Study in USA : Give wings to your dreams

Intake

The Various universities in the USA generally have three intakes. The best way to proceed is to find the intakes of a specific university for which admission is being considered. The general intake are:

• Spring Intake: January to May (Usually the most preferred)
• Summer Intake: Starts around May
• Winter Intake: September to December

Cost of Study

While planning for a study abroad program one must plan for every aspect of costs involved.
The broad pointers are mentioned below:

• Tuition Fees: This varies from $10000 to $ 70000 per annum depending on the course being pursued. Usually, UG courses are costlier than PG courses..
• Cost of Stay: The cost greatly depends on the type of accommodation and city of stay. Own apartments are costlier than shared or university accommodation.The cost ranges between $15000 to $17000 per annum.
• Preparation costs
  • English Language: IELTS is the most accepted test and the average score that is expected is 6.5. The test cost is INR 16500.00. It is advisable to take guidance before the test is attempted. This will cost an additional INT 5000 - INR 15000. Other accepted tests are TOEFL and PTE.
  • VISA: The Application cost is $160 and a sevis I-901 fee of ~ $350.
  • Travel: Ths is as per the airline fare at the time of travel and is usually in the range of INR 80000.00
  • Insurance: This depends on your insurance company and is to be checked with them directly.

Admission Requirement

• Academic Qualifications: For bachelor's programs, you typically need a recognized secondary school leaving certificate. For master's programs, you require a relevant bachelor's degree or any other equivalent degree.
• Language Proficiency: Average scores needed for the USA are: IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, TOEFL iBT score of 90, DET score of 100 - 150. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Some programs may require letters of recommendation from professors or professionals (Twice repeated) who can attest to your academic abilities.
• Statement of Purpose : A well-written statement of purpose is essential for admission and visa applications. The statement of purpose for the visa application is separate from the one submitted to the university and may have different requirements.
• Additional Documents: This may include a CV/resume, transcripts, academic certificates, and a portfolio (if applicable)

Student Visa

The US VISA for Students falls into 3 categories: F, M, and J.

• F type: is required for admission to full-time programs in the institutes in the USA. Allows holder part-time work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
  • F1 VISA is valid for 5 years for a full-time program in a SEVP-approved college.
  • F2 VISA is a dependent VISA for spouses and children who can pursue part-time post-secondary programs and full-time elementary courses in the USA.
  • F3 is for non-Indianen students.
• M type: is provided to the non -academic students pursuing vocational courses or training in USA. The maximum duration of stay in the USA with an M visa is 1 year. It also has M1 and M2 types.
• J type: The J visa is the US exchange visa and is provided to students enrolled in exchange visitor programs in USA.. It has 2 types J1 & J2.

Specific requirements for an application:

• Valid Passport for Travel to USA: valid for 6 months beyond the period of stay in the USA.
• Form I-20 USA: Students must demonstrate form I-20, signed by themselves and school officials. 
• Application Fee Payment Receipt: For students who need to pay fees of 160 USD before the interview.
• SEVIS Fee: Students need to pay a Student & Exchange Visitor Information System fee (SEVIS Fee) along with the student visa application fee.
• Photo: Applicants should upload their photo while filling the application form. In case of photo upload failure, applicants can bring their printed photo in the guided format.
• IELTS (6.5), TOEFL (90), PTE (50+) score card.
• Academic transcripts
• Fund availability 
• Proof of the applicant’s determination to leave the USA after completion of their program

Financial Documentation

There are two primary requirements from a financial point of view:

• Fund availability: There is no fixed amount stated. for this. One has to show enough funds to cover for tuition fees, stay, food, and Travel.
• Proof of the applicant’s determination to leave the USA after completion of their program. Usually proof of own property and financial stability of other family members, returns tickets are needed. 

Tests

Proficiency in the English language is a common requirement across all courses.The accepted tests for the USA are

• IELTS
• PTE
• TOEFL

Some other tests are:

• GRE: GRE scores serve as a means to evaluate applicants' eligibility for graduate-level programs spanning a wide range of subject areas. Depending on the department's preferences, some applicants may be required to complete one of the GRE Subject Tests, while others may need to take the General Test. 
• GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test is a specialized graduate admissions entrance exam intended for individuals aspiring to pursue business-related graduate programs. A GMAT score is typically mandatory when applying for graduate programs such as an MBA, Master of Accountancy, or Master of Finance. Some universities also accept LSAT and MCAT scores.