Where do you start if you want to study in the USA?
Studying at a U.S. college or university can be an exciting decision, but finding out where to begin can be a challenge. We’ve gathered expert information and resources below to help you select the right school and choose a course.
What you need to know
In general, to study in the United States, you will need to meet 3 basic requirements:
- An acceptance confirmation from an educational institution
- Sufficient funding to study
- A valid student visa
If this seems overwhelming don’t worry! With a bit of time, research and planning you can achieve this by following the tips below:
One: Decide where you want to study
It is possible to study abroad in the USA at thousands of different institutions. It is therefore important to think carefully about where you want to study.
A great advantage of having so much variety is that you can choose a college or university that not only meets your educational needs, but also your social interests. Here is a list of things to consider when you begin your research:
Which place would you like to visit? When choosing a study location, you should consider the U.S.’s diverse weather, culture, and environment
- What kind of qualification do you want to achieve?
- What subject would you like to study?
- What kind of finance will you need? (See step two below)
- Which institution will best suit your personality?
The best option is to choose a U.S. college or university that is accredited. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation provides a searchable list of accredited institutions.
You should begin your research 12-18 months before you begin your undergraduate studies or at least 24 months before you begin a graduate program. It is easy to identify where you are in the process with the detailed timelines provided by Education USA.
Two: Decide what finance you will need for your studies
The next step is to think about how much it will cost to study in the USA. You want to think about:
- Accommodation costs
- Living costs including food and travel
- The cost of admission and other school fees
It is important to remember that these costs may vary greatly from one institution to another as well as from one region to another. There are some areas in the United States that are more affordable than others, so be sure to research this before moving there.
Fortunately, there are a lot of options for getting financial aid to study in the USA. For example:
- A scholarship from the institution where you want to study
- Government funded programs
- Awards and funds from other organizations
- Don’t forget to read our article on how to find finance for studying in the U.S.
Three: Prepare your application
The application process for studying in the United States does not follow any standard procedure. If you want to apply to any university or college, it is important to understand the application process that each institution has and that you are familiar with the requirements that each institution sets.
These may include:
- Specific qualifications
- Essays
- Personal, professional or teacher recommendations
- Extra-curricular experience
The best place to apply is to decide between six to ten institutions where you feel you have a good chance of being accepted. In order to ensure that you have plenty of time to gather all the information you require for your application, you should find out when your top choices have their application deadlines.
Make sure all test scores, transcripts, and other application materials are received well in advance of each college’s published deadline.
Four: Make sure you have a valid visa to study in the U.S.
After you have been accepted by an institution, you will need to apply for a student visa. The process does require some planning, but it is not difficult.
Ensure you know what type of visa you need, as well as the information you need to apply for your visa. Read this article to learn about the type of visa you will need to study in the U.S., as well as resources to assist you in the application process.
Five: Get your IELTS score to help you apply to a college or university
There are a number of requirements that must be met in order to be accepted into a college or university in the United States, including your ability to speak English well enough to satisfy their admission requirements.
There is no doubt that IELTS is the most well-known English test for people who want to live, study, or work abroad in another country. In addition to that, it is also accepted at more than 3,300 institutions in the United States. You have a better chance of getting accepted to study in the USA if you score well on the IELTS test.
Next steps
Use the Education USA website for more detailed advice on choosing and applying to a US institution
- Discover your options for financing your U.S. studies
- Find out what you need to do to apply for your student visa
- Watch videos of International Students who have studied in the U.S.
- Find your local IELTS test center to book your test
Visit the following link:
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/usa/study-in-usa