Study Options in the USA

 

The United States of America comprises 50 states. It is a North American country that wields global economic and military dominance. It has the world's largest economy. The US economy's services sector is well-developed and technologically savvy, accounting for more than 80% of total output. In industries such as technology, financial services, healthcare, and retail, service-oriented businesses dominate the US economy. The United States of America (USA) has the most international students of any country on the planet. Many Indian students choose to study in the United States for a variety of reasons, including quality education, a distinct curriculum, a multicultural atmosphere, and numerous opportunities in the job sector. Princeton University, Columbia University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Stanford University etc. are some of the top most universities in the world.

Popular destinations within the USA

The USA is the most sought after destination when it comes to study abroad. It’s a dream country for many Indian students. The USA offers top quality education and is home to many top universities in the world. In terms of overall entries, the country has the most intakes.
In the United States, the finest student cities are:

Boston:  Boston also has five universities in the top 400, propelling it to joint 13th place in the QS Best Student Cities index due to its high concentration of elite colleges. Boston scored the second highest score in the ranking for 'employer activity,' indicating that employers are well aware of the city's image. Boston is also known for its arts and culture, especially in the realm of contemporary classical music. Boston is also noted for its arts and culture, particularly in the field of modern classical music. But the city is recognised for more than serious academics and highbrow culture: it's also known for its pubs and bars, as well as its sports fanaticism.

New York: New York also has a slew of prominent universities, including Columbia University (ranked 22nd in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16) and New York University (ranked 53rd), as well as nine others in the top 800 worldwide. As a result, New York is ranked 5th in the Best Student Cities index's 'university rankings' category, barely ahead of Boston, which is ranked 6th. New York is the most desirable of all the greatest US cities for students in terms of desirability, with a high (although expensive) quality of living.

San Francisco: San Francisco is another iconic American city, located near two of the world's most prestigious colleges, Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, which are currently ranked joint third and 26th in the world. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to hundreds of innovative enterprises, particularly in the technology industry, and is one of the world's top ten financial centres. San Francisco has one of the highest rankings in the QS Best Student Cities index's 'employer activity' category, thanks to this and the high quality of its institutions. Despite its hefty tuition prices, San Francisco is less expensive to live in than cities such as New York.

Chicago: Chicago, a fast-paced, high-rise business metropolis, is also known for its ability to let its hair down. Chicago, ranked as the world's 30th best student city this year, is best known as the birthplace of blues and jazz music in the twentieth century. The University of Chicago (ranked 10th in the world) and Northwestern University (ranked 32nd) are two of the world's most prestigious universities, with two additional universities in the worldwide top 500. Because of these recognised institutions, Chicago has a high ranking for 'employer activity.'
Los Angeles: Los Angeles is still largely defined by the creative sectors that provide the foundation for its wealth: music, television, and, most notably, movies. Los Angeles is home to a number of notable universities, notably the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which is ranked 27th in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16.

Washington DC: The White House, Supreme Court, and national monuments and memorials are all located in Washington, DC, so studying here puts you right in the middle of US history and politics. The five universities headquartered in and near the city that appear in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, the highest rated of which is University of Maryland, College Park at joint 126th in the world, contribute to Washington DC's standing as a prominent student city.

Philadelphia: Philadelphia, which is ranked 48th in the index, has a rich history, having played a vital role in American history and politics — the Declaration of Independence was signed here in 1776, for example. Beyond the tourist traps, the 'city of brotherly love' (a term derived from the Greek meaning of 'Philadelphia') is a varied modern metropolis with a growing reputation for sports and exquisite cuisine.

Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh makes up for the high tuition fees prevalent at universities around the country by providing a good quality of life, a diversified student body, and the opportunity to study at a world-renowned institution. Two Pittsburgh universities are included in the QS World University Rankings 2015/16, led by Carnegie Mellon University in joint 62nd place, which means another strong score for employer activity.

Atlanta: Atlanta, the capital and largest city of the US state of Georgia, is regarded as the 'city in a forest' due to its abundance of trees, and is ranked joint 58th in the Best Student Cities index this year. Atlanta, in the southeast United States, got the epithet 'the city too busy to hate' for its progressive attitude during the US Civil Rights Movement. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is the highest placed university in Atlanta in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, a university with a high level of research activity and tight linkages to industry.

