Study in the United States (USA)

Higher Education in the United States

Education in the United States is the most popular option among those who go to study abroad. Today, there are more international students in the United States than in any other country. In the last year, their number has exceeded one million, despite the lack of free education and the requirement of the SAT or ACT. This is mainly due to the academic prestige and effectiveness of American universities. In addition, graduates of American universities often achieve brilliant results in business, science and politics.

Advantages of studying in the United States

A wide variety of educational institutions  In the US there are more than 4.5 thousand higher education institutions, which offer a large number of programs in different cities and states of the country. It is possible and even necessary to choose a university taking into account not only tuition fees, but also personal preferences regarding the location and infrastructure of the university and the characteristics of educational programs.

The Flexibility of the Academic Process  U.S. higher education institutions are partly regulated by state law, but colleges and universities are largely academically autonomous and can hire faculty, conduct research, and even create new ones. faculties. This decentralization directly affects students. There is no standard curriculum in American universities, colleges, and institutes.

Students have the opportunity to independently decide their courses. Sometimes you can find some strange combinations, for example, anthropology and mathematics, or physics and English literature. Of course, there are a number of core subjects, but students are free to choose the rest. This system helps cope with routine, encourages interdisciplinary research, and gives students a sense of responsibility in their lives.

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Equal opportunities  The United States is a democratic country that has been fighting discrimination for hundreds of years in various areas and at different levels. This is also noticeable in education, which is based on equality. Educational centers in the United States accept students regardless of their nationality, race, sex, origin, social status and age. International students have the same rights as US citizens. And the requirements are the same. Once all difficulties have been overcome, foreign students can compete with local students both in the labor market and in scientific research.

Global recognition  The most prestigious institutions of higher education are located in the United States. In total, 38 American universities are among the top 150 in the world, according to QS[5]. The United States is a recognized leader in the field of innovative education and home to numerous scientific discoveries and achievements. The American education system is considered the strongest in the world[6]. It is distinguished by its innovative approach to training, its practical orientation and its top-of-the-line technical equipment.

Career Perspectives  The United States is the land of opportunity.

Large companies appeared here such as:

Apple, Chevron, Ford Motor, Facebook, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Walmart or WarnerMedia. Here are the hundreds of innovative companies developing in California's Silicon Valley.

Here are the world-class financial districts of cities like New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Finally, here is Hollywood, which sets global trends in the film industry. All of this opens up enormous career opportunities for graduates of American universities.

Disadvantages of studying in the United States

Financial issue  Studying in the USA requires considerable funds from students. The average cost per year of university studies in the United States is USD$30,000. Tuition fees at the most prestigious universities can reach USD$60,000.

Accommodation, meals and other associated expenses total between USD$15,000 and USD$18,000. Talented students can receive scholarships or grants, but most of them can only cover a small part of the expenses.

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Competitive nature  In general, the competitive spirit among students is an important incentive to develop leadership and achieve high academic results. This is especially true of American universities. However, constant competition in the educational process requires a huge amount of willpower, energy, and in some cases, health.

Lack of social benefits  One of the drawbacks of the American education system for international students is its limited access to various types of social benefits. These include, for example, social security and healthcare. To access them, you have to go through a bureaucratic process that consumes time and energy.

Admission and entry requirements in American universities

Most American universities do not require entrance tests (except the SAT/ACT and the GRE/GMAT). Students apply online through university websites. There are normally three admissions a year, i.e. autumn, spring and summer. Students must prepare at least one year before the planned start of training. In some cases, the entire process takes a few months.

There are three admission plans in American universities:

• Early Admission:  From September 15 to November 31. The selection is made in mid-December. Early submission of documents increases the student's chances due to the small number of applicants, and also allows more time for related procedures, such as obtaining a visa and seeking financial aid.

• Regular Admission:  From December 1 to February 28. The selection is carried out in spring. The regular period is characterized by the greatest competition. It can also be used by students already admitted to a non-binding early action plan.

Also included:

• Rolling Admission:  Fall – Summer. Documents are accepted almost all year round, as places become available in the course. Rolling admission is a good option for those who have not met previous deadlines. However, there may not be as many funding opportunities at the time you apply, as most scholarships and grants have specific deadlines.

One of the requirements may be the evaluation of academic credentials. An official report can be issued which is sent to the chosen institutions by independent special organizations, such as  WES ,  EСE.  Please note that for some of these organizations, including the most popular WES, documents must be verified by apostille. Others only require certified translations. The fee is USD$100-USD$205, depending on the educational level and service package.

If accepted, the applicant is enrolled in the  Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).  Most students must pay an additional fee of USD350 (the SEVIS I-901 fee). For some students it may be reduced to 35 USD, for others it may not be the case.

Pathways, Pre-Master's – Preparatory programs in the United States

In the United States, preparatory programs are called Pathways, or Pathway programs. They are designed for foreign students who need to improve their linguistic competence, as well as acquire knowledge and skills to continue with their undergraduate (Undergraduate pathway) or postgraduate (Pre-Master's) studies. Within the program, students study English as a Second Language (ESL) and some courses for credit.

