Higher Education in USA, Study in USA

How to Select a University (Academic Factors)

• Determining what course or program you want to pursue, is an ideal way to begin your search for universities. Even if you’re unsure, many American universities will allow you to be a part of them, letting you pick your study major field later on.
• Discover what subject areas or classes the university needs from all students and then see if these are the classes that you’re willing to complete.
• Quality of the educational institution also plays a major role, which can include: average class size; faculty-student ratio; percentage of faculty that teaches etc.
• Finally, ensure that both the academic program and the institution you are taking into consideration are accredited American universities, which are recognized by 1 of the 6 regional recognized organization, while the academic programs/courses are accredited by 1 of the sixty programmatic accrediting firm.

Admission to US universities

• Most (almost all) Universities in USA require TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) for foreign nationals (Many American universities have started accepting IELTS and PTE) and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for both in state and Out of state Students (or international Students).
• TOEFL is waived for countries whose native language is English Like UK, Australia, Canada..
• For Foreign nationals three letters of recommendation (sealed), copies of official transcripts (sealed) (Note: Some Universities accept verified copies by notary) are required. For working people they may get two letters from current Employers but generally Letters from Professors are preferred.
• For admission to Masters Program (Graduate Program) in US ..most Universities require undergraduate (BS or bachelor's degree ) GPA to be 3/4 (US system). It is equivalent to 80/100,12/20*(China) and 1st division ,65%*(For most Indian Universities). Please see gpa section for conversion.Most universities will require TOEFL (from students where native language is not English) and GRE (or GMAT for MBA). Some universities may just need TOEFL.
• The deadline for fall semester are from Dec 15 to July. But apply as early as possible. Many decisions are made before the deadline. Foreign nationals may take up to 8 weeks to hear their results. In state students may hear within 5 weeks.
• Application fees (non refundable) might vary from $20 to $100 (depending on Program/University)
• List of Universities in USA
  
  
  Financing Education
  
  Facts
• The cost of study (Tuition and fees) in USA varies from $5,000 to $50,000 (or more depending on Course/Degree) per year. Majors like Medicine and MBA have higher tuition fees as compared to Engineering.
• The cost of living depends on location. For example States like Washington, California and area around New York is costly.
• In general the cost of living may vary from $6,000 to $15,000 (or more per yr).
• Renting an apartment can vary from $450 to $1,000 (or more). Downtown (Chicago) may costs around $1200 for studio while it may be around $400 for Des Moines (IA).
• Grocery is really cheap (Walmart!).
• It is assumed that students will live in shared apartments, live out of campus and have less telephone bills and other expenses are at bay.
• Most of (nearly) all expenses Living only not Tuition fees) can be met while working on campus jobs. The hourly pay for on Campus jobs Pay from $5 to $15 (sometimes more) per hour.
• Foreign Students can work for 20 hrs per week and 40 hrs per week during summer. Students may be allowed to work out Campus after nine months of their arrival at USA.
• Students receiving any type of aid like TA/RA/Fellowship or GA don't have to worry about costs. But Students not receiving any scholarship must come prepared for Tuition fees and Living cost for initial 2-3 months.
• In some Universities TA/RA cover part of tuition fees and not all tuition fee is waived.
• Generally universities close to cities (or in cities) have ample P/T jobs. Note that in some universities like University of Missouri, Rolla (they recently changed name), and University of Texas Arlington there is huge shortage of P/T jobs. So students planning to go to these universities must either have scholarships or adequate Funds. It's better to contact current students via email for latest information.
• Please note : You might get admission in Top 20 University (without scholarship) so be prepared (atleast for first semester's expenses). Apply to Universities wisely.
• Good Luck!