Baltimore: The city has a rich history, with examples of architecture from every era spanning more than two centuries, including the Washington Monument. Johns Hopkins University, which is rated 16th in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 and is known as one of the best medical schools in the world, is one of the top universities in Baltimore. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is located just outside of the city centre and is also internationally ranked.

San Diego: This year, it is ranked 72nd in the Best Student Cities index, and it is frequently included in lists of the safest cities in the United States, and it, like Los Angeles, is known for having wonderful weather all year. San Diego is home to a number of universities and private institutions, three of which are among the top 800 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. Biotechnology growth in the city has been aided by the presence of the University of California, San Diego, and other research institutes.

Popular Courses & Colleges in the USA

Popular Undergraduate Courses in USA:

Applied Sciences: Applied Science is a field of study that teaches students how to apply their scientific knowledge to create new products. To aid students in innovating and learning, these courses mix a variety of practical projects with academic reading. Because there is so much room for skill growth and innovation in established fields of science, applied science courses are becoming increasingly popular. Bachelors in Applied Science degrees are awarded to students at the bachelor's level, and they can last anywhere from four to six years.

Bachelor of engineering: Engineering is one of the most popular degrees in the world, and most overseas students have opted for a variety of engineering programmes in recent years since they guarantee employment. Engineering programmes in the United States are highly sought after by students from all over the world.

Liberal Arts: International students can take a variety of Liberal Arts courses in American universities at all levels, depending on their area of interest and professional ambitions. Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees are commonly awarded to students who study these subjects. Bachelor's degrees are four years long and require major and minor choosing. If the student completes a certain number of credits in their major, it can be converted to honours. In the United States, the educational system is flexible, allowing students to pick from a large choice of major and minor options.

Business: International students opt to pursue bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration since the degrees are highly valued in the United States and even in their native countries. Students with a business administration degree have an easier time finding work. Although US institutions charge higher tuition than other international universities, students are exposed to a much broader selection of training, internships, and workshops. Various worldwide firms, such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook, have headquarters in the United States, offering students a great opportunity to start their careers there.

MBBS: MBBS is another popular option for international students planning to study in a foreign country. Thousands of Indian student study medicine in foreign countries, with the United States topping the list. Students must work exceedingly hard to gain admission to a US-based medical school because medical education in the United States has high educational criteria. The Medical Council of India has validated MBBS degrees issued by US universities, making them acceptable in India. Students can return to India and work there. The MBBS curriculum includes a mix of theoretical and practical courses, and students must devote a significant amount of time to their studies in order to achieve the MBBS degree.

Popular Graduate Courses in USA:

MS in computer science: It is one of the most popular courses in USA. There are various specializations to choose from- like Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, Robotics etc.

MS in Power Engineering: MS in Embedded Systems is a popular specialisation among students with an interest in electronics and electrical engineering. ECE, EEE, and Computers (B. tech/BE) This major is available to students. A specialised computer system is a component of a larger equipment or system. Embedded systems are often housed on a single microprocessor board, with programmes saved in ROM. Embedded systems are found in practically every electronic device that has a digital interface.

MS in Management Information System: The MS in Management Information Systems (MS in MIS) curriculum includes both business and IT courses. It is concerned with the organization's use of information systems. MIS prepares future IT managers, business analysts, systems analysts, and programmers in a variety of fields, including healthcare, insurance, finance, and marketing. Digital Business Systems (e-commerce), Database Marketing, Telecom Management, Decision Support Systems, Project Management/SDLC, and Systems Development are all popular MIS courses. Data/knowledge management is also part of MIS.

MS in Petroleum Engineering: Petroleum engineering is the science of generating and producing subterranean oil, gas, steam, and hot water reserves while also building underground waste disposal systems. This technique incorporates physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and economics. Petroleum engineers are needed to explore, develop, and produce oil and gas to meet energy demands in the petroleum sector, which is one of the most vital and well-known in the United States today.

