Higher Education Options for Indian

Students in the United States

Introduction

The United States is among the most preferred destination for higher
education in the world.

Due to the presence of a plethora of study and work opportunities, the

United States is also known as the Land of Opportunities.

During 2013-14, the US welcomed almost 9 lakh international students.

Hence the United States is one of the best destinations for
higher education in the world.

This article will clarify all the aspects of higher education in the US to
the Indian students.

Types of Higher Education Degrees in the US

In the United States, there are four types of degrees offered. These degrees
can be done successively. Following are the types of degrees offered in the US:

Associate Degree: Associate degrees are two year undergraduate

programmes that prepare a student for a particular career or for a bachelors
degree. Students undertake associate degrees to earn more credits for a
bachelors degree although certain jobs require only an associate degree.

Bachelors Degree: Bachelors Degree is a four year undergraduate program

that provided more in depth study of a given major. It is an extension of an
associate degree. Completion of a bachelors degree will make you eligible to
do master degrees. Bachelors degrees include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor
of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Science (BS).

Higher Education Degrees in the US

Masters Degree: Masters Degree is a two year post graduate program

that is pursued after the completion of the Bachelor Degree. It provides
further in depth study of the majors opted by students in the Bachelors
degree. It prepares a student for the doctoral programmes. Examples of
Masters Degrees include Master of Science (MS), Master of Business
Administration (MBA) and Master of Arts (MA).
Doctoral degrees: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree is the highest
academic degree offered to the students. To pursue a doctoral degree in a
particular field, a student will need to have a masters degree in that same
field. It involves writing a dissertation based on research and advanced
study of the subjects. A Ph.D. will take three to six years to complete based
on the nature and complexity of the research thesis.

Types of Educational Institutions in the United

States
In the United States there are two main types of educational institutions.
They are:

Community College: A community college is a college that provides

general and technical associate degrees. Students aspiring to do an
associate degree to earn additional credits for a Bachelors degree usually
come to community colleges. Community college courses are very
affordable and many students use community college courses to earn
credits for a four year bachelor degrees.

University: A university is an educational institution that primarily

provides bachelors, masters and doctoral programmes. Students aspiring
to further improve their academic credentials go to universities. Those
who are completing associate degrees in community colleges can go for
universities to complete their bachelor degrees.

Types of Admissions

Fall Admissions: Fall admissions starts in late August to ends in late

December. Most universities entertain applications only during the fall
semester. Student will get more number of course options during the fall
admissions. Also, most of the students will apply fall admissions as their
undergraduate programs ends in June. Hence, most of the students opt for
Fall Admissions.

Spring Admissions: Spring admissions starts in early January to ends in

early May. The courses offered for the spring admissions will be lesser in
number. Almost 25% of universities in the U.S do not have any spring
admissions for a majority of the courses they offer. Many universities do
not provide for financial aids during the spring semester. The applicants
who were not offered admissions during the fall but the university wants
to have the applicant as a student are provided delayed admission during
the spring.

Application Guidelines and

Requirements
You will need to give your TOEFL and SAT exam for admission into the
various courses and GMAT for admission into MBA programmes.

Application Forms: It is better to send inquiries at least 18 months before

the date of admission. Students can request application forms via e-mail,
air mail or students can go to the universities/colleges website and
download the application form.

Academic Records: Students are required to submit their school

certificates for admission into undergraduate programmes. The
acceptable degrees include Indian School Certificate, Intermediate
Certificate, Higher School Certificate, Higher Secondary Certificate, and
All India Senior School Certificate & their degree certificate from any
recognized university for admission into post graduate or doctoral
programmes.

Application Guidelines and

Requirements

Letter of Recommendation: Not all universities require a recommendation

letter but providing one will increase chances of admission. A
recommendation letter is to be provided by a person who has taught the
student or knows the student professionally. It must state the students
positive and negative qualities and strengths. The author must also state
his/her position and for how long he/she has known the students and to what
capacity.

Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose must also be provided. It is an

essay written by the applicant stating why he/she wants to do the course from
that particular university. It is given high amounts of consideration by the
university in selecting its candidates.

Financial Aid application: If the student wants to apply for financial aid or
any scholarships, the student must submit the relevant applications.

Student Visa: The student wishing to study in the US must apply for F Class
USA non-immigrant visa.

In conclusion, the US is a wonderful country to study in thanks to the high

quality of universities and availability of a plethora of job opportunities.
All the best!!!

Tags:
College Admission, study in US, US scholarship

Thank You