Aside from the hype that comes with studying in the USA as an international student, it might interest you to also know that the USA is worth more than it. For prompt, the USA has the world’s largest international student population, and I’m talking over 1,000,000 in figures, that alone shows that it has more prospects than other options that might be on your list. So if you have been contemplating this for the longest, this might just be the sign you need to go study in the USA.
To make this journey easier for you, I have curated this guide that will serve as a map as you venture into actualizing that American dream and making a name for yourself in society. Without further ado, let’s get into details on all the aspects of studying in the USA.
Key Points
- Studying in the USA refers to enrolling in American universities, known for their global rankings and diverse academic programs.
- The USA offers over 4,300 universities, giving international students a wide array of options across various fields.
- Top-ranked universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard attract international students with their specialized programs.
- Support services like the International Student Office assist students with financial and personal challenges during their studies.
- The three types of student visas, F-1, J-1, and M-1, each have different requirements based on funding and the nature of the study program.
Why Study in the United States?
Because I have been in this niche for a while, and at the same time come in close relation with diverse immigrants, both study and work-related, I absolutely understand that indecision might kick in at some point. And it is at that time that you need all the reassurance that you can get just to ensure you are making the right decision.
While the USA still stands as the favorite destination for international students, what is the actual reason international students choose to study in America? Is it for the economy, the landscape, the solid standard of living, culture, or whatnot? Let’s look into it:
- The USA is recognized for its leading educational super-power: When I say superpower, I mean its incredible performance and the specialty of its universities to dominate the world rankings and take up the top seven spots across the globe. They take their time to teach and educate the students in any area of their course. So if you are looking to get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, their universities have you covered.
- It has an array of options to choose from: In the United States, you will find out that there are over 4300 universities to choose from depending on your field of study. These varieties of universities are also versatile and offer a wide range of extensive academic programs in a good campus environment. This leaves you with multiple options to choose from and not limited by anything.
- America leads the world in many sectors: Aside from being a top choice when it comes to education, it has also remained constant in other sectors like environment, technology, and other industries across the globe. So if you are looking to study in a country that has the best of the best in almost any category, then America might just be that option.
- Support services for international students: In a case where you have exhausted your funds during relocation to your new country, the USA has thought of that and developed a source called “International Student Office”. A body developed to make life easier for you during any challenging times while studying in the USA.
Top Universities in the USA
Now that I have shown you more reasons you might need to go for the USA, let us quickly look at the top options and ranking universities in the USA and across the globe to choose from:
#1. MIT, or Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This university, being first on the list, is also recognized as one of the best universities in the USA. This is because of its specialty and expertise in areas like Bachelor’s and Master’s in non-technology subjects. If this already sounds like what you would be invested in then you can carry out more diverse research on it.
#2. Stanford University
Stanford is also quite popular in the United States and it was founded by a railroad tycoon. This university has always been an option for a lot of international students due to its unique mode of education and serene environment. Sounds like what you would want to explore?
#3. University of Chicago
This is also a very spectacular university in America that has made a name for itself and hence attracts a wide population of students, including immigrants and non-immigrants.
#4. Harvard University
Havard is another great option, especially for students looking for an old university that has maintained a good performance and reputation since its debut.
#5. California Institute of Technology
The last on the list is the California Institute of Technology is also known for its specialty in every aspect of science and technology and has been responsible for the management of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
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Now you have a list of my top five, using this as a motivation, you can pick any that resonates with you and then engage in in-depth research on more specifics about them and how they can strive to provide a quality education for you.
How to Choose a University in the United States?
Choosing a university in the USA can be quite a hassle, and with the USA having a good amount of options to choose from, it might seem almost impossible. So to help you navigate this trouble and make a head start, I have some steps that can help:
- The first step in choosing one of the best universities in the USA is to narrow down your options and just decide what you want to do. Do you want to study in a specific area or city, are you looking for a particular subject, or is there effectively a shortlist already because you want to go to an Ivy League college? Just sit down, analyze, storyboard if you need to, but make sure you know exactly what you want. This first process will help eliminate unwanted options in your list. The shorter the better.
- Next, you will need to research the choices you made to be double sure and to narrow down on options the more. What are the key facts to note on your shortlist, what are the admission criteria, cost of studying, admission process, and even the deadlines given by the school? Just carefully rule out anyone who does not speak the same language as you.
- You will also need to look for universities that offer or teach your field of study and to do this, you need to source out the ones that do not from your shortlist. You might want to look for courses that feature extensive placements, or you might prefer a more academic approach to your topic.
- Study environment matters a lot and that is why you will also need to consider the best environment that you can comfortably study at. You can do this by asking yourself questions about what environment you would prefer, do you want the vibrant city or just the calm environment?
How to Apply to a University
Now after you have made your choice and finally decided on which university you want to study at in the USA, it is now time to apply. Don’t worry, it’s an online application that will just require the necessary documents for the process to be complete. Note that each university comes with an application deadline that usually extends up to 10 months before the session begins, so while you take your time, also remember that it’s limited.
Some application process requires more time while some other universities don’t take up much time. Also during the whole screening and process, you might pay an application fee of around $50 to #150 depending on the university itself.
As I mentioned earlier, you will also need to drop some documents and qualifications off with the school including a specific GPA, portfolios, and proof of English Language ability. Some might even be extra and set up interviews as part of the process.
Here is a FREE UNIVERSITY APPLICATION PROGRESS TRACKER:
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University Application Progress Tracker.PDF
Getting a Student Visa
Once you are done with the application process, there is no time to get a student visa. There are three different student visas and each of these three has its own special requirements for it to become a success.
- F-1: This visa is the one that allows you to study in the USA only when your friends, family, or yourself can foot the bills for your travel to be approved. When you finally get into a school, you will be allowed to work part-time to meet up with funds where necessary.
- J-1: This is another type of student visa that mostly permits you to travel only when a non-profit or educational sponsor funds the program.
- M-1: This student visa is available for international students whose course mostly falls under vocational students and mind you, this is not compulsory though. The funding for M-1 can be handled by a family, friend, or yourself as well.
So it’s left to you to pick which suits you better and stick to it.
Conclusion
Because I deal with multiple international students looking for a better education and life for themselves, I understand what it means for them and I have learned to incorporate as much help as I can in my articles. To this effect, this blog has covered everything you need to know concerning education when you want to move to the USA for study purposes. But if you want more help, don’t hesitate to reach out to me in the comment section. Adios!
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References
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