MS in Life Science: The life sciences are those branches of science concerned with the scientific study of living organisms such as plants, animals, and humans, as well as associated issues such as bioethics. While biology remains at the heart of the life sciences, breakthroughs in molecular biology and biotechnology have given rise to a slew of new specialisations.

MS in Wireless communication: Wireless communication MS and Ph.D. programmes focus on the physical and lower layers of wireless communication. These courses provide in-depth system knowledge, which necessitates knowledge of the various components that make up a wireless system.

MS in Embedded system: MS in Embedded Systems is a popular specialisation among students with an interest in electronics and electrical engineering. B. tech/BE in ECE, EEE, and Computers Students can choose this major. A specialised computer system is a component of a larger equipment or system. Embedded systems are often housed on a single microprocessor board, with programmes saved in ROM. Embedded systems are found in practically every electronic device that has a digital interface. Although some embedded systems come with an operating system, many are so specialised that the entire logic can be implemented in a single application.

MS in Management Information System: The curriculum for the MS in Management Information Systems (MS in MIS) includes both business and IT courses. It is concerned with the organization's application of information systems. MIS prepares future IT managers, Business Analysts, Systems Analysts, and Programmers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, insurance, banking, and marketing. Digital Business Systems (e-commerce), Database Marketing, Telecom Management, Decision Support Systems, Project Management/SDLC, and Systems Development are some of the most common courses in MIS. Data/Knowledge management is also part of MIS.

MS in Game Design and Game development: Students must have a strong background in computer science, a game development core that is engineering-oriented, and a concentration in one of the key study areas in game development: infrastructure, cognition and games, immersion, or serious games. This M.S. degree's long-term goal is to establish research and development directions that will result in a science of games and a literature archive that will improve game development for both serious and recreational reasons.
 

The most popular course in USA is Business management.

STEM Courses:
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and encompasses all subjects that come under these four categories.

• Aerospace engineering

• Astronomy

• Biochemistry

• Biology

• Chemical engineering

• Chemistry

• Civil engineering

• Computer science

• Electrical engineering

• Mathematics

• Mechanical engineering

• Physics

• Psychology

• Statistics

Entry essentials

Documents needed to enter USA for a student:

• You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your visit to the United States (unless exempt by country specific agreements)

• Admission to a SEVP-approved school, payment of the SEVIS Non-immigrant Visa Application Fee on Form I-20, and receipt of the Form DS-160 confirmation page
• A photo of yourself in the format requested, as well as your phone number
• The following are some examples of supplementary documentation:     
• Academic preparation documents include transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and certifications.
• Proof that you have enough money in the United States to meet your living expenses for the duration of your stay. This may entail the following:
• Account statements
• A financial commitment from a sponsor to cover your hotel and living expenses.
• There is a scholarship programme available.
• Proof that you intend to leave the United States after your studies are finished.

Exams required to enter the USA:

Language Proficiency Exams: 

TOEFL: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is one of the most commonly taken language competency assessments. The TOEFL scores necessary might range from 65 to 85 on the internet-based test, depending on the course and university you choose. However, in order to get admitted to a Ph.D. programme in the United States, you must have a higher score.

IELTS: In the United States, around 3400 universities and colleges use an applicant's IELTS score to determine his or her English language proficiency. In the United States, the minimum IELTS score required varies between 6.5 and 9 depending on the subject and university to which one is applying. Despite the fact that many top schools and colleges in the United States still do not accept IELTS scores, IELTS is growing increasingly popular among students since the IELTS charge is less than the TOEFL fee. Students should, however, check with their chosen university to see if IELTS results are accepted.

PTE: The Pearson Test of English is gaining popularity in the United States. It is recognised by approximately 785 universities and colleges in the United States. A PTE score of 70 is required in the United States. It varies, however, according to the courses and university to which one is applying.

Exams to Study UG Courses in USA

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): One of the most significant exams to take when applying to college schools in the United States is the SAT. Almost all universities in the United States accept SAT score. In the United States, the minimum SAT score is 1300, but this can easily alter depending on the courses and universities. Students with a SAT score of less than 1520 out of 1600, for example, are not called to Harvard. Top-tier universities in the United States may require applicants to submit scores on both the SAT reasoning and subject tests.

