How to Study in the USA: A Guide for International Students

Important Information at a Glance

Topic	Details
Degree Options	Associate’s Degree (2 years), Bachelor’s Degree (4-5 years), Master’s Degree (2 years), PhD (4+ years)
Research Resources	U.S. Department of Education College Navigator, College Board’s Big Future
Application Requirements (Undergraduate)	Personal information, transcript, SAT/ACT scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores, essay, recommendations, passport copy
Application Requirements (Graduate)	Transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores, statement of purpose, research proposal, recommendations, passport copy
Cost Considerations	Tuition, fees, living expenses, books, health insurance; financial aid and scholarships available
Visa Types	F-1, J-1, M-1
Student Housing	On-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments
Important Documents	I-20 form, financial documents, admissions letter, SEVIS fee receipt, customs paperwork, passport, transcripts, medications

Looking into Schools and Universities Online

Looking into schools and universities online is a good first step if you want to study in the United States. Find degree programs and schools using tools like the US Department of Education’s College Navigator. If you are looking for an undergraduate program, you can also use College Board’s Big Future.

Think about the rankings given by publications like Forbes, The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, and Times Higher Education while you’re researching. If you are an international student looking for a top university, these rankings can help.

Reach Out to an Academic Counselor

You can gain a lot of insight by consulting a specialist in American higher education. More than 175 countries are served by the more than 430 educational advising centers that make up EducationUSA, a network run by the United States Department of State. You can also take advantage of Shorelight’s advising sessions to get information about schools that are a good fit for your career aspirations and academic interests.

Select an Academic Major

For overseas students, deciding on a major is essential. Think about the kind of campus life you’d like, the size of the university or college, and whether you’d prefer a public or private school.

For those who are interested in more than one field of study, double majors and minors are options to consider. It is important to remember that a large number of students alter their intended major while enrolled in college.

Get in Touch with the College

Start applying to schools once you’ve decided on a program and major. Students have the option of using the school’s website or submitting their applications through third-party platforms such as the Common App.

Application Process for Undergraduates

As a general rule, colleges impose:

• Individual details
• Transcript
• Average results on standardized tests (SAT/ACT)
• Results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Pieces of Advice for an Essay
• A certified copy of your current ID
• Particulars regarding extracurricular activities
• Resumes and proof of funding may be required by some as well.

Application for Graduate Students

Things needed are:

• Academic transcripts
• Exam results (GRE/GMAT)
• Scores on tests of English proficiency
• Purpose statement
• Study proposal
• Statements of Advice
• A certified copy of your current ID
• Documentation of funds

The university’s website is the primary means of receiving applications for graduate programs.

Obtain an Understanding of the Expenses Associated with Studying Abroad

All of these things—tuition, fees, living expenses, books, and health insurance—make up the total cost of studying in the USA. Financial aid in the form of fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, or grants could be accessible.

Get Help Paying for College

Get in touch with the schools you’re considering to find out what kinds of scholarships and grants they offer. Fellowships and assistantships are common forms of financial support in graduate schools.

Take Up the Admissions Offer

Pick the school that meets all of your requirements after you get admission offers. Think about things like campus life, recommendations from current students, and interactions with representatives. To accept the offer and reserve your spot, just follow the instructions on your acceptance letter.

Obtain a Student Visa

The F-1, J-1, and M-1 are the most common forms of student visas. These procedures must be fulfilled after you have obtained your I-20 or DS-2019 form:

• The SEVIS fee must be paid.
• The DS-160 form is used to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
• Meet with a visa officer at your nearest US consulate or embassy.
• Finish the interview

Get Ready to Leave for the United States

Make preparations for your travel so that you can reach the campus by the specified dates. Be sure to bring all the required paperwork with you, such as your I-20, proof of funds, admission letter, receipt for the SEVIS fee, passport with visa, academic transcripts, medical records, and any prescribed medications.

Accommodations for Foreign Students

Do your homework on available lodgings before you go. Colleges and universities often have housing options both on and off campus. Join in on the orientation activities to help you get acclimated to campus life.

Crucial Requirements for Students

It may be helpful to bring or arrange for the following:

• Something like a mobile phone
• Something like a savings account
• An electrical adapter
• Vital records (medical coverage, passport, I-20 paperwork, student visa)
• Prescription drug questions and answers

Questions and Answers

How many distinct degree programs are available in the United States?

Degrees range from an Associate’s (two years), Bachelor’s (four to five years), Master’s (two years), and a Doctoral (four years) and beyond.

Tell me how to find American colleges and universities.

College Navigator, run by the United States Department of Education, and Big Future, run by the College Board are two useful resources. Verify the university’s standing according to publications like Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Times Higher Education.

What kinds of paperwork are required to apply to college?

A valid passport, personal information, transcripts, test scores (both standardized and English proficiency), essays, recommendations, and test scores are the usual components of an undergraduate application. In addition to a personal statement and financial documentation, graduate programs may request a research proposal and statement of purpose.

On what basis does one calculate the price of a US education?

Expenses like tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and medical insurance all add up. Possible sources of funding include grants and scholarships.

I need to know how to apply for a student visa.

Pay the SEVIS fee, apply for a non-immigrant visa (DS-160 form), and schedule and complete a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate after receiving your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

For my trip to the United States, what am I required to bring?

Remember to bring your cell phone, bank account information, an electrical adapter, any necessary documents (passport, health insurance, student visa, I-20 form), and any medication you may need.