The United States is said to have the largest number of international students in the world today.  More than one million students from different countries of the world make the United States their preferred study country. 

Studies show that about 5% of students all over the world prefer the United States as their studying destination, especially higher-level education.  The number of international students is sure to increase as time goes on. If you will like to study in the United States, it is not entirely a bad idea.

In fact, it is a dream worth pursuing.  In this write-up, we are going to give you helpful information that will make your search for an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in the United States very easy.

Why choose the United States?

So many factors make the United States one of the best places to visit for studies as an international student. 

The country offers great institutions that will make your undergraduate and post-graduate studies wonderful experiences.  Studying in the United States will give you access to quality education that will undoubtedly make an impact in your life, academically and otherwise.  

The United States is a very big country and each of the states has a unique story to tell in the economy, history, climate, and culture.

Searching for colleges and universities

US school search is one of the best tools you can trust when searching for an institution in the United States.  

The search tool can help you to pick out those institutions in the United States that welcome international students.  You can find many of such search tools online and some may even contain over 3000 lists of colleges and universities that can meet your criteria.  You can search the available colleges and universities based on the course you want to study and the degree you help to obtain at the end of your studies. 

The process of choosing a school can be strenuous and time-consuming, but the search tool will ease things up a great deal.

Getting admission into a United States scho9ol

Getting into a university or college in the United States as an international student is never an easy task at all. 

The process of application can be somewhat complex.  The competition is also high because of the huge number of students seeking admission into colleges and universities across the United States.  

The process is never quick. So, you should be ready to dedicate time to it.  Your search should start about 18 months before the academic year you are interested in begins.

The questions below can help you with your search:

  • What course do you want to study in a United States college or university?
  • Which school or course will you fit in best?
  • Will you require financial assistance?
  • What are the financial aid and application deadlines to bear in mind?
  • Which part of the United States do you want to live in as an international student?
  • Are you interested in an undergraduate or post-graduate program?

Always go for only schools certified by the Student Exchange Visitor Program; the Department of Homeland Security’s website can be of help.

Check for financial aid

One of the best ways to study in the United States is to get access to financial aid.  You can find a wide array of student’s financial aids in the United States that can make your studying there a lot easier.  The United States government provides financial aids to international students. It is also possible for international students to access education loans.  

Additionally, you can get funding from some states in the US to finance your studies. Even many colleges and universities provide student financial aids. So, many funding options are waiting for you.  

The international student financial aid may only cover tuition fees. At times, it also covers accommodation and even living expenses; it all depends on the type of financial aid you can get.  Your level of study can equally determine the financial aid you can access.

You can save a lot of money as a student in the United States by choosing where you live carefully. Bear in mind that the cost of living differs from one state or city to another, same with the cost of studying. 

The cost of living is lower in the Midwest and southern parts of the United States

Application process

You can apply directly on the website of the United States higher institution.  Take some time to go through the admission requirements so that you can make the right decisions.  You may be required to write standardized tests, like LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, or GRE. 

Some other institutions may demand series of documents like a list of patents, portfolio, or writing samples, especially if you are going for a master's degree program.

To increase your chance, it is better to apply for between 3 and 5 United States universities.  The application fee ranges from $75 to $100, depending on the particular university.  As an international student, you will be required to provide your Score in C1 Advanced, PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, or TOEFL iBT certificate

Some of the documents you need to submit while seeking admission include the following:

  • Records of grades or transcripts
  • CV or Resume
  • Test scores in GMAT, GRE, ACT, or SAT
  • Proof of English-language proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or motivation letter
  • Passport photo
  • Writing sample
  • Application fee

University application calendar

Those applying for a bachelor’s degree can apply two times a year, which are October to November and February to March.  In the case of master’s degree students, the deadline can be January to March and July to September

Apply for visa

After you have been given admission by your university of interest in the United States, it is time to apply for a student visa, which can be done in the United States Embassy in your country.  

Visa interviews are always very short. You are expected to tell them your reason for preferring the United States for studying. You also need to make known your plans on how to finance your studies and stay in the United States.

Furthermore, let them know the plans you have after you have completed your studies.

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