 |
|
 |
click here to access YES knowledge base
FAQs:
1) Which colleges and Universities are the best? Is there a way to tell?
There is no best school in the U.S., only the best school for a particular student. The more attention you give to selecting the right school for your interests and personality, the more likely you are to be accepted and receive financial assistance. Colleges and Universities look for students who will "fit in" on campus and truly want to be part of the community. There are over 3,000 regionally accredited colleges and Universities in the U.S., and the types of academic programs and personal development opportunities they offer vary greatly. Some of the factors to consider when you begin your school search are: quality, reputation, competitiveness, admission requirements, funding availability, class demographics, living environment, location, field of study, geography/climate, urban/rural setting, enrolment size, number of international students, faculty profiles, potential graduate mentors, faculty publications, research facilities, curriculum structure, and professional accreditation.
2) How long does it take to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees?
Most undergraduate programs require four years of study and in some cases give credit for time spent studying in one's home country. Master's degrees typically require two years of study, awarded after two years of study. PhDs usually require at least three years of study and a lengthy dissertation.
3) What is the difference between a college and a University?
Degree-granting institutions in the United States can be called colleges, Universities, institutes, or other terms, and colleges and institutes are in no way inferior to Universities. As a general rule, colleges tend to be smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while a University also offers graduate degrees.
4) What are the different types of institutions I can choose from?
There are four basic institutional types: state Universities, private Universities, community colleges, and technical/vocational colleges. State and private Universities usually offer 4-year bachelor's degrees, community colleges offer 2-year associate's degrees, and technical or vocational colleges usually offer certificates.
5) What tests must I take to be considered for undergraduate admission?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests.
6) Can I study part time?
No you cannot study part time. U.S. immigration law requires that all international students on F1 student visas maintain full-time enrollment. To be considered full time, undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 quarter credits. Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 quarter credits to be considered full time.
7) When can I enter the U.S. and when do I need to obtain my visa?
Students may enter the United States 30 days prior to the arrival date stated on your I-20, and must carry a valid passport 6 months into the future. In addition, visas can be issued up to 90 days prior to the I-20 arrival date.
8) What are I-20 and DS-2019 forms?
An I-20 is the document the University issues to you that allows you to apply for an F-1 student visa. You must be academically admitted to the University and have proven with official financial documents acceptable to the University that you can afford to pay for your studies in the United States. The DS-2019 form is for the J-1 exchange visitor visa.
9) What is SEVIS?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a database with which the U.S. government tracks foreign students' entry to and exit from the United States. It also tracks whether or not you attend school full time and whether or not you are successful in your studies. Universities must regularly upload academic and address information regarding their students to SEVIS.
10) Can I work while I am a student?
Yes, you can work but only on campus and no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. You can work 40 hours during vacation periods.
11) Who is eligible to apply?
Any one who has a consistently good academic record, firm financial support and proficiency in English.
12) When can I start undergraduate (bachelor's) studies in the U.S.?
After you complete 12 years of school education.
12) When can I begin graduate (master's and doctoral) studies in the U.S.?
After you complete 16 years of education including 4 years of college education.
13) I have a three-year bachelor's degree from India. Am I eligible to apply?
It is advisable for you to complete an additional year of studies to be stronger applicant to a master's degree in the U.S.
14) When should I start the application process?
At least 6 months in advance of your intended date of enrollment at a U.S. university. For example, if you wish to enroll in August/September 2008, you should start the process around April 2007.
15) Does this application process cost me money?
Yes, it does. Approximately it will be Rs.35,000/- to Rs 40,000/- for applying to an average of 7 universities. This includes test fees, application fees, communication, and mailing expenses
16) Will I get financial assistance?
Colleges and universities offer scholarships, assistance-ships and fellowships to outstanding students, largely based on merit. There is stiff competition for financial assistance and availability varies from university to university.
17) What is the average cost per year for study in the U.S.?
The cost (tuition + living expenses) could range from $15,000 to $40,000. The average cost for a year of study is $20,000.
18) What type of visa will I be eligible for? Can I work on an F-1 visa?
The most common student visa is F1.Yes you can work 20 hours weekly.
19) When should I start the application process?
At least 6 months in advance of your intended date of enrollment at a U.S. university. For example, if you wish to enroll in August/September 2008, you should start the process around April 2007.
20) Which are the Ivy League Universities?
There are eight colleges that are part of the 'Ivy league Colleges'. These are very old and established colleges in America which have become leading academic institutions in the world. They are also well known for their sports.
The Ivy League Universities are as follows:
Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Princeton University, Brown University, Yale University
21) What are the Regional and National Rankings?
National universities are generally rated as the best colleges in the country (USA) for over all academic excellence, faculty and infrastructure, offering any/all/majority of the subjects that are being taught. These are colleges that are ranked in the Top 50 and beyond. There are many colleges that do not make it to the top national colleges but which are very well reputed. These colleges are ranked according to the US regions (North, South, Midwest and West). There are a host of rankings that you will find. Each college may be ranked differently in different rankings. For e.g. Purdue University is not a 'Top 50' national university but falls under the next '50' category. However it is in the top 15 category for business, operation research, engineering, and computer science.
Rankings are a complementary tool to making the right choice. You cannot choose your university solely on the basis of its rank.
|
| |
|
|
|
