5 Tips For Studying In The USA

5 tips for studying in the USA

For millions of students across the globe, the USA is the top study destination. This is primarily because the country not only has a high level of cultural diversity but also boasts many of the world’s best institutions for higher education, including the much-fabled Ivy League. In fact, according to many experts, America is such an academic powerhouse that it has set many of the educational benchmarks that other countries now follow. However, whether you want to go to the US for a short college course or to complete your Masters, there are a few things that you should look at beforehand. Therefore, we present our list of the top five tips for study in USA.

1) Prepare an educational budget

It would not shock anyone to learn that university or college fees vary massively across the United States. An institution’s dues are generally dependent upon four factors. These are world ranking (the institution’s place in the lists compiled by educational publications such as Times Higher Education), department (institutions charge different fees not only for different degrees but also for different fields for instance a Bachelors in Economics may cost more than one in Physics), organizational form (studying at state universities or colleges generally costs less than studying at private institutions), and, finally, location (education in some US states is more expensive than in others). Therefore it is best that you clearly define your educational budget beforehand when preparing to study in the US.

2) Research your chosen field

The United States has thousands of institutions to choose from along with an ever-growing list of new majors and programs for higher education. For international students, having so many options can become a bit overwhelming, especially if they are a bit unclear about what is it that they want to pursue. The best way to deal with this problem is to do as much individual research as possible into your selected field. Remember the more you know, the better decisions you would be able to make. A helpful tip for gathering data is to call or connect with friends, peers, relatives, or coworkers who are studying or have studied in the USA. You should also sign up for the newsletters of any universities that you like since they oftentimes have updated information regarding programs and admissions.

3) Search for scholarships and financial aid

American institutions have the reputation of offering very few scholarships and, to a certain extent, this stereotype is true as US universities and colleges oftentimes do not give extensive aid to international students. However, for academically brilliant or deserving students, there are still plenty of options available. If you fall into either one of those categories, you can request financial aid from the university or apply for one of the institution’s scholarships. Though, if you do that, it is necessary to ensure that your application is meticulously filled out and communicates your situation to the university administration. You can also seek to get financial aid from a private organization or even ask for funding under a US governmental program. Since new scholarships and financial aid programs are always appearing, and old ones disappearing, you must try to stay as updated on them as possible.

4) Look up your entry requirements

Before applying for any degree or program, be sure to look up its entry requirements. Generally, US universities require minimum scores on the standardized SAT and ACT exams. They can also need a passing grade on the IELTS or TOEFL English proficiency exams. Higher ranking institutions in the US may also have other requirements, especially for hard to get into programs. Therefore it is best to double-check the requirements of any degree that you are interested in. The list of conditions can be mostly found on the university’s program page under the “Entry Requirements” tab and can be easily confirmed by simply calling the institution.

5) Get as many references as possible

Universities in the US, especially those that are highly ranked, are looking for students who are not only academically brilliant but also excel in other areas of life. Because of this, you should gather as many references, participation certificates, and appreciation letters, preferably in document form, as possible before applying. Remember that something you think is inconsequential, such as an old letter that you got in high school for participating in a virtual student exchange or for volunteering at a homeless shelter as part of a program, could end up giving you an edge over another applicant.

 

In conclusion, the US is a great place to pursue your higher education. However, if you truly want to make the “Land of Opportunity” your study destination, then you need to not only plan ahead but also do extensive individual research on every step of the process.