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American Education System

Strong research and funding have helped make United States colleges and universities among the world’s most prestigious and leading, making them particularly attractive for international students, professors and researchers in the pursuit of academic excellence.

The American education system offers good choice of schools, programs and locations for international students. As you begin your school search, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the American education system. Understanding the system will help you filter your choices and develop your education plan depends on your goals.

The Educational Structure

Academic transcripts are official copies of your academic work. Just like American students, you will have to submit your academic transcripts as part of your application for admission to university or college. In the U.S. this includes your “grades” and “grade point average” (GPA), which are measurements of your academic achievement. Courses are commonly graded using percentages, which are converted into letter grades.

The grading system and GPA in the U.S. can be confusing, especially for international students.

Therefore, there are some crucial things to keep in mind:

You should find out the U.S. equivalent of the last level of education you completed in your home country.

Pay attention to the admission requirements and individual degree programs, which may have different requirements than the university.

Meet with an educational advisor or guidance counselor to make sure you are meeting the requirements. They will be able to advise you on whether or not you must spend an extra year or two preparing for U.S. university admission.

Types of U.S. higher education

State College or University

A state school is supported and run by a state or local government. Each of the 50 U.S. states operates at least one public state university and possibly several state colleges. For example, Illinois State University and the University of Michigan.

Private College or University

These schools are privately run as opposed to being run by a branch of the government. Tuition will usually be higher than state schools. Often, private U.S. universities and colleges are smaller in size than state schools.

Community College

Community colleges are two-year colleges that award an associate’s degrees (transferable), as well as certifications. There are many types of associate degrees, but the most important distinguishing factor is whether or not the degree is transferable. Community college graduates most commonly transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete their degree.

The U.S. Higher Education System: Levels of Study

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 1

Undergraduate / Bachelor's Degree

For student who is studying at the undergraduate level it typically takes about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can either begin your studies in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at a community college, four-year university or college.

First two years of study you will generally be required to take a wide variety of classes in different subjects: literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. This is so you achieve a general knowledge, a foundation, of a variety of subjects prior to focusing on a specific field of study.

A “major” is the specific field of study in which your degree is focused. For example, if someone’s major is Marketing, they will earn a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. You will be required to take a certain number of courses in this field in order to meet the degree requirements of your major. Usually you must choose your major at the beginning of your third year of school.

A very unique characteristic of the American higher education system is that you can change your major multiple times if you choose. Often, students discover a different field that they excel in or enjoy. It’s beneficial and attractive that American education system is very flexible. But you should keep in mind that switching majors may result in more courses, which means more time and money.

Level 2

Graduate / Master’s Degree

Presently, graduate student with a bachelor’s degree may seriously think about graduate study in order to enter certain professions or advance their career. This degree is usually mandatory for higher-level positions.

Graduate programs in pursuit of a master’s degree typically take one to two years to complete. For example, the MBA (Master of Business Administration) is an extremely popular degree program that takes about two years. Other master’s programs, such as journalism, only take one year.

A graduate program is usually a department of a university or college. To gain admission, you will need to take the GRE (graduate record examination). Certain master’s programs require specific tests, such as the LSAT for law school, the GRE or GMAT for business school, and the MCAT for medical school.

The majority of a master’s program is spent in classroom study and a graduate student must prepare a good research paper called a “master’s thesis” or complete a “master’s project.”

Level 3

Graduate / Doctorate Degree

Many graduate schools consider the attainment of a master’s degree the first step towards earning a PhD (doctorate). But at other schools, students may prepare directly for a doctorate without also earning a master’s degree. For international students it may take four to six years or more to earn a PhD degree.

For the first two years of the program most doctoral candidates enroll in classes and seminars. At least another year is spent conducting firsthand research and writing a thesis or dissertation. A doctoral dissertation is a discussion and summary of the current scholarship on a given topic. Most U.S. universities awarding doctorates also require their candidates to pass a qualifying examination that officially admits candidates to the PhD program, and to pass an oral examination on the same topic as the dissertation.

How to Get the US Student Visa

Getting your visa to study in the United States takes time and sometimes can be a surprisingly difficult procedure. It is well worth the effort. In many countries, the number of student visas issued by the United States has grown significantly in the last year.

While the application process for an international student can be confusing, hundreds of thousands of students are able to meet the requirements for a visa each year.

After a college, university, or English language school (ESL) has accepted you for admission to full-time study, the school will send you a document called an I-20 Form, which is the application for an F-1 visa.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 1

First, your school or university will send you a form confirming that you have been accepted at an institution authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Service (USCIS) to enroll non-immigrant students.

Be careful to make sure that the name and spelling on your passport is exactly the same as the name and spelling on your application for acceptance to the school and that the school has entered your name as it appears on your passport on the I-20 Form.

Step 2

Second, you will need to make an appointment for a visa interview and to pay some required fees (SEVIS – US$200 and an additional US$160 for the visa application fee). Under a revision in the regulations, Student Visas can be issued up to 120 days before the date on your Form I-20. And may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date.

