STUDY IN THE USA

Basic facts

• About Undergraduate Education in the U.S.
• About Graduate Study in the U.S.
• Testing
• Preparing a Successful Application
• Study costs
• Student Visa

About Undergraduate Education in the U.S.

Types of Institutions

The United States offers a wide variety of higher education institutions. This section explains the difference between them.

Colleges, Universities, and Institutes: The Distinction
Degree-granting institutions in the United States can be called by any of these terms, and colleges and institutes are in no way inferior to universities. As a general rule, colleges tend to be smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while a university also offers graduate degrees. The words "school," "college," and "university" will be used interchangeably. An institute usually specializes in degree programs in a group of closely related subject areas, so you will also come across degree programs offered at institutes of technology, institutes of fashion, institutes of art and design, and so on. Within each college or university you will find schools, such as the school of arts and sciences or the school of business. Each school is responsible for the degree programs offered by the college or university in that area of study.

State Universities
State universities are founded and subsidized by U.S. state governments (for example, California, Michigan, or Texas) to provide low-cost education to residents of that state. They may also be called public universities to distinguish them from private institutions. Some include the words "state university" in their title or include a regional element such as "eastern" or "northern." State universities tend to be very large, with enrollments of 20,000 or more students, and generally admit a wider range of students than private universities. State university tuition costs are generally lower than those of private universities. Also, in-state residents (those who live and pay taxes in that particular state) pay much lower tuition than out-of-state residents. International students, as well as those from other states, are considered out-of-state residents and therefore do not benefit from reduced tuition at state institutions. In addition, international students may have to fulfill higher admission requirements than in-state residents.

Private Universities
Private institutions are funded by a combination of endowments, tuition fees, research grants, and gifts from their alumni. Tuition fees tend to be higher at private universities than at state universities, but there is no distinction made between state and non-state residents. Colleges with a religious affiliation and single-sex colleges are private. In general, private universities have enrollments of fewer than 20,000 students, and private colleges may have 2,000 or fewer students on their campuses.

Community Colleges
Community colleges provide two-year associate degree programs, usually called the associate of arts (A.A.) or associate of science (A.S.) degrees, as well as excellent technical and vocational programs. As the name suggests, community colleges are community-based institutions with close links to secondary schools, community groups, and employers, and many U.S. students live close to campus with their families. Community colleges can be public or private institutions and are sometimes called junior colleges or two-year colleges. A growing number of international students are choosing to study at community colleges. Tuition costs are often lower at two-year than at four-year institutions, and many have agreements to allow students on transfer programs to move easily into the third year of a bachelor's degree at the local state university.

Technical and Vocational Colleges
These institutions specialize in preparing students for entry into, or promotion within, the world of work. They offer certificate and other short-term programs that train students in the theory behind a specific vocation or technology, as well as in how to work with the technology. Programs usually last two years or less. There are several thousand technical and vocational colleges across the United States, and they may be private or public institutions.

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor's and Associate Degrees
The bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete. The associate degree usually takes two years to complete. Associate degree programs may be "terminal" programs, which lead into specific careers upon graduation, or "transfer" programs, which correspond to the first two years of a bachelor's degree and tend to be more liberal arts based. Under the latter option one could then transfer into the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program. Associate degree programs are offered at two-year colleges known as junior or community colleges. Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs, with a small number also offering associate degree programs.

The U.S. Bachelor's Degree
One of the most attractive features of the bachelor's degree program in the United States is that it is highly flexible. You can usually choose from a wide variety of courses and create your own unique program of study. The degree is awarded after you complete a specified number of credits, which are usually completed in four years of full-time study. The first year is called the freshman year; the second is called sophomore; the third, junior; and the fourth, senior. You may read that students in the United States often take longer than four years to complete their degrees. This may be because they change majors and need to accumulate enough credits in the new major field to earn the degree. Or it may be because they take less than a full-time course load per term for academic, personal, or financial reasons. International students, however, cannot study part-time and must maintain full-time status.

