www.beststudyusa.com

Frequently asked questions

• What is the educational system in USA?
  The first level of higher education in the United States is called “undergraduate,” and it leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Most undergraduate programs require four years of study, and usually a completed secondary school education is sufficient to enroll as an undergraduate student. First-, second- and third-year students of foreign institutions of higher education can transfer into U.S. undergraduate degree programs. Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) or Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). Students who have already received their first higher education diploma, either a BA or BS in the United States or the equivalent, are eligible to apply to graduate programs. The MA and MS degrees are usually awarded after two years of study. The Ph.D. is the highest academic degree in the U.S. This degree follows an MA or MS and typically requires at least three years of study and a lengthy dissertation.
  
  
• What are the requirements for admission to U.S. colleges and universities?
  Each institution has its own requirements for admission, so it is very important to carefully read information available on the school’s website or the directions on the application form before you begin. Most schools will require some or all of the following documents: an application form that includes important information about you, certified copies of all academic records (diplomas, transcripts, etc.) in both the original language and translated into English, standardized test reports (for example, the TOEFL and/or the SAT, GMAT, or GRE), a personal essay or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and evidence of financial resources to pay for the education or a financial aid application. In addition, most schools charge an application fee.
  
  
• If I decide to apply for admission to US University, what should I do?
  You should fill up the application for initial evaluation available in our web site. We shall shortlist 3 to 4 universities colleges that match your needs, interest and abilities, with minimum entrance requirements for admission. The entire application process, from obtaining initial information to applying for your student visa, should begin about a year in advance when you want to go the United. It is possible to complete the process less than 12 months, but late applicants have a much more limited choice of colleges.
  
  
• What tests must I take to be considered for undergraduate admission?
  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Almost all U.S. institutions require international applicants whose native language is not English to demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking the TOEFL before they are considered for admission. A new, Internet-based version of the TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT) is being introduced beginning in 2006. The TOEFL iBT score assesses speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  
  SAT Reasoning Test: The SAT Reasoning test is a 3-hour 45-minute long paper-pencil test that assesses how well students analyze and solve problems – skills learned in school that are needed in college. Almost all institutions require the SAT Reasoning Test for undergraduate admission. SAT scores, course grades, and other information about an applicant’s academic background help college admission officers evaluate how well prepared the student is for college-level work. Because courses and grading standards vary widely from school to school, scores on standardized tests such as the SAT help colleges compare the ability of students from different schools in different countries. SAT Website.
  
  SAT Subject Tests: The SAT Subject Tests are 1-hour, multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. Unlike the SAT Reasoning Test that measures general abilities, SAT Subject Tests measure student knowledge of particular subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge. Not all colleges require SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement. Many colleges may either require specific combinations of subjects, or permit students to choose from among the various tests. Check the requirements of the colleges where you might apply before deciding which subject tests you need to take. Subject Tests falls in five subjects areas: literature, foreign languages, history, mathematics, and sciences. SAT Website.
  
  
• What tests must I take to be considered for graduate admission?
  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Almost all U.S. institutions require international applicants whose native language is not English to demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking the TOEFL before they are considered for admission. A new, Internet-based version of the TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT) is being introduced beginning in 2006. The TOEFL iBT score assesses speaking, listening, reading, and writing. TOEFL Website.
  
  Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE test is required for students to enroll in master's or doctoral programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, and engineering fields. It consists of two independent tests, the General GRE and the Subject GRE. The General Test is a computer test that measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills developed over a long period of time and not necessarily related to a particular field of study. The Subject Tests are designed to measure knowledge and understanding of subject matter related to graduate study in specific fields and also to assess whether a student has the prerequisite background to undertake graduate study in a particular field. Since most graduate departments within a university establish their own entrance requirements, including tests, you should write directly to the universities in which you are interested to find out whether the Subject GRE is required and in which subject. GRE Website.
  
  Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): The GMAT is designed for business schools to assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. It does not test specific knowledge attained through college course-work or achievement in a particular subject area. It measures general verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills developed over a long period of time. GMAT Website.
  
  
• What is the application procedure?
  Once, we have identified the universities/ colleges matching your requirements, you will apply for admission to these institutions. If you have access to the Internet, you may have the college catalogue and also on-line application forms that can be completed on the computer and sent back to the university electronically, or the forms can be downloaded and printed. If there is an on-line application, you should use it. If you do not have access to the Internet and need printed copies of application materials and catalogs, the same can be obtained by contacting each university by writing a letter or by sending a fax or e-mail request. In case of any problem, we can ask the university to send you the application material directly to you. The documents to be attached are given in our web site.
  
  
• What is the difference between a college and a university?
  Degree-granting institutions in the United States can be called by any of these terms, and colleges and institutes are in no way inferior to universities. As a general rule, colleges tend to be smaller and usually offer only undergraduate degrees, while a university also offers graduate degrees. The words "school," "college," and "university" are used interchangeably. An institute usually specializes in degree programs in a group of closely related subject areas, so you will also come across degree programs offered at institutes of technology, institutes of fashion, institutes of art and design, and so.
  
  

• What is Visa?
  A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of entry and request permission from the U.S. immigration officer to enter the United States.
  
  
• What type of visa do I need to become an academic student in the United States?
  Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa. This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university.
  
  
• What procedure is to be followed for obtaining the visa?
  In order to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you must first have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) issued by a U.S. college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organization. You will be required to submit this form when you apply for a visa. The U.S. academic institution or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in an exchange program. The institution or program sponsor will also send you additional information about applying for the appropriate visa, as well as other guidance about beginning your academic program in the United States.
  
  You should also make sure you have all the documentation you will need when you go for the interview, including the visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019), financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application form. Ensure that you complete the visa application correctly by following the US Department of State website procedures carefully. Once, you get the visa, you will have to enter USA with in 120 days. However, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of the course.
  
  For more details, refer to web site of US Embassy.
  
  
• What is SEVIS? SEVIS is an abbreviation for “Student and Exchange Visitor Information System” generated document (either an I-20 or D S-2019) issued by a U.S. college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organization. You will be required to submit this form when you apply for a visa. You will have to pay the SEVIS fee.
  
  

• What happens when I arrived in US?
  U.S. immigration law governs the entry of all visitors to the United States, including students and exchange visitors. It details what they are authorized to do during their stay in the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the agency responsible for ensuring that these visitors comply with U.S. law and regulations. When you arrive in the United States, you, too, will come under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security, and one of the three units within DHS responsible for non-U.S. citizens: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau.
  
  On your plane to the U.S. or when you arrive in the U.S., you will receive a Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record). Please safeguard this form; it contains the official record of your stay in the United States.
  
  
• What to do When You Arrive at the College or University in the U.S.
  Once you arrive on campus, you should report immediately to the office that is responsible for assisting international students and scholars. It may be called the Office of International Services, the Office of International Education, the International Programs Office, or some other similar name. Whatever the name, however, that office can help you with any questions or concerns you may have about immigration rules and regulations. Moreover, that office must report your arrival within the SEVIS system. If this report is not submitted, you may be considered to be in violation of your status in the United States, so be sure to make the international student office one of your first stops on campus.
  
  

• Can I work on/off campus if I have student visa- F1?
  F-1 students may work up to 20 hours/week on campus (including on-location commercial firms which provide services for students on campus) or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school without special permission. An F-1 student may be authorized to work off-campus on a part-time basis after 1 year of full academic studies. For off-campus work, F-1 holders must obtain permission from the Designated School Official and/or DHS (Department of Homeland Security).