Destination USA: Advance planning for application to US universities

In our special topic series on US higher education, today we inform students about the importance of planning for US university applications. Irrespective of the degree program that a student selects to apply to US institutions, the planning for the application starts about two-three years in advance of the program start date. Students applying to […]

In our special topic series on US higher education, today we inform students about the importance of planning for US university applications.

Irrespective of the degree program that a student selects to apply to US institutions, the planning for the application starts about two-three years in advance of the program start date. Students applying to undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree) programs should start as early as 9th standard and students applying to graduate programs (primarily Master’s degrees) in the 2nd year of their Bachelor’s degree program.

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As our readers know by now, the application process to US universities involves multiple components. This includes an online application, standardised test and English proficiency scores, transcripts, essays and/or statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendations, and financial documents. Preparing for standardised tests and taking the tests, writing essays and SOP, and putting together other application documents is a lengthy process.

Additionally, US universities look for a holistic student profile for admission. So, it is important to start developing such profile as early as possible, encompassing good academic credentials, extracurricular achievements, volunteer work, and other involvements.

Another critical piece of planning is registering for the standardised and English proficiency tests. Not all of these tests are offered round the year and each testing round has limited seats available. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead of time, decide on a test date, and register in advance.

In essence, rigorous planning is the first step to a well thought out US higher education application. While many students begin thinking about studying in the United States 12-18 months before the start of a degree program, it is advisable that students start early. A full two to three years is the estimated time that it takes to complete all steps from profile building to test preparation to application submission to the final step of visa interview.

–Monika Setia (Regional Officer and EducationUSA Adviser at the United States-India Educational Foundation based at the US Consulate General Hyderabad. Please visit https://educationusa.state.gov/centers/educationusa-usief-hyderabad for more information)

Q&A:

Q. I want to apply to Master’s programs in the United States. How should I go about finding the cost to pursue the program? – Akshaya

A. Websites of universities under consideration are good sources to check the tuition fee, cost of living, and other expenses to ascertain the cost of attendance at a US university. This information can be found on the admissions page of the university or on the bursar webpage (bursar is the office of budget and finance at a university).

Make sure to take note of both the tuition fee and other additional costs, including cost of housing, books and supplies, transportation, health insurance, personal expenses, etc. In addition, make note of whether the tuition is for residents or non-residents (as an international student, you will be paying the non-resident fee). These costs vary based on the type of institution, location, and program of study.

Q. My daughter would like to pursue her nursing degree from the United States after completing her 12th standard from India. What is the accrediting body for nursing programs in the United States? – Rajeshwar Rao

A. Students seeking admission in nursing schools and programs in the United States may visit the websites of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission – NLNAC (https://cnea.nln.org/) that are recognised accreditation agencies for baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States. Also, students should make sure that the nursing school is approved by the State Board of Nursing.

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