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United States of America-

America founded in 16th century is a dreamland today for many all over the world. During the past five centuries this country has witnessed enormous growth. Many travel to America from the nook and corner of the world. The significant features of America are Quality Education, Attractive Pay Package, Technological Revolution, Industrialization, Economical growth, Democratic Policies, high level operations and the flexible nature of the Americans. After the fall of Soviet Union, America is considered as  the only super power in the world. Many aspects of the country continue to be astounding. In countries like India, the average income of an individual is Rs.1.3 lakhs per annum. Whereas the earning capacity of an individual in America is 10 lakhs per annum. From this we can understand the lifestyle and the economical status of the people in that country.

America stands first in the field of education. It is known around the world for its quality Colleges and Universities. The students and teachers across the globe appreciate the standard of the educational institutions in America.

Uniqueness about the Education in America:

America's higher education gives added value to the Development of Business. Education in America not only provides the basis for career development but also cultivates leadership quality and high esteem.

American education expands the individual's thinking and with the help of the latest technology furnishes an excellent innovative training and research.The education obtained from America makes a great impact in an individual's life and leads him through a successful path. Studying in America provides contacts to the students all over the world, since many students from various countries take up their studies in America. The quality of the education is exemplary, as there are many choices available  in the fields of study as well as in the colleges.

These distinctive features apart, American education is highly expensive. However, people prefer to take it with the help of sponsorship and scholarship, as it enhances the standard and the esteem of an individual. 

Plan for American Education - A few stages:

September: Collecting the details about various colleges must be the first and foremost action. It could be gathered and collected from libraries, students information center and through Internet. It is also good to gather information from friends and relatives who had had their studies earlier. The applicant must shortlist 10 to 15 colleges in which he would like to take up his studies.

After short-listing, the following stages should be worked out systematically. By the month of October and November start preparing for TOEFL, GRE, GMAT exams, which is a basic requirement. During December and May apply for these exams. By January receive the application and apply to the preferred College, University or School. By March and June start writing exams like TOEFL, GRE, GMAT. If the required cut-off marks are not obtained, the applicant can reappear for the tests in the month of October. Before November try to complete these tests. In May decide about the Professors / Teachers from whom the recommendation letter has to be got.  In the month of July read, check and apply before the due date.

August : Prepare a small write-up on the topic 'objective of the studies' and embellish it with the assistance of friends or teachers.  This has to be sent along with the application.

September: The applicant can reappear for the exams like TOEFL to score better marks. Send the recommendation letters.

October: Finalise and send the application with necessary letters and write-ups to the Schools or Colleges.

November: Ensure that the application has reached the concerned College or University.

December: Respond and send any further information, if asked by the college or University.

April, May: This is the right time to collect information regarding the on-going admission in the College or University. Select one College or University that has sent an admission card.  If hostel facility is required, the student should make necessary plans for it. If the student does not have a passport, apply immediately and try to get it at the earliest.

June: Apply for Visa and plan for the travel. Plan to reach America 15 days before the commencement of the course.

July, August: Travel to America.

So far we have seen the salient features of the American education, how to plan and apply for it and also the various steps to be followed to take up study in America.

A Few Important points to be noted by the applicants interested in American studies:

The student or applicant should not send the certificates or copy of certificates of study directly to the institution chosen for study. The college or school in which the student or applicant had studied should send the certificates to the institution opted .

In the application form of American Educational Institutions, there will be some general questions and questions concerning 'our education' to be answered by the applicant. It is mandatory to answer the questions about our hobbies, skills and your plans regarding job. Through these queries the English knowledge of the candidate is tested.

One of the write-ups will be on the topic 'our educational plan'.  Using this opportunity to the fullest, write vividly about the past, current and the future plans. These write-ups should be planned and presented with coherent views.

Send the application before the due date. It is better to submit it before 2 to 3 months. Do not forget to take photocopies of the letters and other attachments that are being sent to the institution for future references.
 
