1) Which colleges and Universities are the best? Is there a way to tell?
There is no best school in the U.S., only the best school for a particular student. The more attention you give to selecting the right school for your interests and personality, the more likely you are to be accepted and receive financial assistance. Colleges and Universities look for students who will “fit in” on campus and truly want to be part of the community. There are over 3,000 regionally accredited colleges and Universities in the U.S., and the types of academic programs and personal development opportunities they offer vary greatly. Some of the factors to consider when you begin your school search are: quality, reputation, competitiveness, admission requirements, funding availability, class demographics, living environment, location, field of study, geography/climate, urban/rural setting, enrolment size, number of international students, faculty profiles, potential graduate mentors, faculty publications, research facilities, curriculum structure, and professional accreditation.
2) How long does it take to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees?
Most undergraduate programs require four years of study and in some cases give credit for time spent studying in one's home country. Master's degrees typically require two years of study, awarded after two years of study. PhDs usually require at least three years of study and a lengthy dissertation.
3) What is the difference between a college and a University?
Degree-granting institutions in the United States can be called colleges, Universities, institutes, or other 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.
4) What are the different types of institutions I can choose from?
There are four basic institutional types: state Universities, private Universities, community colleges, and technical/vocational colleges. State and private Universities usually offer 4-year bachelor's degrees, community colleges offer 2-year associate's degrees, and technical or vocational colleges usually offer certificates.
5) What tests must I take to be considered for undergraduate admission?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), SAT Reasoning Test and
SAT Subject Tests.
6) Can I study part time?
No you cannot study part time. U.S. immigration law requires that all international students on F1 student visas maintain full-time enrollment. To be considered full time, undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 quarter credits. Graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 quarter credits to be considered full time.
7) When can I enter the U.S. and when do I need to obtain my visa?
Students may enter the United States 30 days prior to the arrival date stated on your I-20, and must carry a valid passport 6 months into the future. In addition, visas can be issued up to 90 days prior to the I-20 arrival date.
8) What are I-20 and DS-2019 forms?
An I-20 is the document the University issues to you that allows you to apply for an F-1 student visa. You must be academically admitted to the University and have proven with official financial documents acceptable to the University that you can afford to pay for your studies in the United States. The DS-2019 form is for the J-1 exchange visitor visa.
9) What is SEVIS?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a database with which the U.S. government tracks foreign students' entry to and exit from the United States. It also tracks whether or not you attend school full time and whether or not you are successful in your studies. Universities must regularly upload academic and address information regarding their students to SEVIS.
10) Can I work while I am a student?
Yes, you can work but only on campus and no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. You can work 40 hours during vacation periods.