The Liberal Arts Philosophy

United States higher education is grounded largely in the notion of a Liberal Arts Education. U.S. undergraduate education is based on the concept of "liberal arts," with the goal of providing a well-rounded academic education that develops students' verbal, written, and reasoning skills. Students at a liberal arts college, or at a university with a strong liberal arts program, begin their degree study by taking classes in a wide variety of courses in the arts, humanities, languages, and the social and physical sciences. They then choose a subject in which to specialize (called a major) and take about 25 to 50 percent of their classes in the major area. Even those who do not follow a liberal arts program and instead plan to major in a specialized subject like engineering are usually required to take about 25 percent of their classes in humanities and social sciences to complement their studies. Similarly, a student who wants to complete a major in history is required to take some classes in mathematics and, possibly, the sciences.

Academic Calendar

Different schools use different calendars, and sometimes the differences become confusing. The academic year is slightly different for each institution, but normally runs from early September to the end of May. It may either be divided into two terms of 18 weeks called semesters, or "quarters" or "trimesters," which are about 12 weeks long. Universities very often provide six- to eight-week summer terms. These are optional, and students attend if they wish to complete their degree faster, decrease their course load during the regular terms, or make up for courses not completed successfully during the regular academic year. There are at least two main holidays during the academic year: a two- to four-week break in the winter (December-January) and a one-week "spring break" some time between early March and mid-April.

Course Load and Grading System

The Credit System
Students at American universities complete their degrees when they have accumulated a certain number of "credits." It usually takes somewhere between 130 and 180 credits to graduate. Sometimes the terms "semester/quarter hours" or "units" are used instead of credits. Each individual course you take earns a specified number (usually three or four) of credits/hours/units. Your academic adviser will help you plan your course schedule for the academic year.

Degree Courses
The individual courses that make up the degree program can be divided into the following types:

• Core courses: These provide the foundation of the degree program and are required of all students. Students take a variety of courses in mathematics, English, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences. Some colleges require students to take many core courses, while other schools require only a few.
• Major courses: A major is the subject in which a student chooses to concentrate. Most students major in one subject; however, some colleges offer the option of pursuing a double major with a related subject. Your major courses represent one-quarter to one-half of the total number of courses required to complete a degree.
• Minor courses: A minor is a subject in which a student may choose to take the second greatest concentration of courses. The number of courses required for a minor tends to be half the number of major courses.
• Elective courses: These courses may be chosen from any department. They offer opportunities to explore other topics or subjects you may be interested in and help make up the total number of credits required to graduate.

Grades
American universities employ a system of continual assessment and assign grades for each course taken. Almost everything you do for a class will influence your final grade. Examinations and tests, essays or written assignments, laboratory reports, laboratory or studio work, class attendance, and class participation may all be used to determine your final grade. This means it is essential to keep up with the reading and course work and to attend classes on a regular basis.

The following is a general percentage/letter grade scale for classes taken at U.S. colleges:



What is a GPA?
Each student completes his or her degree with a grade point average (GPA). A cumulative grade point average is the GPA for all courses taken throughout the degree program. Most universities use a GPA scale of 4.0, but a few universities use a scale of 5.0. To work out your GPA, multiply the numerical value assigned to the letter grade you achieve for each course (typically 4 points for an "A," 3 points for a "B," and so on) by the number of credits each course is worth. Finally, add these numbers together and divide by the total number of credits for all courses.

Most universities also offer some sort of honors degree. To qualify for an honors degree, you must fulfill additional credits or write an honors thesis; precise details depend upon the university and/or academic department. There may be different levels of honors: summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude, in descending order of distinction.

Non-Degree Study at a U.S. College

Do you want to study in the United States at a college or university, but not for a full degree? Perhaps you want to experience life on a U.S. campus, while improving your knowledge of certain subjects. This is certainly a useful addition to your educational experience, and U.S. colleges welcome students such as you. You should write to colleges, explain your situation, and request information on applying for "special student" or "non-degree student" status.

Professional Education

Professional (career-oriented) education is included within the U.S. university system. Large universities tend to be comprised of a college of arts and sciences and several professional schools — usually business, agriculture, medicine, law, and journalism. Institutes of technology have a scientific emphasis in all the degrees they offer.