American College Test (ACT): The ACT Exam is a crucial exam when applying to undergraduate programmes in the United States since it assesses an applicant's aptitude and critical thinking ability. The minimal ACT score in the United States is 22, but this may vary depending on the courses and universities selected. Many elite institutions, like the SAT, require students to take the ACT with writing in order to be considered for admission.

Exams to Study PG Courses in USA:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is required for admission to graduate schools in the United States, notably business management degrees. There are seven subject-specific tests available in addition to the overall GRE test. In the United States, a GRE score of 160 is necessary. Because the GRE exam is required for numerous graduate schools in the United States, different scores can be sought for various graduate programmes in the United States. These scores can be useful when looking for post-degree possibilities in the United States.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT): The LSAT Exam is required for admission to law schools in the United States. The average LSAT score necessary for admission to a law school in the United States is 150, although the top 25 schools require more than 160. Many law schools in the United States give LSAT scores a 70 percent weighting in the admissions process.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Students applying to medical schools in the United States must take the MCAT exam. In the United States, the average MCAT score is 510. The greatest medical schools in the United States, on the other hand, may have higher expectations. The higher the score, the better the odds of winning.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): The GMAT exam is required for admission to a B-School in the United States. The average GMAT score for Business School admissions in the United States is 700. Good GMAT scores and a high GPA are especially important in the admissions process in the United States. GMAT scores are required for MBA programmes in the United States. Even though GMAT waivers are available, many industries, such as finance and economics, require GMAT scores when MBA graduates apply for positions in the United States.

Dental Admission Test (DAT): The DAT exam is required for students seeking admission to a dental school in the United States. In the United States, 66 dental schools accept it. In the United States, the DAT academic score varies from 12-28.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT): In the United States, the OAT exam is required for admission to an optometry school. All 21 accredited Optometry schools in the United States accept the exam. The minimum OAT score required for admission to the United States College of Optometry is 310.

Intakes in USA:

Three types of admissions are available at US institutions and colleges. In some universities, intakes are also referred to as terms. there are three intake options:
Autumn begins in August/September.
Spring: Starts in January; if you missed the September/Fall intake, this is the best option for you.
Summer: Summer admission is only available for a few programmes and colleges, and it usually begins in May.
ROI
There are many scholarships for international students. The most important ones are:

• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship
• Rotary Peace Fellowship
• AAUW fellowships (for women)
• ADP-Japan scholarship (for students from the developing nations of the Pacific and Asia
• Fulbright foreign student scholarship

Apart from these, each university also awards particular scholarships to their meritorious students. However, all the scholarships are extremely competitive but definitely worth trying!

Living Expenses

The estimated cost of living in the United States is between $10000 and $18000 per year, or $1000 to $1500 per month. This includes expenses such as lodging, room and board, meals, transportation, textbooks, weather-appropriate apparel, and entertainment.

Part Time Jobs

The international students with F 1-Visa and M 1-Visa can get jobs on-campus. Students on F1 visas are authorized to work 40 hours per week during the school year and full-time during their vacations. They can earn part-time experience and money at the University libraries and cafeterias. However, the most important point in here is that students can take up jobs in the first year of their course. The students in their second year of their academic courses can take up jobs during Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus. The OPT opportunity is for students pursuing STEM courses like Mathematics, Engineering, etc.

Part-Time Job Opportunities for International Students on Campus in the United States

Research Study Assistant: Almost every university in the United States would hire a research study assistant with strong interpersonal and organisational abilities. Working on several projects, contacting new participants, explaining the objective of a research study, maintaining lab equipment and lab space, and assisting in the creation of material for distributing research results are just a few of the responsibilities of a research study assistant.

Teaching Assistant: A teaching assistant supervises classroom activities, works one-on-one with special children, assists with programme development, motivates students, assists with school events, and more. Higher-level teaching assistants may be required to take classes on their own and learn support staff.

Catering Assistant and Food Runner: A catering assistant or meals runner's employment is assisting in the kitchen and delivering food to consumers. Serving food, upholding cleanliness and food safety requirements, checking in with clients, assisting with table setup, and more are some of the key responsibilities and duties of a catering assistant or a food runner.

