Tips for US university applications and entry requirements

February 2021

As students make a conscious decision to gain quality education at universities abroad, there are a few things they must keep in mind. While the journey to study abroad seems stringent, it can be made easy and comfortable by paying close attention to detail and the process that it entails. With new destinations gaining traction for education, the USA continues to be the hub of innovation and one of the best education systems in the world. With finances being of utmost importance, the cost of studying in USA for Indian students is affordable with a number of scholarships and bursaries up for grabs.

1. Holistic review of applications:

Applications to US universities are extensive. Unlike other countries, applications in the US are reviewed holistically and don't focus on academics alone. Students should focus on building their overall profiles to stand out from the crowd and impress the review board in respective universities. A few areas that the Admissions Committee looks at are:

Academics
Standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, SAT etc.)
Extracurricular activities
Statement of Purpose
Work experience

2. Scholarships:

Scholarships help lighten the financial load on students. Universities offer a number of scholarships based on a number of criteria and eligibilities. The trick, which is of prime importance, is to make applications early around 15 to 18 months in advance, from the specific intake or due date. However, different universities have different deadlines which have to be kept in mind while creating your applications. There are a number of scholarships to study in USA for Indian students that are at their disposal. These scholarships can greatly help students on this study abroad journey.

3. Scholarship Applications:

There are scholarships in USA for international students that require specific Scholarship Application forms to be filled that are different from usual application forms. These kinds of applications usually require specific essays, answering questions, to be written. These questions allow the university to get to know the student better and based on the quality of the answers, scholarships are awarded. In some cases, the university may ask for letters of recommendation for a scholarship.

4. Deadlines:

Universities in USA are very strict about deadlines. Students are advised to strictly adhere to these deadlines. In some cases, the universities may be lenient but that is very subjective to the student and course of application. Undergraduate courses usually have early deadlines while Masters/Postgraduate diplomas have varied deadlines which depend on the university. Again, students must pay close attention to these variations.

5. IELTS:

The IELTS or International English Language Testing System is a mandatory requirement for international students who choose to study abroad. The IELTS is usually required from students who hail from traditional non-English speaking countries, i.e. where English is not the dominant language. The test aims to measure the student's mastery of the language so that the student will not have a problem throughout the duration of the course. A good score is 6.5 overall bands, with no less than 6 in each band.

Study abroad