In our special topic series on U.S. higher education, last week we discussed the importance of planning for U.S. university applications (https://telanganatoday.com/destination-usa-advance-planning-for-application-to-us-universities). We understood how planning for the applications should start about two-three years in advance. of the start of the program of study. In today’s column, we discuss the specifics of this planning process […]
In our special topic series on U.S. higher education, last week we discussed the importance of planning for U.S. university applications (https://telanganatoday.com/destination-usa-advance-planning-for-application-to-us-universities). We understood how planning for the applications should start about two-three years in advance. of the start of the program of study. In today’s column, we discuss the specifics of this planning process by the type of degree program to which a student is applying.
For undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) applicants, their grades from 9th through 12th standard, along with standardized test scores, are assessed for academic credentials. Therefore, it is important to maintain a high grade point average (GPA) through all four years of school. Along with good scores, it is equally important to identify sports, cultural, volunteer experiences and other activities (quiz, debate club, etc.) as early as possible and get involved in them actively. Ninth standard is a good time to start working on these aspects of your profile.
Typically, an undergraduate applicant to the United States will submit an application during the first few months of his/her 12th standard. This means that the standardized test and English proficiency scores, essays, statement of purpose (if required), and letters of recommendations must be ready for submission by that time. The summer after 11th standard is an ideal time to complete all standardized tests and work on draft essays. Hence, the preparation for standardized tests should start as early as summer vacation of 10th standard.
So, it is important for students to utilize the last four years of their school in an efficient manner to be able to build a strong profile and be application-ready by the beginning of 12th standard before the pressure for board exams starts to build up.
Graduate applicants usually submit their applications during the 1st semester of the fourth year of their bachelor’s degree program. So, 2nd year is a good time to start planning for the U.S. Master’s degree application. Similar to an undergraduate applicant, a graduate applicant also needs to showcase his/her potential in the field of study. So, it is highly valuable to get involved in projects and pursue other relevant activities related to the subject starting the 1st year of the undergraduate program.
The standardized test and English scores should be ideally finished by the 3rd year summer break. It is advisable to prepare a draft of the statement of purpose in advance of the application deadlines so that they can go through multiple rounds of reviews and revisions before final submission. Early application submission and connecting with department faculty also goes a long way in seeking funding through the department/university.
— Monika Setia (Regional Officer and EducationUSA Adviser at the United States-India Educational Foundation based at the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad. Please visit https://educationusa.state.gov/centers/educationusa-usief-hyderabad for more information)
Q&A:
Q. I am interested in studying journalism and communication after completing my bachelor’s program in India? What type of programs and specializations are available in the field in the United States? – Subhash Rao
A. The higher education institutions in the United States offer multiple degree options in the fields of journalism and communication at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students intending to pursue a graduate-level program in these fields may earn an MA (master of arts), MS (master of science), or PhD (doctoral degree) degree. You may choose either one of the two fields (journalism or communication) for your program or pursue your degree with a combination of the two fields. Students with an interest in pursuing a research career may opt for a Ph.D. program. The exact titles of the degrees and offerings of specializations do vary by institution and academic program. You may choose among various concentrations – public relations, editing, publishing, communications, technology in journalism and communication, etc.
Q. Our daughter is enrolled in a bachelor’s program in the United States and she wants to transfer to another program in a different university. Do we have to pay the SEVIS fee again? – Kavita
A. If you are transferring between approved schools at the same educational level, you do not have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. If you are an F-1 student, your I-20 will have Initial attendance at this school, but your SEVIS records will show that you have maintained your status and are continuing your education. If you are changing your educational level while transferring, you still do not have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. A few examples of such a change include – you graduated from high school and are going directly to college or you received your master’s degree and are going directly into a doctoral program. We recommend that your daughter contacts the international student office at her current university and request the Designated School Official (DSO) on campus to make necessary changes in her SEVIS records. This will help prevent issues with visa issuance, reentry into the United States, and fee payment, etc.
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