Library Page: A library page's role is to maintain the library working properly, which includes tasks like shelving library materials, offering recommendations to clients and assisting them in finding books, and more. Library pages must also give administrative support to assistants, librarians, and technicians, as well as plan library events.

University Campus Tour Guide: The profile of a campus tour guide is ideal for someone with good communication skills, knowledge of the university/institute, and leadership abilities, among other things. In order to teach prospective students and their parents about the school, campus tour guides must be as plain as possible. They may also need to locate locations where families and students can take selfies.

Department Assistant: A department assistant is in charge of providing administrative and secretarial support to a whole department. Apart from assisting in specialised project teams or divisions, he or she should handle a variety of departmental concerns. Problem-solving, computer skills, teamwork, time management, and communication skills are all necessary for a department assistant.

Computer Lab Technician: A computer lab technician is responsible for the upkeep and operation of computer labs. They also help lab users with computer-related issues like troubleshooting equipment difficulties, setting up user log-on accounts and passwords, and operating other lab equipment like copiers and printers.

Barista: In addition to your normal job, you can work as a barista at the college café and get your daily caffeine for free. As a barista, you'll be responsible for working as a cashier, brewing coffee and serving customers, cleaning and sanitizing work environments, and more. Furthermore, there is always the added benefit of meeting new individuals.

Peer Tutor: A peer tutor is more of a friend than a teacher because he or she is instructing another student. A peer tutor's principal responsibilities include providing individualized content, creating and maintaining a tutoring plan, maintaining confidentiality with the tutee, and providing study materials, among other things. When necessary, a peer tutor may be asked to make appropriate student referrals to college offices.

Production assistant: A production assistant at a college or university is likely to help with events, comedy performances, dance productions, and a variety of other activities on campus. A production assistant will be in charge of organizing any type of event on campus, from handling technical services to aiding others who are in charge of the same.

Campus Ambassadors: sometimes known as student ambassadors, can be found at every university, advertising/informing about a product or service accessible on campus. For someone who enjoys meeting and interacting with new people, this may be a fun experience.

Off-Campus Part-Time Job Opportunities in the United States for International Students

When it comes to part-time jobs, most international students in the United States prefer on-campus jobs to off-campus occupations. However, many people prefer working off-campus since it is more convenient and comfortable. For overseas students in the United States, here are a few off-campus part-time career options:

Customer Support Representative: A customer support representative informs customers on the products and services offered by the company where he or she works. He or she must also answer client complaints about products and services, as well as inform them about newer and better products and services available.

Store Associate: A store associate is responsible for everything from cleaning the store to performing administrative chores and assisting customers in order to keep the store running smoothly. When necessary, store staff may be asked to upsell clients through recommendations. A store manager, who normally supervises a retail associate, may request that he or she schedule his or her work in shifts.

Translator: A translator's primary responsibility is to translate one language into another in such a way that the meaning of the original written content is preserved. To accomplish so, a translator must maintain the original structure, as well as the original thoughts and facts, and, most significantly, the original text's tone.

Tour Guide: Travel businesses frequently demand the services of a tour guide. He or she would be in charge of guiding the tourists and keeping them well informed about the trip and the location they are seeing. He or she would usually operate under the supervision of a Senior tour guide, who would lead him or her through the entire process.

Babysitters: Babysitters are typically self-employed and work under a short-term verbal contract. In the absence of his parents or guardians, a babysitter is responsible for looking after the children and providing supervision.

Post study Visa

After the program is completed, the post-study work permit in the United States is valid for 12 months. Under the OPT, you can stay back in the United States for a year.
There are many career opportunities in USA:

The ten most sought jobs in USA:

• Software Engineer
• Information Security Analyst
• Physical Therapist
• Registered Nurse
• Occupational Therapist
• Web Developer
• Data Scientist
• Operations Manager
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Earning Potential
For graduates
The average salary will be roughly $50,000. The average graduate with zero to five years of experience makes $48,400, according to PayScale. The preliminary average starting income for 2018 graduates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), is roughly $50,004.

For post graduates
The average starting income for the college Class of 2020 was $55,260, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions by students.