How to Apply for Higher Studies in USA

Out of the nearly 85% of Indian students who head towards other countries for higher studies, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, China and Germany, almost 30% preferred going to the US in 2015, representing a 10% increase in overall foreign student numbers to that country, says an article published by University World News.

How to Apply for Higher Studies in USA

The US, also known as the land of opportunities, seems to be the desired destination for most students desire it comes to studying abroad. If you too are interested in doing so, here are the details of the application process.

1. Explore Universities

Some of the world’s top-ranking universities, providing a degree recognized all around the world, along with many others are in the United States of America, the top 5 include:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Harvard University
3. Stanford University
4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
5. University of Chicago

Free online education resources like the Indian Student Guide to American Higher Education, help Indian students find information about colleges, universities, community colleges, and technical institutes in the USA.

You'll also get information about applying for a student visa, test and application procedures, and many other topics covering everything about higher education and studies in the United States on such sites.

When narrowing down the list of universities in the US where you would want to apply, do consider the location, cost, academic programs and majors, and campus life.

Also read: How to Apply for Visit Visa for Parents

2. Consider Taking the SAT

Along with many other factors that US universities look at when making admission decisions, is the SAT score. SAT is a standardized test, widely used for college admissions in the United States.

Students are expected to take SAT Subject Tests to spotlight their skills in specific subjects, and for many four-year universities and colleges, it is mandatory to provide your SAT score.

To register for the SAT, sign up for College Board's Search Service. After signing up, universities looking for students just like you will contact you through e-mail.

Also read: Best Travel Insurance for Students – Ultimate Guide

3. Admission Requirements

Recommendation letters, and English language proficiency exams like the TOEFL or IELTS, as proof of your English proficiency, are two factors most US universities will look at when making admission decisions.

These tests become compulsory for Indians since our first language is not English and many of us are not educated in an English medium school/college.

4. Apply to Universities

Before applying for higher studies in a US University, make sure you assemble your application properly while filling everything correctly.

You should know that application deadlines vary across universities, for which you'll have to keep a track of all of them to avoid missing any deadlines.

5. Submit Your Applications

You can also apply to multiple universities through a US-based organization, Universal College Application, which provides college admission applications that allow students to apply to any of the participating colleges.

Lastly, you are left with making a final decision and fulfilling the visa or passport requirements.