Each U.S. Embassy has a website providing instructions on how to make an appointment for a visa interview and other information on the visa application process. The website for the Embassy in your country can be located at: http://www.usembassy.gov/

Step 3

Third, the United States is using a new non-immigrant visa application form, DS-160 that should be completed online. This form replaces all of the other forms. Instructions for completing the on line form and links to the form can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4230.html

Step 4

Fourth, prepare for your visa interview. It is extremely crucial that you apply for your visa well in advance of the date your studies begin. If possible, apply three months before you plan to travel to the USA. This will give you extra time if there are delays at the embassy, or if you wish to appeal a decision in the event of a denial.

Be prepared to give your information quickly and completely. If you are unable to answer the questions in English, and the visa officer does not speak your language, you can ask for an interpreter. Speaking English is not a requirement for a student visa. In fact, thousands of students come to the United States each year to learn how to speak English.

The visa officer needs to know your specific objectives, both academic and professional, for studying in the United States. Be prepared to explain why it is better to study your specific field in the United States than to study at home. Be ready to say exactly what you will study and for what career your U.S. studies will prepare you. Calmly state your education plans concisely and clearly.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has implemented an online tool that nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants can use to check the status of their application:https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx

Student Expenses

United States Education Expenses

While the US remains the world’s most popular destination for international students, it’s also among the most expensive choices. The cost of education, depends on the field of study, program, place and quality of university, varies significantly. To have an accurate estimate of the costs, you can consult with our experts who can help you with. The following table shows the range of costs related to each degree. The cost of education in private universities will be higher.

Student living expenses

The approximate annual living expenses are about $10,000, which includes accommodation as well as other daily expenses. However, the expenses are different for different people depending on the lifestyles and this is just a rough idea. Our expert finding the suitable university for the applicant, can offer an accurate estimate of the cost of living in the areas around the university.

It’s been not a secret that the US is one of the most expensive nations in which to pursue higher education. But don’t let that put you off, and make your dreams come true! There are hundreds of opportunities to gain valuable funding for your studies.

As an international student you won’t be eligible for much of the funding intended for US nationals. However, as US universities prioritize internationalization, the number of international scholarships to study in the US has been growing rapidly in recent years, and this trend seems likely to continue.

Applying for Admission / List of Documents

Each U.S. university and college sets its own admission standards and decides which applicants meet those standards. Therefore, you must apply separately to each university or college.

Here is basic package of documents to obtain the I-20 for US universities you may be required to provide; Admission requirements are subject to change depends on a program /college and time you apply.

A Legible Passport /+Dependents (name page with a photo)

Should be valid more than 6 months from the application date.

Diploma+ Transcripts

Provide official transcripts from all schools you have attended. Transcripts should be both in your native language and translated into English.

– If you never attended college before: provide a transcript from your secondary school.
– If you are transferring from another college: provide your secondary school transcripts as well as transcripts from any other college you have attended.
– Depends on the program you apply there may be required grade point average (GPA)

Verification of Finances:

– Bank Statement (not older than 3 months prior to the applying date). Must show at least 1 year of tuition fee+ living expenses (may vary depends on program and school). Bank statements must be converted to U.S. dollars if shown in foreign currency.
– Affidavit of Financial Support Form – required only if the statement belongs to anyone other than the applicant – can provided by request

TOEFL / IELTS

English Proficiency for Undergraduate Students

If you have not attended schools at the secondary level or above where English is the principal language of instruction for at least three years full-time, you must demonstrate proficiency by completing one of the following:

– TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)score about or above then 525 (or 190 computer-based or 60 Internet-based)
– An overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System)score of 6.0 or above.

English Proficiency for Graduate Students

If you are a graduate or post-baccalaureate student and your preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, you must demonstrate proficiency in English with one of the following:

– An official transcript showing graduation with a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university, or an international college or university where English is the principal language of instruction, or an official letter from the college or university certifying that English was the language of instruction.
– A TOEFLscore about and above then 550 (213 computer-based or 79 Internet-based; 92 for MA Economics) or above.
– An overall test score from IELTS exam of 6.5 or above for graduate students. A score of 7 or above may be required for international students seeking a Master’s of Science degree in Economics.
– Essay: Your essay topic should have personal meaning for you. Usually it should be something about who you are, your values or interests, and how you are different from any other applicant.

May apply other different requirements like recommendations, GMAT, GRE, etc. depends on the university and program you apply.

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American Education System

The Educational Structure

Types of U.S. higher education

State College or University

Private College or University

Community College

The U.S. Higher Education System: Levels of Study

Level 1

Undergraduate / Bachelor's Degree

Level 2

Graduate / Master’s Degree

Level 3

Graduate / Doctorate Degree

How to Get the US Student Visa

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Student Expenses

United States Education Expenses

Student living expenses

Applying for Admission / List of Documents

A Legible Passport /+Dependents (name page with a photo)

Diploma+ Transcripts

Verification of Finances:

TOEFL / IELTS

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