Select the right Professor or teacher who is going to give a recommendation letter. Request them to be affirmative in their letter. Let not the letter be an eulogising one; it must be clear and true. The letter should talk about the student's skills and also identify those areas that the applicant needs to improve. It is good to be given by a teacher or a Professor who had known the applicant for a long time.

They may like to send this letter directly to the institution. Provide them with sufficient airmail covers and stamps. It will be helpful to the teacher or Professor who recommends you.  This will not only enhance his good will on you but also make him write a good report.

Students who need financial support from the institution need to mention this at the time of applying. On the basis of eligibility, the educational institutions in America offer financial assistance to the foreign students.

Usually, the applicant has to wait after applying for a few days. In case the institution requires further information, the institution will itself contact the applicant.

Depending upon the skill and luck the student is likely to get chances from  more than one institutions. Accepting the offer, the student has to send an acknowledgment letter to the institution that has chosen him/her for study. Soon the student should be ready to pay as fees a huge sum in dollars to the institution. After receiving the payment, the institution sends the student the visa application form. Apart from that, the student has to send other required forms at the earliest.

Send a 'thanks' letter to all the institutions, even though the student or applicant has planned to join in a particular institution that has offered him a seat. By this gesture, you are helping some other student waiting like you for an opportunity to study in America.

Departments in Princeton University:
Graduate School
School of Architecture
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Woodrow Wilson School of Public and Internal Affairs
Study of Arts

The cost to study here is Rs.12.3 Lakhs per year. If the applicant gets admission here, he is sure to get financial assistance.  The significant feature is that out of the total number of students, 54.6% of them got financial assistance in the academic year 2005-06.

Illinois Institute of Technology:
This Educational Institution, started in the year 1980 at Chicago, is a very eminent institution in America.  Being a private Educational Institution it offers about 23 studies like Engineering, Science, Architecture, Psychology, Business Administration etc., This University is an outstanding one in many disciplines and in research studies also.

Offered Courses:
It is possible to study two courses at the same time as a Degree course (Dual degrees).

B.S/ M.D (Medical Honors)
B.S/ J.D (Law Honors)
B.S/ M.B.A (Business)
B.Arch/ M.B.A (Architecture and Business)
B.Arch/ M.C.E (Architecture and Civil Engineering).

It costs approximately Rs.10 lakhs per year to pursue studies here.  Apart from this, other operating cost like Books, health insurance and other personal expenses are separate. It is possible to get financial assistance for boarding and lodging.  To join UG courses it is essential to pass through tests like TOEFL/ GRE/ GMAT and SAT 1.

The significant feature is that among the faculties, one out of four has done his/her Ph.D.

To get further details log on to website: www.iit.edu; admission@iit.edu.

Types of the American Visa:

Visa is given to enter into any country.  As far as American Visa is concerned, three types of visa are given to the foreign students.

F1 Visa: This is given to students who pursue their full time studies.  This Visa permits to extend the stay for sixty days after its expiry. 

J1 Visa:  This Visa is issued to students who have completed their studies in other countries and want to do practical training in America. This Visa permits the student to apply for citizenship after the completion of the course with the condition of going back to their native country for a specific period.

M1 Visa:  This Visa is issued to the students who want to do their Vocational Studies and Alternative Education and is valid for 1 year.  This visa cannot be converted into F1 visa.

F1 and J1 Visa are the frequent Visas issued for foreign students.

To study in America, English knowledge is the basic norm.  Opportunities to study in America could be got only if the student or applicant has sound knowledge of English, even though they are very good in their specialized subject.  It is 'a must' to pass TOEFL exams to understand the skill level of English.  Certain Educational Institutions in America give study opportunities only to those who have passed the SAT/ ACT exams. A month after the completion of these exams, the acquired marks will be sent to the selected College/University. Application process will commence after getting information regarding this.

United States - India Educational Foundation
12 Hailey Road
New Delhi 110 001
E-mail: info@fulbright-india.org
Tel.: +91-11-4209-0909/2332-8944