Top 10 Tips for International Students Studying in United States

If you’re interested in the idea of going to study in the United States, or have already applied, these 10 tips for international students will be helpful.

Studying abroad is an incredible experience but just knowing where to start can be a challenge in itself. The application process for studying in the United States can seem quite daunting with so many things to consider and think about.

Before going to study in the US, you should check out our 10 practical tips that will help you prepare your application and get your ready for important issues and situations you may face during the process and your stay there.

Choosing a University

There are over 4,000 universities and colleges in the United States, yes 4,000! With so much choice choosing a place to study can be one of the hardest decisions you can make.

There is the prestigious Ivy League group, which includes Princeton and Yale, and also smaller lesser known private colleges and public universities throughout the country.

University rankings can be a good starting point for choosing an educational institution abroad. It is a good idea to pay attention to the position of US universities in the following world rankings: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS ranking), Times Higher Education (THE) and Shanghai ranking (Academic Ranking of World Universities).

In addition, you should pay attention to faculties’ rankings: the university may not be ranked particularly high but it might have a study program you’re interested in.

American universities are divided into private, state, and local (state-owned) ones. The cost of studying for US and foreign students depends primarily on this factor. Usually, it is cheaper at state universities, but private universities offer more generous scholarships. It is believed that studying in a private university in the US is more prestigious than in a state one, but it’s up to you (and your financial capacity) which of the two you’ll eventually pick.

Another organizational kind is universities and colleges of higher education. Regardless of the name, a university is generally understood to be an educational institution providing all levels of higher education and engaged in scientific activities. Colleges turn out only bachelors and often have a narrower set of disciplines. At the same time, colleges can be independent and included in the structure of large universities.

If you look forward to pursuing an academic career, choosing a university, and not a college, will provide you with more opportunities. In addition, university education is considered more prestigious.

Cost

The cost of studying at a US college or university depends on the following factors: world rankings, specialty, organizational form (studying at private universities usually costs more than at state universities and colleges), and location.

One way to reduce the cost of education is to study at a biennial community college. After graduating from this vocational school, you can enter the third year of an undergraduate program (subject to sufficient progress). Studying at community colleges is much cheaper than at universities, so with reasonable planning, you can complete the first two years of your study program at a reduced cost.

Scholarships

Statistically, only 8% of foreigners receive scholarships in the United States. But do not despair: in addition to universities, you can also seek funding from various government and private organizations, both in the US and in your home country.

If you are applying for a scholarship, your application for admission should be filled out very carefully, and that includes universities with a small number of applicants.

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements minimum points for standardized SAT and ACT exams and TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exams.

The tougher the admission requirements are, the more difficult it will be for you to enroll at a US university. It also means that:

you will have a harder time learning
more ambitious and high-performing students (most often)
higher salaries for graduates (most often)
You should, therefore, carefully study the admission requirements of US universities before sending clarifying questions.

questionnaire, use the same spelling as in your travel passport.

Pay a University Fee

Some universities charge a fee of $20 to $50 for considering admission applications. Payment is made after the applicant has completed all the fields of the online application form.

Submitting Your Application
If you have prepared the application yourself, you should postpone sending it for a couple of days (if the deadlines permits) to make sure it’s filled out properly.

Be patient. Terms of consideration of applications vary depending on the university and specialization. Perhaps, the university will ask you to provide some additional documents, such as proof of solvency. As soon as admission is confirmed, the college will notify you of enrollment, terms and payment procedure.

If you need to get an answer asap, you should send a request to representatives of different US universities. Be sure to include your application number as well.

Be ready to wait for one to two months. The college or university of your choice can inform you that you are on their waiting list, in which case it will notify you of the deadline for making a decision regarding your candidacy. After receiving a response from the college/university, you should confirm your intention to study there.

Prepare for Travel & Living in the USA
If you get your application sucessfully accepted then you can start getting exciting for a life changing experience. You will need to check flights, accommodation, check the area where you will be living and also read up on the local customs and activities. The internet, past students and YouTube can be great places to start when seeking informartion.

If you are an international student hoping to attend a university in the United States hopefully our guide has been useful. If you have ever been to study in the USA and would like to share any recommendations leave feedback in the comments section below.