Pathway programs are taught by both universities and language schools that have agreements with universities. Most of them offer conditional acceptance. This means that, in case of successful completion (with a sufficient language level and a high grade average), the student can be automatically enrolled in a partner institution (in the first or even second year) without having to take the  SAT or the  TOEFL.

Depending on the level of English, Pathways can last from 4 to 12 months

In case a student does not meet the basic requirements (TOEFL iBT 55 / IELTS 5.0 – 5.5), they can choose an intensive English program (1-2 semesters) with subsequent transition to a Pathway (2 semesters).

Completing a preparatory program is not mandatory for admission, but for many students it is an opportunity to adapt to a new academic environment, try themselves in different courses, and make an informed decision about their major. If a student is sure that some differences between the educational systems of his home country and the US will not prevent him from being successful in his studies, but still doubts his level of English, he can take language courses in the US. USA

Degree- Study Program

The degree in the US can be obtained at four-year educational institutions - colleges and universities. Each year spent here has its own name: freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. After two years of general education courses, the student focuses on his or her specialty. Upon completion, students can obtain the common Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, as well as a range of specialized degrees BFA, BSW, BEng, BSPA, BSN, BPhil, BArch, BDes.

It should be noted that in the US there are no degrees in Medicine or Law

These are advanced professional programs offered by graduate schools. However, a person will have to follow a set of courses before entering a medical school. At this point, they are often called pre-med.

Courses at American universities are seminar-based, with small groups of students discussing specific topics. However, there are also traditional master classes, especially for the disciplines that many students study (computer science, medicine, business). Course content varies by program: “Liberal arts” programs typically include a large number of electives, while specialized and technical courses are more structured and highly specialized.

Admission requirements:

• A secondary education certificate (high school diploma or equivalent)

• Minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5/4.0 American

• Minimum language proficiency TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 6.0.

• A certified copy of your certificate with a transcript

• SAT or ACT results

• TOEFL or IELTS certificate

• Professor references

• A motivation letter

The latter is very important for American universities. Students can use it to demonstrate their commitment to a particular university, explain their choice of program and thus differentiate themselves from other candidates.

Four years is only an approximate period during which a student must earn a certain number of credits (120-128). Depending on the number of courses taken, you can exceed the plan in three years or complete the program or "on time" in six years.

Postgraduate studies in the USA

While most countries refer to master's and doctoral studies as graduate programs, this term is almost never used in the US. After obtaining the degree, students can continue their training in graduate schools that are part of universities. The term graduate in the United States is usually understood to mean someone who has completed a graduate program and plans to pursue an academic career.

Thus, American universities usually create both colleges and schools. The latter grant master's degrees (MA, MS, MSW, MFA), professional degrees (MBA, JD, MD) and doctorates (PhD). There are also professional schools that offer advanced training for a specific profession. There are also professional schools that offer advanced training for a specific profession. These include, for example, medical, law and business faculties.

Masters - Study program

The master's degree in the United States is the first step of higher education within graduate schools. Unlike the United Kingdom, there are no purely research master's programs in the United States. Instead, they are much more structured and involve taught courses and ongoing assessment. For two years, students complete various assignments, take exams, write course essays, and receive grades, which are then converted into GPAs.

Master's degrees in the United States are divided into two types:

• Academic master's degrees  are less specialized equivalents to master's degrees taught in other countries. Academic programs in the United States do not limit the area of ​​study, but rather offer a complete study of the discipline at an advanced level. Modules (courses) can be compulsory (basic subjects and research methodology) and optional (depending on the specific interests of the students). In the final phase, students move on to the dissertation phase, which involves carrying out an independent study with the support of a supervisor.

• Professional master's degrees  provide the professional skills and technical training necessary for future professional careers. They are characterized by a strict curriculum with fewer electives. Professional graduate schools (business, medical, legal, etc.) often have associations with entrepreneurs, which affects the content of educational programs and increases their prestige. The outcome of the training is a formal internship in a relevant company or organization.

Admission requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field;

• Minimum average grade equivalent to 3.0/4.0 American;

• Minimum language proficiency TOEFL iBT 78 or IELTS 6.5.

To apply, you will need a series of documents:

• A certified copy of your diploma (degree) with a transcript

• GRE or GMAT results

• TOEFL or IELTS certificate

• Letters of recommendation from teachers

• Motivation letter

Interviews (in person or via Skype) may be introduced as an additional selection stage for accepted applications.

PhD

The doctorate is the last stage of higher education in the United States. Doctoral degrees, like master's degrees, are not exclusively research-based.

Full-time programs last 4 to 6 years on average and include:

1. The study stage (1-4 years).  It covers a set of taught modules, including core classes and elective classes. The choice of the latter by the student usually depends on the knowledge and skills necessary for the future research project. Some doctoral programs also include volunteer and professional internships, personal development activities, and foreign language courses. At the end of this stage, students are expected to pass a qualifying exam often called a global exam.

2. The dissertation stage (2-4 years).  The second part of the program begins with defining the research topic and writing a dissertation prospectus, a type of research proposal evaluated by the university. Each student is assigned several advisors (committee of supervisors) with similar scientific interests. One of them is usually the main advisor/thesis director. Some programs require administrative or teaching work and/or publication in scientific journals. The final test will be a presentation and oral defense of the dissertation.

