The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience in the United States. Nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing.
Educational System
There are approximately 4,500 Public and Private Universities and Colleges
Undergraduate Programs, duration 4 years
In Bachelor Degree, the courses are divided into 4 categories: Core, Major, Minor, Elective Courses.
Students complete study programs when they collect a certain number of credits.
To enter an Undergraduate Program the following are required:
High school diploma
It is a basic prerequisite and is in line with the analytical course score, with or without final exams (“Panelladikes”).
GCE A-Levels
Most Universities receive the A-Levels courses and evaluate them as additional qualifications that give them more credits
The IB, Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate is considered equivalent to the Lyceum Certificate.
SΑΤ (Scholastic ΑptitudeΤest)
SAT I measures the candidate’s linguistic competence and skills in mathematics, while SAT II measures the level of knowledge in specific subjects.
The test is offered six times a year.
- Personal Statement
- TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language). English IELTS is also accepted.
- Bank Statement, which must include the entire amount – tuition fees and living expenses for an academic year – in dollars.) Certificate of the Bank, where the full amount of tuition fees and living expenses for an academic year, in dollars must be available
It is a prerequisite for Business Studies programs.
Postgraduate Study Programs, duration from 1-3 years
Admission to the University is subject to the following conditions:
- Bachelor’s degree with analytical grade of the courses
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation letter
- Title in English
TOEFL is required, IELTS is also acceptable. A TSE test may also be requested, (Test of Spoken English).
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
as a prerequisite for studies in the exact sciences and subjects.
There are 2 GRE Tests:
General Test measures verbal, computational / quantitative, and analytical ability of the candidate.
Subject Tests (in individual fields) examine and evaluate the candidate’s ability to attend postgraduate studies in areas such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, English Literature, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Informatics and Psychology.
GMAT (Graduate Management Assignment Test)
Reasons to study in the USA
1. World renowned Academia
With over 4000 universities across the country, the United States boasts of some of the top universities in the world. The universities and colleges offer a wide range of degrees and courses in all academic fields. You may find excellent programs at the undergraduate and graduate level of study. US degrees are recognized and accepted around the world for their excellence. 16 universities of USA are among the top 20 in the world according to the latest rankings (Also read: Top 100 Universities in the US)
2. Academic Flexibility
The American higher education system offers flexible options to students according to their needs and interests. At the undergraduate level, students can choose different courses before they declare their choice for major at the end of second year. This gives students time and options to explore their interests. At the graduate level, i.e. master’s degree, you can customize your course according to your coursework to fit your academic goals. You always have the freedom to include ideas and opinions important to your area of academic interest.
3. Career Opportunities
An international degree opens up a wide range of career prospects and a degree from reputed universities widens the scope even further. Due to the varied insight into different fields of study offered by universities of USA, it broadens the scope of the career path that the student chooses and it is known that international companies look for candidates that offer them with a different take or perspective on their products.
4. Research and Training opportunities
U.S. universities offer research and training opportunities to international students at the graduate level. A student can assist a Professor by being a Teaching Assistant to them which also helps in funding their studies and also helps in the broadening of their knowledge and skill set. Students can assist professors with research on different projects and it also gives them an opportunity to work with the best in their chosen field of study.
5. Use of technology
U.S. takes pride in its technological advancement and it has made sure that all spectrums of the education sector are well equipped with the latest technology. This makes life of the student much simpler with easy access to data and other technology. It is said that technology plays a pivotal role in research and development and American universities have made sure they do not fall behind when it comes to the advancement of their facilities and their students by introducing new methods and skills to the learning curve.
6. American culture and campus life
It is often said that the American society is the epitome of freedom, fun and opportunity and it is quite true. Once a student decides to take admission to an American university, it brings in a lot of enthusiasm and freedom from the word go. It is said once a student sets foot on American soil, they start imbibing the culture that US of A brings with its name. Studying in U.S. can give you opportunities to know and learn about other cultures and sharing your culture with your international friends.
7. Help and support to International Students
It is challenging for international students to adhere or get accustomed to the new student life in an international university. However, most US universities provide good guidance and support to all the students whether it is related to accommodation, visa status, career opportunities, etc