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About Graduate Study in the U.S.

The two graduate degrees offered in the United States are the master's degree and the doctoral degree; both involve a combination of research and coursework. Graduate education differs from undergraduate education in that it offers a greater depth of training, with increased specialization and intensity of instruction. Study and learning are more self-directed at the graduate level than at the undergraduate level.

Depending on the subject, courses may be quite formal, consisting primarily of lecture presentations by faculty members, or they may be relatively informal, placing emphasis on discussion and exchange of ideas among faculty and students. Seminars involve smaller groups of students than lecture courses, and students may be required to make presentations as well as participate in discussions. Class participation, research papers, and examinations are all important.

Degree requirements are stated in terms of "credits" (sometimes called "units" or "hours"), and each course usually earns three or four credits, generally reflecting the number of hours spent in the classroom and the amount of other work involved. A student will usually accumulate up to 48 credits per academic year if the university operates on a traditional two-semester system.

Master's Degrees

The master's degree is designed to provide additional education or training in the student's specialized branch of knowledge, well beyond the level of baccalaureate study. Master's degrees are offered in many different fields, and there are two main types of programs: academic and professional.

Academic Master's:
The master of arts (M.A.) and master of science (M.S.) degrees are usually awarded in the traditional arts, sciences, and humanities disciplines. The M.S. is also awarded in technical fields such as engineering and agriculture. Original research, research methodology, and field investigation are emphasized. These programs usually require the completion of between 30 and 60 credit hours and could reasonably be completed in one or two academic years of full-time study. They may lead directly to the doctoral level. (See "Important Difference" below.)

Many master's programs offer a thesis and a non-thesis option. The degree is the same in both cases, but the academic requirements are slightly different. Students in non-thesis programs usually take more coursework in place of researching and writing a thesis, and they take a written comprehensive examination after all coursework is completed. Students in degree programs that include a thesis component generally take a comprehensive examination that is an oral exam covering both coursework and their thesis.

Professional Master's:
These degree programs are designed to lead the student from the first degree to a particular profession. Professional master's degrees are most often "terminal" master's programs, meaning that they do not lead to doctoral programs. Such master's degrees are often designated by specific descriptive titles, such as master of business administration (M.B.A.), master of social work (M.S.W.), master of education (M.Ed.), or master of fine arts (M.F.A.). Other subjects of professional master's programs include journalism, international relations, architecture, urban planning, public administration (M.P.A.), and public policy (M.P.P.).

Professional degree programs usually require completion of between 36 and 48 units (one to two years of full-time study), and usually do not offer a thesis option. They do not always require that the bachelor's degree be in a specific field, but they may recommend a certain amount of prior study or coursework in the subject area.

Important Difference:
One main difference between master's programs is whether or not they are designed for students who intend to continue toward a doctoral degree. Those that specifically do not lead into doctoral programs are known as terminal master's programs. Most professional master's degrees fall under this category. Credits earned in terminal master's programs may or may not be transferable or applicable in case you decide to continue toward a doctoral degree later on.

Some institutions restrict admission to certain departments solely to potential doctoral candidates, although they may award a terminal master's degree to students who complete a certain level of coursework but do not go on to their doctoral work. Other departments require a master's degree as part of the requirements for admission to doctoral programs. Since policies vary from institution to institution and within various departments of each institution, it is best to check directly with individual graduate departments to determine the structure and admissions policies for master's and doctoral candidates.

Doctoral Degrees

The doctoral degree is designed to train research scholars and, in many cases, future college and university faculty members. Receipt of a doctoral degree certifies that the student has demonstrated capacity as a trained research scholar in a specific discipline.

At the doctoral level, the Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) is the most common degree awarded in academic disciplines. Other doctoral degrees are awarded primarily in professional fields, such as education (Ed.D. or doctor of education) and business administration (D.B.A. or doctor of business administration). Doctoral programs involve advanced coursework, seminars, and the writing of a dissertation that describes the student's own original research, completed under the supervision of a faculty adviser.

