Choosing the right university is important because it is the stepping stone that would give shape to most parts of a student’s career. This might seem as a mighty task especially when the country in question is foreign to an individual. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration before making the big decision. The USA is a popular study destination for Indian students particularly because of its rich cultural diversity and vast opportunities available.
Why study in the USA?
The United States has always been an attractive destination for students seeking to study abroad. Studying in the USA is a dream for aspiring students. Why are US degrees so coveted? Let’s take a look.
- US degrees are globally accepted
Several universities in the US continue to be one of the best ranked educational institutions in the world, not only for their high academic standards but also for their world-class infrastructure.
- Global exposure
American universities host students and faculties from a diverse range of backgrounds. Cultural diversity and expression are promoted in American Universities to make the experience even more enriching.
- Flexible hours
Students can choose from enrolling for a full-time course or a part-time course. This empowers students with the choice of being able to work and be independent along with studying.
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Factors to consider before choosing a university in the US
A number of factors have to be taken into consideration before choosing a university for a seamless experience. Some of them are listed below.
- Narrowing down on an academic course
Researching and finding a course suitable for your area of interest or expertise is the first step to studying in the US. Several courses may have a similar curriculum but it is important to find the one that best works out for you. There are different criteria for each course, which have to be met in order to get enrolled. Although majors and minors can be changed, it is advised to consider all aspects before choosing one. The USA has a number of top courses and specializations for international students.
- Private or Public University
Public universities host a large number of students due to their affordability. Students who thrive best in a social environment might prefer choosing a public university over a private university. Although much more expensive in terms of tuition fees, studying at private universities is considered more prestigious and gives leverage to students when going for a job application. The class size in private universities is much smaller, which accounts for individual care and attention. A wide range of scholarships and funding’s are available for both private and public universities.
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- Location
Once the type of university is agreed upon, the location should be researched to find out which state houses the greatest number of private or public universities. The cost of living in that particular state, the cultural environment, the crime rate and also part-time job opportunities to sustain oneself are crucial to be researched before choosing a university.
- Reputation of university and ranking
Ranking of a university may often be misleading as most often these are obtained for a certain specific field and not the overall academic stature of a university. It helps get a better understanding by getting in touch with alumni or current students and asking them about student satisfaction, grievance redressal and also employment opportunities once the course is over.
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- Exams to be given in order to pass the given criteria
Almost all universities in the US require students to score above a certain mark in IELTS, TOEFL, GRE or SAT in order to be eligible for admission.
- Scholarships
Not all universities provide scholarships or funding’s to international students. The tuition fee of a university may be much higher compared to other universities of similar rankings but may offer a lucrative scholarship, which may not be the case with affordable universities.
- Internship and research opportunities
Some universities offer research opportunities after completion of the course, which is a great way of funding the course fee. Internship opportunities should be looked out for, as experience is important to gain insight into any industry.
While keeping in mind all these factors can give an aspiring student some insight into how things work, one can make full use of the opportunity only after reaching the country. Despite considering everything, problems are bound to arise – a situation, where only experience and interaction with similar beings can bring some relief.
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