Higher Education Options for Indian

Students in the United States

The United States is among the most preferred destination for higher education in the world.

Due to the presence of a plethora of study and work opportunities, the United States is alsoknown as the “Land of Opportunities”.

During 2013-14, the US welcomed almost 9 lakh international students. Hence the United Statesis one of the best destinations for higher education in the world.

This article will clarify all the aspects of higher education in the US to the Indian students.

Introduction

Types of Higher Education Degrees in the US

In the United States, there are four types of degrees offered. These degrees can be done successively.

Following are the types of degrees offered in the US:

Associate Degree: Associate degrees are two year undergraduate programmes that prepare a student for

a particular career or for a bachelor’s degree. Students undertake associate degrees to earn more credits

for a bachelor’s degree although certain jobs require only an associate degree.

Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor’s Degree is a four year undergraduate program that provided more in depth

study of a given major. It is an extension of an associate degree. Completion of a bachelor’s degree will

make you eligible to do master degrees. Bachelor’s degrees include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of

Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Science (BS).

Higher Education Degrees in the US

Master’s Degree: Master’s Degree is a two year post graduate program that is pursued after thecompletion of the Bachelor Degree. It provides further in depth study of the majors opted bystudents in the Bachelor’s degree. It prepares a student for the doctoral programmes. Examples ofMasters Degrees include Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA) andMaster of Arts (MA).

Doctoral degrees: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree is the highest academic degree offeredto the students. To pursue a doctoral degree in a particular field, a student will need to have amaster’s degree in that same field. It involves writing a dissertation based on research and advancedstudy of the subjects. A Ph.D. will take three to six years to complete based on the nature andcomplexity of the research thesis.

Types of Educational Institutions in the United States

In the United States there are two main types of educational institutions. They are:

Community College: A community college is a college that provides general and technical associatedegrees. Students aspiring to do an associate degree to earn additional credits for a Bachelor’s degreeusually come to community colleges. Community college courses are very affordable and manystudents use community college courses to earn credits for a four year bachelor degrees.

University: A university is an educational institution that primarily provides bachelors, masters anddoctoral programmes. Students aspiring to further improve their academic credentials go touniversities. Those who are completing associate degrees in community colleges can go foruniversities to complete their bachelor degrees.

Types of Admissions

Fall Admissions: Fall admissions starts in late August to ends in late December. Most universitiesentertain applications only during the fall semester. Student will get more number of course optionsduring the fall admissions. Also, most of the students will apply fall admissions as theirundergraduate programs ends in June. Hence, most of the students opt for Fall Admissions.

Spring Admissions: Spring admissions starts in early January to ends in early May. The coursesoffered for the spring admissions will be lesser in number. Almost 25% of universities in the U.S donot have any spring admissions for a majority of the courses they offer. Many universities do notprovide for financial aids during the spring semester. The applicants who were not offeredadmissions during the fall but the university wants to have the applicant as a student are provideddelayed admission during the spring.

Application Guidelines and Requirements

You will need to give your TOEFL and SAT exam for admission into the various courses and GMATfor admission into MBA programmes.

Application Forms: It is better to send inquiries at least 18 months before the date of admission.Students can request application forms via e-mail, air mail or students can go to theuniversities/college’s website and download the application form.

Academic Records: Students are required to submit their school certificates for admission intoundergraduate programmes. The acceptable degrees include Indian School Certificate, IntermediateCertificate, Higher School Certificate, Higher Secondary Certificate, and All India Senior SchoolCertificate & their degree certificate from any recognized university for admission into post graduateor doctoral programmes.

Application Guidelines and Requirements Letter of Recommendation: Not all universities require a recommendation letter but providing one will

increase chances of admission. A recommendation letter is to be provided by a person who has taught thestudent or knows the student professionally. It must state the student’s positive and negative qualities andstrengths. The author must also state his/her position and for how long he/she has known the studentsand to what capacity.

Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose must also be provided. It is an essay written by theapplicant stating why he/she wants to do the course from that particular university. It is given highamounts of consideration by the university in selecting its candidates.

Financial Aid application: If the student wants to apply for financial aid or any scholarships, the studentmust submit the relevant applications.

Student Visa: The student wishing to study in the US must apply for F Class USA non-immigrant visa.

In conclusion, the US is a wonderful country to study in thanks to the high quality of universities andavailability of a plethora of job opportunities. All the best!!!

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College Admission, study in US, US scholarship

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