A comprehensive examination is given, usually after three to five years of study and completion of all coursework, and when the student and adviser agree that the student is ready. This exam is designed to test the student's ability to use knowledge gained through courses and independent study in a creative and original way. Students must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field of study. Successful completion of this examination marks the end of the student's coursework and the beginning of concentration on research.

The Ph.D. degree is awarded to those students who complete an original piece of significant research, write a dissertation describing that research, and successfully defend their work before a panel of faculty members who specialize in the discipline. This may take an additional two to three years. To earn a doctoral degree, therefore, may take anywhere from five to eight years beyond the bachelor's degree, depending on the field of study.

In the United States, you will find a variety of nontraditional doctoral programs; these programs might have very different types of requirements from the traditional programs. Prospective students should be sure of what is required to enter any program they are considering, and what is required to obtain the degree. This information is usually available from university catalogs and websites or directly from individual departments.

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Testing

In order to study in the United States, students take standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II Subject Tests, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and others.

Testing requirements for short-term study vary greatly between programs, so interested applicants should contact the programs in which they are interested.

However, most short-term programs will require some proof of English language proficiency. Students may be asked to obtain written verification of English language skills from teachers or advisers, or to submit scores from an internationally recognized English language assessment test, usually the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Another test that is also widely accepted by U.S. colleges and universities is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS exams are generally offered through more than 500 locations in 130 countries. Students can also take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, a computer-based English proficiency test which delivers real-life measures of test takers’ language ability. The test is designed for non-native speakers who wish to study in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

For undergraduate programs, additional tests may include the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Reasoning Test and/or Subject Tests, or the ACT. Graduate student applicants interested in short-term university study may be asked to submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), General and/or Subject Test.

Professional short-term programs may require applicants to take a standardized test such as the General or Subject Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Please consult the program to which you are applying for specific requirements.

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Preparing a Successful Application

Requesting Application Materials

Because of the work and the costs involved in compiling a good application, most students limit their applications to between four and seven colleges. However, you can request information from as many universities as you like. You may have a clear idea of exactly which schools you will be applying to and request information only from those. Or you may prefer to request information from 10 to 20 schools that you believe meet your needs, and then narrow down your list once you have read through the catalogs, application forms, and other information you receive.

If you have access to the Internet, you will find that many U.S. universities also put their college catalogs onto their websites, and some have even stopped printing paper copies. Many also have online applications that can be completed on the computer and sent back to the university electronically, or the forms can be downloaded and printed. If there is an online application, you should use it. This is the quickest method for submitting your application. If you can download the application, appropriate parts of the catalog, and other information from a college's website, you will not need to contact the school directly. Also, college websites increasingly offer other features, such as video tours of their campuses.

If you do not have access to the Internet and need printed copies of application materials and catalogs, contact each university by writing a letter or by sending a fax or e-mail request separately to each school. Include the information detailed in the section below, "What to Include," in your written request. Or, you may prefer to submit a preliminary application form instead.

Due to the cost of mailing to other countries, you may receive a shortened version of course listings, and you may be asked to pay if you require the entire catalog. Check to see if your information or advising center has copies of catalogs you need. If you do not receive, or cannot find, all the information you require, write or e-mail again to the international undergraduate admissions office and ask the specific questions you wish to have answered. E-mail is an easy way to obtain an application and other materials, and U.S. universities are usually quick to respond. However, sometimes you may need to make a telephone call to follow up on a particular item. In that case, send a fax or e-mail ahead of time, telling the appropriate person that you will be telephoning, when you will call, and what you wish to discuss.

When to Send Your Inquiry
Send your first inquiry approximately 12 months before you plan to enroll. Give yourself sufficient time for possible delays in international mailings, especially if you are posting applications or requesting information in November or December when the high volume of holiday mail will often double the length of time mail takes to reach its destination.

Where to Send Your Inquiry
Address your requests for information to the Office of International Undergraduate Admissions. Be brief but clear in your request. Be sure to include the full zip (postal) code for the institution on the envelope to ensure that your letter reaches its destination as quickly as possible. You may also send these inquiries by e-mail.