Most graduate schools grant traditional doctorates

Some offer:

Professional DBAs, EdD, JD, MD

American doctoral degrees in medicine and jurisprudence are quite specific and are not generally recognized in other countries. International students typically do not consider these degrees unless they plan to live and work in the United States after graduation.

A master's degree is not always a basic requirement to obtain a doctorate in the United States. The reason is that master's and doctoral programs are often merged into a single graduate program. In some cases, students obtain a master's degree at the end of the study period. For those who already have it, universities can transfer credits and shorten the duration of doctoral studies. The average grade (or its equivalent) of the previous educational levels can also be taken into account: a GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is considered a good result.

Admission requirements:

• A master's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field;

• Minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0 American;

• Minimum language proficiency TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.0.

The university may request the following documents:

• A certified copy of your diploma (degree) with a transcript

• GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT/DAT results

• TOEFL or IELTS certificate

• Personal statement

• References from teachers

• Academic essay

• CV

In some cases, the student will need a research proposal or its simplified version: a research statement. As a general rule, students decide the topic of their thesis within the program, so in this phase they only have to indicate their scientific interests and possible areas of research.

Scholarships and aid in the United States

Although the United States is considered one of the most expensive countries to study, most students in this country receive financial aid in the form of scholarships or grants. These are usually awarded to those who do not have sufficient funds to pay for training (based on need) and/or have significant academic achievements and talents (based on merit).

The most generous offers are usually found at the most prestigious universities. For example, the 5 largest universities in the US accept students (local and foreign) based on their needs. This means that any promising candidate who has been selected to Harvard, Amherst, Yale, Princeton or MIT can obtain some funding, regardless of their financial situation.

Government programs are primarily aimed at US citizens, with the exception of several options. The most famous of these, the  Fulbright Scholarship Program,  offers graduate students from 160 countries the opportunity to study in the United States for free for a year or more.

There are also a large number of scholarships funded by universities, external foundations, and private organizations.

Student visa for the United States

International students are eligible for the following visa types:

B-1 –  for short-term courses that do not lead to a degree/certificate;

J-1 –  to participate in exchange programs;

F-1 –  for full-time academic studies in schools, colleges or language courses (more than 18 hours per week);

M-1 –  for technical and professional studies.

To obtain a visa (M or F), the student must first be accepted by one of the US-approved educational institutions – SEVP-certified schools. It must be taken into account that the process may be delayed for various reasons, so it is best to submit the documents at least six months before the start of the course. As soon as the student is enrolled in the SEVIS system and has paid the SEVIS I-901 fee ($200), the university issues the I-20 form, which is necessary to apply and schedule an interview.

List of documents for the student visa to the United States

• Passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of the program;

• Nonimmigrant visa application, confirmation page of form DS-160;

• Receipt of visa application fee – 160 USD;

• Invitation from the school (form I-20).

Additionally, the student may need:

• Proof of academic qualifications (certificates, diplomas, degrees, transcripts);

• Standardized test results required by the school;

• Proof that you have sufficient funds for tuition and maintenance;

• Proof of intent to leave the United States after graduation.

Please check the complete list of requirements on  the website of the US embassy or consulate in question.

The student visa can be issued up to 120 days before the date indicated on the I-20 form. It must be taken into account that obtaining a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The final permit is granted by the customs officer at the port of entry to the US (usually an airport) after showing the passport, visa and the I-20 form. At the end of the educational program, students with F or M visas must leave the country within 60 and 30 days (grace period), respectively. A student can apply for a student visa extension only at the US Consulate or Embassy in her or his country of origin.

Work while studying in the US:

During their studies in the US, F-1 students are authorized to work on the university campus, with prior authorization from a “Designated School Official” (DSO). Normally, foreigners can work up to 20 hours per week (part-time) during the academic semester and up to 40 hours (full-time) during holidays.

Some off-campus employment opportunities remain possible after the first year of study:

– Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 i students involves paid work related to the student's specialty. The duration of training is up to 12 months in each educational stage (for STEM fields there is an extension of 24 months). It can take place both within the course of study – pre-completion OPT (20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during vacations) and at the end – OPT after completion (no limit). Employment authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is required.

-Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 students – training , work, internship or other type of employment that is part of the study plan following collaboration agreements between the university or college and employers. After completing the CPT (one year or more), the student is no longer eligible for post-completion OPT.

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-Practical Training (PT) for M-1 students.  The only type of employment available to M-1 students is practical training after completing their studies. The possible duration is calculated as follows: 1 month of PT for every 4 months of full-time study (up to a maximum of 6 months). A US Citizenship and Immigration Clearance (USCIS) is required.

A prerequisite for any job is obtaining a Social Security number (SSN).

Graduate students may also accept an assistantship position to receive a salary or fee waiver while working at the university. But you have to keep in mind that the hiring process is very competitive and not everyone makes it. Financial aid covers between 70% and 100% of tuition and accommodation expenses. Depending on the university, the following positions may be offered: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Research Fellow.