Usa has been at the forefront of providing premium and quality education. To study in the USA has been dreamt by many. This educational journey in the United States is an exciting opportunity that can open doors to diverse academic programs, cultural experiences, and professional networks. This comprehensive guide will navigate to help you walk seamlessly through the essential steps to successfully study in the USA, from initial research to settling into your new environment.
Academic goals and future career planning before beginning your journey, clearly define your academic and career objectives.
Selecting the appropriate program and institution is crucial for your academic success.
Make sure you follow a strict timeline and start early, stay organized, and be diligent in your research. As previously stated, it can take around 2 years to go through the entire process. Don’t forget to continue your academic excellence, take required exams, and pursue extracurricular activities you are passionate about. You will need to meet all the requirements for admission to your top college choices, so be realistic when making your school list.
Each university and program may have specific admission criteria.
The course by course credential evaluation report identifies and describes each diploma/certificate and provides an equivalency for each document. It indicates a description of periods of education, courses, credit hours, grades and degrees, as well as overall academic performance in terms of the educational system in the United States (or your host country). The United States typically uses semester credits and a grade point average, or GPA, on a 4.0 scale.This type of report is generally required for college admissions, determining transfer credits or when applying for an advanced degree, as well as for professional licensing and certification matters.Documents required in this case include, but are not limited to, originals or certified copies of school transcripts (mark sheets) showing subjects studied, grades and credit hours earned for each course of study.
The document by document credential evaluation report describes and lists the educational institution(s) attended and the education credential(s) earned in a foreign country and states their U.S. equivalence (e.g. Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, etc.). This type of credential evaluation is most common for use in employment, immigration matters and university admission when transfer credit is not expected.The documents required in this case include (but are not limited to) originals or certified copies of all original academic documentation – diplomas, certificates and/or transcripts (indicating graduation date and major) with English translations if necessary.
The professional work experience credential evaluation is provided for immigration purposes most commonly for those applying for H-1B visas in the United States. This credential evaluation report evaluates both an individual’s professional work history and educational credentials in order to establish a Bachelor’s degree equivalency. This type of credential evaluation cannot be used for educational or licensure purposes.The documents required in this case include, but are not limited to, certified copies of all original academic documentation – diplomas, degree, certificates and/or transcript (indicating graduation date and major) with English translations, a detailed resume indicating each position held, with a description of job duties and responsibilities, start and end date of each position and project, including tools and skills used and employer’s name and geographical location. Also, reference letters of employment from each employer, indicating job title, start date, end date, and job descriptions (basically attesting to the basic facts of the employment summary).Many credential evaluation agencies also provide professional resume writing services.Standardized Tests: Some programs may require SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT scores.
Standardized tests are often a critical component of your application.
The exams required to study in the USA are:
| Aptitude Test | English Language Test |
|---|---|
| SAT/ ACT / GRE / GMAT | IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / Duolingo |
Prepare all necessary documents meticulously.
Adhere to each university’s application process and deadlines.
Choose your level of study to learn more about applying for your student visa.
Funding your education is a significant consideration.
U.S. institutions offer a wide array of programs with a wide array of tuition and fees. Find information about special opportunities and financial aid provisions that U.S. higher education institutions offer international students, such as scholarships, in-state tuition benefits, waived application fees and deadlines, and similar provisions.
Keep in mind that the United States is a large country and the cost of living varies greatly from place to place. You need to assess your funding and what you are able to spend on your education and living expenses.
After submitting applications, await responses from universities.
Once accepted, begin the visa application process.
Information pertaining to visas and travel can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States.
Managing your finances is essential for a smooth study experience.
Depending on where you live and study, costs for housing and food vary greatly in the United States. Suburban or rural areas in the South and Midwest of the United States generally have the lowest cost of living.
Secure a place to live before arriving in the USA.
Get ready for your move to the USA.
Ensure you have adequate health coverage, either through your university or privately. Most college and university campuses offer some type of general medical care; services vary from basic first-aid and treatment of minor ailments to sophisticated multi-doctor primary care centers offering x-rays, laboratory tests, prescription drugs and access to specialists. The cost of on-campus medical services is normally not very expensive.
During your first week on campus, take a copy of your medical records (including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions) to the school's health care center or infirmary.
Familiarize yourself with the cultural nuances of the USA.
Understand the educational system, classroom expectations, and academic integrity policies.
Be aware of safety practices and emergency contacts in your new environment.Your safety should be your number one priority immediately after you arrive in the US. Although your college campus is likely to feel like the safest place in the world to you, bear in mind that most campuses are completely open to the public, so you need to be alert and aware at all times.
Engage with student organizations and communities to build your support network.
Settle into your new environment smoothly.
Maintain your legal status while studying in the USA.
Take advantage of available resources to enhance your study experience.
Contact VIS today to start your journey towards studying abroad, gaining international experience, and building successful partnerships!
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