What to Include

• name, address, age, and nationality (always be consistent in the spelling of your name and address)
• your secondary school diploma or examination results that you have obtained or that you will obtain
• any postsecondary study you have undertaken (if applicable)
• the degree and subject you would like to major in (if known), and the proposed starting date
• how you expect to finance your studies — if you need financial assistance from the university, inquire about the possibilities
• results of the TOEFL, ACT, SAT, and any other admissions tests, if already taken

Registering for Admissions Tests

How and when to register for different required admissions tests. If you are planning to enroll at a college in September (fall semester), take any relevant tests no later than January in the same year, and preferably earlier. (See Testing for further information on requirements and registration.) You should confirm with each college whether you need to take the ACT, SAT I, or SAT II Subject Tests. Remember that you cannot take both the SAT I and SAT II on the same day, and deadlines for registration for the tests are usually five to six weeks before the actual test date. Test scores must reach universities before the application deadline date, and you should allow at least four to six weeks between the test date and the application deadline.

If English is not your native language, register to take the TOEFL. As with the ACT and SAT, make sure your test results reach colleges before their deadline dates. If you feel that you qualify for a TOEFL waiver, contact the universities directly and explain your circumstances. At least one to two months before the test dates, find out about test preparation materials and any other help you may need.

Completing and Returning the Application Materials

Application Form
Your application form should be neat and clear. Unless it specifically asks you to complete the forms by hand, use a typewriter or word processor. You should fit your information into the application form provided and only use additional pages where necessary. Keep your personal information consistent, and always spell your name the same way on all documents. This will help schools keep track of your application materials more easily. Remember that large U.S. universities handle thousands of student records annually. Do not worry about providing a Social Security Number — either leave the section blank or write "none," according to the instructions. Avoid abbreviations; it is better to write the names and addresses of your schools, employers, examinations, and awards in full. Always provide information about your education or employment experiences in a logical order that is either chronological or reverse chronological order, as required. You will be asked when you want to study, what level (usually "freshman" or "transfer"), and the degree you hope to receive. Remember that it is acceptable for you to write "undecided" on the section asking about proposed major.

Application Fee
Almost all universities charge a non-refundable application fee that covers the cost of processing your application. It must be paid in U.S. dollars either by a dollar check drawn on a U.S. bank or an international money order obtainable from banks or American Express offices. Check the school's application form, website, or catalog for the current cost.

Academic Credentials
Each college will specify the types of official records it requires to document past education. In American terms, these are called transcripts and include a list of classes that you have taken at secondary school, when they were taken, and the grades you received for each class.

The U.S. college may furnish special forms on which school authorities are asked to write your grades and your academic performance relative to other students in your secondary school. If such forms are not provided, your school still will be expected to submit official documents that provide this kind of information on letterhead paper with the school stamp. If the admissions officer requests an explanation of the grading and class ranking system or descriptions of classes taken or subjects you have studied, this information should be furnished by an official of your school, if possible. U.S. admissions officers prefer that transcripts of previous educational work be sent with your application in an envelope sealed by your school or sent directly from the school.

U.S. colleges either will evaluate your grades and documents themselves, or they sometimes require international applicants to pay an outside company, called a credential evaluator, to evaluate your documents. In addition to a transcript, you must also send certified copies of the originals of secondary school diplomas, certificates, final examination results, or records of your performance in any national or leaving examinations administered in your home country. Do not send original documents unless there is no alternative; usually they cannot be returned. Copies should be certified with an official seal from the school, or certified by a public official authorized to certify such documents.

If English translations are necessary, you may use the services of a professional translator, or you may translate the document yourself. Such translations must also be certified by an acceptable agency. Do not attempt to convert your school results and courses into American terms. Instead, try to provide as much background information as possible on the grading system used and the types of diplomas, certificates, or awards granted.

Test Score Reporting
When you apply to take the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or other examinations, you should know which universities you wish to apply to. In this way, you will be able to specify at that time that you wish your scores sent to those universities. You will save time and money by sending the scores at test time rather than requesting separate scores at a later date. When you submit an application, also include a photocopy of your test score reports, if possible. The admissions office can more easily match the official scores with your application, and, in some instances, they may begin processing your application with only the photocopy in hand.

