of the world occur in the country.
Education System
The American education system is categorized as follows:
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Vocational Education is for 2 years after 12th standard
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Bachelors degree is for 3-4 years after 12th standard or vocational education
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PG Master’s degree is for 2 – 5 years depending on the course after the bachelors
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Doctorate degree is done after Masters and is for 3-8 years
Universities
The USA has some of the best universities of the world. There are 181 US universities and colleges that are named among the world’s best so when it comes to choosing an American university there are a lot of options that you can choose from. In total there are more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the country. The top 10 universities of the USA are:
1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
5. Columbia University
6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
7. Yale University
8. University of Pennsylvania
9. Princeton University
10. Cornell University
Admission Requirement or Eligibility
We have curated the academic eligibility for Indian students.
1. For Bachelors program:
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Minimum 55% or above in 12th standard
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IELTS overall score of 6 bands with minimum 5.5 bands in each section
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SAT score of 1200
2. For Masters degree:
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Bachelor of 4 years with minimum 3 GPA. For MBA program, it is compulsory to have work experience
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IELTS overall score of 6.5 bands with a minimum 6 bands in each section
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GRE score of 290+ and for Ivy Leagues 310+
Cost
Being an international student is not easy on the pocket. Even though universities, government, and institutions provide assistance, having an understanding of the cost of living while studying in an American University is beneficial:
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Annual tuition fees for the undergraduate programs are between USD 12,000 -20,000 depending on your course and university, while for the postgraduate programs it can vary between USD 14,000-25,000. Exact fees can be verified on the university’s website you choose and the program you shortlist.
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The estimated cost of living per annum for a student living in the US is between USD 10,000-12,000 which includes the cost of accommodation, food, books, travel, buying weather-specific clothes, etc. with an additional USD 5,000-7,000 each in case of dependents
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Other costs involve your Test fees, Visa fees, Air tickets which can be between USD 950 to 1,550.
Post Study Work
Your F1 visa allows staying in the US for 60 more days after your graduation date. If you can plan to stay back and work in the US, you can choose OPT program which allows you to stay for 12 months to gain practical experience. Alternatively, while your F1 visa is active you are eligible to apply for a Green Card aka Permanent Residence, once you obtain this you are legally allowed to live and work in the US
Work Permit for Students
F1 Visa allows you to work 20 hours a week on-campus when the term is in session and you may work full-time during the extended holidays, breaks, and summer holidays. With the entry-level jobs you can approximately earn USD 7 to USD 9 per hour, while a more highly skilled work can pay you USD 10 or more per hour.
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Additionally, many schools and colleges offer CPT (Curricular Practical Training) program which provides students with an opportunity to work with paid internships while earning a degree.
Scholarship
In the USA, international students are offered scholarships by the US government, the universities, and even some institutions offer financial aid to the students. The competition to grab any scholarships is always fierce, especially in the US as it is favorite country with the international students and every semester, students flock to this country. You can consult your university website to understand which all scholarships you would be eligible for to apply. The scholarships are, of course, awarded on your academic merit and extra-curricular performances.
Our Soham Learning student counseling experts can guide you in shortlisting colleges with most relevant scholarships for your need and your future career plan.
Student Visa
Documents necessary for applying for the USA F1 Student Visa are:
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Confirmation page of DS-160
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Form I-20
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Application as a non-immigrant
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Payment of application fees for I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)
In case you need any other documents for the Visa processing, your university will inform you of it.
Family/Dependent Visa
F2 Visa is a student-dependent visa that can applied by the immediate family of the F1 visa holder. Dependents that are included in this visa is the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. The student will have to show financial support proof for the dependent for their stay in the US.
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F2 Visa holder are not eligible to work during their stay nor pursue higher education. However, you can request a change in visa status by enrolling into a program in the US or if you find an appropriate. You are eligible to extend your visa if the F1 visa holder extends their stay.
Lifestyle
Even though Indians are used to the American way of life, thanks to the movies and series, when it comes to actually live in the country we may find it difficult to adapt. Below are a few tips that can help you adjust to the American student life:
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Americans enjoy celebrating various holidays. Participating in such holidays will help you understand the culture and traditions of the country. Also, it is a great way to create bonds with your fellow classmates.
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Education is more interactive and hands-on in the US than we are used to in India. It will be an advantage if you go prepared in the class to gain a deeper understanding during the lecture.
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American universities usually assign you with a mentor to help you adjust. Do not hesitate to ask for help whenever you are stuck and need assistance.
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Joining on-campus clubs and societies would be a great start to get acquainted. However, be mindful of balancing your studies with the socializing activities.
Process Flow
The process to apply for the UK Student Visa is as below:
1. Shortlist and choose Universities and Courses of your choice: This helps with setting a clear goal and ensuring a clear path ahead in the processing.
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2. Apply to the universities: Apply as per the requirement on the website or through application package sent by the university. It is advised to apply to at least 4 to 5 universities. You will need to send applications to all the different universities separately. Therefore, you will need to be mindful of the deadlines for each of them and the time it takes for the courier to reach them. Next, is to wait for the I-20 which usually takes 5-8 working weeks.
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3. I-20 and SEVIS: Once you receive your I-20 (ensure all the conditions are fulfilled, if any, before proceeding), you need to the SEVIS fees for your selected university, and then the Student Visa application will be completed.
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4. Visa Interview: You will need to create a profile on VFS and take the date for the interview. In the meantime, prepare all the necessary documents including the financial support document. Soham Learning assists you with visa interview coaching to help ease the process. Once the interview date is confirmed, you will need to get your biometric done at an Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC). The Visa interview happens at the US Consulate General in Mumbai. Ensure to reach an hour early before the appointment time.
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5. Visa Approval: If you have been given the visa your passport will be delivered to your selected VFS center, however, if rejected the Visa officer will return your passport at the end of the interview. Once your Visa is approved, you have to pay the tuition fees and you are ready to fly to the USA.
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The Soham Learning team is dedicated to assisting you right from the step 1 to the time you fly away. Even after your study we can help you with the process your further permits and help you work in the USA.
Free Services
University Short Listing
Assistance in shortlisting colleges and universities appropriate to your career goals and aspirations.
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Admission Process
Guidance throughout the process from collecting relevant documents in the correct format to submitting applications to tracking the updates.
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SOP Assistance
Assistance in writing a well-crafted SOP that meets the requirement of the university and helps you get your visa processed without delays.
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Interview Preparation
Special sessions and workshops with our experts to prepare you for the interviews before the date.
Education Loan
Provide guidance and counsel for the best way to get financial aid through education loans and other options, if available.
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Air Tickets
Assistance in booking your flights once you have your visa approved.
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Travel Insurance
Guidance to get the best deal on travel insurance suitable for the country you plan to study.
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Airport Pick-up
Provide assistance with arranging for a pick-up for you at the airport once you land in the country you plan to visit.
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Accommodation
We can help get you accommodation in a new country.