Personal Statement
Many schools ask applicants to submit a written personal statement or essay as part of the admissions process. When university admissions officers read this part of the application, they may look to see whether the student can contribute to the school and if the school can meet his or her needs. The personal statement gives universities a chance to get a personal glimpse of you, an insight that is not possible in the grades and numbers that make up the rest of your application. In general, essay questions either require a specific response or are open-ended. Colleges look for certain qualities for their student body and tailor their essay questions accordingly.

Application essays also allow admissions officers to assess your writing skills, academic ability, organizational skills, purpose in applying to a U.S. institution, and your reasons for your chosen field of study. Admissions officers look for strong writing skills, as well as a demonstration of intellectual curiosity and maturity. Write the essay far enough in advance so that you have time to put it aside for a week and then read it again to see if it still makes sense. This shows through in your essay, and tells admissions officers that you are a good writer, that you care about the essay, and that you are willing to take the time to prepare it well.

Some general tips:


DO:

• Answer the question asked
• Focus on a specific incident or event you remember well - details are important
• Consider explaining anything unusual that has influenced your school or home life
• Get others to proofread it for grammatical and spelling errors

DO NOT:

• Lie
• Choose a topic merely to look good
• Say what you think the college wants to hear; just tell the truth about your reasons for applying to the school
• Turn down the college's invitation to write more about yourself
• Write the essay (or any other part of your application) the night before it is due

Recommendations
You will usually be asked for at least two recommendations. These may come from the head or principal of your school, your school counselor, your personal tutor, or any teachers who know you well. Your recommenders must be able to write about your work and be able to assess your potential to do well at college. If you know the subject in which you plan to major, have your teacher in that subject write a recommendation. Recommendations from American teachers are very positive and can be longer and more detailed than those written by teachers in other countries. Poorly written, negative, or late recommendations will reflect on your judgment in picking referees, so choose with care.

Recommendation forms may ask a list of questions or just one general question. Since recommendations carry a fair amount of weight in the admissions process, let your recommenders know about your plans and where you would like to study. A recommendation form may include a waiver where you can relinquish your right to see what is written about you. If this option is offered, most admissions officers prefer you to waive your right so that recommenders may feel more comfortable when writing their evaluations. Admissions officers usually interpret waived recommendations as more honest. If your recommendations must be sent directly from your referees, it is common courtesy to give them stamped, addressed envelopes. Also allow plenty of time for your referees to write their recommendations. Remind them to sign the sealed flap of the envelope before mailing.

Financial Statement
Most universities include a form called a Declaration and Certification of Finances or Affidavit of Financial Support in their application packets. This must be signed by your parents or whoever is meeting your college expenses, and must be certified by a bank or lawyer. Keep a copy of this form since you will also need it to apply for your student visa. Schools usually need to know that you have at least the first year's expenses covered, although many may also ask you to indicate your source of income for the entire period of study. If you know when you apply that you will need some form of assistance from the college, indicate how much you plan to request from the university. Many U.S. universities operate a "needs-blind" admissions policy. This means that your financial position is not a consideration in the decision whether to grant you admission. Please note, however, that the university will issue the relevant certificate of eligibility for a student visa only if you are able to document fully your source(s) of income.

Deadlines
Each university sets its own deadline date, and it is usually firm about not accepting applications after that time, particularly if a college is very popular. Deadlines usually fall between January and March, although they can be as early as November or as late as June. If, however, a college indicates that it operates "rolling admissions," late applicants may still have a fair chance of acceptance. In this case, a university will admit and reject candidates until the freshman class is filled. It is nonetheless a good idea to submit your application as soon as possible.

More competitive universities have an "early decision" deadline. In this instance, you apply early, usually in November, and you can apply only to that institution. Because of your demonstrated commitment to the college, your application may be considered somewhat more favorably than those applying in the regular way. If you are accepted, you are expected to confirm that you will definitely attend this institution.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all your documents, application forms, references, and official score reports reach the universities safely and on time. Send your applications by registered mail or by courier if you are very close to deadline dates. It is worthwhile telephoning or sending an e-mail to colleges to make sure that they have received your application package and that they have everything they require. Keep copies of your application and documents just in case your material gets lost in the mail; you will be relieved to know that you can supply another set of information quickly, if this should happen.

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Study costs

The good news is that each year international students receive significant amounts of financial assistance toward their studies in the U.S. The most recent report produced by NAFSA: The Association of International Educators estimates that $7.223 billion was received by over 670,000 international students studying in the U.S. in 2009-10.

Studying at U.S. institution is an expensive investment, but one we are sure you will find worthwhile. For the 2010-2011 academic year, The College Board indicates in their Trends in College Pricing 2010 report the following average annual tuition costs by type of institution:

• Two-year, Public Community Colleges: $2,713
• Four-year, Public Institutions: $19,595
• Four-year, Private Institutions: $27,293

These costs represent the average tuition cost of studies only. When lodging, food, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation, and other expenses are taken into account, The College Board suggests the following annual student budgets:

• Four-year, Public Institutions (out-of-state students): $28,130
• Four-year, Private Institutions (residents): $36,993

For students considering undergraduate studies in the U.S., EducationUSA research reveals that for the 2009-10 academic year, over 900 U.S. colleges and universities:

• Award $10,000 or more to international students
• Have an annual total cost below $15,000
• Can bring their total annual cost to less than $15,000 with scholarships/financial aid

Because studying in the United States will likely cost more than it does to study in your own country, it is important to start your financial planning at least 12 months before you intend to study in the United States.

Financing your college education consists of:

• Compiling effective applications
• Assessing Personal Funds
• Identifying Sources of Financial Assistance
• Reducing Educational Costs
• Assessing Personal Funds

Consult your parents and other family sponsors to find out how much money they can commit each year to your education. Try to raise as much as you can from family sources, because most scholarship awards, if available, cover only part of the total educational and living costs and may not be available to first-year international students.

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Student Visa

Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S. Here is a short description of the different visa types that involve study:

• F-1, or Student Visa: This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.
• J-1, or Exchange Visitor: This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs.
• M-1, or Student Visa: This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the U.S.

In order to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you must first have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)- generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) issued by a U.S. college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organization. You will be required to submit this form when you apply for a visa. The U.S. academic institution or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in an exchange program. The institution or program sponsor will also send you additional information about applying for the appropriate visa, as well as other guidance about beginning your academic program in the United States.

Once you have all the required documentation, you may apply for the visa, even if you do not intend to begin your program of study for several months. It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.

Planning Ahead for the Visa Process, Not Just Your Academic Admission
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that you will be able to arrive in time for the start of your educational program in the United States is to plan well in advance, not only for the academic portion of your U.S. program, but also for the visa process. This means you will need to request and receive the appropriate visa-qualifying document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) from the U.S. institution or program sponsor well in advance of your planned departure to the United States. You will also need to make an appointment for your visa interview. Please consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you to find out how long it may take to get an appointment.

Applying for a Visa – Key Points to Keep in Mind
Among the things you’ll need to do is pay the SEVIS fee, pay the visa processing fee, and make an appointment for the visa interview. You should also make sure you have all the documentation you will need when you go for the interview, including the visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019), financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application form. Ensure that you complete the visa application correctly by following the Department of State website procedures carefully.

Key Information about Visas and Entering the United States
There are two additional bits of information that are useful to know. The first is that the U.S. Embassy/Consulate cannot issue a visa more than 120 days before the actual start of the program in the United States. However, visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so. Thus, if the college or university to which you have been admitted states on the I-20 or DS-2019 that the program will start on September 1, a visa cannot be issued before May 1. Second, even if you have been issued a visa to enter the United States, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program, if you are an initial entry student. Returning students do not have this requirement. Using the earlier example, if the program of study starts on September 1, you will not be permitted to enter the United States until August 1 or later.

BACK TO CONTENT Source: J. W. Fulbright Commission, Prague

More information about study in the USA: fulbright.state.gov or educationusa.state.gov.